Alcohol Consumption Among High School and Technological Adolescents During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Observational, Cross-Sectional Study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20435/pssa.v1i1.2822Keywords:
adolescent, mental health, underage drinking, alcohol-induced disordersAbstract
Introduction: Harmful alcohol use is a significant public health issue, associated with an 8.4% increased risk of developing diseases. Method: Observational, cross-sectional study conducted in Maranhão, Brazil, between 2021 and 2022, involving 342 adolescents, using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). Results: Higher alcohol consumption was observed among adolescents over 16 years old, female, Black, enrolled in the 3rd year of high school, living in masonry houses with up to five residents, with unemployed guardians, receiving government assistance, and with household income above the minimum wage. Discussion: An increase in alcohol consumption among girls has been documented in studies over the past decade. Early onset and growing prevalence of substance use among adolescents pose a concern for public health and require targeted attention from women's health programs. Conclusion: Although there is no consensus on whether alcohol consumption increased or decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, a high prevalence was observed among female adolescents, regardless of age group.
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