Prediction of binge drinking intentions of female school-leavers in Cape Town, South Africa, using the theory of planned behaviour

The study examines the utility of the theory of planned behaviour, with and without inclusion of self-identity, moral obligation and past behaviour, in the prediction of binge drinking intentions of female school-leavers in Cape Town, South Africa. The participants comprised 221 Grade 12 females from three schools located in formerly 'white', 'coloured' and 'African' areas (identified as Schools 1, 2 and 3, respectively). They completed questionnaire measures of drinking behaviour, constructs of the theory of planned behaviour, and self-identity and moral obligation. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses supported the theory of planned behaviour for students in each school. Addition of self-identity, moral obligation and past behaviour to the theory of planned behaviour variables led to a significant increase in intention prediction for students in Schools 1 and 3. Past behaviour and moral obligation had independent effects on intention for School 1 students, while self-identity and moral obligation had independent effects on intention for School 3 students. The findings suggest that the theory of planned behaviour, and the additional variables, are useful for predicting binge drinking intentions of female school-leavers in South Africa. They suggest a need for interventions to be sensitive to socio-cultural differences in the determinants of females' binge drinking intentions.