Investigating Hispanic adolescent involvement with alcohol: a focus group interview approach.

Focus group interviews were conducted with Hispanic teenagers to explore their patterns of alcohol consumption, influences on drinking and possible intervention strategies. The findings revealed that drinking and alcohol-impaired driving are common. Conviviality and social facilitation are the predominant contexts for alcohol consumption in this population. The strong influence of peers was detected where drinking to 'fit in' and be part of the crowd was observed. Parents were also noted to have influence. Some parents actively promoted drinking among their sons as it is often seen as a sign of masculinity or 'machismo'. Suggestions for effective prevention strategies included a preference for messages which vividly portray the harmful consequences of alcohol consumption and the use of testimonials from people who have suffered some form of impairment due to alcohol abuse. Teens, especially those who speak Spanish and understand the Hispanic culture, were seen as the most credible spokespersons for prevention campaigns.