Download State Epidemiological Profile Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs

State Epidemiological Profile
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs
Consumption and Consequences
March 2006
Bureau of Prevention Services
Division of Public Health Services
New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services
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Contents
Section I: State Epidemiological Profile
3
Across the Life-Span Consumption of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs
in New Hampshire and Northern New England States according to the
National Survey of Drug Use and Health
Section II: State Epidemiological Profile
8
Adult Consumption of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs in
New Hampshire according to the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance
Survey (BRFSS)
Section III: State Epidemiological Profile
18
New Hampshire SEDs Consequence Data for Alcohol, Tobacco and
Other Drugs
Section IV: State Epidemiological Profile
31
High School Youth Consumption of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other
Drugs in New Hampshire using the Youth Risk Behavior Survey
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Section I: State Epidemiological Profile
Across the Life-Span Consumption of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs in New
Hampshire and Northern New England States according to the National Survey of Drug
Use and Health
In this section data are presented to profile the consumption patterns in New Hampshire,
Vermont, and Maine. The data were obtained across the lifespan using the 2002-2003
National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (DHHS). The NSDUH is the only national source that currently provides
prevalence of use estimates for both adolescents and adults for every state.
Like most national surveys, the NSDUH has limitations. For example, estimates for New
Hampshire are based on relatively small samples. Although augmented by model-based
estimation procedures, estimates for specific age groups have relatively low precision
(i.e., large confidence intervals). Also, the estimates are subject to bias due to self-report
and non-response (refusal/no answer). (Note: the NSDUH employs an interview
methodology and the SEDs database reports life-span age groups somewhat differently
than similar measurements reported elsewhere).
Alcohol Consumption
Nearly 100,000 deaths each year in the U.S. are attributed to alcohol use or misuse.
Research has shown that youth who begin drinking at an early age are at increased risk of
problem drinking later in life. In addition, purchase and consumption of alcohol by
persons under the age of 21 is illegal.
Current Use of Alcohol
by Persons Aged 12 and
Older. Current use of
alcohol is defined as the
percent of persons
reporting any use of
alcohol within the past 30
days. As shown in Figure
1-4, the populations
reporting alcohol use in
the last 30 days shows
similar patterns across
Northern New England
with the 18-25 year age
group showing the most
consumption, eclipsing the
12-17 age group by nearly
50%.
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Figure 1-4
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Current Binge Drinking by Persons 12 and Older. Binge drinking is defined as the
percent of persons reporting having five or more drinks at least once within the past 30
days.
The consumption of five drinks or more within a short time span is commonly referred to
as binge drinking. Binge drinking is strongly associated with injuries, motor vehicle
crashes, violence, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, chronic liver disease, and a number of
other chronic and acute conditions.
As shown in Figure 1-5 below, the three Northern New England states, including New
Hampshire, show high rates (40% or more) of binge drinking. In New Hampshire, nearly
half of adults aged 18-25 report binge drinking in the past 30 days.
Figure 1-5
Tobacco Consumption
Each year in the United States, more than 400,000 deaths are attributed to cigarette
smoking, making it the leading preventable cause of death. Research has shown that
smoking increases the risk of heart disease, cancer, stroke, and chronic lung disease.
Environmental tobacco smoke has also been shown to increase the risk for heart disease
and lung cancer among nonsmokers. Careless smoking is the leading cause of fatal fires
in the United States.
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Current Cigarette Smoking by Persons Aged 12 and Older. Cigarette smoking is
defined as the percent of persons who reported smoking a cigarette on one or more days
within the past 30 days. Limitations on this measure include the fact that it does not
convey the lifetime or current number of cigarettes smoked.
As in the alcohol consumption data reported above, the Northern New England States
show similar patterns of tobacco consumption, with the 18-25 age group showing over
40% cigarette use (Fig. 1-6).
Figure 1-6
Marijuana Consumption
Marijuana use is associated with adverse physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral
changes. Sustained use can lead to addiction. The types of negative health impact
include respiratory illnesses, memory impairment, and weakening of the immune system.
Current Use of Marijuana by Persons Aged 12 and Older. Marijuana use is defined
as the percent of persons aged 12 and older reporting any use of marijuana within the past
30 days.
As shown in Figure 1-7, marijuana use in the past 30 days is relatively common in New
Hampshire and Northern New England with approximately one in four persons in the 1825 age group reporting use. Note that marijuana use drops off to approximately 5% in
the older population in NH.
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Figure 1-7
Drug Consumption
Illicit drugs have varying degrees of negative physical and psychological effects
depending on the class of drugs used. Dependence and serious medical conditions can
result from chronic use of such drugs. Serious medical conditions can stem from the
chronic and occasional use of a drug itself, but can also follow from the method of drug
administration or the use of contaminated equipment.
Figure 1-8
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Current Use of Illicit Drugs Other Than Marijuana by Persons Aged 12 and Older.
This indicator categorizes the percent of persons aged 12 and older reporting use of any
illicit drug other than marijuana, or an abusable product that may be obtained legally, on
one or more days within the past 30 days. Drug categories may include cocaine, heroin,
and hallucinogens such as LSD, PCP, peyote, mescaline, mushrooms, and ecstasy. They
may also include prescription drugs and inhalants such as amyl nitrate, cleaning fluids,
gasoline, paint, and glue.
Northern New England states exhibit similar patterns and abuse rates across age groups
(Figure 1-8). New Hampshire shows a nearly 12% abuse rate in the 18-25 age group,
nearly double the rate of teens under 18 and four times that of older adults.
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Section II: State Epidemiological Profile
Adult Consumption of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs in New Hampshire according
to the Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance Survey (BRFSS)
The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) is an ongoing telephoneadministered adult level survey that is supported by the Division of Adult and
Community Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health
Promotion, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The BRFSS was
developed and conducted by the CDC to monitor state-level prevalence of behavioral
risks among adults that are associated with premature morbidity and mortality.
The survey collects data on actual behaviors that would be especially useful for planning,
initiating, supporting, and evaluating health promotion and disease prevention programs.
The BRFSS provides prevalence estimates of adult use for every state. State-level
estimates may be further broken down by age, gender, and race/ethnicity.
In this section, data are presented to profile the consumption patterns using four alcohol
indicators and two tobacco indicators for adults in New Hampshire according to the
BRFSS. The data are first presented for 2003 across three age groups (18-34, 35-54,
55+). The indicators are then presented with gender breakdowns over a multiple year
time period.
Similar to the NSDUH and other national surveys, the BRFSS has limitations. For
example, the BRFSS is a telephone survey subject to potential bias due to self-report,
non-coverage (households without phones), and non-response (refusal/no answer). In
addition, estimates for subgroups may have relatively low precision. For example,
estimates for New Hampshire are based on relatively small sample sizes.
Alcohol Consumption Indicators
In the previous section it was noted that alcohol use or misuse is related to scores of
deaths each year and to many other negative individual, family, and community
consequences. Alcohol consumption indicators are listed below:
Current Use of Alcohol by Persons Aged 18 and Older. Current use of alcohol is
defined as percent of persons aged 18 and older reporting any use of alcohol within the
past 30 days.
Current Binge-Drinking by Adults Aged 18 and Older. Binge drinking is defined as
percent of persons aged 18 and older reporting having five or more drinks on at least one
occasion within the past 30 days.
Current Heavy Use of Alcohol by Adults Aged 18 and Older. Heavy use is defined as
the percent of women aged 18 and older reporting a average daily alcohol consumption
greater than one drink per day and the percent of men aged 18 and older reporting an
average daily alcohol consumption greater than two drinks per day.
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Drinking and Driving Among Adults 18 and Older. Drinking and driving is defined
by percent of adults aged 18 and older reporting driving one or more times in the past 30
days when they “have perhaps had too much to drink.”
18-34 Age Group Alcohol Consumption Indicators in 2003
Figure 2-1
Figure 2-1 indicates an alcohol use rate in this age group of approximately 70 % and a
binge-drinking rate of 44%
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35-54 Age Group Alcohol Consumption
Indicators in 2003
Figure 2-2
Figure 2-2 indicates that the alcohol use rate in this age group
is comparable to the younger age strata, but the binge-drinking
rate of 21% is almost half the younger group. 55+ Age
Assessment
55+ Group Alcohol Consumption
Indicators in 2003
Figure 2-3
Figure 2-3 indicates that the alcohol use rate in this age group
is somewhat lower than younger age groups and similar prior
age comparisons. The binge-drinking rate of 10% is almost half
the next younger age strata.
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Tobacco Consumption Indicators
Previous discussions on smoking indicated hundreds of thousands of deaths each year
attributed to cigarette smoking. The SEDs data with BRFSS indicators features two
smoking measures as follows.
Current Use of Cigarettes by Adults Aged 18 and Older. Reported as a percent, use
of cigarettes is when persons aged 18 and older report smoking 100 or more cigarettes in
their lifetime and also now smoke cigarettes either every day or on “some days.”
Current Daily Use of Cigarettes Among Adults. Daily use is the percent of adults
aged 18 and older who report smoking 100 or more cigarettes in their lifetime and also
now smoke cigarettes every day.
Figures 2-4, 2-5, and 2-6 show how smoking related behavior decreases across age
categories. However, the decrease is only about 10% in current daily use from the
youngest to oldest adult age groups. Whereas nearly 22% of the 18-34 year age group
reports daily smoking, 12% of the 55+ age group continue the practice into middle age
and beyond.
18-34 Age Group Tobacco Consumption Indicators in 2003
Figure 2-4
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35-54 Age Group Tobacco Consumption
Indicators in 2003
55+ Age Group Tobacco Consumption
Indicators in 2003
Figure2-5
Figure 2-6
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Alcohol and Tobacco Consumption Indicators over Year by Gender
The SEDs version of the BRFSS breaks out the alcohol and tobacco indicators by year
and gender. The figures that follow note differences in BRFSS data by gender. (Note that
the data as reported below omits certain indicators in selected years.)
Alcohol Consumption Indicators by Gender and Year
Figures 2-7 and 2-8 indicate that males show slightly higher rates for current alcohol use
and higher rates for binge drinking (as defined on page 18). For males, the rate of binge
drinking is double the rate for females. The differences in the rates for heavy alcohol use
or driving after drinking (Figure 2-10) are not large enough to make a distinction based
on gender for these indicators.
NH Current Alcohol Use by Sex and Year
Figure 2-7
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NH Binge Drinking by Sex and Year
NH Heavy Alcohol Use by Sex and Year
Figure 2-8
Figure 2-9
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NH Driving After Drinking by Sex and Year
Figure 2-10
Tobacco Consumption Indicators by Gender and Year
Figures 2-11 and 2-12 show parity between males and females over time in cigarette
consumption. Although the rates appear slightly higher for males, the relatively small
sample size does not justify making a reliable statement about gender differences in the
BRFSS.
NH Cigarette Use by Sex and Year
Figure 2-11
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NH Daily Cigarette Use by Sex and Year
Figure 2-12
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Section III: State Epidemiological Profile
New Hampshire SEDs Consequence Data for Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs
New Hampshire SEDs consequence data for alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs are found
in tables related to Mortality, Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), Uniform
Crime Reporting System (UCRS), and the National Survey for Drug Use and Health
(NHDUH). See below for definitions of systems and surveys.
Mortality. The Mortality tables contain age, race, and gender data for mortalities from
1990-2001. The tables maintain an aggregation of individual-level data that were
obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) Multiple Cause of Death
Public-Use Files. NCHS used the International Classification of Disease-9th revision
(ICD-9) system for classifying mortality data to record the underlying cause of death for
years 1990-1998. The International Classification of Disease-10th revision (ICD-10)
system for classifying mortality data was used to record the underlying cause of death for
years 1999-2001.
Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). In the SEDs, the Fatality Analysis
Reporting System indicator variables are calculated from 1990-2003 crash level and
person-level that was downloaded from the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatal Accident Reporting System (FARS), U.S. Department
of Transportation, and (numerator). Population estimates from the U.S. Bureau of the
Census (denominator).
Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR). In SEDs, the UCR of reported crime data were
downloaded from the National Archive of Criminal Justice Data website
http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/NACJD/ucr.html). The detailed Arrest and Offense Data,
1994-2002, is provide via the United States Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of
Investigation.
National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) The NSDUH is administered by
the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The NSDUH is the only national
source that currently provides prevalence of use estimates for both adolescents and adults
for every state.
The indicators and data listed below pertain to certain SAMHSA consequence indicators
whose data are found in the tables provided in SEDs.
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Alcohol and Illicit Drug Consequences
Alcohol Abuse or Dependence. Alcohol Abuse or Dependence is defined as the percent
of person’s aged 12 and older meeting DSM-IV criteria for alcohol abuse or dependence.
Abuse and dependence are clinical terms used to characterize patterns of alcohol use
associated with significant social, psychological, and physical problems for the user
and/or others that may be negatively impacted by the user. The data source is the
National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH).
Some limitations are evident for this type of data. Some have raised concerns regarding
the accuracy of assessing clinical conditions through survey methodology. In defense of
the method, however, SAMHSA notes that responses are shown to be consistent with
information obtained from peers, parents, and archival records.
Figure 3-1 provides data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health showing
Northern New England consequences across the life span. The survey data show similar
rates across the states with similar age patterns. As in other consequence data, the 18-25age category stands out for prevalence of illicit drug abuse or dependence.
Figure 3-1
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Drug Abuse or Dependence. Drug Abuse or Dependence is defined as percent of
person’s aged 12 and older meeting DSM-IV criteria for drug abuse or dependence.
Similar caveats and limitations as those made regarding alcohol abuse or dependence also
apply to this indicator.
Figure 3-2 provides data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health showing
Northern New England consequences across the life span. The survey data show similar
rates across the states with similar age patterns. As in other consequence data, the 18-25age category stands out for prevalence of illicit drug abuse or dependence.
Figure 3-2
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Chronic Liver Disease Death Rate. The Chronic Liver Disease Death Rate is defined as
number of deaths from chronic liver disease per 1,000 people. SAMHSA recognizes that
long term, heavy alcohol consumption is the leading cause of chronic liver disease, in
particular cirrhosis, the foremost alcohol associated chronic liver disease and is one of the
12 leading causes of death.
Although approximately 15,000 people in the U.S. die from cirrhosis each year, the
Chronic Liver Disease Death Rate is only based on deaths; cases of cirrhosis morbidity
are not reflected in this indicator. In addition, alcohol-related cirrhosis may have a long
latency; there may be a lag of several years between changes in behavior and population
mortality. The stability of this indicator is directly related to the size of the population in
which these deaths occur.
Figure 3-3 shows New Hampshire death rates over time by age group. As expected, the
highest rates occur for the 55 and over population and vary widely from approximately
0.1/ 1000 to 0.25 / 1000 in a given age group for any given year.
Age 55-64
Age 65+
Age 35-54
Age 21-29
Age 30-34
Figure 3-3
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Homicide Death Rate. The Homicide Death Rate is the number of deaths from
homicide per 1,000 people. Homicide includes injuries inflicted by others that result in
death. The Homicide Death Rate does not involve a direct assessment of alcohol
involvement, but rather is justified by the assumption that 30 percent of all homicides are
attributable to alcohol. This attributable fraction (30%) could vary substantially across
geographic areas and subgroups.
Figure 3-4 shows the mean homicide rate for 1995-2001. The graphs indicate that males
in the 18-34 age group are at the greatest risk of homicide and males in general are at
greater risk than females. Among women, those in the 18-34 age group are at greater risk
than those in other groups.
Figure 3-4
Figure 3-4
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Suicide Death Rate. The Suicide Death Rate is the number of deaths from suicide per
1,000 people. Suicide includes all means of self-inflicted injuries that result in death.
According to SEDs, the association between alcohol use and suicide has been well
documented. Suicidal individuals have high rates of alcohol use and abuse and alcohol
abusers have high rates of suicidal behavior. Although associated with alcohol
consumption, this indicator does not involve a direct assessment of alcohol involvement,
but rather is justified by the assumption that 20 percent of all suicides are attributable to
alcohol. This attributable fraction (20%) could vary substantially across geographic areas
and subgroups, however.
Figure 3-5 shows the mean suicide rate from 1995-2001 by age group and gender.
Males in the 18-34-age category show the highest rates. Males older than 17 years show
higher suicide rates than females in general.
Figure 3-5
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Deaths from Illicit Drug Use. Deaths from illicit drug use is defined as the number of
deaths directly attributable to illicit drug use per 1,000 people. Deaths that are directly
attributable to illicit drug use include drug psychoses, drug dependence, nondependent
abuse of drugs, and polyneuropathy due to drug use. The indicator only includes deaths;
illicit drug-related morbidity is not reflected. Deaths in which drugs may have been a
contributing but not primary cause are not included.
Figure 3-5 provides a Northern New England comparison of the above mentioned alcohol
related mortality indicators in 2001. Neither homicide nor drug abuse death rate stand
out in New Hampshire among other Northern New England States, especially when
compared to alcohol related cirrhosis or suicide. Alcoholic cirrhosis death rates are
considerably higher in NH (.54) than in either Maine (.43) or Vermont (.31). New
Hampshire suicide rates (1.32) are also higher than either Maine (1.26) or Vermont
(1.18). Figures 3-4 and 3-5 show age and sex breakdowns in greater detail of homicide
and suicide respectively.
Percent of Fatal Motor Vehicle Crashes that are Alcohol Related. Of the millions of
crashes in the U.S. each year, approximately 41 percent of traffic fatalities are the result
of drinking and driving. Alcohol-related traffic crashes remain the single greatest cause
of death among youth and young adults. This indicator is defined as percent of motor
Figure 3-5
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vehicle crashes in which at least one person died and for which at least one driver,
pedestrian, or cyclist had been drinking (Blood Alcohol Concentration >0.00).
The limitations on these data are quite evident. Although efforts are made to obtain the
BAC values for all drivers involved in fatal crashes; these data are not complete.
Therefore, the National Highway Safety Transportation Association has estimated driver
BAC for cases missing data.
Figure 3-6 shows that in New Hampshire from 1991 to 2003 the percent of fatal crashes
due to alcohol has been trending downward by nearly 7.5% in 6 years.
Figure 3-6
Alcohol related crash data are displayed in two primary ways in the Fatality Analysis
Reporting System (FARS). One indicator is the Alcohol-Related Vehicle Death rate that
is defined as the number of vehicle deaths in which at least one driver, pedestrian, or
cyclist had been drinking (Blood Alcohol Concentration >0.00) per 1000 people. The
second indicator is Alcohol-Involved Drivers Among All Drivers in Fatal Crashes
defined as percent of drivers involved in fatal crashes (i.e., in which at least one person
died) who were found to have Blood Alcohol Concentrations >0.00.
Alcohol-Related Vehicle Death Rate. Figure 3-7 shows rate of death for alcohol versus
non-alcohol related car crashes from 1990-2003. The rate of alcohol related deaths tracks
lower than non-alcohol deaths and has been trending downward since 1999.
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Figure 3-7
Figure 3-8 shows alcohol involved crash deaths in terms of numbers of deaths (as
opposed to rates) from 1995 – 2003 separated out by age and gender. The graph shows
that most vehicle deaths occur with males, especially those in the 18-34-age range.
Figure 3-8
Figure 3-9 also shows alcohol involved crash deaths, but in terms of rate per 1000
between 1995 – 2003 separated out by age and gender. This graph emphasizes the fact
that most vehicle deaths in New Hampshire are occurring in men aged 18-34.
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Figure 3-9
Figures 3 -10 and 3 –11 show that New Hampshire ranks below the mean in 2003 and
2004 when compared to other states and territories in terms of alcohol-related fatalities in
crashes. The histogram shows that in 2003 New Hampshire exhibited at fatal crash rate
of 0.40 / 1000 compared with an across state average of 0.41 / 1000 and in 2004 New
Hampshire fared even better with the death rate dropping to 0.35 / 1000 compared to an
across state average of 0.39 / 1000.
Figure 3-10
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Figure 3-11
Alcohol-Involved Drivers (Among All Fatal Crashes). The Alcohol-Involved Drivers
Among All Fatal Crashes indicator measures the drivers involved in fatal crashes (i.e., a
crash in which at least one person died) who were found to have Blood Alcohol
Concentrations >0.00.
Figure 3-12
Figure 3-12 shows alcohol involved crash deaths in terms of numbers of driver deaths
between 1995 – 2003 separated out by age and gender. Since the data in this chart are
not mutually exclusive with the above data (i.e., deaths of drivers also counts in the
vehicle death statistics), it is not surprising that most drivers in vehicle deaths are males,
especially those in the 18-34-age range.
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Figure 3-13
Figure 3-13 shows alcohol involved crash deaths in terms of rate per 1000 of driver
deaths between 1995 – 2003 separated out by age and gender. Data in this chart match
the previous chart (Figure 3-12) on Alcohol-Related Vehicle Death Rate. Males in the
18-34-age category appear most at risk.
Tobacco Consequences
Deaths from Lung Cancer.
Deaths from lung cancer are defined as the number of
deaths from lung cancer per 1,000 populations. Lung cancer often results from long-term
tobacco use and is the most common form of cancer mortality in the U.S. Eighty to 90
percent of all lung cancer is attributable to cigarette smoking. In 1998, there were slightly
more than 125,000 smoking-attributable lung cancer deaths. In 2001 598 New
Hampshire residents died from lung cancer. The rate per 1000 was 0.52, slightly less
than rates in other Northern New England States (see Figure 3-14).
Deaths from Cardiovascular Diseases. Deaths from Cardiovascular Diseases are an
indicator that SAMHSA recommends with reservations. The definition of the indicator is
the number of deaths from cardiovascular disease per 1,000 populations.
The
reservations relate to the fact that it is only based on deaths; cases of morbidity from
cardiovascular disease are not reflected in this indicator.
In addition, cardiovascular disease is not a single disease, but rather numerous diseases
with different causes and risk factors. Cigarette smoking is one of many behaviors that
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may contribute to cardiovascular disease. In any case, cigarette smoking is considered
the most preventable cause of cardiovascular disease. There were approximately 113,000
smoking-attributable cardiovascular disease deaths in 1998. In New Hampshire during
2001, 625 persons died due to cardiovascular disease. New Hampshire’s rate of 0.51 per
1000 is somewhat lower than rates in Maine (0.77) or Vermont (0.67). (See Figure 3-14).
Deaths from COPD and Emphysema (Lung Disease). Lung Disease is defined as the
number of deaths from COPD and emphysema per 1,000 populations. According to
SAMHSA, approximately 80 percent of chronic obstructive pulmonary (COPD) and
emphysema disease deaths are attributable to smoking. The limitations of this indicator
include the fact that it is only based on deaths; cases of morbidity from respiratory
disease are not reflected in this indicator. Death from respiratory disease reflects longterm, chronic cigarette smoking; it may be many years before changes in smoking affect
population mortality. In New Hampshire and across Northern New England, Lung
disease deaths occur at about the same rate as lung cancer or cardiovascular deaths (0.5 /
1000).
The mortality rate for ischemic cerebrovascular death is reported in Figure 3-14, but it is
not an “official” SEDs indicator. Ischemic cerebrovascular death rates are 4 to 5 times in
magnitude compared to other causes of death, and a similar pattern is observed among
Northern New England states.
Figure 3-14
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Section IV: State Epidemiological Profile
High School Youth Consumption of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs in
New Hampshire using the Youth Risk Behavior Survey
The Youth Risk Behavior Survey System (YRBSS) was developed in 1991 by the U.S.
Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
to monitor priority health risk behaviors that contribute markedly to the leading causes of
death, disability, and social problems among youth and adults in the United States.
The most notable weakness of the YRBSS is limited representation; students who have
dropped out of school are not included. In addition, consistent with other school-based
surveys, the YRBSS is subject to bias due to self-report, non-coverage (refusal by
selected schools to participate), and non-response (refusal/no answer).
In this Section of the New Hampshire, profile data are presented to characterize the 2005
consumption patterns of youth in New Hampshire high schools using the Youth Risk
Behavior Surveillance Systems (YRBSS). The analysis is presented using two different
samples.
State Randomized Sample. One sample, known as the State sample, provides
weighted rates from CDC's randomized administration (N=1276). The data from
this sample are comparable to previous data collections and are presented as rates
(%) derived from dichotomized survey items. For each of the eight indicators
listed below, the results of the state sample are presented in text form as a percent
followed by a breakout by gender.
Local Self-selected Sample. A second self-selected sample is also reported for
high schools in New Hampshire that surveyed the entire school (16,133 students).
These data are reported as a histogram of 24 schools in terms of rates (%) derived
from dichotomized survey items. Using this method, it is easy to visualize the
variability of the indicator from school to school.
For example, in the indicator Current Use of Alcohol by High School Students,
the randomized sample rate was 44% for the State with a 95% confidence interval
of 39.5% to 48.6%. This rate is reported in text below the indicator listed. In
comparison, the histogram of the self-selected sample showed that the average
rate for schools was a similar 44.7% with a standard deviation of 5.5%. Although
the statistics are almost identical, the histogram shows that the range of indicator
for each school is from a low of nearly 35% for the school with the lowest rate to
nearly 60% for the school with the highest rate. Based on this analysis, the reader
can garner a greater understanding of the underage drinking problem as it applies
to individual schools.
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Current Use of Alcohol by High School Students (Figure 4-1). Percent of students in
grades 9 through 12 reporting any use of alcohol within the past 30 days.
44.0% (39.5 - 48.6) of the students had at least one drink of alcohol on one or more of the
past 30 days. (43.4% males; 44.8% females)1.
Figure 4-1
Current Binge Drinking by High School Students (Figure 4-2). Percent of students in
grades 9 through 12 reporting having five or more drinks in a row (i.e., within a couple hours) on
at least one occasion within the past 30 days.
28.4% (24.5 – 32.3) of the students had 5 or more drinks of alcohol in a row; that is,
within a couple of hours, on one or more of the past 30 days. (29.4% males; 27.6%
females)1
Figure 4-2
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Early Initiation of Alcohol Use (Figure 4-3). Percent of students in grades 9 through
12 who report first use of alcohol before age 13 (more than just a few sips).
19.3% (16.2 – 22.4) of the students had their first drink of alcohol other than a few sips
before age 13. (20.7% males; 17.7% females)1
Figure 4-3
Current Use of Cigarettes by High School Students (Figure 4-4). Percent of students
in grades 9 through 12 reporting smoking a cigarette on one or more days within the past
30 days.
20.5% (17.3 – 23.8) of the students smoked cigarettes on one or more of the past 30 days.
(19.0% males; 22.5% females)1
Figure 4-4
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Early Initiation of Cigarette Use (Figure 4-5). Percent of students in grades 9 through
12 reporting that they smoked a whole cigarette for the first time before age 13.
12.6% (10.4 – 13.9) of the students smoked a whole cigarette for the first time prior to
age 13. (12.5% males; 12.7% females)1
Figure 4-5
Early Initiation of Marijuana Use (Figure 4-6). Percent of students in grades 9
through 12 reporting first use of marijuana before age 13.
7.1% (5.4 – 8.9) of the students tried marijuana for the first time before age 13. (8.3%
males; 5.8% females)1
Figure4-6
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Current Use of Marijuana by High School Students (Figure 4-7). Percent of students
in grades 9 through 12 reporting any use of marijuana within the past 30 days.
25.9% (22.6 – 29.2) of the students used marijuana one or more times during the past 30
days. (28.8% males; 22.8% females)1
Figure 4-7
Current Use of Cocaine by High School Students (Figure 4-8). Percent of students in
grades 9 through 12 reporting any use of cocaine within the past 30 days.
3.3% (2.4 – 4.2) of the students used any form of cocaine including powder, crack, or
freebase, one or more times during the past 30 days. (3.3% males; 3.3% females)1
State
Only.
Sample
The
Figure 4-8
following set of indicators report only data from the state sample and pertain to use of
very specific classes of drugs used during the student’s lifetime. Note that the rates for
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this class of consumption do not reflect current use but focus on use during the life of the
student.
Percent of High School Students Reporting Any Use of Specific Classes of Illicit
Drugs in Their Lifetime. Percent of students in grades 9 through 12 reporting using:
• Cocaine
• Inhalants
• Heroin
• Methamphetamine
• Ecstasy (MDMA)
• Steroids
• any drugs via injection one or more times during the lifetime (each category
assessed separately).
9.0% (7.0 – 10.9) of the students used any form of cocaine, including powder, crack, or
freebase, one or more times during their life. (9.8% males; 8.2% females)1
11.3% (8.9 – 13.7) of the students sniffed glue, breathed the contents of aerosol spray
cans, or inhaled any paints or sprays to get high one or more times during their
life. (9.5% males; 13.1% females)1
2.1% (1.2 – 2.9) of the students used heroin one or more times during their life. (2.0%
males; 2.1% females)1
5.5% (4.1 – 6.9) of the students used methamphetamines one or more times during their
life. (6.8% males; 4.2% females)1
5.5% (3.8 – 7.1) of the students used ecstasy one or more times during their life. (5.1%
males; 5.9% females)1
3.0% (2.0 – 4.1) of the students took steroid pills or shots without a doctor's prescription
one or more times during their life. (3.4% males; 2.6% females)1
1.8% (1.0 – 2.5) of the students used a needle to inject any illegal drug into their body
one or more times during their life. (1.5% males; 2.0% females)1
Appendices