LAUSR

ABSTRACT Background: Determining the alcohol drinking behavior of early adolescents will provide important information for developing interventions to protect against and delay the start of alcohol use in Thailand. However, this topic has not yet been fully addressed. Objective: This qualitative study is designed to ascertain the alcohol drinking protocol of adolescents in Thailand using the theory of planned behaviour as the theoretical framework. Methods: To obtain opinions on alcohol drinking behaviour, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control, the face-to-face interview technique is applied to 40–50 early adolescents aged between 10 and 14 years. Results: The findings of this qualitative study will provide greater insight into alcohol drinking behaviour among early adolescents to address the need for an effective intervention programme. Conclusions: The results of this study can be used to develop strategies for reducing the prevalence of alcohol drinking or delay its onset in Thailand.