Assessing sexuality attitudes and behaviors and correlates of alcohol and drugs

The association between sexual abstinence and use of alcohol, cigarettes, a nd marijuana was examined in data from questionnaires completed by 874 stud ents in Grades 6 through 8 at six urban schools. These students participate d in a program that implemented and evaluated an educational program on abs tinence sexuality. It focused on raising self-esteem, improving communicati on skills, and learning to set life goals. The evaluation instrument contai ned items assessing sexuality and attitudes toward behaviors related to dru g use. Use of each drug (alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana) was significantly (p < .00001) and positively associated with self-report of having experien ced sexual intercourse and expectation of having intercourse during the nex t year.