An open access article published by the Public Health Agency of Canada examines the associations of micro-level factors with current alcohol use and binge drinking among a large sample of Canadian youth.

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted among high school students enrolled in the COMPASS study between 2012/13 and 2017/18. Associations between micro-level factors and likelihood of current versus non-current alcohol use and binge drinking among respondents were estimated.

Prevalence of current alcohol use ranged between 52% and 58%, and rates of current binge drinking ranged between 34% and 41% for students in the COMPASS study between 2012/13 and 2017/18. Current cannabis use was associated with a 4.5- fold increased likelihood of current versus never alcohol use, and a 4-fold increased likelihood of current versus never binge drinking compared to non-using students, between 2012/13 and 2017/18. Current smoking was associated with a 2-fold increased likelihood of current versus never alcohol use, and a 2.5-fold increased likelihood of current versus never binge drinking compared to non-smoking students between 2012/13 and 2017/18.

A weekly disposable income of more than $100 were associated with an 87% increased likelihood of current versus never alcohol use, and a 2-fold increased likelihood of current versus never binge drinking compared to students with no disposable income between 2012/13 and 2017/18.

The researchers conclude that higher disposable incomes, smoking of tobacco products and use of cannabis were associated with current alcohol use and binge drinking among youth. They comment that these findings may inform design of polysubstance use prevention efforts in high schools.

Source: Micro-level factors associated with alcohol use and binge drinking among youth in the COMPASS study (2012/13 to 2017/18) S.D. Holligan; W Qian; M de Groh; Y Jiang; S.T. Leatherdale. Health Promotion and Chronic Disease Prevention in Canada, Vol 40, No 3, March 2020.