| Description: |
The study aim was to investigate the connection between early to mid-adolescent alcohol consumption and physical activity. Two models of association were identified, from a critical review of 30 studies on European adolescents aged between 11-17 years. However, inferences were restricted by study heterogeneity and widespread use of measures of short duration. The model developed for cross-sectional analyses, using data from a cohort of 10,380 adolescents aged 13-14, 15-16, and 17 years, suggested that engaging in structured physical activity on a regular basis, or meeting physical activity guideline levels i.e., an average of 60 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, were negatively associated with ever-intoxication, higher frequency of intoxication, or consuming alcohol prior to age 14. Using k-Means clustering analysis, three psychosocial profiles were generated for each age-group and entered into the regression models as a factor, with PA added as a covariate. Compared to those undertaking an average of 60 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity - undertaking an average of 30-59 minutes of MVPA per day, and having higher-risk psychosocial profiles, were significantly associated with being at risk of alcohol-related harm (RARH) at age 13-14 and age 15-16. Club membership-type and frequency of attending club were not statistically significant. However, while those with sports club-membership only had a higher risk of alcohol-related harm, attending club > once a week was negatively associated with risk of alcohol-related harm. Further adolescent longitudinal studies using repeated measures, and more extensive PA measures, are needed to test the robustness of this association. This study has found a potential explanation for why physical activity can lead to higher RARH. Additionally, it suggests that a PA intervention, with an emphasis on psychosocial support and health ... |