Social determinants of alcohol use in childhood and adolescence in rural areas

Abstract

This paper analyzes the social determinants of alcohol use in childhood and adolescence in rural territories. This qualitative study was carried out in a small municipality of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, with professionals from the psychosocial and intersectoral care network. Data was collected using the Empowerment Assessment and analyzed by thematic analysis. The social determinants found show that alcohol use is a cultural aspect of the Pomeranian families and the religious rituals that mark the passage from youth to adulthood. In work-related aspects, alcohol use is a form of leisure in face of the responsibilities the youth assume in farming. Gender and violent situations also influence this factor: boys are encouraged to try alcohol, while girls are the biggest victims of physical aggression. Risk behaviors are observed in traffic accident involving children and adolescents under alcohol influence. The social determinants broaden the scope of the topic, moving away from a exclusive conception of chemical and biological dependence to encompass multiple factors such as territories, cultures, work, and society.