Alcohol use in the <scp>P</scp>acific region: Results from the <scp>STEP</scp>wise approach to surveillance, <scp>G</scp>lobal <scp>S</scp>chool‐<scp>B</scp>ased <scp>S</scp>tudent <scp>H</scp>ealth <scp>S</scp>urvey and <scp>Y</scp>outh <scp>R</scp>isk <scp>B</scp>ehavior Surveillance System

Abstract

Alcohol consumption varies widely between PICTs. There are marked gender differences in use and abstention. There is scope in PICTs for implementation of best practice strategies to reduce alcohol-related harm. These need to be gender responsive and cognisant of concerning patterns of youth drinking. Strengthening surveillance of alcohol use and its consequences is vital to inform and monitor the impact of national and regional policies. [Kessaram T, McKenzie J, Girin N, Roth A, Vivili P, Williams G, Hoy D. Alcohol use in the Pacific region: Results from the STEPwise approach to surveillance, Global School-Based Student Health Survey and Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System. Drug Alcohol Rev 2016;35:412-423].