Attitudinal correlates associated with recent alcohol use and episodic heavy drinking among African American youth

•This study assesses attitudinal correlates associated with alcohol use among African American youth.•Of participants, 13.6% reported recent alcohol use and 5.1% reported frequent episodic heavy drinking.•Analyses indicated that being male, in high school and employed significantly increased the odds of alcohol use.•Perceived harm and parent/peer disapproval of substance use was negatively associated with use.

African–American students in 7th–12th grades completed the PRIDE survey examining attitudinal correlates associated with recent alcohol use and heavy episodic drinking. Of participants, 13.6% reported using alcohol in the past 30 days and 5.1% reported frequent heavy episodic drinking. Logistic regression analyses indicate that male, in high school and employed increased the odds of engaging in recent use and frequent heavy episodic drinking. Perceived harm and parent/peer disapproval of substance use was negatively associated with use. Results may assist professionals in developing prevention programs for African-American youth.