The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #70996

Michele J. Moore, PhD, Chudley E. Werch, PhD, Rhonda L. Bledsoe, MPH, CHES, Joan M. Carlson, MSW, and Edessa C. Jobli, MPH, CHES. Center for Drug Prevention Research, University of North Florida, 4567 St. Johns Bluff Road South, Jacksonville, FL 32224, (904) 620-2847, mmoore@unf.edu

Encouraging young people to participate in physical activity has been recommended as a means to help them avoid substance use. However, the few studies that have examined this relationship show mixed results. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between exercise level and substance use behaviors among adolescents. Baseline data from three samples of youth involved in ongoing federally funded intervention studies were used. The three groups consisted of 160 eighth grade students, 173 high school students, and 268 college students. The items used for analysis were included in all three data collection instruments. The exercise question, adapted from the YRBS, assessed vigorous exercise in the past seven days. Students were classified as low (0-2 days), moderate (3-4 days) or heavy (5-7 days) exercisers. Dependent measures included 30-day frequency and quantity of alcohol use, and 30-day frequency of heavy drinking, cigarette smoking, smokeless tobacco use, and marijuana use. A MANOVA was performed for each of the three groups to assess the relationship between exercise level and substance use. No significant differences were found for the middle school or high school groups between exercise levels and substance use. College student heavy exercisers were significantly more likely than low exercisers to drink a greater quantity of alcohol, heavy drink, and use smokeless tobacco. Low exercisers were more likely than heavy exercisers to smoke cigarettes. Additional analysis including gender and race will be presented. Implications for substance use prevention programs incorporating physical activity will be discussed.

Learning Objectives:


• Summarize previous findings on the relationship between physical activity and substance use among youth;
• Describe current findings on exercise level and substance use among middle school, high school and college aged youth;
• Discuss the implications of the findings for future substance abuse intervention development.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.