The botellón phenomenon. Descriptive analysis and possible implications from a sample of galician teenagers

Abstract

Background: Botellón has established itself as a recreational ritual of great importance in the leisure of young people and it has contributed to the expansion of a worrying pattern of alcohol and other substances consumption. However, there are few papers that take an integrated approach to this issue. The aim of this work was to have new data to characterize this practice, while providing evidence of its consequences and identifying relevant prognostic factors for prevention.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with a sample of 4,867 Galician adolescents between 12 and 18 years of age (Mean=14.68; SD=1.67). Data were collected in schools through an ad hoc questionnaire and they were analyzed through of a bivariate tabulation, with the application of the opportune contrasts according to the nature of the variables.

Results: 27.3% of the teenagers in the sample went to botellón during the last year. 96.6% admitted to drinking alcohol when they went to a botellón, 53.4% alcohol and tobacco and 30.2% three or more substances. This practice was associated with significantly higher rates of Intensive Alcohol Consumption (28% vs. 0.9%), as well as of consumption of risk of alcohol, cannabis and drugs in general. The modulating role of variables such as risk perception and beliefs and expectations associated with consumption, money available or time of arrival at home was also found.

Conclusions: At least 1 in 4 teenagers continue to go to botellones. This practice associated with risky consumption. The evidence found reinforces the multidimensional nature of the problem and suggests reorienting prevention policies.