Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding alcohol use among early adolescents at primary schools in Johannesburg

Abstract

Alcohol use among early adolescents is a growing problem in South Africa (SA). To determine the knowledge, attitudes and practices  regarding alcohol use among early adolescents at primary schools in Johannesburg, a cross-sectional study from September 2023 to  November 2023 was conducted. A sum of 215 early adolescents (54.9% female, 44.7% male) aged between 9 and 15 completed self- administered, anonymised, paper questionnaires. The results revealed that 100% of the respondents knew that children should not  consume alcohol, above 80% held a negative attitude towards underage drinking but 13.5% had already consumed alcohol.  Notwithstanding, many of the adolescents noted inclusive school-based alcohol prevention interventions as an effective approach to curb  underage drinking. Such a study is relevant for health promotion specialists and policy makers aiming to implement early  interventions to address early alcohol consumption.