School connectedness, educational aspirations, academic performance, and alcohol use in Uruguay

Abstract

Objective: In this study, we explored differences in alcohol use among students attending public versus privately managed tuition-free middle schools in a low-income district of Montevideo, Uruguay. Methods: Participants were 353 7th grade students from 2 public and 2 privately managed schools. Data come from pre-surveys of students participating in a substance use prevention program. A mediation path model tested the relationship between school type and alcohol use as mediated through school connectedness, educational aspirations, and academic performance. Results: Main findings showed students attending privately managed schools reported stronger school connectedness and higher educational aspirations, which is associated with a lower frequency of alcohol use. Academic performance was not associated with school type or alcohol use. Conclusions: The findings lead to specific practice, policy, and research implications for communities in Uruguay and other similar contexts.