Inhalant use in Florida youth.

PURPOSE: To determine (1) the prevalence of use, (2) risk and protective factors for use of inhalants in Florida youth.

METHODS: The Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey 2004 is a comprehensive assessment of youth substance abuse attitudes and practices obtained by sampling youth from sixty-five counties.

RESULTS: The sample consisted of 60,345 students from 6th to 12th grade; ages 10 to 19 + years (mean 14.5 years +/- 4), 53% were female with 59% White, 19% African-American, 16% Hispanic, 5% Native American, 2% Asian and 7% other. Lifetime use was highest among 14 year olds (16.5%), and current use among 13 year olds (16.7%). Females had significantly (p < .000) higher rates than males for lifetime (14.2% vs. 12.7%) and current use (5.1% vs. 4.1%). Native Americans had the highest rates of lifetime use (17%) followed by Whites (15%), mixed/other (15%), Hispanics (14%), Asians (13%), and Blacks (9%). The younger the age of first use of alcohol, cigarettes and marijuana, the higher the lifetime and current prevalence of use of inhalants. Inhalant users were more likely to be depressed, acknowledge deviant behavior and skipping school, have lower grades, have siblings and friends who used illegal substances and parents with a history of antisocial behavior (p < .000).

CONCLUSION: Inhalant use may be a marker for adolescents with a high-risk profile for subsequent illegal drug use. Prevention efforts should be directed to these students at an early age.