Clustering of lifetime substance use and sexual intercourse among young people: analysis of two school-based surveys

Kareena McAloney-Kocaman*, Paul J.S. Rogon, Lana Ireland

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
163 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Adolescents commonly engage in substance use and sexual behaviors which pose risks for their health. Secondary data analysis of two school-based surveys explored the clustering of lifetime use of cigarettes, alcohol, cannabis, and engagement in sexual intercourse among 2,489 adolescents in Scotland and 1,405 adolescents in Northern Ireland. All four behaviors were clustered with substantially higher prevalence than expected (11 and 24 times higher, respectively). Multiple logistic regression models indicated associations of the four-behavior cluster with sociodemographic factors, with family structure operating as a predictor of clustering across the sample and deprivation operating as a predictor for the Scottish sample. This suggests a need to focus on the interdependence of risk behaviors and factors associated with engagement in risk clusters in distinct cultural settings.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)99-104
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Substance Abuse
Volume28
Issue number2
Early online date23 Apr 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 9 Jul 2019

Keywords

  • adolescents
  • clustering
  • substance use

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Education
  • General Psychology
  • Social Psychology

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