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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Tamika Gilreath, MS¹, Gary King, PhD¹, Ellen Humphrey, MAS¹, and Alan Flisher, PhD². (1) Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, 315 East Health and Human Development, University Park, PA 16802, 814-865-8410, tdg132@psu.edu, (2) 3. Adolescent Health Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Anzio Rd, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa

This study identifies peer-individual and family predictors of alcohol use among rural South African adolescent males. A self-report questionnaire was administered to 936 black South African boys ages 11 to 19 years assessing multiple dimensions of adolescent health behaviors and socio-demographic factors. Thirty-eight percent reported ever drinking more than a few sips of alcohol. Among ever drinkers, 55.9% began drinking at less than 16 years old. Those who reported being raised by their parents were significantly less likely (OR=.76, 95% CI=.78-.84) to have ever drank than those who were not. Having few friends who used alcohol/tobacco/other drugs (ATOD) was significantly associated with a lesser likelihood of ever drinking (OR=.26, 95% CI=.25-.28) compared to those who had many friends that used ATOD. Males reporting that they thought antisocial behavior was wrong were significantly less likely to ever drink (OR=.13, 95% CI=.11-.15) than those who reported they did not believe antisocial behavior was wrong. Similarly, ever drinkers were less likely to have begun drinking before 16 years old (OR=.10, 95% CI=.08-.13) if they reported believing antisocial behavior was wrong compared to those reporting they did not believe antisocial behavior was wrong. These results highlight the important role that peer norms and individual beliefs play in alcohol use among rural South African males. Prevention and intervention work in these areas should include families and community members in addressing alcohol use among adolescent males. Further research is needed on the influences of peers and individual differences in rural South Africa on adolescent substance use.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify peer-individual factors that are important predictors of alcohol use among rural South African boys.
• Articulate the significance of family in preventing alcohol use among this sample of adolescent males.
• Discuss the importance of including key community and family members in alcohol preventions.

Keywords: Alcohol Use, Adolescents, International

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered