Underage Rural Drinking: Survey Data and Implications for Educators

Abstract

This article reports data collected in a rural Texas county that explores the beliefs and perceptions of youth about alcohol use. Results from the study suggest high rates of underage drinking and present significant health risks. The data also shed some light on how yuth perceive parents, responsibilities, access, and prevention strategies with regard to alcohol usage. Implications for rural educators and health care providers are discussed in light of the findings, with an emphasis on both prevention and intervention.

Keywords

• alcohol use
• rural schools
• rural communities
• underage drinking
• prevention