Differences in drug use among rural and suburban high school students in Ohio

This exploratory study examines differences in the prevalence of drug use b y gender among twelfth grade students (n = 464) in selected rural and subur ban high schools in west-central Ohio. The lifetime use of alcohol and othe r drugs is common among all groups. Proportionally fewer boys in rural scho ols than boys in suburban schools reported the use of marijuana, inhalants, and LSD, or recent episodes of drunkenness. No statistically significant d ifferences emerged between girls in rural and suburban schools. After schoo l employment practices may help explain the observed differences.