|
|
| Rural kids more likely to drink, smoke |
| By SAMSHA Press Release |
| Published: 02/16/2004 |
|
The stereotype of country kids drinking and smoking may not be so far from the truth, according to a report recently released by the University of California, Davis. Rural youths are nearly four times as likely to smoke cigarettes, drink alcoholic beverages and ride in a car with a driver under the influence than their urban peers, according to the report. The study was based on the health of adolescents 12 to 17 years old and conducted by the 4-H Center of Youth Development at UCD. While the report does not give reasons rural students are more likely to engage in abusive behaviors, officials assume fewer activities and lack of public transportation may be contributing factors. In rural areas, 39 percent of youths have drank alcohol, compared to 29 percent in urban locales. Also, more than one in four, or 26 percent, of rural California adolescents have ridden with a driver under the influence compared to 17 percent of urban adolescents, according to the report. The study also revealed that 8 percent of rural youths smoke cigarettes regularly and more than half began smoking before age 13. Although rural teenagers are more likely to drink and smoke than city-dwelling kids, researchers also discovered some positive news about rural youth through the study. The report highlighted that rural youth are connected to their schools and have support at home. |
advertise
|
privacy policy
|
add URL
|
about us
|
terms/disclaimer
|
contact us
|
join our team
|
help
Comments:
No comments have been posted for this article.
Login to let us know what you think