Parental and school correlates of binge drinking among middle school students

Am J Public Health. 2005 May;95(5):894-9. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2003.018952.

Abstract

Objectives: We examined the prevalence and dynamics of binge drinking among middle school students.

Methods: We analyzed data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. The sample was composed of approximately 5300 seventh-and eighth-grade students who were interviewed at 2 points in time.

Results: Approximately 8% of seventh graders and 17% of eighth graders reported engaging in binge drinking during the past 12 months. These rates varied as a function of school characteristics. Low scores on the parenting variables-communication quality, use of reasoning, and control and supervision-and binge drinking during middle school also were predictive of binge drinking during high school.

Conclusions: Binge drinking among middle school students is an important phenomenon that for many students forecasts future binge drinking during high school.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Alcohol Drinking / adverse effects
  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology*
  • Child
  • Ethanol / poisoning*
  • Ethnicity
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Parent-Child Relations*
  • Prevalence
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Ethanol