American Journal of Public Health
Volume 91, Issue 5, 2001, Pages 794-798

Recency of immigration, substance use, and sexual behavior among Massachusetts adolescents (Article) (Open Access)

Blake S.M.* , Ledsky R. , Goodenow C. , O'Donnell L.
  • a George Washington University, Sch. of Pub. Health/Health Services, 2175 K St, NW, Washington, DC 20037, United States
  • b George Washington University, Sch. of Pub. Health/Health Services, 2175 K St, NW, Washington, DC 20037, United States
  • c George Washington University, Sch. of Pub. Health/Health Services, 2175 K St, NW, Washington, DC 20037, United States
  • d George Washington University, Sch. of Pub. Health/Health Services, 2175 K St, NW, Washington, DC 20037, United States

Abstract

Objectives. This study examined the relationships between recency of immigration, substance use, and sexual behavior. Methods. Surveys were conducted with 2635 Massachusetts 8th and 10th graders that allowed comparisons of health behaviors and risk and protective factors among students living in the United States "always," more than 6 years, or 6 years or less. Results. Compared with lifetime residents, immigrant youths (particularly those living in the United States 6 years or less) reported lower lifetime and recent alcohol and marijuana use (P<.001); sexual intercourse rates were similar across groups. However, recent immigrants were most likely to report peer pressures to engage in, and less parental support to avoid, risk behaviors (P<.001). Conclusions. A window of opportunity exists to provide primary prevention programs in schools to immigrant youths that may reduce adolescent health risk behaviors.

Author Keywords

[No Keywords available]

Index Keywords

male controlled study human female major clinical study immigrant substance abuse adolescence sexual behavior Article United States immigration risk assessment Adolescent
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0035036168&doi=10.2105%2fAJPH.91.5.794&partnerID=40&md5=6c9ad51e1656d4ff0362babf7c77e10a
DOI: 10.2105/AJPH.91.5.794
ISSN: 00900036
Cited by: 109
Original Language: English