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Predicting Alcohol and Tobacco Use in a Sample of Rural Adolescents
Objective:
To examine adolescent perception of risk and the behavior and
attitudes of parents and friends to evaluate which best predicts
alcohol and tobacco use in a sample of rural adolescents. Methods:
Data were collected from one rural school district using a
paper and pencil survey of 548 adolescents. Specific items related
to personal use of alcohol and tobacco, friends use of alcohol and
tobacco and parental use of alcohol and tobacco and perception of
risk about use of these substances were analyzed using a multiple
regression model for each substance. Results: Friends use
of alcohol and tobacco predicted adolescent use (.001), while perception
of use was did not have any effect in the multiple regression model.Conclusion:
Although the study failed to support the idea that perception
of risk was a strong influence on adolescent substance use, it did
support other studies that have found friend or peer influence to
be a key factor in initiation and subsequent substance use. |