Vulnerability to alcohol use

a study with adolescents from the public and private school systems

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the vulnerability to alcohol use through the discourses of adolescent students attending public and private schools in the city of João Pessoa, PB. The sample consisted of 160 adolescents with ages ranging from 13 to 18 years. The survey employed the group discussions methodology and the analysis of contents employed the Thematic Categorical Analysis. The discourses showed the motivational determinants for alcohol use; thus, confirming the early onset, the relationship between alcohol and cigarettes; the knowledge regarding the consequences of consumption, and the possible causes of the increased intake among adolescents. It also highlighted how the intervention provided by health professionals, parents, educators, and other social agents is essential to their development and psychosocial adjustments.