The neighbourhood social environment and alcohol use among urban and rural Scottish adolescents

Gina Martin (), Joanna Inchley (), Alan Marshall (), Niamh Shortt () and Candace Currie ()
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Gina Martin: University of St Andrews
Joanna Inchley: University of St Andrews
Alan Marshall: University of Edinburgh
Niamh Shortt: University of Edinburgh
Candace Currie: University of St Andrews

International Journal of Public Health, 2019, vol. 64, issue 1, No 13, 95-105

Abstract: Abstract Objectives This research examined the relationship between neighbourhood social environmental characteristics and drinking outcomes among a sample of urban and rural adolescents. Methods From a sample of 1558 Scottish secondary schoolchildren, surveyed as part of the 2010 Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study, we modelled three drinking outcomes on a variety of neighbourhood conditions, including social cohesion, disorder, alcohol outlet density, deprivation, and urban/rurality. Nested and cross-classified multilevel logistic regressions were specified. Results An urban-to-rural gradient was found with non-urban adolescents exhibiting higher odds of having ever drank. Neighbourhood social cohesion related to having ever drank. Among drinkers, those living in accessible small towns had higher odds of weekly drinking and drunkenness compared to urban areas. Higher odds of drunkenness were also found in remote rural areas. Those residing in the least deprived areas had lower odds of weekly drinking. Conclusions In Scotland, inequalities exist in adolescent alcohol use by urban/rurality and neighbourhood social conditions. Findings support regional targeting of public health efforts to address inequalities. Future work is needed to develop and evaluate intervention and prevention approaches for neighbourhoods at risk.

Keywords: Adolescents; Alcohol; Neighbourhood; Cross-classified; Multilevel; Urban; Rural; Alcohol outlet density; Social cohesion; Disorder (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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DOI: 10.1007/s00038-018-1181-8

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