It is currently unclear whether parental supply of alcohol affects the likelihood of later adolescent risky drinking. A research team conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesise findings from longitudinal studies investigating this association.

Eight electronic databases up to 10 September 2016 were searched for relevant terms and two reviewers independently screened articles, extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Seven articles met inclusion criteria.

Parental supply of alcohol was associated with subsequent risky drinking (odds ratio = 2.00, 95% confidence interval = 1.72, 2.32); however, there was substantial risk of confounding bias and publication bias. In all studies, measurement of exposure was problematic given the lack of distinction between parental supply of sips of alcohol versus whole drinks.

In conclusion, parental supply of alcohol in childhood is associated with an increased likelihood of risky drinking later in adolescence. However, methodological limitations preclude a causal inference. More robust longitudinal studies are needed, with particular attention to distinguishing sips from whole drinks, measurement of likely confounders, and multivariable adjustment.

Source: Parental supply of alcohol in childhood and risky drinking in adolescence: systematic review and metaanalysis. Sharmin S, Kypri K, Khanam M, Wadolowski M, Bruno R; Mattick RP. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Vol 14, No 3, 2017, Art No 287, 17pp.