Ecological Influences on Youth Alcohol Consumption Patterns: Scoping Review on Studies within the Timeline of 2000-2015

Abstract

Alcohol-related harms among young adults who consume alcohol at a riskier level do encounter challenges with biological, environmental, psychological and social factors that affect them and the society at large. The aim of this study is to conduct a scoping review on ecological factors; especially the intrapersonal and interpersonal ecological influences on youth alcoholism. This scoping review covered a total of 26 studies spanning four themes: studies on ethnic, gender, family and peer influences. The review comprises of 13 cohorts and 13 cross-sectional studies. Eighteen out of 26 studies, showed significant family and peer influences that were closely related to riskier consumption patterns amongst youth. Whereby, sixteen studies indicated that youth consumption patterns are closely related to their ethnic associations. Studies on gender differences revealed that riskier alcohol consumption and associated risk behaviors are more prominent among female within the age range of 18-25-year-olds. An integrated prevention package that addresses the risk-taking behaviors which are directly associated with health factors among youth is required. Stokols guideline on Social Ecology Model for Health Promotion; which addresses human-environment interactions that involve individual, families and cultural group's prevention and intervention may be a suited approach.