Association of Substance Use and Mental Health among U.S. High School Students from 2023 YRBS

Abstract

This study investigated the association between substance use and mental health among U. S. high school students. The 12679 adolescents (50.68% female) sample data was pooled from the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). The multivariate logistic regression models were used for explaining its potential relationship. The dependent variables were the mental health issues, and the independent variables were the use of substance, including cigarette, electronic vapor product, alcohol, marijuana and prescription pain medication. The results suggested that the female or male students who reported the use of different substances had increased risks of having mental health issues compared to the counterparts who had never used substances. The research findings will be useful for professionals and governments when they are considering an intervention strategy to reduce the mental health issues among teenagers.