The Effects of Race/Ethnicity, Income, and Family Structure on Adolescent Risk Behaviors

Examined the unique & combined contributions of race, income, & family structure to adolescent cigarette smoking, alcohol use, violence, suicidal thoughts or attempts, & sexual intercourse. 10,803 White, Black, & Hispanic 7th-12th grade students completed questionnaires & interviews concerning health compromising behaviour, race, income, & family structure. Results show that White patients were more likely to smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol, & attempt suicide in the younger years than were Black & Hispanic patients. Black patients were more likely to have had sexual intercourse, & both Black & Hispanic patients were more likely than White to engage in violence. Findings suggest that when taken together, race, income, & family structure provide only limited understanding of adolescent risk behaviours. (50 refs)