DRUG-USE PATHWAYS AMONG HIGH-SCHOOL-STUDENTS OF MEXICO

Objective. This study surveyed high school student drug users in urban areas of Mexico to describe use patterns and drug-related behaviors a mong adolescents and to develop predictor models of pathways to undera ge drug use. Subject/design. A National School Survey was conducted am ong high school students where data are provided by the State. Only ur ban sites were considered for this study (n = 40 521). Stratified two- stage cluster sampling was used; schools and groups within the schools were the sampling units. Conclusions. Male adolescents who have worke d the previous year, have high exposure within the family and are affi liated with drug using peers are at increased risk of becoming drug us ers and subject to depression and suicidal ideation as well as drug-re lated social problems.