GENDER DIFFERENCES IN PERCEPTION OF RISK ASSOCIATED WITH ALCOHOL AND DRUG-USE AMONG COLLEGE-STUDENTS

Gender differences in perception of risk associated with use of alcoho l and other drugs were assessed among a sample of 1,244 undergraduates at a major Pacific Northwest university. Reexamination of data from a self-administered questionnaire revealed that females were more likel y than males to perceive greater risk with use of alcohol and other dr ugs. In particular, female perceptions of risk were significantly diff erent from males (P < .001) for most levels of alcohol use and for per ception of risk for occasional use of psychedelics, heroin, and diet p ills. Our findings suggest the need for continued gender-specific rese arch (and health education) in substance abuse prevention.