Relationship between delinquent behavior at school and initiation of ATOD use among youths aged 12-17

More than one-third of youths aged 12-17 are engaged in at least one delinquent behavior during the past year. The 2009 NSDUH, released September 16, 2010, shows that drug use in the United States increased in 2009, reversing downward trends since 2002. The increase in the “Any illicit drug” category was driven by a 9.0% increase in current use of marijuana (from 6.7% to 7.3%). Alcohol use by youths has been linked to delinquent behaviors, such as stealing, illicit drug use and problems in school. Research also indicates that early drinkers are more likely than nondrinkers to engage in delinquent behaviors. Objective: The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between youths' delinquent behavior at school and ATOD initiation. Data and Methods: This research uses data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) 2009. To control the effect of complex survey design, unadjusted and adjusted weighted logistic regression models are estimated for examining the relationship between delinquent behavior at school and youths' initiation of ATOD use. Result: Results show a positive relationship between delinquent behavior of youths and their initiation of ATOD use. Youths who demonstrated delinquent behavior at school are 2.5 times (OR=2.50) significantly (p<0.001) more likely to initiate ATOD use. Conclusion: Youths who have demonstrated delinquent behavior should be encouraged to take part in one or more community and ATOD prevention program activities, which may prevent youths from participating initiation of ATOD use.