Factors Associated with Drinking Behavior and Drinking Prevention Guidelines for Adolescents Using the Social Determinants of Health Framework

Abstract

Alcohol drinking behavior is a prominent public health problem commonly found among adolescents. The consequences of adolescents’ drinking can affect themselves, their families, their communities, and the ecological system. This article aims to present factors associated with drinking behavior and a guideline for drinking prevention among adolescents by using the social determinants of health (SDH) framework. Social Determinants of Health variables are linked to drinking behavior in adolescents, and the prevention guidelines for this group include five levels of social determinants of health: 1) Age, sex, and constitutional factors with particular emphasis on male teenagers under the age of 14, 2) Individual lifestyles factors with focus on alcohol usage knowledge and attitudes, 3) Social and community networks with emphasisarental role modeling and teen supervision,  4) Living and working conditions with provision of school screening and monitoring of students who exhibit risk behaviors, and 5) General socio-economic, cultural, and environmental conditions with community members paying attention and adhering to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act. As a result, the elements and guidelines of social determinants of health will lead to appropriate and effective solutions to alcohol drinking problems among adolescents.