Gender differences in drug usage among schoolchildren

Abstract

Consumption of alcohol, tobacco and other substances (ATS) in adults is higher in males than in females and causes many health problems. This investigation is aimed to check whether these ATS consumption differences start in middle school years.Methods:10 items questionnaire was used to evaluate the frequencies and amount of ATS, in 4679 girls and 4640 boys within the Health project supported by Kaunas regional municipality. Cronbach’s 0.78.Findings:Consumption of ATS is higher among boys (p50.05). Boys consume higher amounts of liquor and tobacco than girls only in 9th grade and amount of light drinks usage differ by gender in all grades. Frequencies and amount of consumption increase in boys and girls from 6th to 9th grade (p50.05).Discussion:Consumption of ATS is spread in middle school age students although it is illegal. The topic may be of interest for health psychologist.