Prevalence and associated factors of alcohol consumption in Albanian schoolchildren

Abstract

Abstract Background Alcohol consumption among adolescents is a global public health challenge, with many children engaging in early drinking habits, affecting negatively growth and development. We aimed at assessing the prevalence and sociodemographic correlates of alcohol consumption among Albanian children. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Albania in 2022, including a nationwide sample of 5454 schoolchildren aged 11, 13 and 15 years (N = 5454; ≈52% girls; response rate: 96%). Information on drinking habits and sociodemographic characteristics of schoolchildren was collected. Binary logistic regression was employed to assess the relationships of alcohol consumption indices with sociodemographic factors. Results The prevalence of alcohol indices was: 23% for lifetime alcohol consumption; 14% for current alcohol consumption; 13% for lifetime drunkenness; and 6% for current drunkenness. Independent positive correlates of alcohol consumption and/or drunkenness included male gender, age 15, and pertinence to more affluent families (all P < 0.01). Conclusions Our findings reveal that alcohol consumption and drunkenness are prevalent among Albanian adolescents. These results highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies addressing demographic factors that contribute to underage drinking in Albania.

Keywords

• Albania
• Alcohol consumption
• Children
• Drunkenness
• Health behaviour in School-aged children (HBSC)
• Schoolchildren