Purpose: This study explores risk and protective factors for alcohol use among school-going adolescents in Montevideo (Uruguay).Design: A self-report survey was administered to 331 school-going adolescents in Montevideo (Uruguay) (M age = 13; SD = .05), using (i) the alcohol screening instrument of the Uruguayan National Drug Board to assess adolescents' alcohol use(yes/no), (ii) a screening instrument for psychopathology and resilience (the Adolescent Self Report), and (iii) a socio-demographic questionnaire.Findings: Logistic regression analyses identified antisocial behavior, substance use and negative emotionality (F2), disruptive and dysregulated behavior (F8), higher age and recent death of a close relative as risk factors, while the number of close friends was identified as a protective factor for past year alcohol use (yes/no). No straightforward relationship was found between schools and the risk for the past year alcohol use. In addition, Age, F2, F8, and recent death of a close relative appeared to be the most robust predictors.
Research implications/limitations:The study was the first in Uruguay to relate adolescents' alcohol use to risk and protective factors. Given the cross-sectional nature of the study, causal relationships could not be determined.
Originality/value:The study provides preliminary recommendations for policy makers and other stakeholders involved in youth affairs on core elements to focus on school-, community-and familybased alcohol prevention programs for adolescents.