Aims To explore the effect of alcohol consumption on the behaviour of women aged between 16-24 years.

Method Two hundred and eight women who attended a contraception and sexual health clinic in south east England completed a questionnaire. Eight subsequently took part in focus group interviews.

Results Across the age range 16-24 years, the younger the respondents, the earlier the age at which they first drank alcohol and the more they were drinking at the time of the study. They were also more likely to experience negative health consequences. Respondents aged 16 or 17 years were most likely to have commenced drinking at a young age.

Conclusion The results suggest that women are commencing alcohol consumption at a younger age and that this has adverse consequences for their health and wellbeing.