Among 5,738 African American male students, 14.7% reported past-year marijuana use, with disliking school and believing most classmates used marijuana being the strongest predictors.
School prevention program designers, educators, and public health professionals focused on adolescent substance use disparities.
14.7% past-year use; school attitudes and peer norms key predictors
What the researchers found
Those at highest risk were 16-17 years old, in grades 9-12, did not like going to school, and believed most or all students in their grade used marijuana. Not liking school and perceived social norms of use were the strongest school-related predictors.
Why it matters
School engagement and perceived peer norms are modifiable risk factors. Understanding what predicts marijuana use in African American male adolescents specifically can inform culturally targeted prevention programs.
The numbers in context
5,738 African American male students, grades 7-12. 14.7% past-year marijuana use. Highest risk: ages 16-17, grades 9-12, dislike school, perceive high peer use.
How the study worked
Analysis of the 2015-2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). National sample of 5,738 African American students in grades 7-12.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional design. Self-reported data. NSDUH may not capture highest-risk youth (homeless, incarcerated). School-level data does not capture school-specific policies or environments.
How to read the evidence
Large nationally representative sample with appropriate statistical methods, but cross-sectional design.
When this study was published
Published in 2022, using 2015-2018 NSDUH data.
The bigger picture
Perceived social norms are consistently among the strongest predictors of adolescent substance use. If teens believe "everyone" uses marijuana, they are more likely to use it, regardless of actual prevalence rates.
Questions still open
- Would correcting misperceptions about peer marijuana use reduce initiation? How should prevention programs be culturally adapted for African American male adolescents?
Common questions
What predicts marijuana use in African American teen boys?
How common is marijuana use among African American adolescent males?
Read the original research
Does marijuana use among African American adolescent males differ based on school factors?
Journal of ethnicity in substance abuse, 21(2), 762-772
Citation
King, Keith A; Fuqua, Stephon H; Vidourek, Rebecca A; Merianos, Ashley L; Yockey, R Andrew. (2022). Does marijuana use among African American adolescent males differ based on school factors?. Journal of ethnicity in substance abuse, 21(2), 762-772. https://doi.org/10.1080/15332640.2020.1824840
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