Factors influencing levels of alcohol misuse in uk adolescents; a systematic literature review

Aim –The aim of the study was to systematically analyse contributory factors influencing levels of alcohol misuse among adolescents in the United Kingdom and subsequently identifying those which were most common, the wider determinants associated with these factors and how best to translate the findings of the study into meaningful information that can potentially be applied in public health interventions and practice. Methods - A systematic literature review was undertaken to provide a lens of interpretation and analysis for the extant literature on adolescent alcohol misuse in the UK.The review was systematically guided, using a meta-synthesis approach, maintaining robust scientific research approaches which aligned and framed the resultant outcomes (Seuring and Gold, 2012). An initial protocol was developed, incorporating a detailed explanation of all iterative stages of the research, which provided a degree of conceptual rigor. Findings – In terms of thematic analysis the most salient factors influencing alcohol misuse among adolescent identified were: Direct Environment, Personal Characteristics and Social Context. Research limitations/implications – This was a study limited to 100 women from a specific region in Nigeria – further research is necessary to ascertain the generalisability of the study to a wider population. Practical implications –This study has provided an insight into the qualitative literature that examines factors influencing alcohol misuse amongst adolescents in the UK. It can clearly be identified that there is a strong association between family relationships and the potential for development of adolescent alcohol misuse. Family interventions therapy can therefore be advocated as a mechanism of improving communication between parents and their children where the need to discuss alcohol consumption is apparent.