Concomitant consumption of alcohol and energy drinks among Hispanic high school students

Introduction: Co-ingestion of alcohol and energy drinks (AmEd) may produce adverse pharmacological interactions that can lead to significant morbidity and social consequences. Despite its growing popularity, little is known about this practice among youths, especially for groups such as Hispanic/Latino high school students.

Methods: We analyzed the 2010 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) to address this gap, focusing on AmEd use in Hispanic/Latino youths in Los Angeles County (LAC). A stepwise, statistical approach, guided by a framework that considers enabling factors leading to this practice, was employed to model the relationship between AmEd use and other health-risk behaviors. The present analysis examined data from a random sample of 25 public schools in the LAC jurisdiction, yielding a student sample size of 1,652 and an overall survey response rate of 87%.

Results: Approximately 15% of Hispanic/Latino high school students in the local YRBS reported using AmEd during the past 7 days. This practice was positively associated with binge drinking (Adj. Odds Ratio=6.91, 95% CI l4.16-11.49), methamphetamine use (Adj. OR=2.56, 95% CI 1.36-4.83), illicit and prescription drug use (Adj. OR=2.36, 95% CI 1.16-4.83), riding with a drunk driver (Adj. OR=1.99, 95% CI 1.21-3.27), and smoking (Adj. OR=1.95, 95% CI 1.19-3.22).

Conclusions: AmEd use and its relationship to other health-risk behaviors underscore the importance of addressing this emerging public health issue locally and nationally. Understanding the correlates of this behavior in Hispanic/Latino students and in other vulnerable groups may help inform present and future public health interventions for preventing this risky practice.