Young Epidemiology Scholars Competition

"I talked with some high school guidance counselors and student advisors after completing my study and they were shocked by the scope of the problem. A few teachers and administrators didn't even know that the self-harm phenomenon existed, and were shocked to hear that students would deliberately injure themselves."

Natalia Nazarewicz conducted a survey of more than 1,000 Oak Ridge students showing that 26% of them had engaged in deliberate self-harm - such as cutting or burning their skin. She found that self-harm was often a response to stress generated in school, at home, or among peers. She found strong correlations between the incidence of self-harm and the person's perceptions of school, friends, family as well as themselves.

Two-thirds of those who reported a history of self-harm said they had since stopped the practice. Natalia said the most common reason given for stopping self-harm was "a decrease in stress level or an increase in general mood."

"I enjoyed the respect that everyone showered on us at the YES Competition," she said, "Everyone took us seriously and made us feel that we were not just teenagers doing research projects; instead we were doing something really significant." Natalia serves as vice-president of the International Relations Club and vice president of the Gay-Straight Alliance. She enjoys bicycling and swing dancing. She plans to study social policy at Brown University.

Deliberate Self-Harm Among Adolescents: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Treatment Options

Abstract

The present study investigated the prevalence and peer opinions of self-harm within a population of high school students to determine correlates and possible treatment methods. Participants were 1,052 high school students, ages 13-19 (mean age 15.9), who chose to complete a survey distributed during their English class. Responses were analyzed to compare self-harming and non-harming students, analyze peer opinions, and determine motivations of self-harming students. Slightly over 26% of students reported a history of self-harm, although 2/3 of these remarked that they have since stopped. Strong correlates were found to extracurricular activities, perceptions of school, friends, family, and oneself, risk behaviors, and harassment (sexual coercion, bullying, etc). Females were more likely to be sympathetic towards self-harming students, whereas males tended to criticize their actions or portray indifference. The most common reason for stopping self-harm activities was a decrease in stress level or an increase in general mood. An analysis of students' comments lends credence to the tension-reduction theory of self-harm. The gender differences in both motivations and peer opinions support the idea of varying treatment methods for males and females. Instead of simply labeling self-harm as the problem, school-level reform must be implemented to deal with harassment, gender inequality, and sexual coercion among students.

"I've become quite interested in depression, specifically in adolescents. Finding novel means of mitigating the negative effects of mood disorders is essential, and I wanted my research to involve that aspect."

For his project, Aman Prasad conducted a survey of 852 9th and 10th grade students from three Pocatello schools about their moods and their levels of physical activity. On average, he found that students who exercised at a rate of three or more days a week had better mood scores than students who did not exercise. Additional days of exercise each week resulted in even better mood scores, but moderate levels of exercise did not significantly affect mood.

After jogging or exercising, Aman would notice a sudden uplift in his mood and outlook on the rest of the day. He confirmed this with other friends who agreed that they felt better if they exercised and felt "down" if they didn't. This observation, combined with his interest in adolescent depression, inspired him to pursue his research topic.

After the YES Competition, Aman said, "I learned that when you're motivated to try something new, to build bridges with your ideas, there really is no limit to what you can accomplish. Solving problems with science and helping potentially millions of other humans is a universal concept no matter where you're from." Aman is a member of the National Honor Society, Pocatello Youth Forum, Pocatello Arts Council, and Century school magazine. In his free time he enjoys reading, writing, research, and running. He will attend Cornell University.

Physical Activity and Mood in Adolescents

Abstract

Recent evidence suggests that regular physical activity may improve mood, though there is a dearth of information on this relationship in adolescent populations. Surveys collected from 852 9th and 10th grade students (aged 13-17 years) in three Pocatello, Idaho, high schools were analyzed to explore the relationship between physical activity and mood and to determine the mood state, general physical condition, and physical activity levels of the participants. The questionnaire used to analyze the relationship included the Children's Depression Inventory - Short form (CDI-S) to assess mood as well as adapted questions from the Center for Disease Control's 2005 Youth Risk Behavioral Survey (CDC'S 2005 YRBS) to assess physical activity level. For every day of vigorous exercise in a week, total CDI-S score was reduced by 0.39 points (p < .01). Students exercising vigorously at the CDC recommended minimum rate of three days in a week for at least 20 minutes thus reduced their total depression score by 1.17 points compared to students not exercising. Seventy-five percent of participants reported a CDI-S score below 4.00 points. Both males and females performed exercise in a week in proportions consistent with statewide and national data. Seventy-four percent of males and 60.0% of females reported doing vigorous exercise for at least three days in a week at CDC recommended amounts. The results suggest physical activity may mitigate the negative effects of minor mood disorders. They further emphasize the need to incorporate statements on physical activity and mental health in depression intervention, maintenance, and public policy initiatives in Idaho.

"The number of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) increases at a dramatic rate each year. The increase in the diagnosis of this disorder results in a further demand for treatment."

Elizabeth Baker developed and tested a "bi-orbital rotational" swing that provides an alternative therapy for treating attention deficit hyperactivity in children. She proposed that the motion created by this therapy swing stimulates the Vestibular system and improves the concentration and performance of children with ADHD. Liz tested her hypothesis and swing on ADHD and non-ADHD children. She hopes to continue this project as a longitudinal study. She would like to test both the short and long term effects of the swing she has developed. She would also like to see if the swing is effective with other types of neuron-sensory disorders.

Liz has been a 1st and 2nd Place winner at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in 2002-2006, a Siemens Westinghouse Competition Semifinalist, Scientific Talent Search Semifinalist, National Academy of Neuroscience Semifinalist, 2005 Arizona Future Innovator of the Year, and placed first for a number of years in the Southern Arizona Regional Science Fairs.

She said about the YES Competition, "I think it attracted the kind of people that really do want to do something good for our world, not just for themselves." Liz's activities include serving as an AAAS Delegate to Beijing in 2004, a 5-year intern at Jane Goodall Institute's ChimpanZoo, an actor in Community Theater, president of the Science Club, vice president of Science Olympiad, Nestles Goodwill Ambassador, and Envirothon Coach. She will major in Psychology or Pre-Law at the University of Arizona.

The Bi-Orbital Rotational Therapy Swing: A New Hope for Children with ADHD

Abstract

The number of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) increases at a dramatic rate each year. The increase in the diagnosis of this disorder results in a further demand for treatment. And yet, stimulant medication remains one of the few commonly prescribed treatment options for this common childhood disorder. Previous research showed that stimulation the Vestibular system improves the concentration and performance of children with ADHD. Thus, a Bi-Orbital Rotational swing was designed, constructed and tested. Eighty elementary-age subjects participated in the blind study. An equal number of ADHD and Non-ADHD children were tested. Forty students received three sessions of treatment. Forty students were placed in a control group and received non-swing interaction for an identical time. Students were pre- and post-tested while being observed for accuracy, speed, on and off-task behaviors, and changes in affect. Analysis of the data revealed the performance and concentration of all students improved significantly (from .005 to .000) on five out of six measures. The improvement of ADHD students was more highly significant on four out of six measures. Stimulant medication made no significant difference in the effectiveness of the swing. Based on the results, the Bi-Orbital Rotational Therapy Swing was effective in improving the concentration and performance of all children and, in particular, children with ADHD. The success of this project implies that other options may be, or should be, more readily available for the treatment of children increasingly diagnosed each year with ADHD.

"The idea for my research project arose from my volunteer experience at a preschool for children with autism and other disabilities. Autism is a developmental disability that severely impacts the ability to communicate and is associated with unusual behaviors that impact family life."

For several summers, Emily Lefkowitz had been volunteering at a preschool for children with autism and had the opportunity to observe the interactions between the autistic children and their siblings. With the help of state autism societies, she utilized the internet to recruit participants for her research study. Her survey of families with autistic children suggests that siblings of children with autism have more behavioral problems, emotional difficulties, and lower levels of social competence than children whose siblings are not autistic.

Emily will attend Cornell University and would like to pursue a career in research. In addition to her volunteer work with autistic children, Emily volunteered at a residential facility for adults with Down syndrome, was vice-president of the English Honor Society and the French Honor Society, a member of the History, Science and Math Honor Societies, and in Varsity Track and Field.

Emily said that the YES Competition helped her to "gain a real understanding of what epidemiologists do and how much they contribute to helping public health. Epidemiologists must exercise critical thinking to understand all the factors that can affect the population and to design appropriate research methodology."

Living with Impairment: Behavioral, Emotional and Social Adjustment of Neurotypical Siblings of Children with Autism

Abstract

Autism is a complex neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by severe impairment in social interaction and communication, and is associated with unusual behaviors. However, relatively few studies have evaluated the impact of living with an autistic child and the psychosocial adjustment of siblings of children with autism. Further, previous research has yielded conflicting results. The present study utilized children's self-reports and parents' reports to investigate the behavioral, emotional and social adjustment of siblings of autistic children. Participants included 103 neurotypical siblings of children with autism and their parents and 48 siblings of typically developing children and their parents. The siblings ranged in age from 6 to 13 years. Siblings completed the Feelings, Attitudes and Behaviors Scale for Children (FAB-C) and parents completed the Connors' Parent Rating Scale - Revised (CPRS-R). Results indicated that siblings of children with autism had more behavioral problems, emotional difficulties and lower levels of social competence than siblings of typically developing children. Significantly (p<0.05) higher mean scores on the FAB-C scale for conduct problems and negative peer relations and on the CPRS-R scale for oppositional behavior, anxious/shy and social problems were recorded in the autism group than in the control group. These findings suggest that siblings of children with autism are at increased risk for adjustment difficulties.

"In spite of the large body of research among adults that links physical activity and exercise to emotional well-being, there are still many areas of psychological functioning that are not well understood."

Soumya Irivinti's study of 2,568 high school students in the northeastern United States revealed that those who exercised infrequently experienced more psychosocial discomfort (loneliness, shyness, and hopelessness) than adolescents who exercised more frequently. She found that the group which reported exercising zero times per week scored significantly higher on the hopelessness and loneliness scales than other groups. This group, along with those who exercised infrequently (1-2 times per week) also had significantly higher scores on the shyness scale than those who reported exercising 3-4 times per week. Soumya hopes that these and other findings in her research are considered in the context of implications for health education programs aimed at increasing physical activity in youth.

Soumya has a passion for global issues including combating HIV/AIDS, improving access to education, eradicating hunger and poverty, promoting tolerance, promoting gender equality and empowering women, reducing child mortality, encouraging diversity, and ensuring environmental sustainability. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Senate, Math Team, and Computer Club.

She plans to major in biomedical engineering at Johns Hopkins University and said she learned "the growing importance of epidemiology as an interdisciplinary science that can be a valuable tool in almost any high school classroom."

An Epidemiological Study of Psychosocial Discomfort and Exercise Frequency in High School Students

Abstract

The relationship between physical activity and psychosocial discomfort was investigated among a sample of 2,568 high school students in the northeastern United States. Results revealed that adolescents who exercised infrequently or not at all scored higher on each measure of psychosocial discomfort (loneliness, shyness, and hopelessness) than adolescents who exercised more frequently. The group which reported exercising 0 times per week scored significantly higher on the hopelessness and loneliness scales than other groups. This group, along with those who exercised infrequently (1-2 times per week) also had significantly higher scores on the shyness scale than those who reported exercising 3-4 times per week or more. Although the findings of this study show a strong correlation between frequency of exercise and psychosocial comfort, an anomaly was found in the small group of adolescents (about 6% of the sample) who reported exercising every day. This group manifested elevated loneliness and hopelessness scores compared with those who exercised less frequently, although this finding is not statistically significant. The study's findings are discussed in the context of implications for health education programs aimed at increasing physical activity in youth.

"My interest in theoretical work combined with my desire to find practical real-life solutions led me to develop and complete this research project."

Nozlee Samadzadeh developed a computer simulation of an influenza outbreak in a residential school setting and used it to test different strategies for containing it. Using the clinical characteristics of influenza and data from a survey that identified the students' daily activities, a simulation program entitled SIORSS was written. She found that vaccination and limiting the number of people that any student interacts with to be the most effective, reducing the total number of cases by approximately 95% and 70%, respectively.

Nozlee has participated in the USA Computing Olympiad, American Computer Science League, and the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center Graduate Research Education and Technology Symposium. She is a member of the Oklahoma State University Karate Club, Mathematics and French Clubs, and volunteers at the public library's children's summer reading program and for Meals on Wheels.

Nozlee will attend Yale University and plans to study Computer Science or Bioengineering. She said she felt inspired by the cause that the YES Competition is intended to serve, "ensuring better and healthier lives for future generations."

SIORSS—Simulation of an Influenza Outbreak in a Residential School Setting

Abstract

Because of the small population and closed environment of boarding schools, influenza outbreaks can spread rapidly. This study uses discrete event simulation to model the behavior of an influenza outbreak in the author's two-year residential high school. Using the clinical characteristics of influenza and data from a survey that identified the students' daily activities, a simulation program entitled SIORSS was written in the Java programming language. The SIORSS program was used to model the effect of three preventative measures that could reduce the scope and impact of an influenza outbreak: isolation policies, reduction of exposure opportunity by regulation of group size to 2 or 3 students, and vaccination of 35, 50, and 75 percent of the student population. Isolation of infected students was found to be the least effective intervention against an influenza outbreak. Both group size regulation and vaccination were found to be more effective against the spread of an influenza outbreak, reducing the total number of cases by approximately 70% and 95%, respectively. The results of this study recommend two strategies with which to control an influenza outbreak at the author's high school.

"The purpose of this project was to assess weight goals of an adolescent population to determine if subgroups can be identified that correlate with a higher risk of eating disorders or unhealthy dietary practices."

Christina Badal's survey of 163 Florida high school students suggests a correlation between setting unreasonable weight goals and eating disorders or unhealthy dietary practices. Christina focused on body image among high school students because she often overhears teens commenting on their weight. She analyzed variables in terms of absolute weight goals and percentage of weight loss or gain needed to achieve their goals. She found that 16 percent of the respondents had unrealistic weight goals.

As a junior Christina is still researching colleges but is interested in attending Columbia, Princeton or Stanford Universities. She is president of the Astronomy Club, a member of Cum Laude Society and enjoys fishing, throwing the discus and journalism.

Weight Goals in a High School Age Population

Abstract

The objective is to assess weight goals of an adolescent population to determine if subgroups can be identified that correlate with a higher risk of eating disorders or unhealthy dietary practices. One hundred sixty-three students were surveyed to determine their "goal", "dream", "happy", "acceptable", and "disappointed" weights. In addition, their actual weight and height were independently measured. A series of 2 (overweight vs. non-overweight) X 2 (gender) ANOVA's were performed on the survey results. These dependent variables were analyzed in terms of absolute weight goals and percentage of weight loss or gain needed to achieve these goals. 16.0% of the sample population did not set medically reasonable weight goals. Five main problem groups were identified in this population. The groups are defined as follows: 1) overweight individuals who want to lose 15% or more of their current body weight; 2) normal weight boys who want to gain to overweight status; 3) overweight boys who want to gain weight; 4) normal weight girls who want to lose to underweight status; and 5) underweight girls who want to lose weight. Each of the identified groups was closely examined. Secondary sources and statistics were utilized to suggest possible relationships between weight goals and actual outcome. In addition, by selective screening of specific subgroups of the adolescent population, eating disorders and unhealthy dietary practices can be more readily identified for corrective action.

"I became interested in my topic after watching a talk show featuring a pregnant teenager who blamed her promiscuous behavior on her distant relationship with her father. After extensive research, I identified multiple factors shown to predict adolescent sexual promiscuity and permissiveness. I designed my study to see how influential each factor would be."

Erica Berck is a 16-year-old junior who surveyed 68 high school students to learn factors that contribute to sexual permissiveness. She found that peer attitudes toward sex were the best predictor of participants' sexual attitudes, and that a distant relationship with a person's father was a predictor of permissive sexual attitudes. Erica's interest in research was sparked by hearing about the work older students in her high school were doing. She loved the idea of designing and executing her own study to learn about something that really interested her.

Over the last several years, Erica has participated in the American Academy of Neurology Neuroscience Creativity Prize, Long Island Science and Engineering Fair, Long Island Science Congress, Rohm and Haas Invitational Science Fair, and Science Olympiad. She is a member of the Psychology Club, Science Olympiad, school newspaper, school yearbook, and National Honor Society. In her free time Erica enjoys tennis, track and playing the violin. She plans to major in neuroscience and psychology.

Factors Predicting Adolescent Sexual Permissiveness

Abstract

Past research has documented high rates of adolescent sexual permissiveness leading to pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. This study explored the contributing factors towards this trend. It was hypothesized that adolescent sexual permissiveness would be predicted by a distant relationship with parents, religious detachment, perceptions of permissive peers, and that males would be more permissive than females. Sixty-eight high school participants were surveyed. A simultaneous multiple regression analysis revealed that the model accounted for a total of 49.3% of the variance in the students' permissiveness. Peer attitudes toward sex were the best predictor of participants' sexual attitudes. In addition, a distant relationship to one's father was found to be a better predictor of permissive sexual attitudes than a distant relationship with one's mother. The implications of these findings are discussed.

"My project provides valuable information on the factors affecting decisions to vaccinate children against influenza and analyzes populations and establishments that should be targeted in order to help propagate healthy vaccination habits."

News reports about Avian Influenza and a possible pandemic piqued Katrina Diaz' interest in her topic. As influenza season drew near, she realized that new strategies should be developed to target vaccination of younger children, the population most likely to spread the disease to older populations. For her project, Katrina surveyed five Michigan daycare centers about the factors that most influence a parent's decision to vaccinate their children for influenza. A doctor's recommendation was the strongest factor, cited by 66 percent of the respondents.

In her spare time Katrina enjoys reading, writing, playing the violin, drawing, painting, singing, and acting. She says of her YES Competition experience, "I enjoyed the exhilaration I got from presenting and the great experience it provided, but I honestly loved meeting new people with the same interests that I have. I made a lot of amazing new friends and got some life-experience under my belt to better prepare me for a bright future." Katrina will graduate in 2007, and plans to study pre-med, English or Biology, and hopes to attend Harvard or Columbia.

Factors Associated with the Parental Decision to Vaccinate Infants, Toddlers and Early School-age Children Against Influenza

Abstract

Influenza is an infectious respiratory disease in which the inhaled virus attacks the respiratory epithelial cells of a person and produces inflammation (Hensyl, 1990). Researchers are suggesting targeting school-age children and younger for vaccination, who have been shown statistically to have the highest illness attack rates of all age groups (Longini, 2005). The purpose of this study is to determine factors that are associated with the parental decision to vaccinate infants, toddlers, and early school-age children against influenza. A paper survey concerning fifteen factors was sent out twice to five different daycares. Participants were asked to rank each factor according to a scale that would determine impact on their decision. Analysis software created by the Centers for Disease Control was used for data entry and statistical analysis. The most noticeable factor associated with this decision is doctor recommendations, with 66% of the population surveyed saying that it would make them more likely to get a flu shot for their child. School/daycare recommendations, the dispute over the effectiveness of the flu shot, and fear of side effects were also notable influences. Parents were almost five times as likely to vaccinate their children this flu season if they had been vaccinated themselves in previous years. The lessening likelihood for a parent to vaccinate their child with each season indicates that parents do not think that flu shots should be repeated each year. Better education programs about the benefits and the actual side effects of the influenza vaccination should be implemented, perhaps in pediatric clinics, schools and daycares, as well as workplaces.

"My project addresses an issue that our nation needs to face as it recovers from one of the biggest natural disasters in its history. With a current war, unpredictable nature, and violence every day in our country, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in America is predicted to be an ever-growing issue."

Amy Gillio learned about Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder prior to Hurricane Katrina. While volunteering as a relief worker in Mississippi, she became concerned that students may be harboring symptoms and were afraid to speak up, or were unaware they had a problem. In her project, Amy compared survey results of high school students in Pennsylvania with those of high school students in Mississippi who had first-hand experience with Hurricane Katrina. She found that 92 percent of Mississippi students exhibited at least one symptom suggestive of emotional problems, but that the rate among Pennsylvania students was also alarmingly high at 40 percent.

When she is not in school, Amy volunteers her time at relief agencies, helped build a house with Habitat for Humanity and participates in local food and clothing drives. She enjoys reading, dancing and playing tennis. She plans to major in Social Work at the University of Pittsburgh.

The Relative Risk of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms as a Function of Exposure to Hurricane Katrina

Abstract

The study was done with two cohorts of high school students. One group was from Mississippi and experienced Hurricane Katrina firsthand; the other was from Pennsylvania and had exposure through the media coverage. A cross-sectional analysis was done sixteen weeks following the hurricane examining the question of: Did the intensity of exposure to Hurricane Katrina cause different relative risk levels of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms when comparing students in Mississippi to students in Pennsylvania? The data was collected using a survey-instrument with self-reported responses. CHI Square analysis was performed and revealed statistically-significant findings. These findings showed a dramatic increase of relative risk of having Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms in the students from Mississippi compared to those in Pennsylvania. (Relative risk range from 5:1 to 19:1, p<0.0001). Due to the lack of baseline measurements and other study limitations, these results do not prove, but highly suggest a dose-related effect of exposure to the hurricane causing mental health symptoms. However expected, an alarmingly high prevalence of students exhibited at least one symptom suggestive of emotional problems. (92% of students surveyed in Mississippi versus 40% in Pennsylvania). These numbers are of epidemic proportion and are dramatically higher in the Mississippi students than in the students from Pennsylvania. The results of the study strongly imply the need for further evaluation, intervention, and possibly diagnosis and referral of the students involved in the study.

"As an intern for an infectious disease doctor and epidemiologist, I learned how critical proper hand washing is to controlling the spread of illness. I began to wonder about children in a school setting, and if regular hand washing during the school day would limit the spread of illness in schools and have a positive impact on student health."

Ashley Richardson investigated whether there is a connection between increased hand washing by elementary school students and absences due to illness. A comparison of practices in 10 school classrooms did not detect a significant difference between groups who carried out such practices and those who did not, but she did find having a sink in the classroom promotes increased hand washing. Ashley says that, "While the results were not statistically significant, observations from this study supported the need for a long term study and identified factors that may influence participant motivation and ease of compliance with scheduled hand washing during the school day."

Ashley has been a hospital information desk volunteer, and an intern at the National Cancer Institute's HIV Drug Resistance Program. She is a member of the National Honor Society and enjoys photography, reading, and playing the piano and guitar. She will study Biochemistry at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County.

The Impact of a Scheduled Hand Washing Policy in Elementary Schools on Student Health

Abstract

Proper hand washing has long been recognized as the most effective way to prevent the spread of disease causing organisms. The purpose of this study is to see if hand washing education and a twice daily mandatory hand washing program will have a positive impact on the health of elementary school students. Ten teachers at a local elementary school volunteered to participate in the study. One class from each grade (grades one through five) was in a control group, and another class from each grade was in an experimental group. There were no significant differences in demographics between the experimental and control groups. The experimental classes received hand washing education, and were required to wash their hands with soap and water twice per day, before lunch and after recess. The control group had no hand washing requirements. Teachers kept track of student absences due to illness for twelve weeks, and recorded this data on a chart I provided. I used a chi-square test to support or reject my null hypothesis that there is a relationship between hand washing and absences due to illness. The result was a chi-square value of 2.78, less than the 3.84 needed to prove a statistically significant difference between the groups. A noteworthy observation from this study is that close proximity to a sink is associated with increased compliance. Ongoing studies are needed until a hand washing program is devised that proves reasonable to implement as well as effective in reducing the number of days that elementary school children are sick.

"Underage alcohol consumption has long been high on the list of public health issues. Parent intervention may be an effective means of addressing the issue, but it can't occur if parents are unaware of their children's drinking habits. This study sought to evaluate the discrepancy between high school students' drinking behavior and their parents' knowledge and perception of these behaviors."

Erin Vickery is an 18-year-old senior who conducted a survey on high school students' alcohol drinking behavior and their parents' knowledge and perception of these behaviors. A study of 125 high school students and their parents showed that parents consistently underestimate the age at which their children begin drinking, the amount that they drink, and their preference for shots of hard liquor as their drink of choice. Erin believes this study can inform parents nationwide that they know less about their children's behavior than they think and emphasize the importance of parental intervention.

Erin has participated in the Dekalb Rockdale Science and Engineering Fair and plans to study Biochemistry at the University of South Carolina.

Underage Alcohol Consumption: Parent Perception vs. Student Reality

Abstract

Underage alcohol consumption has long been high on the list of public health issues. An illegal but common behavior, it is the source of many serious consequences, including drunk driving accidents and fatalities, risky behavior, and increased likelihood of developing dependency. Parent intervention may be an effective means of addressing the issue, but it can't occur if parents are unaware of their children's drinking habits. This study sought to evaluate the discrepancy between high school students' drinking behavior and their parents' knowledge and perception of these behaviors. A simple random sample of 125 high school students grades in 9-12 and ages 14-18 was chosen. The students were surveyed anonymously about their alcohol habits, and the parents were surveyed anonymously about their perception of their children's alcohol habits. Using anonymous numbering, each student survey was matched to the respective parent survey to create a match pair. The results show that parents consistently underestimate the degree of their children's consumption. Parents overestimated age of first drinking by .8125 years, underestimated number of days of drinking in past 30 days by .96 days, and underestimated number of drinks on last occasion by 1.53 drinks. Shots represented 126 of the 271.4 total drinks reported by the children, while only accounting for 10.5 of the total 63 total drinks estimated by parents. This study may inform parents nationwide that they know less about their children's behavior than they think. Other high schools should be encouraged to perform similar studies and to address the problem in their own communities through school-sponsored programs concerning teenage alcohol consumption trends and the importance of parent intervention.