Elaboración de un instrumento para evaluar las creencias y percepciones de riesgo de los adolescentes sobre el uso del alcohol

Abstract

Alcohol intake in youth and adolescents is becoming an issue of growing social concern in recent years. Different epidemiological studies show very high prevalence of alcohol intake at these ages. This issue is even more concerning when considering that, in general terms, youth do not perceive the real risks associated with alcohol intake. As a consequence, it is necessary to study the beliefs and opinions of this population before developing preventive programs focused on changing those beliefs. The aim of the present study was to develop a measure to identify the structure of the opinions toward alcohol intake of 914 youths between the ages of 12 and 17. Items were developed from the opinions of the students themselves, which contributes towards the guarantee its ecological validity. Different exploratory and confirmatory analyses showed that youth's beliefs toward the use of alcohol are grouped into two main factors, with the first factor consisting of the reasons that 'justify' its use, and the second factor focusing on their 'ideas' about its detrimental personal and social consequences.