Coping behaviors and drug use among fifth- and sixth -grade students

Drug use among school-aged children and adolescents has increased over the last two decades at an alarming rate. Most alarming is the evidence of more and more middle school aged children and even elementary school children being exposed to drugs and pressured to use them. This descriptive correlational study was designed to portray and delineate variables that may lead to drug use among 5th and 6th grade students. In addition, those characteristics identified as stressors, behaviors, and values of 5th and 6th grade students are described. Neuman's systems theory provided the framework for the study. There were 6 research questions to be answered which related to the frequency of drug use and high risk behaviors among 5th and 6th grade students. The sample consisted of 205 5th and 6th grade students attending 6 schools in the same southern school district. A Demographic Data Form, the Adolescent Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences (A-COPE), and a Drug Use Questionnaire were used to answer the research questions. Internal consistency reliability of the A-COPE was established by using a Cronbach's alpha. The overall reliability of the A-COPE was alpha .83 in this sample. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the data analysis. The research questions were answered using t test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and multiple regression tests. There was a statistically significant difference in gender and frequency of drug use. Boys reported higher use of cigarettes and alcohol than girls. Sixth graders used more alcohol and cigarettes than 5th graders. Also, there was a statistically significant difference in gender and friends, with girls who reported having more friends and more reliance on their friends as a means of coping in avoiding substance use. The findings indicate that this sample of students does report drug use and high-risk behaviors. However, no students reported using the illegal substances of heroin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), only one student reported using cocaine and phencyclidine (PCP), and 5 students reported using marijuana. Both theoretical and practical implications flow from the findings. The findings were congruent with the study's theoretical framework. The knowledge gained can be used by nurses to identify school-aged children at risk for substance abuse. In addition, the knowledge gained can be used in developing health promotion programs for school-aged children.