Name: Maria Utz
Live Poster Session: https://wesleyan.zoom.us/j/94061499539?pwd=VVghdzdfrGw3bv9dphiUYF4RA0ai37.1
Abstract: This study examines the long-term effects of adolescent substance use, specifically focusing on smoking and its relationship with general health status and physical activity in adulthood. Using data from the U.S. National longitudinal Survey of Adolescent Health (ADDHEALTH), the analysis includes 4,192 respondents who were followed from adolescence into their late thirties and forties. Data analysis revealed that regular smoking during adolescence is significantly associated with poorer self-reported health in adulthood (p=0.0143). Logistic regression results indicate that individuals who smoked regularly during adolescence were significantly less likely to report good health (Odds Ratio = .7909 and p=0.014). This means that regular smokers were about 21% less likely to report good health in adulthood compared to non-smokers. These findings emphasize the importance of effective smoking prevention programs targeting adolescents to reduce long-term health risks. Future research should consider additional factors such as socioeconomic status and lifestyle habits (i.e., diet) that may further influence long term health in adulthood.
Final_Poster_QAC201_UTZ-1