Abstract
Objectives
Finding predictors for predrinking and placing the new phenomenon of predrinking on a greater database. Predrinking is defined as alcohol consumption, alone or with friends, at home or at public places, before going out in the evening to a party or in bars or discotheques.
Methods
Data were collected from a representative sample of 757 ninth- and tenth-grade students from 31 high schools located in a south German rural region and a city.
Results
Predrinkers, especially those who show this behaviour frequently, were notably more likely to engage in hazardous drinking, and experienced significantly more frequent involvements in fights and alcohol-induced blackouts. They also stated more often that they had the intention of getting drunk when consuming alcohol.
Conclusions
Predrinking proves to be a high-risk behaviour, particularly when it occurs at a high frequency. This behaviour has to be seen as part of a new youth culture, which does not seem to be limited to a certain subgroup—with all of the associated risks.
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Conflict of interest
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Ethical standards
The research presented complies with the current laws of Germany. The protocol of the study was approved by the local ethics committee at the University Medical Centre, Freiburg.
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Wahl, S., Sonntag, T., Roehrig, J. et al. Characteristics of predrinking and associated risks: a survey in a sample of German high school students. Int J Public Health 58, 197–205 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-012-0409-2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-012-0409-2