Citation

Uppal GS, Babst DV, Schmeidler J. Am. J. Drug Alcohol Abuse 1977; 4(4): 505-515.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1977, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

615493

Abstract

This study was designed to assess the quality of age-of-onset data obtained in a state-wide secondary school survey on substance use. A representative sample (8,553), consisting of New York State students in public secondary schools (Grades 7-12) responded to a questionnaire during winter 1974/75. For each of eight substances, a parallel comparison was performed. The ages of onset for students of different current ages (12-17) were compared. All substances except alcohol and tobacco displayed similar patterns of age-of-onset response. The apparent discrepancies for alcohol and tobacco may be due to either a real instability in the age-of-onset pattern or to a recall error. The results of the study suggest that retrospective questions may provide useful information, particularly when they relate to memorable events.

Language: en