Heavy episodic drinking and soccer practice among high school students in Brazil: the contextual aspects of this relationship

Abstract

BackgroundHeavy episodic drinking (HED) (consumption of five or more drinks on the same occasion) among adolescents is related to several problems and partaking in sport or physical activities has been suggested as an option to prevent or reduce alcohol consumption among this population. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between soccer practice and heavy episodic drinking among high school students from Brazil.MethodsData were obtained from a cross-sectional study among a representative sample of public and private high school students from all Brazilian state capitals (N=19,132). Only students aged from 14 to 18 who reported having taken part in soccer practice, other team sports or non-practicing sports in the last month were included. Characteristics of sport practice (frequency and motivation) and HED in the last month (type of drink; where and with whom they drank; frequency of HED) were also considered. Regression models were controlled for sociodemographic variables.ResultsFor all groups studied most of the students reported drinking beer, with friends and at nightclubs or bars. Soccer practice was associated to HED when compared to non-practicing sports and to other team sports. Compared to other team sports, playing soccer for pleasure or profession, but not for keep fit or health reasons, were more associated to HED. Frequency of soccer practice from 1 to 5 days per month and 20 or more days per month, but not from 6 to 19 days per month, were also more associated to HED.ConclusionsThe relationship between soccer and HED appears to be particularly stronger than in other team sports among adolescents in Brazil. Induced sociability of team sports practice cannot be assumed as the main reason for HED among soccer players. Possibly these results reflect the importance of a strong cultural association between soccer and beer in Brazil and these findings should be integrated to future prevention or intervention programs.

Improving the implementation of responsible alcohol management practices by community sporting clubs: A randomised controlled trial

“…This study also reported a significant difference between the proportions of players that reported getting in a fight because of their drinking (32%) compared with the national sample (15%) [3]. Similar patterns have been found in studies in New Zealand [4] and Brazil [5]. A cross‐sectional US study also found spectators drank a significantly more drinks on game days (mean: 5.6 drinks) compared with other social occasions (mean: 4.86 drinks) [6].…”

Sports practices related to alcohol and tobacco use among high school students

“…3,8,14 Some authors point out the importance of social and cultural aspects [14][15][16] in understanding the relationship between sports and drugs. Adolescents are subject to considerable peer influence regarding alcohol and tobacco use.…”

The Effect of Significant International Sports Events on Qualified Detoxification Treatment Outcome - Do Drop-Out Rates Change during UEFA European Championship?

“…In first place, worldwide research demonstrated the increasingly pervasive nature of professional sports-related alcohol marketing [2]. Secondly, alcoholic beverages are commonly associated with sports [6], as for many spectators beer is a fixed component of a soccer event.…”