Substance misuse among native and rural high school students in Quebec

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Adolescent Health

Background:

• Substance use patterns vary significantly among different demographic groups.
• Understanding these differences is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.
• Rural youth and Indigenous populations often face unique challenges regarding substance abuse.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the prevalence of substance use (smoking, alcohol, cannabis, illicit drugs) between Francophone and Native high school students in rural Quebec.
• To identify specific substances and demographic factors associated with higher usage rates.
• To inform prevention efforts for alcohol and substance abuse in these vulnerable youth populations.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire was administered to Francophone and Native high school students in a rural Quebec setting.
• Data collected included smoking habits, and past/current use of alcohol, cannabis, and other illicit drugs.
• Statistical analysis was performed to compare prevalence rates and identify significant differences.

Main Results:

• Lifetime prevalence of illicit drug use was significantly higher among Native students, especially for stimulants and inhalants (p < .001).
• One-year prevalence of stimulant use remained significantly higher in Native students (p < .01).
• Alcohol consumption was more prevalent among Francophone students (p < .05). Native female students reported earlier initiation with most substances, a trend that diminished with age.

Conclusions:

• Significant disparities exist in substance use between Francophone and Native youth in rural Quebec.
• Targeted interventions are needed, addressing specific substances and demographic vulnerabilities, particularly for Native youth.
• Prevention programs should consider gender and age-related differences in substance involvement among Indigenous adolescents.