Explaining Binge Drinking among Adolescent Males using the Theory of Planned Behaviour

Abstract

Binge drinking among adolescents in Northern Ireland is prevalent and has detrimental effects on public health. health education interventions, based on valid explanatory models of health behaviour, are required to reduce binge drinking behaviour among adolescents. This paper examines the utility of the Theory of Planned Behaviour in explaining binge drinking behaviour among adolescent males. Using questionnaire responses from 94 adolescent boys attending secondary schools in the Belfast area, logistic regression modelling suggested that the Theory of Planned Behaviour explained 36% of the variance in self-reported binge drinking behaviour. Attitudes towards binge drinking were the strongest predictor of binge drinking behaviour. Tackling attitudes about binge drinking is a challenge to be considered when designing interventions to reduce binge drinking among this population