Supervisors info:
Πολυξένη Μαγγούλια, Επίκουρη Καθηγήτρια, Τμήμα Νοσηλευτικής, ΕΚΠΑ
Ευμορφία Κούκια, Καθηγήτρια, Τμήμα Νοσηλευτικής, ΕΚΠΑ
Μιχαήλ Χατζούλης, Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής, Τμήμα Νοσηλευτικής, ΕΚΠΑ
Summary:
Introduction-Background: Young people very early in their lives come into contact with
alcohol either as observers or, over the years, as consumers. In adolescence and young
adulthood, the factors that will influence alcohol consumption are varied. On the other hand,
alcohol consumption can be dangerous for both the physical and mental health of young
people - with corresponding short-term or long-term effects. These effects will directly affect
the individuals themselves but also indirectly the family, friends, school, work and social
environment.
Aim: Αim of this literature review is to investigate, understand and present the most up-to date data of the scientific community regarding the possible risk factors and effects of
alcohol consumption by adolescents and young adults.
Methodology: This systematic review searched for articles from the last five years using the
PubMed database. Upon completion of the selection process, 19 studies were included in the
literature results of the specific parts of the review.
Results: According to the results of the studies, it appears that a multitude of factors
influence whether or not young people use alcohol, what patterns of alcohol use they will
follow, what the consequences of their consumption will be, but also how they will interact
in relevant preventive interventions related to alcohol. Studies have focused on demographic
factors such as gender, age, family context, sexual orientation, social factors such as
relationship and interaction with peers, the influence of social media, but also more
specialized factors such as the comorbidity of alcohol use with other mental illnesses in
young people.
Conclusions: Reducing alcohol consumption among young people is of the utmost
importance for the well-being of individuals, society and public health. It is important to
implement holistic interventions and programs both to prevent and eliminate the risks, and
to address the effects of alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorders. From the present
studies it is understood that the knowledge that exists in the scientific quiver is many and
essential, however, there is much scope for future research.
Keywords:
Alcohol use, Alcohol, Young adults, Puberty/Teens/Adolescence, Risks factors, Consequences, Effects
