Identifying high school students "at risk" for substance use and other behavioral problems: implications for prevention

Attendance and grade point average (GPA) data are universally maintained in school records and can potentially aid in identifying students with concealed behavioral problems, such as substance use. Researchers evaluated attendance (truancy) and GPA as a means to identify high school students at risk for substance use, suicide behaviors, and delinquency in 10 high schools in San Antonio, Texas, and San Francisco, California, during the spring and fall of 2002. A screening protocol identified students as "high risk" if (1) in the top quartile for absences and below the median GPA or (2) teacher referred. Survey responses of 930 high-risk students were compared with those from a random sample of 393 "typical" students not meeting the protocol. Bivariate and multivariate analyses assessed associations between the screening protocol variables and demographics, risk and protective factors, and problem outcomes. The individual contribution of each of the variables was also assessed. Students identified as high risk were significantly more likely than typical students to use cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana, evidence suicide risk factors, and engage in delinquent behavior. Norms varied between the two districts; nevertheless, high-risk students showed consistent differences in risk and protective factors, as well as problem behaviors, compared with typical students. Because of site differences in data collection and teacher participation, the comprehensive protocol is recommended, rather than individual indicators alone (e.g., truancy). Strengths of the screening protocol are the ready availability of school record data, the ease of use of the adapted protocol, and the option of including teacher referral. More research is recommended to test the generalizability of the protocol and to ensure that there are no unintended negative effects associated with identification of students as high risk.