Adolescent Alcohol Usage in Vermont State: A Review of Underage Drinking and its Associations with Suicidality

Author

Cecilia Idman-Rait, University of VermontFollow
Karly Fischer, University of VermontFollow
Shirley Callaghan, University of VermontFollow
Rachel Danis, University of VermontFollow
Caitlin Rettenmaier, University of VermontFollow
Michelle Shepard, University of Vermont

Date of Publication

2019

Faculty Mentor

Michelle Shepard, MD PhD

Abstract

Objective To understand adolescent alcohol usage in Vermont and its associations with suicidality.

Methods A cross-sectional study, utilizing 2017 high school VT YRBS data. Multiple logistic regression and chi-square tests were run using SPSS 25 software. Two groups of survey respondents were selected to represent alcohol usage, Binge Drinkers and Non-Binge Drinkers. Suicidality was analyzed by group, controlling for the predictor variables: age of first drink, grade level, gender, mental health/depression diagnosis, other drug usage, socioeconomic status, and ease of access to alcohol.

Results This study provides state-specific data regarding increased likelihoods of suicide and underage drinking in Vermont. Conclusions Binge drinking activity amongst Vermont’s high school aged youth was associated with a two-fold increase in the odds of making a suicide plan.

Policy Implications The association between suicidality and binge drinking among Vermont high school-aged youth should be used to inform education and policies to decrease teen binge drinking

Document Type

Project

Recommended Citation

Idman-Rait, Cecilia; Fischer, Karly; Callaghan, Shirley; Danis, Rachel; Rettenmaier, Caitlin; and Shepard, Michelle, "Adolescent Alcohol Usage in Vermont State: A Review of Underage Drinking and its Associations with Suicidality" (2019). Master of Public Health Culminating Projects. 6.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/mphcp/6