Psychosocial factors and health behaviors related to alcohol consumption among adolescents:: a multivariate analysis

The study aims to determine the interrelationship between alcohol consumption and other health behaviors and different psychosocial factors related to family, school and peers context among Spanish adolescents. The population of Spanish students is represented by a sample covering the age group of 17 years old (n =1.405; male: 40.9%; female: 59.1%). A proportional stratification. and multistage sampling system was used. An anonymous questionnaire was completed by the students in class. Data was analyzed by multiple correspondence analysis. Factor analysis findings revealed two main factors: 1) Alcohol consumption; and 2) Physical activity and self-appraisal. Specifically, the first factor showed the interrelationship between alcohol consumption behavior and others health-risk behaviors and different psychosocial variables. Results reveal alcohol consumption among adolescents is associated with tobacco and cannabis consumption, sexual risk behaviors, do not use helmet while riding in a motorcycle and do not respect traffic' norms, low perceived risk of to drive a motorcycle after drinking alcohol or ride with a driver who had been drinking alcohol, sensation seeking behaviors, perception of low support from parents, low integration to school, to spent with friends more evenings, go to bed late and feel frequent morning tiredness on school days. These findings suggest that alcohol consumption prevention programs must take into consideration the interrelationship with others health-compromising behaviors and the psychosocial context.