Effects of racial teasing on adolescent marijuana use and nicotine vaping: An analysis of the Virginia Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System

• Published in: Addictive behaviors Vol. 160; p. 108186
• Main Authors: Caves, Kyzwana N., Chavan, Prachi P., Harrell, Paul T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2025
• Subjects: Adolescents; Bullying; E-cig use; Ethnic and racial minorities; LGBQ; Marijuana use; Nicotine; Vaping; Bullying; Vaping; Marijuana use; Ethnic and racial minorities; E-cig use; LGBQ; AYA; Adolescents; EVP; Nicotine
• ISSN: 0306-4603; 1873-6327; 1873-6327
• DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.108186

•Tobacco and marijuana use have adverse effects on the adolescent brain.•Racial teasing has significant implications for public health and policy.•Racial teasing victimization is correlated with both marijuana use and nicotine vaping.•Preventing racial teasing and optimizing mental health resources are needed to prevent substance use among AYA. Despite adverse effects of tobacco and marijuana use on the adolescent brain, its use among youth remains high. Previous research shows associations between bullying and risks of substance use; less is known about racial teasing. This study examines associations of racial teasing, marijuana and/or electronic vapor products (EVP) use among adolescents, using 2021 Virginia Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (VYRBSS). VYRBSS is a self-reported survey which collects information on experiences with racial teasing and substance use. This analysis included 3,083 high school students ≥ 12 years old. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression models were performed for categorical variables. Multivariable models were adjusted for confounders. Racial teasing was associated with marijuana (AOR 1.89; CI 1.43–2.48) and EVP use (AOR 2.52; CI 1.91–3.31). Compared to Whites; Asians, Blacks, and Latinos were more likely to report racial teasing. Older heterosexual females reported higher use of marijuana and EVP. Blacks reported greater use of marijuana, whereas Whites were more likely to use EVP. EVP use was higher in females (AOR 1.73, CI 1.34–2.23), bisexual youth (AOR 1.68, CI 1.23, 2.30) and poor mental health (AOR 1.49, CI 1.16, 1.92). Marijuana use was associated with bisexuality (AOR 1.75, CI 1.28–2.39) and poor mental health (AOR 1.62, CI 1.27–2.07) as well. Every effort should be made by public health professionals in Virginia to prevent racial teasing among adolescents because it increases the odds of substance use, particularly in older females, youth who identify as bisexual, and those reporting poor mental health.