In 2014/15, 57% of 15 to 17-year-olds reported consuming alcohol within the last 12 months, and of those who consumed alcohol, 19% had a potentially hazardous drinking pattern (Ministry of Health, 2015). HPA’s Attitudes and Behaviour towards Alcohol Survey (ABAS) monitors New Zealanders’ behaviour and attitudes toward alcohol, including drinking behaviour and the type of alcohol consumed. This fact sheet examines 15 to 17-year-olds’ alcohol consumption during their last drinking occasion.
Methodology
Participants in the 2014/15 Attitudes and Behaviour towards Alcohol Survey (ABAS 2014/15) were asked about the last occasion they consumed two or more alcoholic drinks. Respondents were restricted to those who did so within the last three months, of which there were 193 respondents 15 to 17-years old. The type of alcoholic drink consumed and number of drinks1 consumed were examined by gender. Risky alcohol consumption was defined as consuming five or more alcoholic drinks in one occasion2. Multiple responses were permitted when respondents were asked about the type of alcohol they consumed on their last drinking occasion. Only those group differences that were statistically significant (p < .05) are reported.