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The aperitif: an investigation into young people’s relationship with alcohol

Convention between the University of Siena Applied Dietary Sciences Unit and the Municipality of Siena

  • Original Article
  • Published:
Mediterranean Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism

Abstract

The consumption and abuse of alcohol among young people is a matter of both national and international concern. According to ISTAT (http://www.istat.it/salastampa/comunicati/non_calendario/20080417_00/testointegrale20080417.pdf, 2007), the model of alcohol consumption in Italy is traditionally moderate, but in the last few years habits that pose health risks, such as drinking between meals at a young age and binge drinking, have been increasing constantly. The aim of this study was to investigate the ways in which alcohol is consumed by young people in Siena, focusing in particular on their habit of meeting for an aperitif. The sample comprised 467 students (mean age 17 ± 1.3 years). The results obtained show that the situation in Siena is similar to that in the rest of Italy, being characterised by frequent alcohol abuse, concentrated above all in the weekend. We found that meeting for an aperitif is seen as an opportunity to catch up with friends, relax and have fun.

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Acknowledgments

The study was financed by the Region of Tuscany in collaboration with Social Services of the Municipality of Siena.

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None.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nutrition Unit, Department of Surgery and Bioengineering, University of Siena, Viale Bracci, 16-Policlinico Le Scotte, Siena, 53100, Italy

    S. Chiassai, G. Ferrara, C. Francalanci & R. Mattei

  2. Health Services Satisfaction Centre, University of Siena, Siena, Italy

    F. Ferretti

Authors
  1. S. Chiassai
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  2. G. Ferrara
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  3. C. Francalanci
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  4. F. Ferretti
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  5. R. Mattei
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to R. Mattei.

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Chiassai, S., Ferrara, G., Francalanci, C. et al. The aperitif: an investigation into young people’s relationship with alcohol. Mediterr J Nutr Metab 3, 127–132 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12349-010-0001-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12349-010-0001-3

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