Attitude Toward Alcohol Consumption among Indian Male Adolescents

ABSTRACT This study explored alcohol use among Indian male adolescents and examined their positive attitudes toward alcohol consumption. Data were collected using a baseline data questionnaire and two standardized scales (Alcohol Attitude Scale and Alcohol Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test) from adolescents in a school setting near Jaipur, India. Participants were informed about the aims and objectives of the study and individual data confidentiality and asked to sign a consent form and fill out a questionnaire. The analysis was carried out using SPSS software, and statistical tests were performed as per the needs and requirements. The mean age of respondents was found to be 14.3 ± 1.810 years; more than half (64.8%) have already experienced tobacco, and 20.9% have experienced alcohol. The mean for Attitude Toward Alcohol was 94.23 ± 11.25; a larger portion (72.55%) of respondents were found to have a positive attitude toward alcohol consumption, 26.4% have a moderate attitude, and only 1.1% were found to have a normal attitude toward alcohol consumption. A large portion with a positive attitude toward alcohol consumption indicates the risk and vulnerability of adolescents for alcohol use and abuse; urgent response is highly desirable.