International variations in youth drug use: The effect of individual behaviours, peer and family influences, and geographical location

This international study investigates factors underlying international vari ations in rates of youth drug use among representative samples of 15-year-o lds in five cities (Bremen, n = 871; Dublin, n = 983; Groningen, n = 487; N ewcastle upon Tyne, n = 880; Rome, n = 666). it reveals a higher level of d rug use in English-speaking compared to continental populations, Drug use w as associated with peer, family and individual factors. Logistic regression showed that family structure and sport were associated with lower rates an d delinquent behaviour with higher rates of drug use in all cities and amon g males and females. Among males, city of residence also independently pred icted drug use, The effect of traditional families and studiousness in redu cing drug use was most evident for male drug use in low-use cities: higher rates of use in English-speaking cities appear partially due to the drug us e of low-risk males. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.