FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE STAGES OF ALCOHOL-USE AMONG INNER-CITY SCHOOL YOUTH

This study explored stages of alcohol acquisition and risk factors ass ociated with stages based on the Multi-Component Motivational Stages m odel. Two hundred fifty-four sixth-eighth grade students from an urban school completed a confidential questionnaire. Most students were in a precontemplation stage (86%), preparation stage (6%), or action stag e (5%) for alcohol use. Significant differences were found across stag e status on II of 22 risk factors. Discriminant analysis results indic ated alcohol use, perceived prevalence of alcohol consumption, and int entions to drink in the future successfully discriminated youth in act ion and preparation stages from those in precontemplation and contempl ation stages. Meanwhile, tobacco use discriminated students in prepara tion and action stages. Multiple regression analysis showed alcohol us e was the most powerful predictor of acquisition stage status, followe d by intentions, influenceability, and perceived severity of alcohol u se. Implications for school-aged youth alcohol use prevention are disc ussed.