School Experiences and Recent Alcohol Use Among African American Youth

Alcohol use among African American youth presents a significant public health issue in the United States. This study examines whether there is an association between school experiences and alcohol use in African American youth based on sex and age. Research suggests that school factors are an important component when examining alcohol use African American youth; however there is limited research on how school factors can influence alcohol use. The NSDUH survey was completed by students self-identifying as African American from all 50 states including the District of Columbia. Student participants ranged in age from 12-17 (N=3,475). Results indicated that a sizeable percentage of youth drank alcohol within the past year. Logistic regression analyses demonstrated that youth who had significantly negative experiences at school increased the odds of alcohol consumption. Significant differences based on sex and age were found among those using alcohol in the past year. Such findings have important implications for public health professionals and prevention specialists interested in protecting youth from risky behaviors including negative school experiences and alcohol use.