Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #111489

Randi J. Alter, MA, Applied Health Science, Indiana University, 2735 E Tenth Street, CA Room 110, Bloomington, IN 47408, 812-855-1237, rjalter@indiana.edu, Mi Kyung Jun, PhD, MPH, Indiana Prevention Resource Center, Indiana University, Creative Arts Building Room 110, 2735 East 10th Street, Bloomington, IN 47408, and Mohammad R. Torabi, PhD, MPH, Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University, HPER Building Room 116, 1025 East 7th Street, Bloomington, IN 47405-7109.

Theory-driven research has shown that youth involvement in prosocial activities in the non-school hours is related to a lower likelihood of substance use. Among various prosocial activities, this study focused on the relationship between extracurricular and family activities and gateway drug use. Approximately 90,000 students between 6th and 12th grade in the state of Indiana were surveyed. Students indicating more participation in extracurricular activities (e.g, sports teams, drama programs) reported less use of gateway drugs including cigarettes (r = -.168, p < .01), smokeless tobacco (r = -.055, p < .01), alcohol (r = -.104, p < .01), marijuana (r = -.146, p < .01), and inhalants (r = -.042, p < .01). Students indicating more participation in organized family events (e.g., picnics, trips) reported less use of cigarettes (r = -.127, p < .01), smokeless tobacco (r = -.061, p < .01), alcohol (r = -.135, p < .01), marijuana (r = -.122, p < .01), and inhalants (r = -.067, p < .01). These findings were consistent between male and female students and throughout all grade levels. The results support the notion that involvement in prosocial activities such as extracurricular and family activities is protective against youth substance use.

Learning Objectives: Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to

• Identify activities that are protective against youth substance use.
• Apply research findings to programmatic efforts in their community.

Keywords: Youth, Prevention

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.