VDM Verlag Social class, transition to adulthood and alcohol use: Patterns of drinking among young people in Recife, Brazil

This study measured the prevalence of alcohol use among young people in Recife, Northeast Brazil, and assessed the associations between drinking, social inequalities and transition to adulthood. Data collection focused on social factors potentially associated with alcohol use such as social class, demographinc data and life transitions during adolescence. A cross-sectional study was conducted in state and fee paying schools from poor and middle class neighbourhoods of Recife. Young people between 10-19 years attending school were interviewed using structured questionnaire. The results demonstrated that among this sample, 79% had tried alcohol, 23% had at least one episode of binge drinking, 18% reported weekly alcohol use and 17% had alcohol problems. The findings indicated that young people from poor class were significantly more likely to engage in binge drinking and also to report drinking in a weekly basis and alcohol- related problems. Risky patterns of alcohol use were associated with transition to adulthood, and these associations were more likely to happen among older age male subjects. About the Author Social Worker, with a Public Health Diploma, MSc in Social Work, PhD in Sociology of Addiction and Post-Doctoral qualification in Mental Health Planning. She is a lecturer/researcher in the Federal University of Pernambuco, with interest in mental health policy, drug addiction, leisure, young people, families and social inequalities.