Alcohol consumption among adolescents in Kraljevo, Serbia

Abstract

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and predictors of alcohol consumption among adolescents in one town in Central Serbia. A questionnaire was used to obtain data from 191 Serbian students aged 18 years regarding personal experience with alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking, along with sociodemographics data. Alcohol consumption was reported by 97.4% subjects, with 34.9% having the first experience with alcohol at the age of 14 years or less. Binge drinking (the intake of five or more drinks at one sitting) was reported by 37.8% subjects. Significantly higher consumption of beer (p&lt;0.0001) and spirits (p=0.03) was observed in boys. The most common reason for both initiation and continuation of drinking, regardless of gender, were celebrations (p≥0.12). Smokers were more likely than nonsmokers to consume all alcoholic beverages more frequently (p≤0.04) and in larger quantities (p≤0.004). More frequent or more extensive alcohol consumption, or both, was associated in boys with frequent going out and socializing (p≤0.01), close peer relationship (p=0.04), alcohol abuse within the immediate environment (p≤0.04), better financial status of family (p=0.04), and parental criticism (p≤0.02); in girls, it was associated with parental disapproval (p≤0.02), alcohol abuse within the immediate environment (p≤0.04), and general discontentedness (p=0.049). Regardless of gender, positive alcohol outcome expectancies increased alcohol consumption (p≤0.048), and negative expectancies decreased intake (p≤0.047).</jats:p>

Accessibility and Affordability of Alcohol Dependency Medical Care in Serbia

“…Globally, growing burden of mental illness including addiction disorders is no exception in South-Eastern Europe. Addictive behaviors led by alcohol abuse are frequently being tolerated because of prevailing popular opinion among the Balkan communities ( 14 , 18 ). Alcohol consumption among the aged over 15 years in Serbia is around 12.6 l of pure alcohol annually, which is slightly above average for European region.…”

Person- and People-Centered Integrated Health Care for Alcohol Dependence – Whether It Is Real in the Present Moment

“…As for the adolescent population in Serbia, 97.4% of them consumed alcohol and 34.9% of adolescents had the first experience with alcohol before 14 years of age, which coincides with the cultural pattern. Namely, in Serbia, children (especially male children) are allowed to try alcohol in a family environment, and it is considered a kind of test of manhood (13). …”