Protocol for a systematic review of the factors associated with binge drinking among adolescents and young adults.

BACKGROUND: Alcohol use is the behaviour that has the most significant impact on the mortality and morbidity of young people, and binge drinking is becoming the norm among this population. The burden of disease of binge drinking during adolescence and young adulthood is significant and warrants the development of effective prevention strategies. Although the literature on risk factors for excessive substance use has been increasing, to our knowledge, a systematic review of the factors associated with binge drinking among young people has not yet been conducted. This study aims to identify and organise the factors associated with binge drinking among young people aged 15 to 24 years; and to provide a framework to further understand these factors in order to better target prevention strategies.

METHODS/DESIGN: This systematic review of the literature will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. The databases PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO and Social Care will be searched for articles published between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2015. Our search focuses on studies examining the risk factors for binge drinking among young people (between the ages of 15 and 24). Observational studies (cross-sectional, cohort and case-control studies) will be included, while randomised controlled trials will be excluded. Case series and case reports will also be excluded, while reviews, if relevant, will be included. The primary outcome is binge drinking. Secondary outcomes include indicators of frequency and consequences of binge drinking. Two reviewers will independently screen articles, extract relevant data and assess the quality of the studies.

DISCUSSION: This systematic review will add to our knowledge and understanding of binge drinking among young people. It will allow us to identify the main risk and protective factors associated with binge drinking among this population and ultimately help to define the lines for further investigation and research, as an important part of prevention strategies in this area of work.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: This protocol is registered in the PROSPERO registry of the University of York (reference number: CRD42016032496 ).