University of Malaysia Sabah Reports Findings in Psychology and Psychiatry (Alcohol Use and Its Relation with Demographic, Environmental, and Psychological Factors among Adolescents in Nabawan, Sabah).

A recent study conducted by the University of Malaysia Sabah aimed to determine the factors associated with alcohol use among adolescents in Nabawan, Sabah. The study found that 30.7% of the adolescents surveyed reported using alcohol. Factors such as older age, having parents and peers who consume alcohol, good parental monitoring, and discussing serious problems with parents were significantly associated with alcohol use. The researchers recommend the development of policies and programs to address alcohol-related harm reduction and prevention, including school-based programs and programs that focus on family functioning and parent-child communication. Future research should also explore the school environment, adolescents' drinking motives, and the development of practical alcohol screening tools for adolescents. [Extracted from the article]