CARIBBEAN STUDIES

INTERNAL ASSESSMENT
 PROBLEM STATEMENT
How has alcohol consumption affected teenagers in
Trinidad over the last five years?
 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM
In this research project, I intend to investigate the
effects of alcohol consumption among teenagers. I will
focus my survey on the students of Vishnu Boys’
Hindu College but general assumptions about the
whole of Trinidad will be made.
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
What are the factors influencing teenagers to
consume alcohol?
How does alcohol consumption affect an individual’s
academic performance?
How does alcohol consumption affect one’s
behaviour and actions?
What are the physical effects of alcohol intake on an
individual?
What feasible solutions can be applied to reduce the
problem?
DELIMITATIONS
In this research project, an investigation is being
conducted on the effects of alcohol consumption
among teenagers. My research was limited to the
vicinity of Vishnu Boys’ Hindu College with emphasis
on the forms Four, Five and Six students. This location
was chosen because obtaining information will be very
opportune.
PURPOSE OF STUDY
This study was conducted to create an increase in the
awareness of the negative impacts of alcohol
consumption on teenagers and to prove how
important it is that attention be levied on this topic
especially in the Caribbean.
EDUCATIONAL VALUE
This Internal Assessment will be beneficial to future
students and researchers since it may provide them
with necessary information and statistics on the topic,
which will be presented later on in the project.
BACKGROUND
Alcohol consumption existed from since in the days of
Colonialism, Slavery and Indentureship. However, it was
mainly adults who consumed alcohol. Presently, it is quite
evident that there is an increase in alcohol consumption and
it is teenagers who are consuming excessive amounts of
alcohol as well as adults.
 Teenagers are resorting to alcohol as a form of relieving stress
and problems that they encounter during their lifetime and
many other purposes. The consequences linked to this
increase in alcohol consumption are becoming more
detrimental each day, hence; individuals need to be educated
on alcoholism.
DEFINITIONS
Alcohol - An intoxicating beverage that is produced
by fermentation action of yeast on sugar and is an
important ingredient in wine, having a bearing on its
taste and quality.
 
Teenager - person between the age of 13 and 19,
whoever age's end with "teen".
LITERATURE REVIEW
Over the years, consumption of alcohol among teenagers has become a
growing concern in many parts of the world including the Caribbean.
According to the site http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3537387.stm
there are many reasons why individuals get addicted to alcohol. Addiction
to alcohol lies beneath brain chemicals, personality and genetics. It is
stated that alcohol triggers the release of dopamine (a chemical that
produces feelings of satisfaction) it also increases the production of the
brain’s natural painkiller endorphin which scientists think could be the
means by which the brain becomes trained to crave.
Not only chemicals cause an addiction but also genes play an important
role in addiction to alcohol. It was discovered that someone whose
parents had a problem with alcohol have a greater chance of having a
problem himself as compared to someone whose parents did not have a
problem.
LITERATURE REVIEW
With reference to the website
http://www.rimhighschoolhealth.com/files/Chapter_22_Alcohol.doc
a number of factors relating to the reasons why teenagers consume
alcohol were discussed. The first being peer pressure where it was
seen that the desire to fit in and be accepted by a group or friends
played an important role in influencing teenagers to drink alcohol.
Another factor discussed was family where it is important for parents
to communicate and be role models to their children as teenagers
would be affected by their family’s actions. Media messages was
another influential factor as they make the consuming of alcohol
seem attractive, exciting and fun hence, making teenagers want to try
it. Stress, depression and performance in academics were other
related factors, which influenced teenagers to consume alcohol .
LITERATURE REVIEW
On the 1st December, 2008 an article published in the Trinidad’s express
revealed that alcoholism causes progressive brain shrinkage and
disrupts communications between regions involved in storing and
retrieving memories. This made it quite clear that alcohol can affect a
student’s academic performance as well as affect their behviour and
actions and even affect them physically. It was also explained further
that an alcoholic could exhibit total loss of long-term memories.
If one is unable to remember how can one succeed at school? Studying
requires a lot of brain activity and retaining your memory is important
throughout one’s life. Alcohol also leads to vitamin B1 deficiencies,
along with vitamin B12 deficiencies that can negatively affect memory. It
also causes problems such as muscle weakness, depression, blurred
vision, poison of liver and nerve damage.
LITERATURE REVIEW
According to an article from the Guardian, one possible
solution was to visit the AA(Alcoholics Anonymous) to gain
assistance in quitting alcohol as well as to be educated. Anne
M. Fletcher (2002), she also recommended attendance to the
AA however, she stated that this approach might not be helpful
to all as for different people different approaches are needed.
Some require support, some can help themselves and others
professional counseling. Abstinence as recommended by
Stephen J. Gislason (2006) is another solution. Trying to cut
back little by little and abstaining from alcohol may be a
method of helping to reduce the problem.
 
LITERATURE REVIEW
It is very difficult to gather information based on the
Caribbean region since existing research was done
internationally and Caribbean research was less
accessible. The research conducted assisted me in
understanding the developing problem worldwide and
slightly in the Caribbean.
However, to further my knowledge and understanding on
the present day situation among youths in Trinidad,
particularly at the Vishnu Boys Hindu College I will
conduct a research using questionnaires. Suggestions will
be made to reduce alcohol consumption among teenagers.
 DATA COLLECTION METHODS
During the period of October to December 2008, primary data collection methods such as
questionnaires and an interview as well as secondary data collection methods such as books,
newspaper articles and the internet were employed to attain pertinent information necessary
to perform the investigation into the effects of alcohol consumption among teenagers.
 

Questionnaires:
This questionnaire targeted the psychological and physical effects of alcohol on teenagers. A
stratified system of sampling was utilized in selecting respondents for my research project.
The sample survey comprised of Forms Four, Five and Six students of Vishnu Boys’ Hindu
College and the students selected each received a questionnaire consisting of fixed questions
as well as open-ended questions that allowed respondents the freedom to express their
opinions.

Questionnaires provided the opportunity of accessing local statistical information rather

than relying solely on international based information, they were easy to administer, it saved
time and a large number of people were reached from my sampling unit. However, there were
some drawbacks such as dishonesty of respondents and questionnaires not being returned
nonetheless, these were moderated by the brevity of questions and anonymity.
DATA COLLECTION METHODS
Interview:
In addition, an interview was conducted with Mr.
Jiwan Singh who is a member of the Alcoholics
Anonymous. The interview was unstructured hence,
allowing the interviewee to express his opinions freely
and provide thorough and detailed answers. However,
the interviewee was not prepared to answer some
questions and at times drifted away from the topic.
INTERPRETATION OF FINDINGS
Based on the data previously analyzed and presented
graphically the following interpretations were
accomplished.
 
Figure 1, is a Pie Chart showing the number of
respondents who consumed alcohol. An impressive
92% responded ‘Yes’ while the remaining 8%
responded ‘No.’ It is quite evident from the responses
that the percentage of teenagers who consume alcohol
surpasses those who do not.
INTERPRETATION OF FINDINGS
My study also enquired how often respondents
consumed alcohol. With reference to Figure 2, it was
seen that 4% of the respondents who consume alcohol
replied Daily, 52% Weekly and 36% Occasionally. From
these results, it can be concluded that the majority of
teenagers who consume alcohol did so on a weekly
basis.
INTERPRETATION OF FINDINGS
The students were also asked to determine the influential
factors of consuming alcohol. From the various options listed
respondents were required to select any number of factors that
influenced them to consume alcohol.
According to the responses, which were illustrated in Figure 3,
52% indicated Peer pressure, 28% were under the influence of
Family members, 0% by Media messages, 8% because of Low
self-esteem, 12% due to Poor academic performance, 12%
because of Depression, 20% were experiencing Stress, and an
additional 12% stated Other factors. From analyzing this data,
it is clear that the most dominant influential factor is Peer
pressure.
INTERPRETATION OF FINDINGS
As shown in Figure 4, respondents were questioned as
to whether or not they tried or ever considered
quitting alcohol. The Cone graph illustrated a response
of 36% answering ‘Yes’ and 64% answering ‘No.’
Judging from the received responses it can be noted
that majority of teenagers never tried or considered
quitting alcohol.
INTERPRETATION
Another question posed to both alcoholics and non-
alcoholics was if they were aware of the ways in which
alcohol affects a person physically. With indication to
Figure 5, the Pie Chart shows 68% of the population
responding positively and the remaining 32%
negatively.
INTERPRETATION
Figure 6, represented the question pertaining to the
ways in which alcohol may affect the body. The
Cylindrical bar chart illustrated 12% responding to
Poisons the liver, 8% to Blurred vision, 0% to Muscle
weakness, 80% to All of the above and 0% to None.
Figures 5 and 6 specify that almost all teenagers are
knowledgeable of how dangerous alcohol can be to
their health.
INTERPRETATION
Respondents were also asked if they think alcohol
affects a student’s academic performance. Referring to
the Pie chart in Figure 7, 68% stated ‘Yes’ and 32%
stated ‘No.’ This drew the conclusion that the bulk of
the population believe that alcohol affects a student’s
academic performance.
INTERPRETATION
Figure 8, discussed whether alcohol influences one’s
actions and behavior. The Bar chart corresponded to
the responses of 88% confirming ‘Yes’ and 12% to ‘No.’
This acknowledges that majority of the respondents
believe that alcohol influences one’s actions and
behavior.
INTERPRETATION
In addition, a question was asked to suggest possible
solutions to reduce the consumption of alcohol among
teenagers. As seen in Figure 9, the majority, 35%
recommended Youth groups, 28% suggested educating
teenagers, 25% agreed to Counseling or Rehab and 12%
indicated other methods.
DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
After analyzing the data collected from the
questionnaires that were distributed to forms Four,
Five and Six students at Vishnu Boys’ Hindu College, it
was found that most of the results were similar to
existing research mentioned in the literature review.
In some cases, the results differed.
 
DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
Both previous studies and the data obtained from the
questionnaire proved that alcohol among teenagers is
indeed becoming a significant problem.
According to the first research question, which was based
on the factors that influenced teenagers to consume
alcohol, it was evident that peer pressure played a major
role in influencing teens to consume alcohol.
This is so since 52% according to the results obtained from
the questionnaire, indicated this factor. Similarly, in the
literature review it was mentioned that peer pressure has
more influence over any other factors.
DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
With reference to the second research question which
enquires about whether alcohol affects a student’s
academic performance. The majority of students, both
alcoholics and non- alcoholics strongly agreed that
alcohol does not affect a student’s academic
performance. However, according to studies there was
great emphasis on memory loss due to alcohol, which
can lead to a student’s academic performance being
affected.
DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
In relation to the third research question, whether
alcohol affects one’s behavior and actions an over
powering 88% responded ‘Yes’ while the remaining
12% said the opposite. According to previous studies
similar feedbacks, which were presented in the
literature review, were shown in international based
studies.
DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
The fourth research question dealt with the physical
effects of alcohol on the body. In the questionnaire a
large amount of students, both alcoholics and non-
alcoholics indicated their awareness of the physical
effects of alcohol, as can be seen in figure 5. When
asked to select some of the effects the majority chose
all of the above, which included muscle weakness,
blurred vision and poison the liver. These were similar
to those mentioned in the literature review however,
there were others listed.
DISCUSSION OF FINDINGS
Finally, referring to the last research question, some
feasible solutions to reduce alcohol consumption among
teenagers the following responses were obtained
educating teenagers, counseling or rehab and youth
groups.
According to the studies presented in the literature
review the only similar views received was counseling
and education. However, their form of educating is
through the AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) furthermore, it
was suggested to try different solutions, as each
individual is different.
CONCLUSION
From the data gathered during this investigation, it can
be concluded that alcohol among teenagers is becoming a
problem in today’s society. According to the research
done, the main influential factors of consuming alcohol
among teenagers included peer pressure, family members
and stress.
This investigation also proved that drinking alcohol does
in fact lead to brain shrinkage, memory loss, nerve
damage, obesity and many other problems. These factors
therefore, suggest that a student’s academic performance,
actions and behavior are affected by alcohol.
CONCLUSION
Evidence found during this research indicated that
alcohol is highly addictive due to the release of
chemicals in the brain with the intake of alcohol and
because of genetic reasons. A large quantity of
alcoholics as well as non-alcoholics indicated that
teenagers should join youth groups.
LIMITATIONS
During this investigation, a few problems were encountered.
These limitations may have led to the collection of inaccurate
information.
 
One of the main problems encountered was the collection of
data by the use of questionnaires. Some respondents may have
lied, misinterpreted the questions or returned it incomplete.

Another limitation was the lack of research on this topic in the

Caribbean. This led to the use of internationally based
research on similar topics.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Although the problem of alcohol among teenagers
cannot be fully rectified, it can be reduced in many
ways. The following are some feasible solutions:

One of the main ways is educating youths on the

dangers of consuming alcohol. This can be done by
giving lectures and use of the mass media.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Parents can play a major role in reducing this problem
in many ways. Firstly, parents should see themselves as
a role model therefore, they should not drink alcohol
in the presence of their child. They should be alert of
the individuals whom their children socialize with and
speak to their children on the effects of alcohol.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Parents of teenage alcoholics should seek assistance for their
children such as counseling or by enrolling them in
organizations such as the AA, which was organized especially for
that purpose.
 
Consumers should show their identification before purchasing
alcohol since, this will allow only persons who are eighteen years
and over to purchase alcohol. Strict laws should be enforced if
anyone under age is caught consuming alcohol.

Finally, the price of alcohol should be raised as this may aid in

curbing the frequent purchase of alcohol.
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
BOOKS:
Anne M. Fletcher. (2002). Sober for Good: New Solutions For Drinking Problems. Houghton Mifflin
Harcourt.
 
Stephen J. Gislason MD. (2006). The Book Of Alcohol. Environmental Research Inc.
 
A.A. Members. (1976). Alcoholics Anonymous Third Edition. Alcoholics Anonymous World
Services, Inc.
 

NEWSPAPER ARTICLES:
Lifestyle makes a difference with memory loss. (2008, December 1). Trinidad Express p.23
 
Dealing with alcoholism. (2008, December 8). Trinidad Guardian p.B1
 
 
 
 
 
BIBLIOGRAPHY
INTERNET SOURCES:
Dan Brizel. (2007). Teens and Alcohol : In Bad
Company.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3537387.stm
 
http://www.rimhighschoolhealth.com/files/Chapter_
22_Alcohol.doc
 
APPENDICES
QUESTIONNAIRE
Dear Fellow Students,
In order to effectively complete my Caribbean
Studies Internal Assessment that is based on the consumption of
alcohol amongst teenagers, I am required to conduct a survey.
Therefore, I would kindly appreciate your assistance in completing
this questionnaire by writing your response on the blank spaces
provided or in other instances by placing a tick in the given boxes.
This survey is confidential and therefore, your
name or any other personal information is not required. Thank
you for your cooperation.

NEELA MOHAN
QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Age:
13-15  16-19 
 

2. Do you consume alcohol?

Yes No
 
3. If ‘Yes’ to question 2, how often do you consume alcohol?
Everyday
Weekly
Occasionally
 
 
 
4. If ‘Yes’ to question 2, what factors influenced you to consume alcohol?
Peer pressure
Family members
Stress
Depression
Media messages
 
QUESTIONNAIRE
5.Have you ever tried or considered quitting alcohol?
Yes No
 
6. What method/s have you used?
__________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
___________________________________________
 
7. Are you aware of the ways in which alcohol affects a person
physically?
Yes No
QUESTIONNAIRE
8. If ‘Yes’ to question 7, in what way do you think alcohol affects the body?
Poisons the liver Blurred vision Muscle weakness
all of the above None
 
 
9. Do you think that alcohol affects a student’s academic performance?
Yes No
 
10. If ‘Yes’ to question 9, state how.
__________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_____________
 
QUESTIONNAIRE
11. Do you
think that alcohol influences ones actions and behaviour?
Yes No
 
12. If ‘yes’ to question 11, state how.
__________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
 
13. What possible solutions would you suggest to reduce the consumption of alcohol
among teenagers?
__________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
 
 
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
What age did you begin to consume alcohol?
What were the factors that influenced you to consume
alcohol?
How often did you consume alcohol?
Did this affect your academic performance?
Would you say that under the influence of alcohol
there was a change in your actions and behaviour?
INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
Were you affected physically by the intake of alcohol?
What encouraged you to give up consuming alcohol?
How has the Alcohol Anonymous assisted in you in
quitting the habit of drinking alcohol?
Approximately, how long did it take until you quit the
consumption of alcohol?
Are there any suggestions or advice you would like to
offer to teenagers who consume alcohol?