Publication Highlights

Adolescent alcohol consumption is a persistent community concern and early onset of alcohol use is an established risk factor for subsequent harm. As alcohol use can be conceptualised as a form of self-medication intended to enhance mood and/or social interaction, little is known about the extent to which alcohol use confers benefits. In particular, little is known about the quality of life (QOL) of adolescents prior to their first use of alcohol and the effect of alcohol consumption on subsequent QOL assessments. QOL is a global judgement at a given point in time. It is measured by assessing subjective or objective dimensions. Subjective dimensions reflect perceptions of the respondents, whereas objective markers of QOL are characteristics that are attributed by external observers.

The aim of this study was to examine in an Australian birth cohort at 14 and 21 years the temporal relationship between QOL and both alcohol use and alcohol use disorders (AUDs). This study conceptualised QOL as encapsulating subjective well-being (happiness and satisfaction). To-date no studies have prospectively examined respondents’ QOL prior to commencement of alcohol use. The study examines the relationship between QOL and alcohol use at both 14 and 21 years of age and whether respondents with a lower QOL prior to alcohol use are more likely to use alcohol and to develop AUDs. It uses data from the prospective longitudinal Mater Misericordiae Hospital and University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy.