This Family has Rules! Family Policy and Youth Attendance and Drinking at Parties

• In Event: 368 - Section on Alcohol, Drugs, and Tobacco Refereed Roundtable Session and Business Meeting
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 06. Adolescent Alcohol Use

Abstract

Introduction: Underage drinking frequently takes place at home party settings in the U.S. These parties are often associated with negative consequences, including binge drinking, interpersonal violence, unprotected sex, vandalism, disturbance of neighbors, and police response calls. Some parents may allow parties at which underage drinking takes place in their homes, in the belief that parties with parents present are associated with less drinking and fewer negative consequences. This study explores whether family rules about drinking are associated with reduced probability of (1) attending such a party, and (2) if a youth does attend a party, participating in drinking.

Methods: As part of baseline assessment for a randomized community prevention trial, we conducted a web survey of 1,150 15-20 year-olds in 24 U.S. cities across 7 states. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between family rules on drinking and attendance and drinking at underage drinking parties.

Results: Clear family rules about drinking were common—reported unequivocally by 58% of our sample. The existence of these rules was associated with markedly lower odds of having attended a drinking party in the past 30 days (OR=.65) and drinking at the party (OR=.62).
Conclusion: Future research should examine (1) whether parents can be coached in the development of appropriate rules, and (2) whether the introduction of such rules is related to future reductions in risk in attendance and drinking at underage drinking parties.

Authors

• Mark Wolfson, Wake Forest School of Medicine

• Kimberly G. Wagoner, Wake Forest School of Medicine

• Kathleen L. Egan, Wake Forest School of Medicine