Abstract

This study, which was designed as a cross-sectional study and implemented in 2002 in Mersin, aims at investigating the prevalence of the alcohol use by the secondary school and high school students and the factors of this prevalence. A total of 4143 students whose mean age was 14.5±1.9 years contributed to the study, of which 2252 (%54.4) were men. Our data showed that 24.5% of the students reported lifetime alcohol use. It was found that the prevalence of alcohol use in the sixth grade, which is %8.4 increased up to 46.1% in he tenth class and this trend was statistically meaningful. Increasing grade, trying cigarette or any illegal substance, having a mother or father drinking alcoholic drinks, being male and being punished at home were detected to be the primary risk factors of alcohol use. When these results are considered, it is necessary that improve the interaction at home and school and strengthen the health education on the subject in order to keep these adolescent youth from alcohol.

Key words: Adolescent, alcohol use, prevalence, risk factor

Article Language: Turkish English