NCJ Number
128375
Journal
Public Health Volume: 104 Dated: (1990) Pages: 425-435
Date Published
1990
Length
11 pages
Annotation
The third in a series of surveys of secondary school students in England on drug misuse issues, this study examined the relationship between drug and solvent misuse and knowledge of HIV among 934 students. Sixteen percent of the sample had misused drugs, and five percent had used hallucinogens.
Abstract
Some of the social characteristics on which the drug misusers were compared with non-users included age, gender, incomplete family, unemployment, large family, free school dinners, and smoking parents. The groups were also compared in terms of illegal behaviors and knowledge of HIV and other public health issues (drugs, alcohol, and smoking). Although misusers did have a reasonable knowledge of HIV and AIDS, in general, members of this group seemed to have less knowledge of other public health issues, apparently denying the potential risks associated with drug abuse. 6 tables and 44 references (Author abstract modified)