Emerging Substance Use of Teenagers With ADHD

Abstract

use, especially among youth at high risk for substance use, has not been assessed??. Using data from a cross sectional survey of marginalized youth, this study sought to assess the relationship between levels of hope and substance use. Methods: The Division of Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, the Institute for Evaluation Science in Community Health at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, and the Allegheny County Health Department collaborated to conduct this countywide, youth health behavior survey. An anonymous survey technique was implemented with youth ages 14-19. Youth were recruited, using convenience sampling, from juvenile detention centers, shelters, and residential facilities. The survey was administered using audiocomputer-assisted self-interviewing technology (ACASI). Hopewas measured using three previously validated survey questions, (ie. “I believe things will work out for me” with likert scale responses) and risk behaviors were assessed using established Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey questions about substance use. Results: 254 youth had complete data for the variables of interest. Bivariate assessments show higher cumulative hope scores in youth not using hard drugs or binge drinking (p1⁄40.02). Higher hope scores are also found in youth who have not had sex after drug or alcohol use (p1⁄40.01). Youth who do not smoke marijuana or daily tobacco also had higher hope scores than their counterparts who reported daily smoking. After adjusting for relevant demographic variables (age, race/ethnicity, parental education), we found a trend towards decreased odds for binge drinking (0.72) for every 3 point increase in the hope score (range 3 15, p1⁄40.052). Odds ratios are presented at three point increase to assess a meaningful increase in hope score. Increased hopefulness was not associated with a lower likelihood of other substance using behaviors explored in other adjusted models. Conclusions: In a sample of at risk youth, higher levels of hope were associated with a decreased likelihood of risky substance use behaviors in bivariate models. These associations did not persist in adjustedmodels, suggesting that demographic characteristics such as age may be moderating these associations. There may also be unmeasured confounders in this sample of at risk youth. Hope (as a measure of future orientation) may be a potential protective factor in promoting healthier behaviors and reducing risk among adolescents. Studies with larger samples should examine whether hope may be more salient at particular ages or for specific populations. Sources of Support: Funders included the Heinz Foundation, the Hillman Foundation, the Grable Foundation, and The Fisa Foundation.