ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, AND OTHER DRUG-USE AMONG RURAL SMALL-TOWN AND URBANYOUTH - A SECONDARY ANALYSIS OF THE MONITORING THE FUTURE DATA SET

Objectives. This study compared prevalence of substance use among high school seniors in rural and urban areas from 1976 through 1992. Metho ds. We used data collected for these years from urban (n = 75 916) and rural (n = 51 182) high school seniors. Thirty-day prevalence for alc ohol, cigarettes, marijuana, cocaine, LSD, and inhalant use, binge dri nking, smoking a pack or more of cigarettes a day, and daily alcohol a nd marijuana use were evaluated. Results. Substance use declined from 1976 through 1992. In 1976, urban students had greater prevalence for most substances, but by 1992, rural and urban students were similar, w ith rural students having higher prevalence for alcohol and cigarette use (particularly excessive use). Trends were similar for both sexes, though rural girls showed a later catch-up to use levels of urban girl s. Conclusions. Rural students are currently at risk approximately equ al to that of urban students. Other studies have demonstrated the asso ciation of substance use with increased morbidity and mortality. Polic y alterations and health education programs should address this patter n in the nation's rural areas.