The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

3317.0: Monday, November 17, 2003 - Board 10

Abstract #69591

Western cultural influence on adolescent drinking in China

Ian M. Newman, PhD, Department of Health and Human Performance, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 257 Mabel Lee Hall, P.O.Box 880229, Lincoln, NE 688588-0229, 402-472-3844, inewman1@unl.edu, Jianping Xue, Master, Department of health and human performance, Department of Health and Human Performance, School of teacher college,University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 245 Mabel Lee Hall, P.O.BOX 880229, Lincoln, NE 68588-0229, Duane Shell, PhD, Health and Human Performance, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 135 Mabel Lee Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588, and Xiaoyi Fang, PhD, Department of Development Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beitaipingzhuang Road, Beijing, 100034, China.

This study explored the effects of western cultural influence on adolescent drinking in China. Cultural orientation was measured by a questionnaire developed from interviews and focus groups with Chinese adolescents and a review of the applicable literature. The questionnaire was completed by 969 (M=412; F=543) tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students in Beijing. Nine dimensions of cultural orientation (clothing style, femininity -- masculinity, interest in western culture, obedience and dating, filial piety, respect for elders, consumer patterns, Chinese pride, and self-centeredness) were identified through exploratory factor analysis. A compost cultural orientation score was created by adding the results from all nine factors. A 2 (gender) X 3 (non-drinker, occasional and regular drinker) ANOVA found that regular drinkers had a more western cultural orientation than occasional drinkers or non-drinkers. Males had more western orientation than females. The implications of these findings for policy development and health education are discussed.

Learning Objectives:

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Alcohol: A Global Problem Poster Session

The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA