Abstract

Proximity of alcohol outlets to schools in Los Angeles County
Track: Health and Human Services
Authors: Ricardo Contreras, Emily Deichsel

Alcohol availability (i.e., environmental exposure to alcohol ads) is one of the strongest predictors of adolescent alcohol use and subsequent harm. For instance, previous research has associated availability of alcohol outlets within a half-mile from home with increased adolescent binge drinking and drunk driving behavior. Furthermore, alcohol outlet location near schools is an important predictor of availability of alcohol in a neighborhood. This study examines the spatial patterning of schools located within 600 feet of one or more alcohol retail outlet(s) using demographic characteristics that predict health disparities in Los Angeles County. A series of distance buffer analyses showed that 21% (n=680) of all schools in Los Angeles County (n=3,295) have one or more off-premises alcohol outlet(s) located within 600 ft. Private schools were twice as likely (Odds Ratio [OR]: 2.1; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.7-2.5) than public schools to be located in close proximity to an alcohol outlet.