Recent Alcohol Use and Episodic Heavy Drinking among Hispanic youth

Oct 15, 2026

Study examines whether recent alcohol use (past 30 days) and frequent episodic heavy drinking differ among 7th–12th grade Hispanic students (N=946) based on perceived harm, ease of access, and parent/peer disapproval. PRIDE national survey data from schools in Greater Cincinnati show 24.5% reporting recent use and 15.2% engaging frequently in episodic heavy drinking. Highest-risk students perceived low harm, reported easy access, and faced little disapproval. Findings inform prevention efforts.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages13

Reading Time33 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Background

Research Article Recent Alcohol Use and Episodic Heavy Drinking among Hispanic youth Keith A. King and Rebecca A. Vidourek ABSTRACT Background: A sizeable percentage of Hispanic youth are affected by alcohol use. Research is needed to identify specific factors placing Hispanic youth at elevated risk. Purpose: This study examined whether recent alcohol use (past 30 days) and frequent episodic heavy drinking among 7th-12th grade Hispanic students (N = 946) in Greater Cincinnati schools differed based on perceived harm of use, ease of access and parent/peer disapproval of use. Methods: The PRIDE national survey for grades 6-12 was administered to youth in their school classrooms. Results: One-in-four (24.5%) recently used alcohol and one-in-seven (15.2%) frequently (often/a lot) engaged in episodic heavy drinking. Students at highest risk for recent alcohol use and frequent episodic heavy drinking were those who felt use was not harmful/somewhat harmful, felt alcohol access was fairly easy/very easy and had parents/peers who did not disapprove of use. Discussion: These results should be considered when developing and implementing alcohol prevention efforts for Hispanic youth. Ongoing parent-child communication, rule-setting and rule enforcement should be encouraged. Translation to Health Education Practice: Findings can assist health educators to more thoroughly understand how perceived harm, ease of access and parent/peer disapproval affect recent alcohol use and episodic heavy drinking among Hispanic youth. King KA, Vidourek RA. Recent alcohol use and episodic heavy drinking among Hispanic youth. Am J Health Educ. 2010;41(4):231-243. This paper was submitted to the Journal on November 10, 2009, revised and accepted for publication on February 4, 2010. BACKGROUND Despite numerous prevention efforts, a sizeable percentage of Hispanic youth continue to be affected by alcohol use.1 Nearly half (47.6%) of Hispanic high school students have used alcohol in the past 30 days, compared to 47.3% of white and 34.5% of African American youth.2 One-in-four Hispanic males (28.3%) and females (25.3%) report engaging in current episodic heavy drinking, defined as drinking five or more alcoholic beverages within a few hours. Hispanic youth begin drinking at an earlier age than white youth3 with 29.0% of Hispanic youth drinking alcohol before the age of 13, compared to 21.5% of white youth.2 Early age of first use is associated with increased risk of suicide, violence, delinquency and alcohol abuse.4-7 Those who drink before age 14 are four times more likely to develop alcohol abuse and dependence than those who begin drinking at age 21.8 Perceived harm of alcohol use affects individuals’ intention to use alcohol.9 However, the majority of students do not perceive alcohol use as harmful. Data from the mostrecent Monitoring the Future Study revealed that 14.9% of 8th graders, 11.6% of 10th graders and 8.3% of 12th graders drinking alcohol was harmful.1 Despite this research, little is specifically known regarding Hispanic youth’s perceptions regarding harm of alcohol use and how such perceived harm may impact recent use and episodic heavy drinking. Similarly, whereas ease of access to Keith A. King is a professor in the Health Promotion & Education Program, College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services, University of Cincinnati, ML 0068, 526 TC, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0068; E-mail: keith. [king@uc.edu. Rebecca A. Vidourek is an assistant](king@uc.edu. Rebecca A. Vidourek is an assistant)[ ](king@uc.edu. Rebecca A. Vidourek is an assistant)[professor in the Health Promotion & Education](professor in the Health Promotion & Education)[ ](professor in the Health Promotion & Education)Program, College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0068. Keith A. King and Rebecca A. Vidourek alcohol has been shown to positively correlate with youth alcohol consum

FAQs

What was the study’s main purpose?

To examine whether recent alcohol use and frequent episodic heavy drinking among Hispanic students differed by perceived harm, ease of access, and parent/peer disapproval.

What survey and sample were used to collect the data?

The PRIDE national survey for grades 6–12 was administered to youth in their school classrooms, with analyses involving 7th–12th grade Hispanic students (N=946) in Greater Cincinnati schools.

What factors were linked to higher risk for alcohol use and episodic heavy drinking?

Students who felt alcohol use was not harmful or somewhat harmful, believed access was fairly/very easy, and had parents/peers who did not disapprove were at the highest risk.

Oct 15, 2026

Upload by McGucket