It’s normal to drink, isn’t it? a qualitative study on factors influencing adolescent drinking in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Introduction and Objectives In Sri Lanka, adolescent drinking behaviour has been linked to parental, family influence as well as culture and living location. While proximal level social determinants play an important part in influencing adolescent drinking, determinants operating at the distal level have not been discussed adequately. This study aimed to describe the factors influencing adolescent drinking among school going adolescents in the Colombo District. Methods Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were conducted separately for males and females in selected Public Health Midwife (PHM) areas in the Colombo District. A semi structured interview guide facilitated the discussion. Transcripts were translated, transcribed and managed on NVivo 12. Inductive thematic analysis was used to interpret the ideas expressed in the FGDs. Results Fifty adolescents (24 females and 26 males) aged between 16-17 years participated in eight FGDSs. The findings elaborate one overarching theme: it’s normal to drink, isn’t it? Media, culture and society contributed towards building social norms around adolescent drinking. Based on the perception of normalcy around drinking, adolescents were inclined to test their limits and experiment with alcohol, while being influenced by peers. However, they also experienced some restraints, in terms of law, family and culture, which made them question the normalcy around drinking. Conclusion Adolescents engage in social learning, through their distal environment which creates norms and aspirations. Peer engagement facilitates social capital which also contributes towards their decisions to drink. Distal level social determinants are important contributory factors of adolescent alcohol use. Restrictions within this environment may restrict their drinking