Gender differences in the social acquisition and social provision of alcohol to adolescents

Introduction: This study examines gender differences in the social acquisition and provision of alcohol by adolescents, ages 14-20. We hypothesize that (1) female adolescents are more likely to obtain alcohol from social sources compared to males, and (2) males are more likely to provide alcohol to adolescents.

Methods: Data from the Enforcing Underage Drinking Laws Randomized Community Trial were analyzed. In 2007, 5,639 youth in 68 communities across 5 states completed a telephone survey. Alcohol use, alcohol availability and other health risk behaviors were measured.

Results: Over half of the sample (57%) reported consuming alcohol. Among these ever-drinkers, 84% received alcohol from a social source, including friends, co-workers and parents. There was no difference between males and females in acquiring alcohol from social sources (48.8% vs. 51.1%, p=.60). Additionally, males and females were more likely to obtain alcohol from male providers. However, underage male ever-drinkers, were much more likely than underage drinking females to obtain alcohol from another male (81.4% vs. 60.8%, respectively; p<.0001). Underage females were more likely than underage males to obtain alcohol from females 39.1% and 18.5%, p<.0001).

Conclusions: Findings suggest underage drinkers are more likely to obtain alcohol from males. However, females are also providing alcohol to underage drinkers, especially to underage females. Future interventions should focus on enforcing existing laws prohibiting furnishing alcohol to underage persons.