Factors associated with levels of risky drinking in adolescent alcohol users in Taiwan: A secondary data analysis

Background: Drinking is largely viewed as a socialized behavior; however, our understanding of factors associated with levels of risky drinking is limited in cultures where underage drinking is relatively unacceptable. Purpose: The aims of this study were to define the different levels associated with risky drinking and to examine the factors that are associated with these levels. Methods: We used data from the Child and Adolescent Behavior in Long-Term Evolution project. Of the 2184 students who participated in the 2006 Child & Adolescent Behavior in Long-Term Evolution survey, 1591 self-reported prior use of alcohol and had complete questionnaire data that could be used in secondary data analysis. The main study variables that were used in this study to assess levels of risky drinking included frequency of drinking, amount of drinking, and frequency of intoxication. We used ordinal logistic regression to analyze the relationships between levels of risky drinking and associated factors. Results: In the study sample, 9.55% were classified with high-risk drinking behavior, 22.51% were classified with medium-risk drinking behavior, and 67.94% were classified with low-risk drinking behavior. Having a mother or peers who used alcohol, being encouraged to consume alcohol by older adults or peers, high alcohol availability, high positive alcohol expectancies, low negative alcohol expectancies, and low alcohol refusal efficacy were all associated with higher levels of risky drinking. Conclusions/Implications for Practice: Decreasing the availability of alcohol, developing appropriate alcohol expectancies, and increasing alcohol refusal skills may help decrease the development of high-risk drinking behavior in adolescents. Our study furthers the understanding of underage alcohol use in societies with low alcohol consumption.