Adult consequences of late adolescent alcohol consumption: A systematic review of cohort studies

Authors: McCambridge, J., McAlaney, J. and Rowe, R.

Journal: PLoS Medicine

Volume: 8

Issue: 2

eISSN: 1549-1676

ISSN: 1549-1277

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1000413

Abstract:

Background: Although important to public policy, there have been no rigorous evidence syntheses of the long-term consequences of late adolescent drinking. Methods and Findings: This systematic review summarises evidence from general population cohort studies of drinking between 15-19 years old and any subsequent outcomes aged 20 or greater, with at least 3 years of follow-up study. Fifty-four studies were included, of which 35 were assessed to be vulnerable to bias and/or confounding. The principal findings are: (1) There is consistent evidence that higher alcohol consumption in late adolescence continues into adulthood and is also associated with alcohol problems including dependence; (2) Although a number of studies suggest links to adult physical and mental health and social consequences, existing evidence is of insufficient quality to warrant causal inferences at this stage. Conclusions: There is an urgent need for high quality long-term prospective cohort studies in order to better understand the public health burden that is consequent on late adolescent drinking, both in relation to adult drinking and more broadly. Reducing drinking during late adolescence is likely to be important for preventing long-term adverse consequences as well as protecting against more immediate harms. © 2011 McCambridge et al.

Source: Scopus

Preferred by: John McAlaney

Adult consequences of late adolescent alcohol consumption: a systematic review of cohort studies.

Authors: McCambridge, J., McAlaney, J. and Rowe, R.

Journal: PLoS Med

Volume: 8

Issue: 2

Pages: e1000413

eISSN: 1549-1676

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1000413

Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Although important to public policy, there have been no rigorous evidence syntheses of the long-term consequences of late adolescent drinking. METHODS AND FINDINGS: This systematic review summarises evidence from general population cohort studies of drinking between 15-19 years old and any subsequent outcomes aged 20 or greater, with at least 3 years of follow-up study. Fifty-four studies were included, of which 35 were assessed to be vulnerable to bias and/or confounding. The principal findings are: (1) There is consistent evidence that higher alcohol consumption in late adolescence continues into adulthood and is also associated with alcohol problems including dependence; (2) Although a number of studies suggest links to adult physical and mental health and social consequences, existing evidence is of insufficient quality to warrant causal inferences at this stage. CONCLUSIONS: There is an urgent need for high quality long-term prospective cohort studies in order to better understand the public health burden that is consequent on late adolescent drinking, both in relation to adult drinking and more broadly. Reducing drinking during late adolescence is likely to be important for preventing long-term adverse consequences as well as protecting against more immediate harms. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.

Source: PubMed

Adult Consequences of Late Adolescent Alcohol Consumption: A Systematic Review of Cohort Studies

Authors: McCambridge, J., McAlaney, J. and Rowe, R.

Journal: PLOS MEDICINE

Volume: 8

Issue: 2

ISSN: 1549-1676

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1000413

Source: Web of Science (Lite)

Adult consequences of late adolescent alcohol consumption: a systematic review of cohort studies.

Authors: McCambridge, J., McAlaney, J. and Rowe, R.

Journal: PLoS medicine

Volume: 8

Issue: 2

Pages: e1000413

eISSN: 1549-1676

ISSN: 1549-1277

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1000413

Abstract:

Background

Although important to public policy, there have been no rigorous evidence syntheses of the long-term consequences of late adolescent drinking.

Methods and findings

This systematic review summarises evidence from general population cohort studies of drinking between 15-19 years old and any subsequent outcomes aged 20 or greater, with at least 3 years of follow-up study. Fifty-four studies were included, of which 35 were assessed to be vulnerable to bias and/or confounding. The principal findings are: (1) There is consistent evidence that higher alcohol consumption in late adolescence continues into adulthood and is also associated with alcohol problems including dependence; (2) Although a number of studies suggest links to adult physical and mental health and social consequences, existing evidence is of insufficient quality to warrant causal inferences at this stage.

Conclusions

There is an urgent need for high quality long-term prospective cohort studies in order to better understand the public health burden that is consequent on late adolescent drinking, both in relation to adult drinking and more broadly. Reducing drinking during late adolescence is likely to be important for preventing long-term adverse consequences as well as protecting against more immediate harms. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.

Source: Europe PubMed Central