OBJECTIVES: To analyze factors associated with the frequent consumption of alcohol by school age adolescents in Feira de Santana, Bahia. METHOD: Cross sectional study with random sampling, stratified by clusters, totaling 10 schools of different sizes. Although 1,409 students were included in the sample, only 776 of both genders, aged 14 to 19 years who reported alcohol drinking were included in the analysis, providing representativeness of schools and students. Data collection tools were a self-administered questionnaire designed in compliance with WHO recommendations and other valid questionnaires from similar studies. Anonymous confidential data collecting was assured. Adolescents who reported frequent alcohol drinking (at least every weekend) were considered exposed. RESULTS: Frequent alcohol drinking was associated with the male gender; early consumption; little-known sexual partner; problems with other drugs in the family; living with a partner; own income; drug trafficking; consumption with friends, activities at school, motivations (anxiety, excitement/pleasure), and consequences (other drugs, fights, debts in work/school) CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge of personal, interpersonal, family and environmental factors associated with alcohol use in adolescents should be considered in the implementation of school programs and public policies for alcohol use prevention focusing on behaviors that could minimize exposure to risk.
Adolescence; Consumption of alcohol; Associated factors
