Influence of Religious Affiliation in Alcohol Use Among Adolescents in Trinidad, Tobago, and St. Lucia: A Follow-Up Study

Abstract

Objective: This study examined the effects of religious affiliation and other demographic variables in alcohol use and attitudes among adolescents in Trinidad, Tobago and St. Lucia. Method: The study used a stratified random sample design of 380 male and 455 female students belonging to the 3 major ethnic groups in Trinidad, Tobago and St. Lucia (Afro-Trinidadian, Indo-Trinidadian, and Mixed group). Results: MANOVA showed an effect for religion, with Hindu adolescents having higher levels of regular alcohol use. Conclusions: This finding supports the existing research in Trinidad and developed countries on the effect of various religious denominations of alcohol use and attitudes.

Keywords:

• Alcohol
• adolescents
• religion