A Matched-Group Comparison of Drug Use and Problem Behavior among Canadian Indian and White Adolescents

Abstract

This study examined drug use, involvement in problem behavior, and family and peer predictors of these behaviors among Indian and White adolescents in an urban community who were matched on grade, gender, family structure, and mother's education. With the exception of alcohol, Indian adolescents showed higher rates and more frequent use of cigarettes, marijuana, solvents, and greater involvement in problem behavior than their White contemporaries. There was some indication that young Indian girls may be at risk for drug use. Indian adolescents in mother-only and mother-stepfather families reported greater use of marijuana and more favorable peer attitudes toward drug use than those living with both natural parents or than White adolescents. Indian youth as compared to White youth perceived their family functioning as more cohesive. Family adaptability was lowest among young White adolescents in nonintact families. Although the predictors of alcohol use were similar for both groups, nearly twice the variance was accounted for by the predictors for use of cigarettes and marijuana among White in comparison with Indian adolescents. The findings suggest the need for more focused research on family processes as well as longitudinal study of developmental trajectories for drug use and the factors that influence them among Indian youth.