LONGITUDINAL-STUDY OF DELINQUENCY, DRUG-USE, SEXUAL-ACTIVITY, AND PREGNANCY AMONG CHILDREN AND YOUTH IN 3 CITIES

Using data from a collaborative program of research, this paper examin es the prevalence of delinquency, alcohol and drug use, sexual interco urse, and pregnancy among youth in three urban settings. The findings indicate that a substantial portion of adolescents are involved in the se behaviors. There are indications that for many youth the initiation of delinquency and drug use is occurring before the teenage years. Th ere are also indications that all of these behaviors are often co-occu rring, suggesting that comprehensive intervention programs may be requ ired. Importantly, the high rate of sexual activity and pregnancy, com bined with alcohol and drug use, suggests that greater attention to th is combination of behaviors is needed.