Beer consumption and alcohol abuse related problems in Italian adolescents: risk and protective factors.

Alcohol consumption, above all wine drinking, is deeply rooted in the Italian culture. However, national and European statistics (ISTISAN, 2010; ESPAD, 2011) emphasize that beer is the preferred and most widespread alcoholic beverage of 16-20 year-old Italian adolescents. This is consistent with a progressive change in young drinking models, from the traditional “Mediterranean” style (prevalent consumption of wine during meals or on special occasions) to the “Northern” style, (occasional and heavy consumption of beer and spirits) (Bonino, Cattelino, 2012). Starting from the Problem Behavior Theory proposed by Jessor (Jessor, Donovan, Costa 1991), the present study analyzes young beer consumption in the context of adolescents’ risk behaviors and in relation to a complex system that includes variables related to individual values, opinions and feelings and to the peer and family contexts (distinguishing both individual and contextual proximal and distal factors). The aims of the study were to investigate: a) different styles of beer consumption (moderate or heavy) and their relations with alcohol abuse and problems related to alcohol abuse; b) the relation between beer abuse, problems related to alcohol abuse and different externalizing (substances use, risky driving, antisocial behavior) and internalizing problems (depression and feelings of alienation); c) protective and risk factors with reference to beer consumption, beer abuse and problems related to alcohol abuse. In particular, both individual and social (concerning family and peer context) factors, divided in proximal and distal variables were considered. Gender differences were also investigated. Data were collected through an anonymous self-report questionnaire (Italian version of the Health Behavior Questionnaire of R. Jessor by Cattelino, Begotti, Bonino, 1999). The study involved 1173 adolescents, boys (43%) and girls, ages 14 to 18, attending different high schools in North-western Italy. Correlations and hierarchical multiple regressions were carried out, respondent age and gender were controlled for, in order to investigate relations between variables. Main results stressed that: 1) 12% of adolescents are heavy drinkers (moderate 57%, non-drinkers 31%) 2) beer abuse is strongly correlated with alcohol abuse problems (health and social problems) and both correlate with involvement in externalizing problem behavior; 3) among proximal contextual factors, beer consumption with friends is the strong predictor for both beer abuse and problems related to alcohol abuse; among both individual and contexual distal factors, regulatory self-efficacy and family variables play a protective role. Cultural aspects of adolescents’ beer drinking in Italy and implications for alcohol abuse prevention were discussed.