Examining the relationship between gender and drug-using behaviors in adolescents: The use of diagnostic assessments and biochemical analyses of urine samples

The present study examined the relationship between gender and drug-use amo ng adolescents using diagnostic assessments and biochemical analyses of uri ne samples. The data were collected in the context of a referral and assess ment program for adolescents suspected of using drugs, using the Adolescent Substance Battery [1]. A six-month random sample of 20 percent of adolesce nts assessed for drug use were targeted for biochemical assay. Compliance f or urine delivery was relatively high at 91 percent. Urine samples were qua ntitatively screened for pharmaceuticals using a standard thin-layer chroma tography (TLC) technique [2]. Statistical significance was found in the rel ationship between gender and marijuana use (p < .09). This study confirms t hat gender and drug-using behaviors among adolescents need additional resea rch and evaluation.