Tobacco use is the leading cause of death in the United States. Cigarette smoking was previously identified as a "gateway drug," a predictor of alcohol and other drug use in adolescents. This dissertation study examined trends, predictors, and associations of alcohol, tobacco and other drug (ATOD) use among Indiana public school students. Data were collected from 1991 to 1997 via ATOD Use among Indiana Children and Adolescents Annual Survey sponsored by Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Division of Mental health. A total of 404,009 students from 6th-12th grades were surveyed between 1991-97. Data were managed by using SPSS program. Smoking, alcohol use, and marijuana use were analyzed by using respective index scores. Logistic and multiple regression, ANOVA, and Moving Average statistical approaches were employed in data analysis. While trends of alcohol use were downward and marijuana use were upward across time for all grades, trends of smoking varied by grades, with an increasing trend for 10th-12th, leveling trend for 8th-9th, and decreasing trend for 6th-7th grades. Physiological reactions to drug use, perceived peer approval and risks of drug use, driving under the influence, grade level, and the year of survey were predictors included in final prediction models. Cigarette smoking is associated with increased use of other drugs in terms of drug use status, numbers, and frequencies. Possible inter-correlations of these findings were discussed. Recommendations included working on middle school kids, focusing on tobacco use prevention, and addressing peer pressure in health education programs.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to: 1. describe the trend, predictors, and associations of cigarette smoking, alcohol use, and marijuana use among Indiana public school 6th-12th students; 2. discuss the correlations of these drug use; 3. apply this information to the development of drug use prevention and education programs
Keywords: Adolescent Health, Drug Use
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Indiana Prevention Resource Center at Indiana University
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.