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Abstract
Background: This study examines whether there is variation in selected risk behavior engagement (multiple sexual partners, binge drinking, vandalism, self-harm and suicide ideation) among groups of high school students who report misusing prescription drugs.
Methods: Data were taken from the Minnesota Student Survey. Participants (n = 64 997) were categorized into four groups: non-drug users; prescription-only users; prescription and marijuana (cannabis) users; and prescription and other illicit drug users. Risk behavior engagement was compared across groups using general linear modeling.
Results: Significant variation in externalizing risk behaviors (number of sexual partners, binge drinking, vandalism) was found, with greater variation among females. Variation was also found for internalizing risk behaviors (self-harm and suicide ideation), though the differences between drug use groups were less drastic.
Conclusions: Distinct subgroups exist among adolescents who misuse prescription drugs. Researchers should consider these differences when assessing analytic strategies; those who work directly with adolescents who misuse prescriptions should consider these differences when designing interventions.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the Minnesota Student Survey Interagency Team for making the dataset available for this analysis.
Notes
1Participants in this group may or may not have reported use of marijuana in addition to use of other illicit substance(s).
2The 2009 eligibility level in Minnesota for free or reduced price lunch was an annual income of $40 793 for a family of four (Minneapolis Public Schools, Citation2010).