Prevalence and Predictors of Alcohol Use among School-Going Adolescents in Panama: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study
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Date
2023-05
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Publisher
MDPI
Abstract
This study investigated the prevalence and predictors of alcohol use among school-goingage adolescents in Panama. Using a national school-based cross-sectional survey, data from a
proportionate sample of school-going adolescents aged 13–17 years were obtained from the 2018
Panama Global School-based Student Health Survey [GSHS]. Data were analysed with a Pearson’s
Chi-square test and weighted binary logistic regression. The results were reported with their corresponding adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at a 95% confidence interval (CI) and level of significance
set at p < 0.05. The prevalence of alcohol use among adolescents in Panama was 30.6%. The odds
of alcohol use were lower among adolescents in a lower grade than those in upper grades, and
lower in those who did not eat from a restaurant than those who ate from a restaurant. Further,
the likelihood of alcohol use was significantly high among those who engaged in physical fights,
were seriously injured, were mostly worried, and whose parents used any form of tobacco. Other
results showed that the odds of alcohol use were high among sedentary respondents, those who
had multiple sexual partners and those who used amphetamines. Based on the present findings, a
collaborative approach (i.e., stakeholders- the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of
Education- community–individual levels) towards the development and adherence of appropriate
interventions aimed at reducing alcohol use is required in Panama. Specific preventive interventions
would be fundamental in promoting a positive school climate to help reduce adolescents’ alcohol use
and, perhaps, other anti-social behaviours (e.g., physical fights and bullying).
Description
Research Article
Keywords
adolescents, alcohol use, Panama, predictors, prevalence, substance use