# Alcohol consumption is prevalent among Chinese adolescents: a national survey

## TL;DR

A national survey shows that alcohol use is common among Chinese adolescents, with significant differences by gender, age, and location.

## Contribution

This study provides the first nationally representative data on alcohol consumption patterns among Chinese adolescents in recent years.

## Key findings

- Over 44% of Chinese adolescents reported lifetime alcohol use, with boys showing higher rates than girls.
- Beer is the most commonly consumed alcoholic beverage among adolescents, and drinking often occurs during family gatherings.
- Early onset of drinking and passive drinking without emotional motives are notable trends among adolescents.

## Abstract

The consumption of alcohol by adolescents has deleterious effects on their health and cognitive functions. Adolescent alcohol consumption represents a significant public health issue. Up-to-date national surveys examining alcohol use among Chinese adolescents is lacking. This study aims to offer nationally representative insights into the prevalence and patterns of alcohol consumption among Chinese adolescents.

A school-based, nationally representative cross-sectional survey targeting middle and high school students (aged 12– < 19 years) was conducted using a multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling design in 2021. Self-reported questionnaires were used to collect data on the prevalence of drinking and drunkenness over lifetime, past year, and past month, early onset of drinking and drunkenness, alcoholic beverage types, drinking frequency, emotional motives during drinking episodes and drinking occasions and locations. Estimates were weighted for the complex sampling design.

The survey revealed that 44.1%, 32.7%, and 11.2% had consumed alcohol in their lifetime, past year and past month respectively. Prevalence of drunkenness for the same periods was 12.1%, 5.9%, and 1.6%. Totally 31.2% of students reported alcohol use at age 13 or younger and 6.8% reported early drunkenness. The most consumed alcoholic beverages among past-year drinkers were beer (71.1%) followed by wine (69.4%). Adolescent drinking is often passive without emotional motives (36.0%), or motivated by joy (31.3%) or sadness (23.6%). Adolescent drinking primarily occurs during family gatherings (51.0%), with private homes being the most common drinking location (68.9%).

Alcohol consumption is prevalent among Chinese adolescents, increasing with school grade; percentages of drunkenness are relatively lower. Drinking and drunkenness in some time frames has significantly decreased. Of note, boys demonstrate higher percentages across almost all patterns of alcohol use. Adolescents display disparities in alcohol consumption based on their urban–rural residence and geographical location.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12519-025-00994-4.