Sex, Drugs, and the Kids at Fort Bragg

The Family Practice Residency provided an abstinence-based curriculum program to the post junior high school students. This study investigated the prevalence of high-risk behaviors in this population for improving future programs. The literature provided limited information on high-risk behaviors within such a young group. A majority of studies focused on inner-city populations with older students and higher rates of activity. Only one study looked at military youth, but it did not address sexuality. An anonymous survey provided the database. Tobacco usage occurred with one-fourth of the students. Alcohol usage was prevalent in one-third. Drug and smokeless tobacco usage was 8-10% for each. One-third reported sexual intercourse. Differences between gender and grade were statistically significant. The students reported discomfort discussing these topics with school advisors, teachers, and the nurse, but more comfort with parents and physicians. The program had a positive impact on one-third of the students. An abstinence-based curriculum was not an appropriate method for such a significantly active group. A more comprehensive approach combining abstinence and risk reduction would be better. More research would help to identify what factors contributed to high-risk behaviors, along with studying different populations and posts to understand the level of activity within this group.