Differences in Drug Use among Rural and Suburban High School Students in Ohio

• NCJ Number: 178152
• Journal: Substance Use & Misuse Volume: 34 Issue: 4/5 Dated: March/April 1999 Pages: 567-577
• Author(s): Russel S. Falck M.A.; Harvey A. Siegal Ph.D.; Jichuan Wang Ph.D.; Robert G. Carlson Ph.D.
• Date Published: 1999
• Length: 11 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: DCC

Annotation

This study examines differences in the prevalence of drug use by gender among 12th grade students (n=464) in selected rural and suburban high schools in west-central Ohio.

Abstract

The lifetime use of alcohol and other drugs was common among all groups. Proportionally fewer boys in rural schools than boys in suburban schools reported the use of marijuana, inhalants, and LSD, or recent episodes of drunkenness. No statistically significant differences emerged between girls in rural and suburban schools. Afterschool employment practices may help explain the observed differences. Future research examining the association between employment and drug use should attempt to account for the type of work performed, the work environment, the hours worked and the income earned. It may be that the place where young people work and the nature of the relationships engendered there could serve as risk or protective influences for drug abuse. Tables, references