Alyssa Tisch
Research Mentor(s): Tammy Chang
Mentor Department: Family Medicine
Authors: Alyssa Tisch, Catherine Frost, Marika Waselewski, Tammy Chang
Session: Session 6 (3:00pm – 3:50pm)
Presentation Type: Poster 56
Abstract
Zero proof alcohol drinks are beverages such as beer, wine, and liquor that are made without alcohol or with the alcohol in them removed/reduced to less than 0.5%. In recent years, these beverages have become more popular, however little is known about how these products may impact the drinking behaviors of youth, if at all. This study aims to understand the personal experiences and opinions of American youth regarding zero proof alcohol. The MyVoice nationwide text message poll was used to ask five open-ended questions to over 800 youth across the United States aged 14–24. Responses were analyzed using content analysis by six independent researchers, and differences in coding were reviewed and resolved by discussion. 539 youth (71%) responded with an average age of 20.2 years (standard deviation = 2.7). Overall, four main themes emerged. First, most youth cited they believe people under 21 drink due to social reasons (n = 508, 74%). Second, many youth have heard about zero proof alcohol (n = 524, 65%). Third, most youth believe that zero proof alcohol should be available to those under 21 (n = 516, 69%). Finally, participants are divided on how zero proof alcohol would affect youth drinking. Some said zero proof alcohol would reduce drinking (n = 507, 32%) because it would be a good alternative to alcohol. Some said zero proof alcohol would increase drinking (n = 507, 24%) because it could serve as a gateway, and others said zero proof alcohol would not affect drinking behaviors (n = 507, 17%). Overall, we found both positive and negative perceptions around zero proof alcohol drinks among adolescents and young adults. Understanding how youth view zero proof alcohol drinks can inform policies that will best protect young people from the dangers of alcohol use.
