STUDIES IN YOUTH ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION AND PREVENTION

摘要: Background: Alcohol remains the ‘drug of choice’ for most young people and is responsible a sizable proportion deaths injuries every year. In Sweden, total consumption rates heavy episodic drinking have reduced over past ten years. At same time, number adolescents admitted to hospital as consequence their has risen. This unexpected trend warrants explanation with empirical research. The recent increase in serious alcohol-related harms also suggests there more learn about what works prevention, including effects communitybased approaches targeted brief interventions. Objectives: thesis two main objectives; first, describe trends alcohol among Swedish youth, particular focus on polarisation (Study I). second objective examine various prevention strategies targeting people, can be learnt from these interventions (Studies II-IV). Methods: Study I (polarized youth drinking) uses repeated cross-sectional self-report data Stockholm Student Survey explore changes risk factors associated year 9 11 students between 2000 2010. Changes dispersion time are reported. II comprehensive trial 12 communities Sweden 2003 2007. Studies III IV assess effectiveness health education program attitudes towards high schools military, assessments taken at 5 20 month follow-up. All participants were aged 15 Results: Findings indicate that polarization likely divergence youth. We found significant increases indicating drinkers tail end distribution. Most adolescent continue drink less or abstain completely, but minority alcohol. Results concerning relationship inconclusive. no improvements six compared control following four multi-component community intervention primarily although adults developed restrictive supply Prime Life did not lead use either school military conscripts. Conclusion: suggest ongoing social could affecting form greater disparities which higher incidence problems generally, drinking. Communities mobilized initiate organizational necessary effective prevention. However, aggregate level drinking, demonstrated must implemented consistently given sufficient influence habits. Brief strategies, such Life, may help improve short-term use, unlikely result sustained behaviour change. LIST OF PUBLICATIONS I. Hallgren M, Leifman H., & Andreasson S (2012). Drinking harms: polarised habits explain harm youth? Alcoholism (in press). II. H, Andreasson, (2012) drug trial: Key findings lessons learnt. Submitted Manuscript. III. Kallmen Sjolund T, S. (2008) Evaluation an reduction (PRIME Life) Health Education, 109(2):155-168. IV. (2010) Modifying students: efficacy Life). 111(3): 216-229. These papers will referred by roman numerals (I-IV). articles reprinted publisher’s permission.