Social supply of alcohol to Korean high school students: a cross-sectional International Alcohol Control Study

PURPOSE: Underage drinking is strictly prohibited by law, nevertheless, adolescents report having access through social supply from family, friends and other members of the society. The aim of this study was to determine the primary suppliers of alcohol to Korean teenagers. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Data were collected from 21 high schools in geographically diverse regions in South Korea from June to July 2012 as part of the International Alcohol Control Study. PARTICIPANTS: Data were analysed from 247 high schoolers aged 16–18 years old as part of the International Alcohol Control Study. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: Social supply to high school students. RESULTS: More than 56% of high schoolers who participated in the International Alcohol Control Survey had been supplied alcohol at least once. Of this number, approximately 59% were males. Parents (especially fathers) and friends were the main suppliers, with friends contributing greater volumes (205 g) of alcohol. Of the number of students provided by mothers, 52% of them were females while 73% of respondents provided by friends were males. The most significant place for alcohol supply was at special events. Males were at higher odds for risky drinking. CONCLUSIONS: These results support previous findings about the role of parents and friends in underage drinking in South Korean high school drinkers.