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Adolescent risk taking and self-reported injuries associated with substance use
A Spirito1, E Jelalian, D Rasile
1Rhode Island Hospital and Brown University School of Medicine, Providence, USA.
The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
|March 16, 2000
Summary
Approximately 15% of adolescents reported injuries linked to substance use. Engaging in risk-taking behaviors significantly increases the likelihood of these substance use-related injuries in teens.
Area of Science:
- Adolescent Health
- Injury Prevention
- Substance Use Research
Background:
- Adolescent substance use is a significant public health concern.
- Injuries are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in adolescents.
- The relationship between substance use, risk-taking behavior, and injury requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of adolescent substance use at the time of injury.
- To explore the association between substance use-related injuries and risk-taking behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Anonymous surveys were administered to 1,425 high school students (9th-12th grade).
- Participants reported injuries sustained in the past six months associated with substance use.
- Data collected included substance use, injury details, and risk-taking behaviors.
Main Results:
- Males reported a higher incidence of alcohol or drug-related injuries than females (17.3% vs. 13%).
- Older adolescents (17-year-olds) reported more substance use-related injuries compared to younger peers.
- Risk-taking behavior was strongly associated with substance use-related injuries, increasing the odds approximately sixfold.
Conclusions:
- A notable percentage of adolescents (around 15%) experience injuries related to substance use.
- Adolescents with a history of risk-taking behaviors exhibit a significantly higher likelihood of sustaining substance use-related injuries.