Prevalence of substance use in a rural teenage population

Abstract

A survey was administered to all students enrolled in a rural county school system, grades 7–12 (N = 1175) to assess prevalence rates of substance use for teens and their parents and lifestyle variables that relate to substance use. The variables of age, sex, and race were all related to both frequency and type of substance abuse. Lifestyle variables such as music preference, sexual activity, and choice of friends also related to substance use. Recommendations for planning primary prevention programs based upon findings were discussed.