Nonmedical use of prescription drugs and peer norms among adolescents by race/ethnicity

Background: The study purpose was to assess the effect peer norms have on nonmedical use of prescription drugs (i.e., pain relievers, stimulants, tranquilizers, sedatives, and all four drug classes combined) by racial/ethnic group, including white, black/African American, Hispanic, and other. Method: A secondary analysis of the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data was conducted including participants aged 12 to 17 years (N = 17,736). Multivariable logistic regression models were performed to determine the effect peer norms have on use by drug classes and to independently examine these influences by racial/ethnic groups while controlling for covariates. Results: Overall, 6% of adolescents reported any nonmedical use of prescription drugs in the past year. White, Hispanic, and participants of other races/ethnicity who reported most/all students in their grade use substances were more likely to use any nonmedical prescription drug than whites, Hispanics, and participants of other races/ethnicity who reported none/few students in their grade use substances, while controlling for covariates. African Americans who reported most/all students in their grade use substances were only more likely to use pain relievers. Conclusions: These results highlight the need for prevention and intervention programs that address use among racial/ethnic groups.