Nurses' role in managing alcohol misuse among adolescents

Prevalence of alcohol consumption among high school students: A cross-sectional study

AIM

This study addresses the risk and protective factors for alcohol consumption among medical-technology high school students. The specific objectives of the study were to analyse standard influences on excessive alcohol consumption (influence of parents and upbringing) and possible modern influences, represented by social networks and internet use.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional analysis.

METHODS

The sample included the entire cohort of third-year students attending high school in Varaždin (n = 1,352). Data were collected using an anonymous questionnaire. The bivariate analysis used an independent t test and a Chi-squared test. The multivariate analysis used logistic regression. The study was conducted from September 2018 to February 2019.

RESULTS

Alcohol consumption was most prevalent among vocational students, followed by college-preparatory students and medical-technology students. Style of parenting and maternal authority have a positive influence on less alcohol use among students. The results showed that smartphone ownership and internet use do not correlate with alcohol use among high school students.

The Care of the Patients With Alcohol Intoxication in the Emergency Department of a Central Hospital: Nurses' Skills, Knowledge, and Attitudes

AIM

The aim of the study was to describe nurses' skills, knowledge of care, and attitudes toward the care of patients with alcohol intoxication in the emergency department.

METHOD

The data were collected using theme interviews in 2016. The study participants were nurses working in the emergency department (n = 6) that has a sobering unit. The data were analyzed using inductive content analysis.

RESULTS

On the basis of the interviewees' descriptions, five main categories were formed: the skills to discuss the use of alcohol on arrival, safety skills, teamwork skills, the skills to organize follow-up care, and nurses' attitudes and ethics in patients' care. Asking about the use of alcohol as well as the use of a screening tool varied. The interviewees emphasized the skills to anticipate the risk of violence as well as ensuring the safety of the working environment. Nurses' attitudes were seen as the ability to regulate negative emotions raised by the patient. Factors related to nurses' attitudes emerged in patients' behavioral disorders and commitment to treatment. Despite some negative feelings toward patients, nurses thought that it is important to ensure ethicality in patients' care.

CONCLUSIONS

The nurses' skills and knowledge of care and attitudes toward patients with alcohol intoxication varied. There is a need for additional training on issues relating to the treatment of patients with alcohol intoxication.