Behavior and factors related to alcohol consumption among adolescent living in the same household as the drinkers: A case study of Nakhon Ratchasima province

Abstract

Family is a fundamental institution in establishing human beings as good members of society through socialization. All of these processes play an important role in the knowledge, attitude, and behavior of family members, particularly adolescents. The aim of this study was to assess alcohol consumption and its related factors among children living in the same household as the drinkers. Data were collected by using a questionnaire from 379 adolescents aged 13-18 years from the same household as the drinkers residing in Mueang Nakhon Ratchasima District. The results indicated that 50.9% was male, the average age was 14.71, the average number of family members was 4.90, the average number of drinkers was 1.97, and father and mother accounted for 38.5% and 30.8% of the drinkers. Findings from the study indicated that 71.2% of adolescents had inadequate knowledge about the dangers and detrimental effects of alcohol consumption, 68.6% had a negative attitude towards alcohol, and 43.4% consumed alcoholic drinks and 17.7% of this group still continued their drinking. Considering the drinking behavior for the first time among the current young drinkers, 53.0% of them was planned to drink at start. The average age to begin drinking was 13.40 due to curiosity and willingness to try (86.4%). In the past 12 months, 70.2% of the samples drank beer the most, 71.9% drank at festivals and celebrations when they were happy. In addition, it was also found that 45.5% obtained alcoholic beverages by shared money with friends to buy, followed by free drinks (31.8%) with parents and guardians. Factors related to alcohol drinking were age and attitude on alcohol consumption (AOR=2.88, 95% CI=1.26-6.58, and AOR=11.51, 95% CI=5.07-26.16, respectively). Thus, educational institutions including agencies related to children and youth should organize health education activities to change health behaviors at the individual and family levels by creating awareness of self-esteem, creating a right attitude towards alcohol, and ensuring that they are empowered to refuse, avoid, and distance themselves from drinkers. This should be continuously monitored and evaluated, especially among adolescents aged 13-18 years who live in the same household as drinkers. In addition, campaign activities are necessary for parents in order to be aware of the benefits of not drinking alcohol in front of their children, do not ask their children to buy alcoholic beverages, and do not persuade children to drink alcohol, especially during the festivals.