Hendry County Florida

Transcription

1 Drug-Free Hendry County Hendry County Florida Drug and Alcohol Assessment Youth Ages Prepared by: The Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida, Inc.

2 Table of Contents Executive Summary... 4 Community Description... 7 Crime Indicators... 8 Alcohol-related Motor Vehicle Crashes... 8 Drug and Alcohol-related Arrest Data Department of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Referrals Emergency Department Visits Smoking During Pregnancy Youth Surveys Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS) Florida Youth Tobacco Survey (FYTS) Student Social Norms Survey Community Survey Interviews with Adults in the Community Appendices: Appendix A: Community Survey Questions Appendix B: Key Informant Interview Guide Appendix C: Community Leaders Interviewed Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 2

3 Executive Summary In an effort to decrease drug and alcohol abuse by the youth of Hendry County, a collaborative partnership was formed between the Hendry County Health Department and the Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida, Inc. (HPC) for the purpose of conducting a community drug and alcohol assessment for use by the Hendry County Health Department, Drug Free Hendry County, and other community partners. HPC reviewed numerous data sources and received feedback from members of the community through surveys and interviews. The drug and alcohol assessment consists of crime indicators, emergency department data, and youth survey results that will be used to identify areas where targeted interventions and policy changes may have the greatest impact. Alcohol-related Motor Vehicle Crashes Hendry County has recently seen a decrease in the rates of alcohol-related crashes in the county (94.2 per 100,000 for ). The rate of injuries from alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes in Hendry County has increased slightly over the last several years, while the rate of deaths from alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes has decreased over time. Drug and Alcohol-related Arrest Data Arrests in Hendry County for Driving Under the Influence have been on the decline over the last twelve years. Drug arrests have fluctuated, but have seen a recent increase. Arrests from liquor law violations have seen a steady decrease since Department of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Referrals The number of Hendry County youth being referred to the Department of Juvenile Justice for misdemeanor-level alcohol offenses has consistently been small, and the number of youth being referred to the Department of Juvenile Justice for drug-related offenses has been on the decline. Emergency Department Visits Hendry County youth (ages 0-17) have had fairly low number of alcohol/drug-related emergency department visits, with the most recent instances being of moderate severity. Smoking During Pregnancy Hendry County s rates of live births to mothers who smoked during pregnancy have fluctuated within a small margin, but have remained lower than for the state of Florida as a whole. Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 3

4 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey According to the 2012 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey, 24.7 percent of Hendry County students reported having used alcohol in the past 30 days. The percentage of students reporting cigarette use over the past 30 days in Hendry County was nearly identical to the Florida average (6.5% Hendry vs. 6.6% State) percent of Hendry County students reported having used marijuana in the past 30 days. Beyond the more widely abused substances (alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana), high school students in Hendry County abuse prescription pain relievers most frequently (8.9% of Hendry County high school students reported having ever abused prescription pain relievers). Middle school students abuse inhalants most frequently, even more than they do marijuana (11.8% of Hendry County middle school students reported having ever used inhalants). Over the last eight years, those Hendry County students reporting that they have ever used alcohol has decreased. When assessing Protective Factors, Hendry County high school students reported the lowest rates of protection for the Family Rewards for Prosocial Involvement (51%) and School Rewards for Prosocial Involvement (52%) scales. Middle school students reported the lowest rates of protection for the School Opportunities for Prosocial Involvement (42%) and Family Rewards for Prosocial Involvement (46%) scales. When assessing Risk Factors, Hendry County high school students reported the highest rates of risk for the Community Disorganization (62%) and Transitions and Mobility (55%) scales. Middle school students also reported the highest rates of risk for the Community Disorganization (65%) and Transitions and Mobility (54%) scales. Florida Youth Tobacco Survey According to the Florida Youth Tobacco Survey, cigarette smoking is decreasing by the youth of Hendry County percent of Hendry County middle school students reported that they have never smoked a cigarette and do not intend to, even if offered one by a friend percent of high school students reported the same. Student Social Norms Survey According to the Student Social Norm Survey, perception of high school alcohol use was it its lowest rate for the school year, while the percentage of high school students who reported having at least one drink of alcohol during the past 30 days has remained fairly consistent. Actual alcohol usage for the school year for Hendry County middle school students was at its lowest (16%) and the perception of alcohol use was at its lowest as well (50%). For the school year, 48 percent of Hendry County high school students and 74 percent of middle school students stated that they have never used alcohol. Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 4

5 Hendry County high school students reported rates of smoking cigarettes for the school year that were similar to recent years. The perception of cigarette use, however, is at its lowest. Middle school students in Hendry County are reporting much lower rates of having smoked cigarettes than in years past. For the school year, 73 percent of Hendry County high school students and 87 percent of middle school students stated that they have never smoked cigarettes. For the school year, 64 percent of Hendry County high school students and 86 percent of middle school students stated that they have never used marijuana. Community Survey The largest number of respondents felt that MANY youth (roughly 26%-50%) are abusing alcohol and cigarettes. The largest number of respondents felt that SOME youth (roughly 11%-25%) are abusing smokeless tobacco, marijuana, and depressants. Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco were felt by the largest number of respondents to be used most frequently of all the substances. Over 15 percent of those surveyed responded that there is community approval of high school students attending parties where there is no parental supervision. An overwhelming majority responded that the community disapproves or strongly disapproves of drinking and driving. The majority of adults surveyed felt that alcohol and drugs are easily attained in Hendry County. Survey respondents suggested that the best ways to communicate anti-substance abuse messages were through parents, through schools, and on Facebook. The most selected type of message to be communicated was that a police record can hurt future opportunities. When asked what other ways Hendry County should work to prevent substance abuse, most respondents selected the responses for campaigns aimed at parents as well as more recreational facilities for the youth. Interviews with Adults in the Community The Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida interviewed twelve Hendry County community members to gain insight into the substance abuse attitudes and activities among the youth of Hendry County. Many of the adults interviewed felt that the majority of the substance abuse problem is alcohol. Marijuana was felt to be the next most frequently abused substance. Many suggested that cigarettes are being used much less frequently by the youth than in the past. Prescription drug abuse by the youth of Hendry County was felt by many of those interviewed to be a big problem that is on the rise. Community members suggested that youth are obtaining these substances from older friends, older siblings/other older family members, parents, they steal alcohol and prescription drugs from their own homes, or they buy it themselves from area stores that do not follow age restrictions on legal substances. Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 5

6 About half of those interviewed were aware of parties where adults provided alcohol for the youth to consume. Prom parties and quinceñeras were mentioned as regular instances of parents allowing youth to drink alcohol. Interviewees described a laid-back attitude towards alcohol use by the youth of the county. The attitude in the community towards tobacco use was felt to be that not many youth are using it, so there isn t much concern. Marijuana use was felt by half of interviewees to be frowned upon, and by the other half to be more acceptable, particularly as it is becoming legal in many states. When asked why youth choose to abuse these substances, most interviewees felt it was due to boredom. Suggestions to combat this issue included opening a skating rink, a pizza place, a movie theater, and/or a bowling alley. All of the community members interviewed felt that strong, visual messages were the most effective for youth. When asked who should be delivering these messages, the majority felt that this role should fall upon the parents. Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 6

7 Community Description The demographic, social and economic characteristics of a community can strongly influence the community s health status and related service needs. These indicators should be a primary consideration when designing and developing any alcohol, tobacco and other drug reduction programs within the region. This section provides a brief overview of some of the characteristics and trends that make Hendry County unique. Hendry County is a rural county located in southwest Florida. LaBelle is the county seat. Clewiston is the largest and most populous incorporated area. Hendry County is 1, square miles in area; about 3 percent of that area is covered by water. The county has a population density of about 34 persons per square mile compared to a state average of 357 persons per square mile. As of 2011, the population was 38,871 with 81.2 percent White, 14.4 percent Black, and 4.4 percent other races. Ethnicity in Florida is broken out separately from race. About 50 percent of the residents of Hendry County identify as Hispanic (49.4%); this is significantly higher than the state average (22.8%). The vast majority of the people in Hendry County who identify as Hispanic identify as white. There are significantly more men than women in Hendry County. Fifty-four percent of the residents of Hendry County are male while Forty-six percent are female. Approximately thirty-seven percent of the population in Hendry is under the age of 25 and approximately twelve percent are 65 or older. The target population of this study is youth ages twelve to twenty, which accounted for 13.5 percent of the 2011 population. For this age range, 47.1 percent were female and 52.9 percent were male. Fiftyeight percent of youth ages twelve to twenty indicated that they were Hispanic. The percent of people living under the poverty level in Hendry County is significantly higher than the state as a whole according to 2011 data (29.6% Hendry vs. 17.0% State). Unfortunately, that also holds true for the percent of children 0-17 years of age who are under the poverty level; that rate is 39.8 percent for Hendry County compared to 25.1 percent for the state. Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 7

8 Crime Indicators Alcohol-related Motor Vehicle Crashes According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, alcohol-related motor vehicles crashes were responsible for over 10,000 deaths nationwide in Hendry County has recently seen a decrease in the rates of alcohol-related crashes in the county, but the numbers are still troubling. Hendry County Alcohol-related Motor Vehicle Crashes 3-Year Rate per 100,000 Hendry State Alcohol-related Motor Vehicle Crashes Alcohol-related Motor Vehicle Crash Injuries Alcohol-related Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths Sources: FDLE Uniform Crime Report, DHSMV Traffic Crash Facts, Florida Office of Vital Statistics Alcohol-related Motor Vehicle Crashes 3-Year Rate per 100, Hendry State In Hendry County, alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes have been on the decline, and have recently fallen slightly below the State average. The most recent 3-year rate per 100,000 residents was 94.2 compared to 97.2 for Florida as a whole. Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 8

9 140 Alcohol-related Motor Vehicle Crash Injuries 3-Year Rate per 100, Hendry State Injuries from alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes in Hendry County have increased slightly over the last several years, and have remained consistently above the State rates. 25 Alcohol-related Motor Vehicle Crash Deaths 3-Year Rate per 100, Hendry State Deaths due to alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes are of the highest concern. Rates per 100,000 in Hendry County for alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes have remained consistently higher than the State rates, although they have seen a considerable decrease over time. Please note that due to the small size of the population in Hendry County, a small number of deaths can cause a large variance in the death rate. For example, in 2011 there were a total of three alcoholrelated motor vehicle crash deaths. Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 9

10 Drug and Alcohol-related Arrest Data Drug and alcohol-related crimes are unfortunately common in Hendry County. The following table shows the total arrests made in Hendry County for DUIs, drug crimes, and liquor law violations since Uniform Crime Report Arrest Data Total Arrests in Hendry County, DUI arrests Drug arrests Liquor law violations* Source: Florida Department of Law Enforcement. Crime in Florida, Annual Florida uniform crime report [Computer program]. Tallahassee, FL: FDLE. *The violation of laws or ordinances prohibiting: the manufacture, sale, transporting, furnishing, possessing of intoxicating liquor; maintaining unlawful drinking places; bootlegging; operating a still; furnishing liquor to a minor or intemperate person; using a vehicle for illegal transportation of liquor; drinking on a train or public conveyance; and all attempts to commit any of the aforementioned. (Drunkenness and driving under the influence are not included in this definition.) 600 Total Arrests in Hendry County, DUI arrests Drug arrests Liquor law violations 0 Arrests in Hendry County for Driving Under the Influence have been on the decline over the last twelve years. Drug arrests have fluctuated, but have seen an increase since Arrests from liquor law violations, which include providing liquor to a minor, rose considerably at the beginning of the century, but have seen a steady decrease since Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 10

11 Department of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Referrals When it comes to the youth of Hendry County, the number of youths referred to the Department of Juvenile Justice for alcohol-related offenses has fluctuated within a fairly thin margin, but there has been a noticeable decline in the number of youths referred for drug-related offenses. The following data is separated by fiscal year. Alcohol Offense (Misdemeanor) Referrals Received in Hendry County by the Department of Juvenile Justice Number of Youth Number of Referrals Source: Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Profile [Computer program]. The number of Hendry County youth being referred to the Department of Juvenile Justice for misdemeanor-level alcohol offenses has consistently been small, between two and four. The number of referrals has also been rather low, between three and eight. (Some of the youth were responsible for multiple referrals.) The alcohol-related referrals for the fiscal year accounted for only 1.8 percent of all misdemeanor referrals that year in Hendry County. Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 11

12 Drug Misdemeanor Referrals Received in Hendry County by the Department of Juvenile Justice Number of Youth Number of Referrals Source: Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Profile [Computer program]. As noted previously, the number of Hendry County youth being referred to the Department of Juvenile Justice for drug-related offenses has been on the decline. In the fiscal year there were 31 referrals for 22 Hendry County youth. As of the fiscal year these numbers had dropped to 19 referrals for 10 youth, which accounted for 11.4 percent of the total misdemeanor referrals that year. Drug Felony Referrals Received in Hendry County by the Department of Juvenile Justice Number of Youth Number of Referrals Source: Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Delinquency Profile [Computer program]. Felony drug referrals have shown a similar trend. The fiscal year had a high of 17 felony drug referrals for 14 Hendry County youth. During the fiscal year the number of referrals for felony drug offenses had dropped to 6 referrals for 2 Hendry County youth. These 6 referrals accounted for 8.5 percent of the total felony referrals for the fiscal year. Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 12

13 Emergency Department Visits In 2011, roughly 2.5 million Emergency Department visits nationwide were the result of medical emergencies involving drug misuse or abuse, according to the Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN). The table below represents the total number of emergency department visits each year by the youth of Hendry County for alcohol and/or drug-related health diagnoses. Emergency Department Visits with Alcohol/Drug-Related Health Principal Diagnoses Hendry County Residents (ages 0 17) to Any Hospital Minor Severity Low/Moderate Severity Moderate Severity High Severity/Non-immediate* High Severity/Immediate** Total Source: Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) Emergency Department (ED) Data * Usually, the presenting problem(s) are of high severity, and require urgent evaluation by the physician but do not pose an immediate significant threat to life or physiologic function. ** Usually, the presenting problem(s) are of high severity and pose an immediate significant threat to life or physiologic function. The numbers for Hendry County youth, ages 0 17, appear relatively low, even considering the small size of the population. However, any medical emergency resulting from drugs and/or alcohol should be considered one too many. Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 13

14 Smoking During Pregnancy Using and abusing alcohol, tobacco, and drugs is always risky, but the dangers are multiplied when the user is pregnant. Smoking while pregnant will: Lower the amount of oxygen available to the growing baby, which can lead to stillbirth, premature delivery, and low birth weight. Increase the baby's heart rate and increase the baby s risk of having a heart defect. Increase the baby's risk of developing respiratory problems, such as asthma or bronchitis Percent of Live Births to Hendry County Mothers Who Smoked During Pregnancy, Ages 12-20, 3-Year Rolling Rates Hendry State Source: Florida Department of Health, Bureau of Vital Statistics The youth of Hendry County (ages 12 20) have lower percentages of live births to mothers who smoked during pregnancy than for the state of Florida as a whole, however the numbers are still concerning. Additionally, Florida s numbers have been declining, from a 3-year high of 15.4 percent in down to 8.1 percent as of Hendry County s rates, unfortunately, have fluctuated within a smaller margin: a high of 10.0 percent in , a low of 5.6 percent in , and the most recent 3-year rate of 7.3 percent in Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 14

15 Youth Surveys Youth in Hendry County complete three surveys that provide documentation for Drug Free Hendry County and other related programs. The first is the Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS) that is administered at a county-level biannually. The second is the Florida Youth Tobacco Survey (FYTS) that is administered biannually on opposite years. The third is the Student Social Norms Survey that is administered annually. The results from the Student Social Norms Survey are received within one month of survey administration, providing the most current data. The FYSAS covers other areas while the FYTS is indepth for tobacco use and both help to confirm the Student Social Norms Survey data. Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS) The Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS) is a collaborative effort between the Florida departments of Health, Education, Children and Families, Juvenile Justice, and the Governor's Office of Drug Control. It is based on the "Communities That Care" survey, which measures the prevalence and frequency of drug use, the prevalence and frequency of other antisocial behaviors, and the degree to which risk and protective factors exist that can predict alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, delinquency, gang involvement and other problem behaviors in adolescents. The FYSAS was administered to 70,859 students in grades 6 through 12 in February and March of Across Florida, 417 middle schools and 329 high schools administered the surveys. In Hendry County, 1,028 students completed the survey (485 middle school students; 543 high school students). The survey has been administered annually since 2000, making the 2012 FYSAS the thirteenth set of data. (Odd-numbered years provide state-level data only, while even-numbered years include regional and county-level data.) Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 15

16 Past-30-Day Alcohol Use Hendry County and Florida Statewide Middle School High School Overall County 2004 County 2006 County 2008 County 2010 County 2012 Florida 2012 Source: Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (2012), Florida Department of Children and Families Alcohol use in the past 30 days was 24.7 percent for Hendry County students, which was roughly the same as the state average of 24.6 percent had the lowest percentage of Hendry County students reporting that they had used alcohol in the past 30 days in the years surveyed. Males and females reported having used alcohol in similar rates (24.4% males vs. 25.0% females). Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 16

17 Past-30-Day Cigarette Use Hendry County and Florida Statewide Middle School High School Overall County 2004 County 2006 County 2008 County 2010 County 2012 Florida 2012 Source: Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (2012), Florida Department of Children and Families Similarly, the percentage of students reporting cigarette use over the past 30 days in Hendry County was nearly identical to the Florida average (6.5% Hendry vs. 6.6% State). This is lower for Hendry County than past years, with a high of 12.7 percent in High school students have higher rates of cigarette use than middle school students of cigarette use (8.7% high school students vs. 3.7% middle school students). Males are more likely to report cigarette use than females (8.5% males vs. 5.0% females). Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 17

18 Past-30-Day Marijuana Use Hendry County and Florida Statewide Middle School High School Overall County 2004 County 2006 County 2008 County 2010 County 2012 Florida 2012 Source: Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (2012), Florida Department of Children and Families Past-30-day marijuana use for Hendry County students was slightly lower than for the state as a whole (11.5% Hendry vs. 12.4% State). The overall percentage of Hendry County students who have reported marijuana use has remained fairly consistent since 2002, from a low of 8.6 percent in 2008 to a high of 11.5 percent in High school students surveyed were more than twice as likely to have used marijuana as middle school students. Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 18

19 Percentages of Hendry County youth and Florida Statewide youth who reported having used various drugs in their lifetimes, 2012 Hendry County Florida Statewide Middle School High School Female Male Ages Ages Total Middle School High School Female Male Ages Ages Total Alcohol Cigarettes Marijuana or Hashish Synthetic Marijuana Inhalants Club Drugs LSD, PCP or Mushrooms Methamphetamine Cocaine or Crack Cocaine Heroin Depressants Prescription Pain Relievers Prescription Amphetamines Steroids (without a doctor's order) Over-the-Counter Drugs Source: Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (2012), Florida Department of Children and Families Note: Ecstasy, Rohypnol, GHB and ketamine are provided as examples in the question about club drugs. The symbol "--" indicates that data are not available. The table above illustrates the wide array of substances that are abused by young people in their lifetimes. Beyond alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana use, high school students in Hendry County abuse prescription pain relievers most frequently (8.9% of Hendry County high school students reported having ever abused prescription pain relievers). Middle school students abuse inhalants most frequently, even more than they do marijuana (11.8% of Hendry County middle school students reported having ever used inhalants). (Inhalants are typically spray paints, markers, glue, and cleaning fluids.) Most of the data for Hendry County does not vary wildly from the state as whole, however, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin use in Hendry County is particularly high when compared to Florida statewide. Methamphetamine rates in Hendry County are double the state (2.0% Hendry vs. 1.0% State). Cocaine or crack cocaine has been reported at higher rates in Hendry County (4.2% Hendry vs. 2.3% State). Rates of lifetime heroin use were more than twice as high as the state rate (1.6% Hendry vs. 0.7% State). Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 19

20 Over the last eight years, those Hendry County students reporting that they have ever used alcohol has decreased. In 2004, 46.4 percent of Hendry County middle school students reported ever having used alcohol, while only 34.7 percent said the same in For high school students, the 2004 rate of lifetime alcohol use was 73.3 percent, which went down to 54.5 percent in Adults in Hendry County were surveyed on their thoughts regarding youth rates of substance abuse (survey questions and responses are included later in this assessment). When asked how many youth were abusing alcohol, a third of respondents felt that fewer than 26 percent were doing so. Nearly half of respondents, however, were more on target with the youth survey, responding that 26 to 50 percent of youth were abusing alcohol (46.0% of middle and high school students combined reported having ever used alcohol). Also on the decline is cigarette use. The overall rate of Hendry County middle school and high school students reporting that they had ever used cigarettes in 2004 was 42.7 percent. This rate went down to 23.9 percent in Marijuana use was guaged by Hendry County adults fairly similarly to how the youth reported. For 2012, middle and high school students combined reported 22.1 percent had ever used marijuana. Forty percent of adults surveyed felt that some youth (11%-25%) were using marijuana in the county. On the rise is the use of heroin by Hendry County high school students had a low of 0.6 percent of high school students reporting that they had ever used heroin. In 2012, this rate had increased to 2.2 percent. When comparing the youth survey with the adult survey, the only significant difference in substance abuse usage was for depressants. Only 4.4 percent of youth reported having ever used depressants. Fifty-seven percent of adults in the county believed that at least 11 percent of youth were abusing depressants; 5 percent even felt that most (more than 50% of) youth were doing so. All other substance abuse lifetime use rates have remained fairly consistent over the past several years with only minor fluctuations. Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 20

21 The Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey also asks students questions aimed at assessing the factors that can reduce or increase their likelihood of engaging in substance abuse. The responses to these questions are grouped into four domains, and scored. The following tables compare the assets, or protective factors, that buffer children and youth from exposure to risk by either reducing the impact of the risks or changing the way that young people respond to risks. Note: Because protective factors are associated with better student behavioral outcomes, it is better to have protective factor scale scores with high values. Protective Factor Prevalence Rate Trends Among Hendry County High School Students Domain Scale Hendry County Florida Community Community Rewards for Prosocial Involvement Family Family Opportunities for Prosocial Involvement Family Rewards for Prosocial Involvement School School Opportunities for Prosocial Involvement School Rewards for Prosocial Involvement Peer and Individual Religiosity Average Prevalence Rate High school students reported the lowest rates of protection for the Family Rewards for Prosocial Involvement (51%) and School Rewards for Prosocial Involvement (52%) scales. Protective Factor Prevalence Rate Trends Among Hendry County Middle School Students Domain Scale Hendry County Florida Community Community Rewards for Prosocial Involvement Family Family Opportunities for Prosocial Involvement Family Rewards for Prosocial Involvement School School Opportunities for Prosocial Involvement School Rewards for Prosocial Involvement Peer and Individual Religiosity Average Prevalence Rate Middle school students reported the lowest rates of protection for the School Opportunities for Prosocial Involvement (42%) and Family Rewards for Prosocial Involvement (46%) scales. Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 21

22 The following tables compare the risk factors that increase the likelihood of a young person becoming involved in drug use, delinquency, school dropout and/or violence. For example, children living in families with poor parental monitoring are more likely to become involved in these problems. Note: Because risk is associated with negative behavioral outcomes, it is better to have lower risk factor scale scores. Risk Factor Prevalence Rate Trends Among Hendry County High School Students Domain Scale Hendry County Florida Community Community Disorganization Transitions and Mobility Laws and Norms Favorable to Drug Use Perceived Availability of Drugs Perceived Availability of Handguns Family Poor Family Management Family Conflict Parental Attitudes Favorable toward ATOD Use School Poor Academic Performance Lack of Commitment to School Peer and Individual Peer Rewards for Antisocial Behavior Favorable Attitudes toward Antisocial Behavior Favorable Attitudes toward ATOD Use Low Perceived Risks of Drug Use Early Initiation of Drug Use Average Prevalence Rate High school students reported the highest rates of risk for the Community Disorganization (62%) and Transitions and Mobility (55%) scales. Hendry County high school students reported rates higher than the state average for four out of five scales under the Community domain. For the School domain, Hendry County high school students had lower rates of risk for both scales than the state as a whole, and lower rates for two out of three categories in the Family domain. Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 22

23 Risk Factor Prevalence Rate Trends Among Hendry County Middle School Students Domain Scale Hendry County Florida Community Community Disorganization Transitions and Mobility Laws and Norms Favorable to Drug Use Perceived Availability of Drugs Perceived Availability of Handguns Family Poor Family Management Family Conflict Parental Attitudes Favorable toward ATOD Use School Poor Academic Performance Lack of Commitment to School Peer and Individual Peer Rewards for Antisocial Behavior Favorable Attitudes toward Antisocial Behavior Favorable Attitudes toward ATOD Use Low Perceived Risks of Drug Use Early Initiation of Drug Use Average Prevalence Rate Middle school students also reported the highest rates of risk for the Community Disorganization (65%) and Transitions and Mobility (54%) scales. Hendry County middle school students had higher rates than the state for all but three scales (Transitions and Mobility, Family Conflict, and Lack of Commitment to School). All five scales under the Peer and Individual domain were higher in Hendry County than the state average. Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 23

24 Florida Youth Tobacco Survey (FYTS) The Florida Youth Tobacco Survey (FYTS) tracks indicators of tobacco use and exposure to secondhand smoke among Florida public middle and high school students and provides data for monitoring and evaluating tobacco use among youth for the Florida Department of Health s Bureau of Tobacco Prevention and Control. The first FYTS was administered in Since then, the FYTS has been conducted annually by the Florida Department of Health. County-level data have been collected in even years since 2000, with the exception of The FYTS was administered in the spring of 2012 to 38,989 middle school students and 36,439 high school students in 746 public schools throughout the state. In Hendry County, the overall survey response rate for middle school students was 86.0 percent (521 students), and the overall survey response rate for high school students was 79.9 percent (637 students). Smoked cigarettes on one or more of the past 30 days Hendry County and Florida Statewide Middle School High School County 2006 County 2008 County 2010 County 2012 Florida 2012 Source: Florida Youth Tobacco Survey (Florida Department of Health), 2006, 2008, 2010, and The overall trend is that cigarette smoking is decreasing by the youth of Hendry County. However, the percentage of students in Hendry County who reported having smoked cigarettes in the past 30 days in 2012 was higher than the state average for both middle school students (5.1% Hendry vs. 3.3% State) and high school students (12.5% Hendry vs. 10.1% State). Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 24

25 Used any form of tobacco on one or more of the past 30 days Hendry County and Florida Statewide Middle School High School County 2006 County 2008 County 2010 County 2012 Florida 2012 Source: Florida Youth Tobacco Survey (Florida Department of Health), 2006, 2008, 2010, and The percentage of students reporting any form of tobacco use has fluctuated within a smaller margin over the last several years. Middle school students in Hendry County reported rates as high as 15.7 percent in 2010 and as low as 10.3 percent in High school students in Hendry County reported higher rates. These rates were as high as 25.4 percent in 2008 and as low as 21.3 percent in While both groups of students had their lowest rates in 2012, these were still higher than the state of Florida as a whole (6.4% State middle school students, 17.9% State high school students). Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 25

26 Have never smoked a cigarette and will definitely not smoke a cigarette in the future or if a friend offered one Hendry County and Florida Statewide Middle School High School County 2006 County 2008 County 2010 County 2012 Florida 2012 Source: Florida Youth Tobacco Survey (Florida Department of Health), 2006, 2008, 2010, and Students were offered the option to state that they have never smoked a cigarette and do not intend to, even if offered one by a friend. More than half of middle school students surveyed have consistently reported that they have never and will never smoke a cigarette, from a low of 53.3 percent in 2006 to a high of 65.9 percent in 2010, and a current rate of 61.0 percent. For Hendry County high school students, the numbers are slightly lower, with a current rate of only 47.7 percent of students reporting that they have never and will never smoke a cigarette. The state rates currently are slightly higher (72.0% State middle school students, 58.4% State high school students). Overall, rates of youth tobacco use are slowly decreasing, and the percentage of students who are pledging to abstain is on the rise. However, efforts to curb youth tobacco use should not be halted. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in Hendry County, after heart disease, and lung cancer causes the highest number of cancer deaths. Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 26

27 Student Social Norms Survey The Student Social Norms Survey is designed to assess and compare actual substance use and perceived substance use among the youth of a community. Knowing the perception of use by the students is important as perception is a determinant of actual use. As perception of substance use decreases, so too does actual use. The following data is separated between high school and middle school students. The data for middle school students includes seventh and eighth grade students only. The most recent data, for the school year includes responses from 1,318 high school students and 668 middle school students. Surveys were collected from equal numbers of male and female students. The following tables illustrate the actual reported use of each substance during the past 30 days by students compared to the perceived use of the same substance by other typical students. Actual vs. Perceived Use of Hendry County High School Students At least one drink of alcohol during the past 30 days 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% 85% 86% 81% 85% 81% 35% 31% 32% 35% 33% Actual Perceived Source: Hendry County Student Social Norms Survey The percentage of high school students who reported having at least one drink of alcohol during the past 30 days has remained fairly consistent over the years, with a low of 31 percent for the school year and a high of 35 percent during the and school years. Perception of alcohol use was it its lowest rate for the school year (81%) compared to a high of 86 percent in the school year. For the school year, 48 percent of Hendry County high school students stated that they have never used alcohol. For those who have, the average age of their first use was years. Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 27

28 Actual vs. Perceived Use of Hendry County Middle School Students At least one drink of alcohol during the past 30 days 80% 70% 60% 50% 59% 61% 58% 67% 50% 40% Actual 30% 20% 23% 22% 18% 21% 16% Perceived 10% 0% Source: Hendry County Student Social Norms Survey Progress has been made for Hendry County middle school students for both actual and perceived use of alcohol. The actual alcohol usage for the school year for Hendry County middle school students was at its lowest (16%) and the perception of alcohol use was at its lowest as well (50%). For the school year, 74 percent of Hendry County middle school students stated that they have never used alcohol. For those who have, the average age of their first use was years. Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 28

29 Actual vs. Perceived Use of Hendry County High School Students Smoked cigarettes during the past 30 days 90% 80% 70% 79% 80% 75% 78% 71% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 17% 16% 20% 17% 17% Actual Perceived 10% 0% Source: Hendry County Student Social Norms Survey The percentage of high school students who reported having smoked cigarettes during the past 30 days has remained fairly consistent over the years, ranging from a low of 16 percent to a high of 20 percent. The most recent data was on the low end (17% for the school year). Perception of cigarette smoking was it its lowest rate for the school year (71%) compared to a high of 80 percent in the school year. For the school year, 73 percent of Hendry County high school students stated that they have never smoked cigarettes. For those who have, the average age of their first use was years. Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 29

30 Actual vs. Perceived Use of Hendry County Middle School Students Smoked cigarettes during the past 30 days 70% 60% 55% 54% 53% 60% 50% 40% 30% 42% Actual Perceived 20% 10% 15% 13% 9% 9% 8% 0% Source: Hendry County Student Social Norms Survey The percentage of Hendry County middle school students who reported having smoked cigarettes during the past 30 days has decreased by half since the first Student Social Norms Survey was administered (15% vs. 8% ). Additionally, perceived use has seen a dramatic decrease as well. The perceived usage for the school year was at an all-time low of 42 percent, after a high of 60 percent for the school year. For the school year, 87 percent of Hendry County middle school students stated that they have never smoked cigarettes. For those who have, the average age of their first use was years. Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 30

31 Actual vs. Perceived Use of Hendry County High School Students Used smokeless tobacco (chew) during the past 30 days % 64% 58% data not available Actual Perceived % 11% 13% Source: Hendry County Student Social Norms Survey A question on the use of smokeless tobacco/chew during the past 30 days was added to the Student Social Norms Survey during the school year. Even with only three years worth of data, the numbers show an unfortunate trend percent of Hendry County high school students have reported using smokeless tobacco during the past 30 days. Fortunately, perception has decreased from 68 percent in the school year to 58 percent during the school year, which may help lead to a decrease in actual usage over time. Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 31

32 Actual vs. Perceived Use of Hendry County Middle School Students Used smokeless tobacco (chew) during the past 30 days % data not available 33% 30% Actual Perceived % 6% 7% Source: Hendry County Student Social Norms Survey Middle school students reported the use of smokeless tobacco/chew at about half the rates of high school students in Hendry County, but the numbers are on the increase. During the first year surveyed about smokeless tobacco, only 5 percent of Hendry County middle school students reported actual use. In the school year that number had risen to 7 percent. Perception of smokeless tobacco use has fluctuated from a high of 40 percent during the school year to a low of 30 percent during the school year. Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 32

33 Actual vs. Perceived Use of Hendry County High School Students Used marijuana during the past 30 days 90% 80% 77% 79% 78% 80% 76% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 20% 20% 22% 23% 24% Actual Perceived 10% 0% Source: Hendry County Student Social Norms Survey Hendry County high school students have reported increased use of marijuana over the past several years. During the school year 20 percent of students reported having used marijuana during the past 30 days. As of the school year that percentage has risen and is at its highest, 24 percent. The perception of marijuana use among high school students in Hendry County has remained fairly consistent over the years surveyed, between 76 percent and 80 percent. For the school year, 64 percent of Hendry County high school students stated that they have never used marijuana. For those who have, the average age of their first use was years. Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 33

34 Actual vs. Perceived Use of Hendry County Middle School Students Used marijuana during the past 30 days 60% 50% 40% 48% 48% 42% 53% 41% 30% Actual 20% 10% 14% 13% 8% 12% 10% Perceived 0% Source: Hendry County Student Social Norms Survey The percentage of Hendry County middle school students who reported using marijuana has fluctuated over the past several years, but overall is on the decline. The school year showed the highest rate, 14 percent, while the school year had a rate of 10 percent. Overall perception of marijuana use is also on the decline for Hendry County middle school students. The perception during the school year was 53 percent. This had declined to only 41 percent in the school year. For the school year, 86 percent of Hendry County middle school students stated that they have never used marijuana. For those who have, the average age of their first use was years. Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 34

35 Community Survey An online survey was distributed to members of the Hendry County community to gauge the perspective of area residents on drug and alcohol abuse by area youth. Listed below are the results of the survey. The survey questions are available in Appendix A. Summary of Survey Responses The Health Planning Council of Southwest Florida, with feedback from the Hendry County Health Department, developed a survey questionnaire to assess the feelings and perceptions of drug and alcohol abuse among Hendry County youth. The survey was conducted online and on paper. Surveys were distributed to those who live and/or work in Hendry County. Links to the online version of the survey were distributed through flyers and blasts. 40 surveys were completed on paper and online over a two month period in the fall of percent of respondents identified as female, 17 percent as male percent identified as white, 5.6 percent as black or African American, and 5.6 percent as mixed race. 20 percent identified as Hispanic or Latino, 80 percent identified as not Hispanic or Latino percent had children under 12 living in their home, 27.0 percent had children between the ages of 12 and 20 living in their home, and 54.1 had no children living in their home. The findings of the surveys were compiled by the Health Planning Council, and are as follows: Survey respondents were asked how many youth (ages 12 20) in Hendry County are abusing the following substances. The largest number of respondents felt that MANY youth (roughly 26%-50%) are abusing alcohol and cigarettes. The largest number of respondents felt that SOME youth (roughly 11%- 25%) are abusing smokeless tobacco, marijuana, and depressants. It was felt that a FEW youth (roughly 5%-10%) are abusing all of the other substances listed. From your understanding, how many youth (ages 12 20) in Hendry County are abusing the following substances? None A Few (5%-10%) Some (11%-25%) Many (26%-50%) Most (more than 50%) Alcohol 2.5% 10.0% 30.0% 45.0% 12.5% Cigarettes 2.5% 27.5% 27.5% 30.0% 12.5% Smokeless Tobacco (chew, dip) 2.5% 17.5% 52.5% 22.5% 5.0% Marijuana or Hashish 2.5% 25.0% 40.0% 20.0% 12.5% Synthetic Marijuana (K2, Spice) 13.2% 47.4% 31.6% 2.6% 5.3% Inhalants (glue, markers, nitrous oxide) 18.4% 55.3% 23.7% 0.0% 2.6% Club Drugs (Ecstasy, GHB, Molly, Rohypnol) 5.3% 63.2% 26.3% 2.6% 2.6% LSD, PCP or Mushrooms 38.5% 41.0% 15.4% 2.6% 2.6% Methamphetamine (Meth) 22.5% 47.5% 17.5% 10.0% 2.5% Cocaine or Crack Cocaine 12.8% 59.0% 20.5% 5.1% 2.6% Heroin 35.9% 53.8% 7.7% 0.0% 2.6% Depressants (Ativan, Valium, Xanax) 7.5% 35.0% 40.0% 12.5% 5.0% Prescription Pain Relievers 7.5% 35.0% 30.0% 20.0% 7.5% Prescription Amphetamines (Dexedrine, Adderall, Ritalin) 12.5% 40.0% 25.0% 17.5% 5.0% Steroids (without a doctor s order) 27.5% 55.0% 7.5% 7.5% 2.5% Over the Counter Drugs 10.5% 50.0% 18.4% 10.5% 10.5% Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 35

36 Survey respondents were asked how frequently they feel these substances are being abused. Cigarettes and smokeless tobacco were felt by the largest number of respondents to be used most frequently of all the substances. The vast majority of responses indicate that respondents felt most substance abuse is only done occasionally. From your understanding, among those who abuse the following substances (ages 12-20), how frequently do you feel the typical user is using? Almost Never Sometimes Frequently Very Frequently Not Applicable Alcohol 0.0% 25.0% 47.5% 25.0% 2.5% Cigarettes 0.0% 22.5% 50.0% 25.0% 2.5% Smokeless Tobacco (chew, dip) 0.0% 20.0% 55.0% 22.5% 2.5% Marijuana or Hashish 0.0% 41.0% 38.5% 17.9% 2.6% Synthetic Marijuana (K2, Spice) 10.3% 64.1% 15.4% 7.7% 2.6% Inhalants (glue, markers, nitrous oxide) 23.7% 55.3% 15.8% 2.6% 2.6% Club Drugs (Ecstasy, GHB, Molly, Rohypnol) 15.0% 55.0% 22.5% 5.0% 2.5% LSD, PCP or Mushrooms 43.6% 41.0% 12.8% 0.0% 2.6% Methamphetamine (Meth) 25.0% 47.5% 17.5% 5.0% 5.0% Cocaine or Crack Cocaine 17.9% 53.8% 17.9% 5.1% 5.1% Heroin 46.2% 38.5% 10.3% 2.6% 2.6% Depressants (Ativan, Valium, Xanax) 2.5% 52.5% 32.5% 10.0% 2.5% Prescription Pain Relievers 5.0% 40.0% 35.0% 15.0% 5.0% Prescription Amphetamines (Dexedrine, Adderall, Ritalin) 12.5% 47.5% 25.0% 12.5% 2.5% Steroids (without a doctor s order) 27.5% 52.5% 12.5% 5.0% 2.5% Over the Counter Drugs 7.7% 48.7% 25.6% 12.8% 5.1% Respondents were asked where they believed the youth of Hendry County were obtaining these substances. The largest proportion of those surveyed responded that they bought it themselves. Other answers with a high number of responses were that youth obtained the substances from their parents, at home without parental knowledge, or from other family bought it themselves other family (older sibling, aunt/uncle, etc.) at home without parental knowledge their parent(s) someone else's parent(s) stranger Other* * Brenda's Bar in Clewiston, FL, given to them by "friends" Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 36

37 When asked where the youth are abusing these substances, those surveyed responded most frequently that they are being abused at a friend s home, in a car or other vehicle, or at their own home at a friend's home car or other vehicle at their home parks school open fields bars, clubs The views of a community can play a role in the actions of community members, including youth. The Hendry County community s views on substance abuse by youth were felt by survey respondents to lean towards the side of disapproval for most situations mentioned. Over 15 percent of those surveyed responded that there is community approval of high school students attending parties where there is no parental supervision. However, an overwhelming majority responded that the community disapproves or strongly disapproves of drinking and driving. How do members of the Hendry County community view the following? Strongly Disapprove Disapprove Not Sure / Neutral Approve Strongly Approve High school students smoking cigarettes. 38.5% 48.7% 12.8% 0.0% 0.0% High school students using chew tobacco / dip. 30.8% 38.5% 28.2% 2.6% 0.0% High school students drinking beer or wine. 30.8% 48.7% 15.4% 5.1% 0.0% High school students drinking liquor. 48.7% 38.5% 10.3% 2.6% 0.0% High school students smoking marijuana once or twice to find out what it is like. 35.9% 41.0% 20.5% 2.6% 0.0% High school students attending parties where there is no parental supervision. 41.0% 30.8% 12.8% 12.8% 2.6% High school students using drugs at parties. 56.4% 33.3% 7.7% 2.6% 0.0% High school students pressuring other students to drink alcohol. 56.4% 35.9% 7.7% 0.0% 0.0% High school students who choose not to drink at a party where other students are drinking 12.8% 2.6% 25.6% 38.5% 20.5% Parents who provide alcohol to high school students. 57.9% 31.6% 10.5% 0.0% 0.0% Drinking and driving. 81.6% 5.3% 10.5% 0.0% 2.6% Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 37

38 Community perception was questioned further. The majority of those surveyed felt that alcohol and drugs are easily attained in Hendry County. Alcohol use was felt by more survey respondents to be accepted in the community than drugs. Responses were mixed about whether or not youth receive adequate education regarding alcohol and drugs. How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Strongly Disagree Disagree Not Sure / Neutral Agree Strongly Agree It is easy for youth to get alcohol in our community. 0.0% 2.6% 10.3% 64.1% 23.1% It is easy for youth to get drugs in our community. 2.6% 0.0% 10.3% 64.1% 23.1% This community has a high acceptance of alcohol use. 2.6% 25.6% 12.8% 43.6% 15.4% This community has a high acceptance of drug use. 12.8% 46.2% 20.5% 10.3% 10.3% Youth receive adequate education regarding alcohol and other drugs in this community. 15.4% 25.6% 28.2% 28.2% 2.6% Youth who drink alcohol are more likely to have alcohol problems later in life. 2.6% 2.6% 15.4% 38.5% 41.0% One reason underage drinking occurs in this community is that there are not enough activities for youth. 2.6% 20.5% 17.9% 10.3% 48.7% When asked their personal views on drinking alcohol, 64% of those surveyed responded that drinking alcohol in moderation is all right for adults, but never for people under 21. None of the survey respondents selected the response that occasional underage drinking is OK if it doesn t interfere with schoolwork and responsibilities. Drug- Free Hendry County Drug and Alcohol Assessment Page 38