Alcohol use and abuse amongst adolescents in Hong Kong

Vivian W.Q. Lou, Tan Lei Shek

Research output: Journal article publicationReview articleAcademic researchpeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This paper discusses alcohol use and abuse amongst adolescents in Hong Kong on the basis of a thorough literature review of official statistics and empirical research. The review highlights four major observations. Firstly, the alcohol culture of Hong Kong adolescents is basically positive and social-oriented. The existing legal constraint on the use of alcohol by those aged under 18 seems to exist in name only. Secondly, the past decade has seen a rising trend in alcohol use by adolescents, both in terms of those who have ever consumed it and those who do so currently. Thirdly, several demographic variables associated with alcohol use have been identified, including gender, age, and school mode. Fourthly, peer interactions (such as involvement in organized criminal groups) and family factors (such as lack of maternal support) are also related to alcohol use in young people. The paper closes by making some observations on the gaps in the research and sets forth some ideas for future policy development.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)69-79
Number of pages11
JournalInternational Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health
Volume18
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jan 2006
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Adolescent
  • Alcohol use
  • Chinese
  • Hong Kong

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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