Citation

Agu CF, Oshi DC, Weaver S, Abel WD, Rae T, Ricketts Roomes TF, Oshi SN. Asian Pac. J. Cancer Prev. 2018; 19(S1): 51-55.

Affiliation

School of Nursing, Faculty of Medical Sciences, The University of the West Indies, Mona, Kingston, Jamaica. Email: altoc.research@gmail.com

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, National Cancer Center, Korea, Publisher Asian Pacific Organization for Cancer Prevention)

DOI

10.22034/APJCP.2018.19.S1.51

PMID

29682921

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Underage alcohol use is a pervasive problem with serious health, social and safety consequences. This study was undertaken to assess alcohol use by primary school children in Trinidad and Tobago, and to identify associated risk factors.

METHODS: We analysed data collected from 40 primary schools in Trinidad and Tobago by the National Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Programme (NADAPP). The sample comprised of children aged 8-15 years old, in standards 3, 4 and 5.

RESULT: Out of the 2052 children, 648 (31.6%) have consumed alcohol in their lifetime, and same proportion reported ever being drunk (31.6%). Male gender was significantly associated with lifetime alcohol use (AOR =1.60, 95% CI= 1.25 - 2.05). Children not living with their father (AOR= 2.45, 95% CI=1.86- 3.24) and those whose fathers have either primary or secondary education (AOR = 1.88, 95%CI=1.07 - 3.31; AOR= 1.58, 95%CI=1.12 - 2.23 respectively) were at higher risk for lifetime alcohol consumption. However, age group 8 - 11 years was significantly inversely associated with lifetime alcohol consumption (AOR= 0.67, 95% CI=0.48 - 0.94).

Conclusion: Being a male student, not living with father, and father attaining either primary or secondary education level were significantly associated with increased likelihood for lifetime alcohol use. However, children between 8 - 11 years were less likely to consume alcohol.

Creative Commons Attribution License

Language: en

Keywords

Underage alcohol use; primary school; Trinidad and Tobago