|
|
|
|
|
Swati Raychowdhury, MPH, Mi Kyung Jun, MPH, and E. Lisako Jones-McKyer, PhD, MPH. Indiana Prevention Resource Center, Indiana University, 2735 E. 10th St. Room 110, Bloomington, IN 47408, 812-855-1237, sraychow@indiana.edu
Researchers and practitioners continue to explore the nature of adolescent drug use and the correlation of peer perceptions and belief in the harmful risks associated with the use of alcohol and other drugs. Youth prevention has focused on efforts to determine how adolescents perceive harming themselves or others who use drugs, and the extent to which adolescent drug use is associated with peer influence. Nationally focused research efforts find associations between social influences and beliefs associated with the susceptibility for drug use. Local-level data was needed in order to aid state and community drug abuse programs. Data was collected from 141,342 youth in grades 6 through 12 in 156 separate communities or school corporations in the state of Indiana. A survey was administered from which results could be used to draw conclusions about alcohol and drug use by throughout the state. Results indicated that students were less likely to participate in drug use if their beliefs indicated a high risk of individuals harming themselves if they used drugs (i.e., cigarette use r=-.140, p=.000; alcohol use r=-.109, p=.000). Results also found that students who had a negative perception of peer approval on drug use were less likely to use drugs (i.e., marijuana use r=-.212. p=.000; cocaine use r=-.137, p=.000). Findings suggest that youth intervention programs should be directed towards peer influence and perceived risk educational components to further influence youth behaviors with alcohol and other drug use.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Drug Abuse, Adolescent Health
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.