This study measured the prevalence of alcohol use among young people in Recife, Northeast Brazil, and assessed the associations between drinking, social inequalities and transition to adulthood. Data collection focused on social factors potentially associated with alcohol use such as social class, demographinc data and life transitions during adolescence. A cross-sectional study was conducted in state and fee paying schools from poor and middle class neighbourhoods of Recife. Young people between 10-19 years attending school were interviewed using structured questionnaire. The ...