Alcohol use among adolescents in São Paulo, Brazil

Drinking habits was studied in a sample of 3114 students from a low socioeconomic level and aging from 9 to 18 years. Males and females were equally represented in the sample. The survey showed that 27% were non-drinkers, 54% experimental drinkers, 14% moderate regular drinkers and 5% excessive regular drinkers. The excessive regular drinkers reported a higher proportion of heavy alcohol consumption among close relatives, mainly fathers. Sex and age-related differences were found in the drinking pattern. Males as well as oldest students were over represented among the drinkers excepted for excessive regular drinkers where no age difference was detected. This finding (same proportion of excessive regular drinkers in all age groups) was discussed taking into account the possibility that the high drop out rates in Brazilian schools could be introducing a bias in the figures found for the oldest adolescent groups. Beliefs about drinking consequences and location where most drinking occurs were also studied.