Teen’s alcohol abuse

The study aims to identify the factors influencing alcohol abuse among teenagers whose ages range from 13 to 19 years. Stratified random sampling will be applied, with samples coming from across the state to ensure the heterogeneity of the sample in terms of the variables being studied.

Stratified random sampling is done by dividing the population into strata, in this case by the towns the respondents currently reside, then by employing simple random sampling from each stratum (or town) (Johnston, B., and Christensen, L., 2000).

The target number of samples will be set at 10% of the 13-19-year-old population in each town (rural or urban). A possible barrier to achieving this set number of sample however is the difficulty in achieving this huge target due to the limited time and financial resources.

A solution seen to overcome this barrier is through the use of the internet and the sending of electronic mails to reach the respondents. The use of this type of method of data gathering may possibly cause risks in the validity of the answers given by the respondents. Confusion on the part of the respondents may take place, and the researcher may not be available at all times to attend to clarifications. In order for this threat to be avoided, the survey questions have been constructed to be simple and concise.

This sample is said to be representative of the population because of the randomization that has been done to assure that the sample is composed of individuals who are not in any way homogenized in one or more traits or characteristics being studied.

The survey tool used is a 13-item questionnaire with open-ended and closed-ended questions. Possible answers which are mutually exclusive have been constructed. Should the answer not be found in the list of answers, then the sample may choose to state his response.

The survey tool and variables measured

The variables are demographic in nature such as age, and several socio-cultural variables such as the individuals the respondent is currently living with, annualfamilyincome, the drinking history of the parents, the attitude of the parents towards alcohol, and the respondent’s experience in witnessingviolenceand the frequency of witnessing this violence. Behavioral and attitudinal characteristics of the respondents will also be measured, such as current alcohol intake, frequency of alcohol intake, and history of alcohol abuse, and availability of or accessibility to alcohol.

The variable “ age” is defined as the age of the respondent in years at the time of the study. This variable is answered by the second survey question, which is a closed-ended one. Since the level of measurement is a ratio, the response to this item will be coded as it is.

“ Companion in Residence” is defined as the individual/s (if any) with whom the respondent has live for the most part of his life. This has been defined in such a manner due to the assumption that should an individual’s beliefs or behavior be affected by another individual, this effect is said to be incurred by the person he has lived with longest in his life. Possible responses to this question include parents, relatives or guardians, friends or peers, or none. It is a closed-ended type of survey question.

The variable “ annual family income” is defined as the average income in US$ incurred by the family in one year. It will be measured in the fourth survey question which is a closed-ended one. The lowest class of the range has been set at less than $5000, whereas the highest has been set at $65, 001 and above. Since the level of measurement is a ratio, the response to this item will be coded as it is.

The variable “ alcohol drinking” is defined as the respondent’s current behavior towards alcohol, i. e. if he at present drinks or does not drink alcohol. This variable will be measured in the fifth survey question, where the respondent answers “ yes” to indicate that he currently drinks alcohol, or a “ no” to indicate that he does not currently drink alcohol. The question is a closed-ended one.