A Comparative Study of Substance Use in Young Adolescents With and Without Chronic Health Conditions

This study investigated the prevalence and odds of, as well as risk factors for, substance use among Canadian adolescents with chronic health conditions. Adolescents ages 12 to 16 years from the Ontario Child Health Study were analyzed. Prevalence rates of heavy alcohol use, regular smoking, and having tried illicit drugs were 8.0% (N = 55), 11.0% (N = 76), and 13.8% (N = 95), respectively. Odds of ever having tried alcohol were higher among adolescents with chronic health conditions (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.24 [1.18, 4.25]). No associations were found with other forms of substance use. Among adolescents with chronic health conditions, those who were older and exhibited symptoms of mental health problems were at increased odds of reporting lifetime heavy alcohol use. Coordinated prevention strategies within the primary health care and educational systems are needed.