Peer leaders and substance use among high-risk adolescents

Abstract

Objective: To examine the association between individual drug use and peer leaders use.

Method: Analysis of drug use behaviors of 525 students randomized into three arms-control, standard, and networked where peers serve as group leaders.

Results: Among the combined male and female group, there was no association between peer leader and individual use. Among males, peer leader use at baseline was positively associated with individual alcohol use at post-test. Among females, peer leader use at post-test was negatively associated with marijuana and cigarette use.

Conclusion: Having peer leaders in the network condition decreased the odds of marijuana and cigarette use among females. The opposite effect was found in males.

Keywords: adolescents; high risk; peer culture; peer influence; peer leaders; substance use.