The rate and pattern of alcohol consumption among Chinese adolescents.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence and pattern of alcohol consumption and its relation to participation in other social activities and problem behaviors among adolescents residing in the People's Republic of China.

METHODS

Data were collected from a sample of 1,040 students in 6th, 8th, and 10th grades from five public schools in Beijing, China by using a self-administered questionnaire. Chi-square statistics and two-way ANOVA were used to assess the gender and grade difference in lifetime alcohol use of various alcoholic beverages. The age-adjusted and grade-adjusted odds ratio was used to assess the association between alcohol use and selected social activities and problem behaviors.

RESULTS

Approximately 70% of the study sample reported prior alcohol consumption. The rate of drinking among males was significantly higher than among females (78% vs. 61%, p < .00001), and the rates among both genders increased with advancing grade (54%, 72%, and 84%, respectively, p < .001). Beer was the most commonly consumed alcoholic beverage. The results also suggested a progression from beer to wine and/or liquor. Drinking behavior was positively associated with participation in unstructured social activities and other problem behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

Alcohol use was prevalent among adolescents residing in China. The findings underscore the need for and importance of intervention efforts targeting alcohol consumption among early adolescents in China.