ILLICIT SUBSTANCE USE, GENDER AND THE RISK OF VIOLENT BEHAVIOR AMONG ADOLESCENTS. • 5

Abstract

Objective: Little data exist concerning the relationship of illicit substance use and violent behavior among adolescents, or about the risk of violent behavior in adolescent females. Data from a nationally representative sample of high school students was therefore analyzed to investigate the relationship between substance use and violent behavior among adolescents, and to examine this relationship in both male and female adolescents. Design: Cross-sectional analyses of the 1991 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Setting: Public and private schools in the 50 United States. Participants: 12,272 high school students. Main Outcome Measure: Prevalence of weapon carrying and physical fighting in male and female adolescents. Results: A significant increase in the risk of weapon carrying and physical fighting was associated with all forms of substance use, for both male and female adolescents. Reports of weapon carrying were increased with recent alcohol consumption (34% vs 17%, p