Tobacco and other substance use among Alaska Native youth in western Alaska.

Abstract

To examine tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use rates among Alaska Native youth from western Alaska. The sample consisted of 665 youth ages 6-18. Of children 6-10 years of age, 12% reported current use, and the prevalence rates increased with age. Females were significantly more likely than males to report tobacco use. The rates of alcohol and other drug use were very low. After adjusting for age and gender, significant correlates of tobacco use were maternal tobacco use during and after pregnancy. Expanded efforts are needed to address tobacco use among Alaska Native youth.