Wisit ChaveepojnkamjornMahidol University2018-06-112018-06-112012-11-01Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health. Vol.43, No.6 (2012), 1560-1567012515622-s2.0-84873034571https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/14547The objective of this study was to evaluate alcohol consumption patterns among vocational school students in central Thailand. We conducted a cross sectional study among 1,803 vocational students (80.4 % aged < 17 years) in central Thailand using a self-administered questionnaire which consisted of 2 parts: sociodemographic factors and alcohol drinking behavior from December 2007 to February 2008. Descriptive statistics, a chi-square test and multiple logistic regression were used to analyze the data. The results of this study showed 40.9% of male students and 20.9% of female students drank alcoholic beverages. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed 2 factors were associated with alcohol consumption among male subjects: field of study (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1-2.0), and GPA (OR < 2 = 1.8;95% CI 1.2-2.7; OR < 3 = 0.6;95% CI 0.4-0.9). The three most popular venues for drinking were at parties (43.1%), at home/in the dormitory (34.9%) and in bars or saloons near the school (20.9%). Fifty-three point two percent of males drinks alcohol 1-2 times per month and time, 47% drank < 2 times per month. Nearly 78% of female students drink alcohol 1-2 times per month and 22% drink alcohol < 2 time per month. Forty point nine percent of male students consumed 1-2 drinks per time and 36% consumed more than 4 drinks per time. Fifty point four percent of females drank 2 drinks per month. One-third of male students said they engaged in binge drinking in a 2-week period and 14% of girls said they binge drank in a 2-week period. Alcohol consumption is a significant problem among Thai vocational school students. Measures for managing this problem are discussed.Mahidol UniversityMedicineArticleSCOPUS