Determinants of alcohol consumption and marijuana use among young adults in the Republic of Palau

Abstract

Background This study aimed to describe the status of alcohol consumption and drug use among young adults as well as their determinants. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of 356 young adults (aged 18 to 24 years) living in Palau in 2013. The prevalence of self-reported alcohol and marijuana usage were compared within and between sexes, age groups, ethnicities, and education levels. Results The proportion of current drinking was higher in people aged 21–24 than in those aged 18–20 (73.2% vs. 60.9%, p = 0.09 in men and 48.3% vs. 30.0%, p = 0.02 in women), while that of marijuana use did not differ between the age groups. The proportions of current drinking and marijuana use were higher in Palauan than in other ethnicities (current drinking: 70.6% vs. 40.6%, p = 0.005 in men and 38.8% vs. 16.6%, p = 0.04 in women; lifetime marijuana use: 80.0% vs. 52.9%, p = 0.02 in men and 56.1% vs. 30.6%, p = 0.09 in women). The proportion of frequent (3 times or more) marijuana users was higher for the lower educated than for the higher educated (62.5% vs. 32.1%, p < 0.001 in men and 33.9% vs. 24.4%, p = 0.12 in women). Conclusions Sex, age, ethnicity, and education were significant determinants of alcohol and marijuana use.

Sociodemographic and behavioral factors related to obesity among adults in the Republic of Palau based on the WHO STEPwise approach to NCD risk factor surveillance 2011–2013: A cross-sectional study

“…Palauan usually takes home-cooked meal or take out ‘fast-food’ become the restaurant industry developed and targeted for foreign tourists. Likewise, the proportion of people with a frequent alcohol drinking habit was very low in this study of ages 25–64 years as well as a previous report of ages 18–24 years old in Palau [ 37 ] probably because the imported alcohol beverages were expensive. Frequent vegetable intake was inversely associated with obesity and/or central obesity among women in both of total population and native Palauan.…”

Patterns of Substance use among Young People in Ado Ekiti, Southwest, Nigeria

“…Research conducted in Republic of Palau had shown that the proportion of current alcohol drinking was higher in young adult aged 21-24years than in those aged 18-20yeasr, while there was no difference in marijuana use across age bands [7]. Studies had revealed that, while the cannabis consumption among adolescent boys and girls were found to be high, the prevalent and the persistent pattern of use is common among boys [8].…”