Ouderparticipatie bij de ouderavond ‘uw kind en alcohol’
Summary
Background: In recent years there has been a sharp increase in alcohol usage in under-aged children and who are now starting to drink at an earlier age. Aim: Research has revealed a dramatic decline in the attendance of parents at information evenings, a trend witnessed by the Trimbos institute at their own evenings. This paper sets out to determine what factors differentiate parents who participate in the Trimbos information sessions and those who do not. It also aims to see to what extent social-demographic and attitudinal factors can be used to predict whether parents decide to take part. Method: This study presents cross-sectional data from two questionnaires administered on 117 participating and 88 non-participating parents. The accrued data is processed in descriptive analysis and logistical regressions. Results: Findings reveal few differences between both parent groups regarding socialdemo-graphic factors, attitude towards underage drinking and approach to alcohol when raising their children. However, the results do show that non-participating parents generally have older children than those in the other group. Furthermore, these parents also believe that the harmful effects of alcohol are only caused by excessive usage and tend to be more tolerant towards alcohol consumption in the home. Finally, this group is also less inclined to discuss topics related to underage drinking with other parents and find the information evenings too long. Conclusion: To attract more parents it is necessary to shorten the length of the infor-mation evening. Considering parents’ reluctance to discuss this subject with others, one recommendation is to limit the content of parent evenings to information transfer. This may make the meetings less daunting for parents and encourage overall attendance.