[Annual Incidence and Risk Factors of Alcohol Initiation among Korean Youth].

OBJECTIVES

Underage drinking is a major public health concern; however, longitudinal research on its incidence and predisposing factors among Korean youth remains limited. This study examined the grade-specific incidence of alcohol initiation and its risk factors using longitudinal data on Korean adolescents.

METHODS

This study analyzed data from 3,681 grade 6 students who participated in all five waves (2019–2023) of the Korean Youth Health Behavior Panel Survey, excluding 305 students who had prior drinking experience at baseline.

RESULTS

The incidence rates of alcohol initiation were 5.3% in grade 7, 6.4% in grade 8, 8.2% in grade 9, and 11.9% in grade 10, showing an increasing trend according to grade level. Significant risk factors for alcohol initiation included boys, prior experience with a sip of alcohol, future drinking intention, low perceived risk of alcohol use, the presence of family members who drink alcohol, media exposure to drinking scenes, and witnessing alcohol consumption in public spaces.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings underscore the importance of early alcohol prevention education and awareness programs beginning in elementary school. Furthermore, strengthening policies such as stricter alcohol advertising regulations and expanded alcohol-free zones is essential for reducing adolescent alcohol initiation.