NCJ Number
171804
Journal
Journal of Drug Issues Volume: 26 Issue: 4 Dated: (Fall 1996) Pages: 751-781
Date Published
1996
Length
31 pages
Annotation
Data from the most recent Monitoring the Future survey were used to examine the role of race and residence in affecting drug use patterns.
Abstract
The participants included 12,168 high school seniors, just over 16 percent of whom were black, and the rest white. The sample was 49 percent females and 51 percent males. The analysis focused on the impact of residence and race on cigarette smoking, drinking alcohol, marijuana use, and the use of hard drugs. Results were generally consistent with previously reported research in indicating that residence differences are modest. In addition, black youth are much less likely than white youth to report drug use. Bivariate analysis also revealed that the major correlates of drug use include gender, family structure, religious attendance, grade point average, and the availability of unearned income. Race, family structure, religious attendance, grade point average, and unearned income remained significant in the multivariate analysis. Findings indicated a potential protective role for the family and church for rural black youths. The data did not support the commonly accepted perception of more frequent drug use among black adolescents, especially those who live in urban settings. Findings indicated that both access and opportunity are important in facilitating drug use, whereas family factors, measures of self-esteem as reflected in school performance and patterns of planning for the future, and involvement in other activities such as church attendance have an important protective role. Findings also indicated that national policies directed at drug prevention must acknowledge the need to direct resources to rural as well as urban areas. Tables, notes, and 76 references (Author abstract modified)