Effects of Beverage-Specific Alcohol Consumption on Drinking Behaviors Among Urban Youth

• NCJ Number: 233689
• Journal: Journal of Drug Education Volume: 40 Issue: 3 Dated: 2010 Pages: 265-280
• Author(s): Mildred M. Maldonado-Molina; Jennifer M. Reingle; Amy L. Tobler; Kelli A. Komro
• Date Published: 2010
• Length: 16 pages
• Grant Number(s): AA017480; AA013458; AA016549
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Health and Human Services; National Ctr on Minority Health and Health Disparities
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Research (Applied/Empirical)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the effects of beverage-specific alcohol consumption on alcohol-related risk behavior among multi-ethnic, urban adolescents.

Abstract

Alcoholic beverage consumption among high school students has shifted from beer to liquor. The current longitudinal study examined the effects of beverage-specific alcohol use on drinking behaviors among urban youth. Data included 731 adolescents who participated in Project Northland Chicago and reported consuming alcohol in seventh grade. Logistic regression tested the effects of beverage-specific use on consequences (e.g., alcohol use in the past month, week, heavy drinking, and ever drunkenness). Compared to wine users, adolescents who reported drinking hard liquor during their last drinking occasion had increased odds of alcohol use during the past month (OR = 1.44; 95 percent CI = 1.01-2.05), past week (OR = 3.37; 95 percent CI = 1.39-8.18), and ever drunkenness (OR = 1.56; 95 percent CI = 1.07-2.29). Use of hard liquor was associated with increased risk of alcohol-related consequences. Early selection of certain alcoholic beverages (e.g., hard liquor) may result in negative health outcomes and problematic alcohol use over time. (Published Abstract) Tables, figure, and references