RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY LEVEL AND CIGARETTE, SMOKELESSTOBACCO, AND MARIJUANA USE AMONG PUBLIC HIGH-SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS

This study analyzed the association between physical activity level an d cigarette, smokeless tobacco, and marijuana use among a selected gro up of public high school students from South Carolina (N = 4,800). The 1993 CDC Youth Risk Behavior Survey Mas used to collect self-report i nformation on physical activity substance use, and other risk-inking b ehaviors. Multiple logistic regression analysis for weighted data (SUD AAN) was used for data analysis. Adjusted analysis showed significant associations (p < .05) among White males for use of cigarettes, smokel ess tobacco, and marijuana, where higher levels of physical activity w ere inversely associated to use of these substances. Results from the study substantiate the importance of physical activity for adolescents ,and demonstrate the need for future research to clarify the causal re lationship between physical activity and substance use behaviors.