NCJ Number
153441
Journal
Journal of Adolescent Health Volume: 14 Dated: (1993) Pages: 282-288
Date Published
1993
Length
7 pages
Annotation
To set priorities and provide data for a subsequent evaluation of Boston University's Youth at Risk program, the program gathered self-report data from youths in grades 6-8 in four schools regarding five high-risk behaviors: violence, sexual activity, alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, and smoking.
Abstract
Results revealed that violence (physical fighting or carrying a knife or a gun) and sexual activity were the most commonly reported risks, involving 54 percent and 38 percent, respectively, of the youths within the past year. Four-fifths of the students reported risk in at least one of the five risk categories at some time; two-thirds reported current risk in at least one category. Except for smoking, risk rates were lower in females than in males. Risk rates for violence and drug use were similar among blacks and whites, while sexual activity was more common and drinking and smoking less common among blacks than whites. Rates for all high-risk behaviors were consistently lower for Hispanics than non-Hispanic whites. Sexual activity increased mainly from the 7th to 8th grade, while drinking increased from both the 6th to 7th grade and again from the 7th to the 8th grade. Tables and 22 references (Author abstract modified)