School and Parent Factors Associated With Steroid Use Among Adolescents.
Steroid use among adolescents is an increasing health concern. Literature examining factors related to steroid use is limited.



We investigated steroid use among 9th through 12th grade adolescents in the Greater Cincinnati area. A total of 38,414 adolescents completed the PRIDE Questionnaire. Associations between demographics, school factors, parent factors, sport participation, and steroid use were examined.



A total of 2.6% of adolescents reported using steroids in the past year. Most prevalent was steroid use among male, Junior/Senior, African-American, and Hispanic adolescents. Rates of steroid use differed significantly based on school and parent factors, but not sport participation. Adolescents who reported attendance at schools that frequently set and enforced rules for drug use or whose parents frequently set rules for drug use were at decreased odds for steroid use. School communication about drug use was negatively associated with steroid use.



School administration and staff, as well as parents, are uniquely positioned to deter steroid use among adolescents. Findings suggest that limiting steroid screening to student athletes might miss a substantial proportion of the population at risk. Thus, broad-based screening and prevention programs may be more effective than programs targeting student athletes alone.
Northern Kentucky University, Kinesiology and Health, HC 107, Nunn Drive, Highland Height, KY 41099.
Rebecca L
RL
Elkins
University of Cincinnati, Health Promotion & Education, 2600 Clifton Ave, Recreation Center 6319B, Cincinnati, OH 45221.
Keith
K
King
University of Cincinnati, Health Promotion & Education, 2600 Clifton Ave, Recreation Center 6319B, Cincinnati, OH 45221.
Laura
L
Nabors
University of Cincinnati, Health Promotion & Education, 2600 Clifton Ave, Recreation Center 6319B, Cincinnati, OH 45221.
Rebecca
R
Vidourek
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D006801:Humans; D009820:Ohio / Q000453:epidemiology; D010290:Parents; D012309:Risk-Taking; D012574:Schools; D013256:Steroids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014505:Urban Population
D013256:Steroids
child and adolescent health; drug use; public health; risk behaviors; substance use