Witnessing a Violent Death and Smoking, Alcohol Consumption, and Marijuana Use among Adolescents

Abstract

Witnessing violence has been linked to maladaptive coping behaviors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and marijuana use. However, more research is required to identify mechanisms in which witnessing violence leads to these behaviors. The objectives of this investigation were to examine the association between witnessing a violent death and smoking, alcohol consumption, and marijuana use among adolescents, to identify whether exhibiting depressive symptoms was a mediator within this relationship, and to determine if those who had adult support in school were less likely to engage in risky health behaviors. Data were collected from a sample of 1,878 urban students, from 18 public high schools participating in the 2008 Boston Youth Survey. In 2012, we used multilevel log-binomial regression models and propensity score matching to estimate the association between witnessing a violent death and smoking, alcohol consumption, and marijuana use. Analyses indicated that girls who witnessed a violent death were more likely to use marijuana (relative risk (RR)=1.09, 95 % confidence interval (CI)=1.02, 1.17), and tended towards a higher likelihood to smoke (RR=1.06, 95 % CI=1.00, 1.13) and consume alcohol (RR= 1.07, 95 % CI=0.97, 1.18). Among boys, those who witnessed a violent death were significantly more likely to smoke (RR=1.20, 95 % CI=1.11, 1.29), consume alcohol (RR= 1.30, 95 % CI=1.17, 1.45) and use marijuana (RR=1.33, 95 % CI=1.21, 1.46). When exhibiting depressive symptoms was included, estimates were not attenuated. However, among girls who witnessed a violent death, having an adult at school for support was protective against alcohol consumption. When we used propensity score matching, findings were consistent with the main analyses among boys only. This study adds insight into how witnessing violence can lead to adoption of adverse health behaviors.

Country and gender differences in the association between violence and cigarette smoking among youth

“…Several studies have been conducted among school-based populations to assess the relationship between a reduced set of violent events and cigarette smoking. In these studies, from China, Malawi, the United States, Chile, and the Western Pacific, bullying or being involved in physical fights was significantly associated with cigarette use [ 21 – 25 ]. A cross-country school-based study showed a consistent association between physical fights and cigarette smoking in 6 countries within the Western Pacific [ 26 ].…”

Mindfulness based intervention with an attentional comparison group in at risk young adolescents: a pilot randomized controlled trial

“…Risk factors for poor outcomes in adolescence include poverty, being raised by a single parent, being born to a teenage mother, living in a ‘foster’ household, parental alcoholism and being abused mentally or physically 1, 2. These risk factors are paired with lower academic achievement, incarceration, teen pregnancy, increased mental illness and violence after controlling for sex, race/ethnicity and education 3 .…”

Country and Gender Differences in the Association between Violence and Cigarette Smoking Among Youth

“…Other published ndings (Table 6) [27]. Regarding gender differences, one study showed that boys who witnessed a violent death were signi cantly more likely to smoke compared with girls [25], but another study showed no signi cant differences between girls and boys who were involved in bullying or a physical ght [23]. None of these studies asked about family violence nor were conducted in areas with long-term armed con icts.…”

“…Several studies have been conducted among school-based populations to assess the relationship between a reduced set of violent events and cigarette smoking. In these studies, from China, Malawi, the United States, Chile, and the Western Paci c, bullying or being involved in physical ghts was signi cantly associated with cigarette use [21] [22][23] [24] [25]. A cross-country school-based study showed a consistent association between physical ghts and cigarette smoking in 6 countries within the Western Paci c [26].…”