Abstract

Using data from a regional census survey of high school students, we compared substance use patterns between transgender and cisgender students, and students who did not know if they are transgender (DKT). Data from more than 23,000 youth from 26 high schools were used to compare alcohol-related behaviors, marijuana use, and non-medical use of prescription drugs (NMUPD) between these three groups. We also examined differences in substance use behaviors between these groups by grade. Results show that transgender students have significantly higher odds of engaging in most types of substance misuse behaviors including problem drinking, current marijuana use, and NMUPD, compared to cisgender students. DKT students have significantly higher odds of engaging in problem drinking, and NMUPD compared to cisgender students. Furthermore, differences in some substance use behaviors between transgender and cisgender students are greater among students in earlier grades compared to later grades; though this was not the case when comparing cisgender students to DKT students. Results highlight the elevated risk of substance use among transgender youth—especially during early high school years, and students who are not sure about their gender identity. Implications about the need for targeted and early prevention efforts for this vulnerable population are discussed.

摘要

使用对高中生进行的地区人口普查的数据，我们比较了跨性别和顺性别学生以及不知道自己是否为跨性别（DKT）的学生之间的物质使用方式。来自26个高中的23,000多名青年人的数据用于比较这三组之间与酒精相关的行为，大麻使用和处方药的非医疗使用（NMUPD）。我们还按年级检查了这些群体之间在物质使用行为上的差异。结果显示，与顺性别学生相比，跨性别学生在从事大多数类型的滥用毒品行为，包括饮酒，目前的大麻使用和NMUPD的几率要高得多。DKT学生的饮酒问题和NMUPD的可能性要比cisgender学生高得多。此外，早年级学生与跨年级学生相比，跨性别学生与顺性别学生之间在某些物质使用行为上的差异更大；尽管在比较cisgender学生和DKT学生时并非如此。结果表明，跨性别青年（尤其是在高中早期阶段）以及不确定性别身份的学生中，滥用毒品的风险较高。讨论了对该弱势人群进行有针对性的早期预防工作的必要性。结果表明，跨性别青年（尤其是在高中早期阶段）以及不确定性别身份的学生中，滥用毒品的风险较高。讨论了对该弱势人群进行有针对性的早期预防工作的必要性。结果表明，跨性别青年（尤其是在高中初期）和不确定性别身份的学生中，滥用毒品的风险较高。讨论了对该弱势人群进行有针对性的早期预防工作的必要性。