Recency of immigration, substance use, and sexual behavior among Massachusetts adolescents

Objectives. This study examined the relationships between recency of immigr ation, substance use, and sexual behavior. Methods. Surveys were conducted with 2635 Massachusetts 8th and 10th grader s that allowed comparisons of health behaviors and risk and protective fact ors among students living in the United States "always," more than 6 years, or 6 years or less. Results. Compared with lifetime residents, immigrant youths (particularly t hose living in the United States 6 years or less) reported lower lifetime a nd recent alcohol and marijuana use (P < .001); sexual intercourse rates we re similar across groups. However, recent immigrants were most likely to re port peer pressures to engage in, and less parental support to avoid, risk behaviors (P < .001). Conclusions. A window of opportunity exists to provide primary prevention p rograms in schools to immigrant youths that may reduce adolescent health ri sk behaviors.