Drug usage among high school athletes in response to random drug testing

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to study the effects random drug testing of high school student-athletes would have on drug use by these student-athletes. Male and female athletes were randomly selected and surveyed about their current drug use. The one-hundred spring sport athletes (53 males and 47 females) then completed a questionnaire projecting their drug use after a random drug testing procedure was implemented.The student-athletes reported 27% had used drugs at the time of questioning. Four percent reported to use drugs when a random drug testing procedure was implemented. Seniors and juniors (48%) initial drug use levels tripled the percentage that sophomores and freshmen (15%) recorded. Male (30%) respondents reported a higher usage rate compared to the female (23%) respondents.A two factor analysis of variance revealed a significant relationship was established between graduation class (upper classes-seniors and juniors; under classes-sophomores and freshmen). However, there was not a significant relationship comparing genders. The data suggests that random drug testing would be effective at the high school level and should be the subject of future studies.