Citation

Curtin M. Ir. J. Med. Sci. 2004; 173(4): 191-192.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, General Publications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

16323611

Abstract

BACKGROUND: During adolescence, people tend to begin drinking alcohol and become involved in the culture that surrounds it. AIM: To compare the influence of peer relationships among females in mixed-sex schools versus single-sex schools on cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in four schools. The information was collected by means of a questionnaire. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty-eight questionnaires were completed. Of those questioned in single-sex schools, 34% had smoked a cigarette compared with 61% in mixed-sex schools (p < 0.005). The lifetime prevalence of alcohol consumption in mixed-sex schools was 88% compared with 73% in single-sex schools (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that females in mixed-sex schools have a tendency to have earlier exposure to smoking and alcohol consumption than girls of the same age in single-sex schools.