The Relationship Between Early Age of Onset of Initial Substance Use and Engaging in Multiple Health Risk Behaviors Among Young Adolescents

Article Abstract:

Smoking or using drugs at an early age is associated with a greater risk of other risky behavior among teenagers. Researchers surveyed 2,227 students in grades 6-8, and found that smoking at age 11 or younger was a strong predictor of other drug use, skating without a helmet, failure to use a seat belt, violence, and other high-risk behaviors. Risky behavior was also more common in boys, in those who used marijuana or cocaine at an early age, among those living in single-parent households, and those with lower rank in school.

Health aspects, Social aspects, Smoking and youth, Youth smoking, Risk-taking (Psychology), Risk taking

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Self-reported Weight Status and Dieting in a Cross-sectional Sample of Young Adolescents

Article Abstract:

Half of teenage girls incorrectly believe they are overweight, increasing the likelihood that they will diet. Researchers compared height and weight data with perceived weight status in a national group of 12- to 16-year-old teens. Only 25% of boys incorrectly believe they are overweight. White teenage girls of normal weight are more likely to believe they are overweight than black teens of either gender, and more likely to diet for weight-loss.

Statistical Data Included, Demographic aspects, Reducing diets, Body image, Self-perception, Obesity in children, Childhood obesity, Self perception

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