Abstract
Background: Recent studies show that the parenting styles may play a significant role in the patterns of alcohol use among children and adolescents. Aim: The aim of our study is to examine the influence of specific parenting factors on the incidence of drunkenness and frequency of alcohol use and, on the basis of these findings, propose a typology of drinking among children and adolescents.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted using the EFE Survey Questionnaire - Adolescents Questionnaire. The research sample, selected using a two-stage random sampling design, consisted of 1255 students aged 10-18 years (mean age=14.7 years, 54% boys and 46% girls).
Results: The results indicate a significant relationship between the frequency of alcohol use among the children, adolescents and perceived family rules, family communication, and parental control and warmth/affection. The incidence of drunkenness in the last 30 days correlated significantly with perceived the family rules, parental control, emotional warmth, and discussion of problems.
Conclusion: Parental behaviour and parenting styles may significantly affect the pattern of adolescent drinking. Primary prevention therefore needs to focus both on research and the practical application and implementation of the programmes, in which parents and their children are involved.