The results of the national Panamanian survey “Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Calidad de Vida” (ENSCAVI) have revealed that alcohol is the most widely-used drug in the country.  The data reported by the ENSCAVI was obtained in 2007 from survey responses given by approximately 25,748 adults.  Several Panamanian organizations collaborated to administer the survey, including the “Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud”, the “Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censo de la Contraloría General de la República de Panamá”, and the “Ministerio de Economía y Finanzas (MEF).”

The statistics obtained from the ENSCAVI survey also provided significant evidence of gender differences in regards to alcohol consumption.  Across all variables, it was the survey concluded that Panamanian men reported drinking alcoholic beverages with more frequency then women. In addition, it was found that men begin consuming alcohol at an earlier age than their female counterparts.  The average age that Panamanian males reported, for first consuming alcohol, was between 18 and 24, while the average female reports were around 25 years of age.

In regards to the consumption of alcohol among Panamanian youths, a research study conducted by psychologist, Geraldine Emiliani, found that 89% of the polled adolescents (ages 14 -17) reported already consuming alcohol at family gatherings and at clubs.  Researchers believe that possible causes of early alcohol consumption are linked to a lack of parental involvement and communication, peer pressure, an excess in alcohol marketing.  When these factors are combined with a shortage of safe and healthy entertainment, subsequently, a deterioration of the family follows.