Trends in alcohol use among Israeli high school dropouts, 2004–2009

Abstract

Background and Aims: Alcohol use is a worldwide problem that has a major impact on public health. The harmful use of alcohol is responsible for more than 4% of the global burden of disease. We investigated alcohol use trends and related problem behaviour among school dropouts from Israel. Methods: We studied 470 school dropouts from 2004 to 2009 based on gender and country-of-origin status. Study participants, with a median age of 17, were referred to a residential facility for drug abuse treatment.

Results: Age of first use of alcohol was similar for males and females (median age 13); Former Soviet Union (FSU) youths were significantly younger at the age of first drink; and past 30 day alcohol use reflects no gender or country-of-origin status differences. The majority of dropouts reported binge drinking (51.9%); the level of binge drinking was similar among males and females; however, for the past two study years girls reported significantly more binge drinking than males (60.0%; 40.8%; p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Alcohol is the most common substance used among school dropouts; and further research is needed to understand and address the many health and safety concerns of this understudied, high-risk group.

• School dropouts
• alcohol use
• gender and country-of-origin status

Acknowledgments

Appreciation is expressed to Moshe Kron (Director) and the staffs of Youth Magal, Jerusalem, for their cooperation with this research.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.