The Risk and Protective Factors Associated with Youth Alcohol Consumption in a Rural Newfoundland Community

Nine rural youth from the West Coast of Newfoundland were interviewed using a semi-structured guide to explore factors that influenced their decision-making about alcohol consumption. Participants reported they had previously consumed alcohol for several reasons, including to have fun, cope with various hardships, or to avoid peer pressure. In contrast, learning about the dangers of alcohol, keeping busy, and having a safe place to go when peer pressured helped participants avoid or consume less alcohol. Participants also discussed how alcohol education could best be offered to youth. Implications and recommendations for youth alcohol prevention and harm reduction are discussed.