RESUMEN
Introduction. “Epidemiological study on the non-infectious diseases, accident and injury causes, and relevant risk factors” has been carried out in 2009 by the PHI to determine the alcohol drinking circumstances, frequency and risk factors by gender, age and residency locations. 26.7 percent of this survey participants aged 15-24 used alcohol during the last 30 days, 21.4 percent drank alcohol during last 12 months. GIA, HD (formerly named as the NHDC) carried out the alcohol consumption survey involving 2021 students from the universities, higher educational institutions and general education schools in Ulaanbaatar in 2004. According to this survey results, it is evidenced that 61.0 percent of students use alcohol. The aforementioned surveys and studies were quantitative studies and generally focused on providing cultures and habits of the alcohol consumption. Youth understanding of the alcohols, alcohol’s negative impact and consequences, some social and other factors influencing to the youth consumption of alcohols have not been previously studied.Goal. The purpose of the survey is to study the knowledge, attitude and tendency of the youth towards alcohol and its negative impact, consequences pertaining to the alcohol consumption by the youth and students.Materials and Methods. Qualitative survey has been carried out (focus group interview, observation) and survey target groups’ (students and youth), random selection methods. Target group consists of the students currently studying at the universities, higher educational institutions and VTPCs and unemployed youth aged 16-24. Total of 56 focus group interviews were carried out and totally 530 people were involved in the survey.Results. Totally 530 students and youth were involved in this qualitative survey. 72.0 percent of them are the youth aged 16-24 studying at the universities, higher educational institutions and VTPCs. 67.0 percent (355) of total respondents involved in the survey provided negative responses for the question “in your opinion, what is the vodka”. Vodka is useless chemical substance with negative impacts on human body. Without proper consumption, it can become a poison. It can venom not only body but also the heart and soul. Generally, vodka is one type of instruments to make human beings poor.Focus group interview, 20-24 years old, Female, Orkhon provinceVery small amount of participants involved in the interview responded positively to the question “what is the vodka” - such as the best of food, fluid with 380Ñ alcohol etc. 79.0 percent (419) of the survey respondents answered that alcohol consumption rate in our country is “higher” compared to other countries indicator. A half of total survey participants (272) considered lesser consumption of alcohol for personal use means “appropriate use of alcohol”. Some participants said that it is appropriate use if vodka is served 100-300 gram or 1-3 cups of beers for one serve. Some participants defined the adults as the people aged 18- 50. Most of them said that elders shall become role model if they don’t use vodka or other alcoholicbeverages. Most of the survey participants firstly use beer, secondly - vodka, and thirdly - vodka and other alcoholic beverages. Currently unemployed youth said that their peers and friends generally use vodka. 446 interviewees out of 530 participants, which is 84.1 percent have already tried vodka and other alcoholic beverages. 226 which are 50.7 percent of these youth who have already tried vodka and other alcoholic beverages drank alcohols under peer pressure and influence during some parties or special occasions. Places of drinking vodka and other alcoholic beverages were different for unemployed youth by their gender. For instance, majority of unemployed males visit their friends’ home to drink or drink at the streets, whereas women drink only during special occasions. Some participants said that where to drink vodka or other alcoholic beverages sometimes depend on the seasons – whether it is warm or cold. Conclusions:1. The majority of the students and youth have already tried vodka and other alcoholic beverages. More than half of the survey participants drank vodka and other alcoholic beverages under other’s pressure or influence during special occasions.2. General tendency of the interviewees towards vodka and other alcoholic beverages was negative due to numerous negative phenomena related to alcohols in the society.3. Participants aged 16-24 who have been involved in the FGDs had the following knowledge and understanding about the vodka and other alcoholic beverages: Majority of the interviewees thought that alcoholic beverages mean the beverages with lower alcohol ingredients such as beer and wine.