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Do We Need Alcohol Prevention Programs for 'Tweens?' |
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From EurekAlert! - Breaking News: Much research has been conducted on the problems caused by alcohol abuse for both adults and teenagers. Recent studies, however, have shown that some kids are starting to drink earlier -- even before sixth grade -- opening up the door to many additional social, behavioral and developmental problems. Research in the current issue of SAGE's Health, Education & Behavior explores alcohol use and prevention possibilities for "tweens." The article examined a large study of six grade students across a metropolitan area, to see which factors distinguished young alcohol users from nonusers, including even their stated intentions regarding future alcohol use. Understanding that early alcohol use can affect development during a crucial time in life and can cause significant problems later, the researchers explored some current teen alcohol abuse prevention programs, concluding that even earlier intervention is imperative. "Early users of alcohol are already at very high risk and earlier intervention is critical to alter risk factors while students are in their tweens," write the authors. "Although some research has been done in the primary prevention of developmental problems with tweens, the data suggests that a specific focus on particular alcohol-related risk factors is also needed to affect those at highest risk for teen alcohol use." The article, "Sixth Grade Students Who Use Alcohol: Do We Need Primary Prevention Programs for 'Tweens'"" written by lead author Keryn E. Pasch, PhD, MPH, of the University of Minnesota, and colleagues Cheryl L. Perry, PhD, MA, Melissa H. Stigler, PhD, MPH, of the University of Texas and Kelli A. Komro, PhD, MPH of the University of Florida, has been made available at no charge by SAGE for a limited time at http://heb.sagepub.com/cgi/rapidpdf/1090198107308374v1. Health Education & Behavior explores how social and behavioral changes affect health and quality of life. SAGE is a leading international publisher of journals, books, and electronic media for academic, educational, and professional markets. Since 1965, SAGE has helped inform and educate a global community of scholars, practitioners, researchers, and students spanning a wide range of subject areas including business, humanities, social sciences, and science, technology and medicine.
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