Drinking among adolescents aged 15-17 years in China during 2010-2012

Objective To analyze the phenomenon of drinking among adolescents aged 15 to 17 years in China.Methods Data were from the Chinese Nutrition and Health Surveillance in 2010-2012.The study included 6 581 adolescents aged 15 to 17 across China.Prevalence,frequency and pattern of drinking,as well as daily alcohol consumption were collected and described.Results Drinking was found in 14% of adolescents aged 15 to 17 years,with 19.2% for males and 8.5% for females,and highest (18.0%) among 17-year-old group.Among those reported drinking,beer (85.1%) ranked as the most preferred,followed by wine (35.2%).Daily alcohol consumption was 4.9 g,with 5.6 g for males and 3.4 g for females,highest (4.9 g) among 17-year-old group.Drinking was more likely reported among adolescents from higher family income and those who were smokers.Conclusion The drinking problem among young people aged 15-17 years in China cannot be ignored.It is recommended that non-alcoholic intervention should be carried out as soon as possible for them.