OBJECTIVES: The aim of our research was to understand the alcohol consumption habits of secondary school students and the factors that influence them - demographics, school resources, human relations

METHODS: Our cross-sectional, quantitative research was conducted using convenience sampling among vocational high school students in Vas County (n=155). In addition to a self-designed questionnaire, we included items adapted from the ESPAD research to assess alcohol consumption. For data analysis χ2-test, T-test and correlation analysis were used (p<0.05).

RESULTS: Interviewed vocational high school students (M=15.97 years 1.14) had tried alcohol at the age of 13, with the first binge drinking at the age of 15. The first drink was offered by family 60.7% and friends 29.4%. The first reasons for drinking were 65.7% curiosity, 15.7% influence of friends, 10.2% celebration and a small proportion of sadness (3.4%) and stress reduction (2.05%). The motivation for drinking alcohol was 31.08% social gathering, 33.1% party and 24.3% mood. Lifetime prevalence of alcohol is 88.3% and monthly prevalence is 40%, which shows no correlation with quality of relationship with parents and level of trust (p>0.05). Friends' alcohol consumption is also a determinant of trying (p<0.05) and monthly consumption (p<0.05). Lifetime and monthly prevalence of consumption is not influenced by students' educational attainment, age or family type (p>0.05). Monthly alcohol consumption is more significant in young people living in cities (p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: Parental influences and school tasks are not determinants of alcohol experimentation and consumption, but the role of friends is significant. Health education should be part of the education about the dangers and consequences of alcohol consumption, which can be most effective with trained peer educators. It is important to organise programmes where young people can have fun and experience good convivial socialising without using alcohol.