Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #116418

Adriana G. Almodovar, University of Texas at El Paso, 1101 N. Campbell, El Paso, TX 79902, 9152693804, adrianagr@utep.edu, Joe Tomaka, PhD, Health Promotion, UT El Paso, 1101 N. Campbell St, El Paso, TX 79902, and Sharon Thompson, MPH, PhD, Health Sciences, University of Texas at El Paso, Stanton Street, El Paso, TX 79902.

We examined risk and protective factors as for binge drinking, driving while intoxicated, and alcohol-related problems among 1366 high schools students in El Paso, Texas. The study used an anonymous self-report questionnaire to assess demographic information, alcohol consumption patterns and behaviors, and alcohol- related problems. The survey included schools from all areas of the city, including private and religious schools. The sample was 53% female and 70% Hispanic. Risk factors included peer alcohol use, parental approval of alcohol, absence of a father figure, and age at first drink. Protective factors included participation in extra curricular activities, athletics, and academic performance. We examined associations between predictor and outcome variables using correlational and multiple regression analyses. Results of the regression analyses for binge drinking showed age, gender, peer alcohol use, age at first drink, parental approval of alcohol and absent father contributed to binge drinking, (all betas p. < .05, R-Squared .19). The regression for DWI showed age, peer alcohol use, and age at first drink contributed uniquely to the prediction of getting drunk (betas p. < .05, R-Squared .13). Finally the regression for alcohol-related problems showed peer alcohol-use, and age at first drink contributed to alcohol-related problems (betas p. < .05, R-Squared .14). Overall, the results highlight the importance peer influence and permissive parental attitudes toward alcohol use, and age at first consumption of alcohol. The results failed to support the notion that extra-curricular activities and athletic involvement serve as protective factors regarding alcohol consumption and related behaviors.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• List the protective factors related to alcohol-related behaviors.
• List the risk factors related to alcohol-related behaviors.
• Identify the 4 outcome variables.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.