BULLYING AND SUBSTANCE USE AMONG AMERICAN INDIAN/ALASKAN NATIVE YOUTH: SECONDARY DATA ANALYSIS OF 2011-2019 YOUTH RISK BEHAVIOR SURVEILLANCE DATA

Abstract

Introduction: Studies suggest bullying is associated with negative health outcomes such as depression, physical health problems, and substance use. Bullying takes two forms, at school (traditional) and through online platforms (electronic). Literature on American Indians and Alaskan Natives (AIAN) note earlier substance use initiations, yet the association of bullying and substance use has not been explored.Methods: Using pooled 2011-2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System data, this study assessed the association between bullying (traditional and electronic) and cigarette smoking, alcohol, marijuana, and heavy substances use among AIAN adolescents (N=855). Descriptive statistics were calculated for demographics, bullying, and substances measures. Gender stratified and combined multivariate logistic regression models were conducted and adjusted for sexual minority status, age, and obesity. Results: Respondents were 55.2% male and between ages 15-17 years (74.3%). Among respondents, 23.3% reported experiencing traditional bullying while electronic bullying prevalence was 17.3%. For respondent substances use, 20.5% reported cigarette smoking, 32.5% alcohol use, 34.0% marijuana use, and 10.8% heavy substance use in past 30 days. Electronic bullying exposure was statistically significantly associated with higher odds of alcohol use in the past 30 days compared to those with no electronic bullying (adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=1.65, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18—2.31). Among males and females, statistically significantly higher odds of alcohol use when exposed to electronic bullying were observed (AOR=1.70, 95% CI: 1.10—2.72 and AOR=1.69, 95% CI:1.08—2.63, respectively). Conclusion: AIAN adolescents tend to use alcohol when exposed to electronic bullying. This finding suggests the need for strategies to continue to address prevention for substances use and bullying for AIAN adolescents.