Non-Medical Prescription Drug Use, Exercise, and Sedentary Behaviors Among Adolescents

Background: Studies have substantiated exercise as a successful component in the prevention/treatment of alcohol, tobacco, and/or illicit drug use/abuse. However this relationship has not been examined with prescription drugs. Given the increasing prevalence of nonmedical prescription drug use (NMPDU) among adolescents, this study explored the association between NMPDU, exercise, and sedentary behaviors.

Methods: Using the 2009 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) data (N=15, 249), 10 separate logistic regression models were employed using various examples of physical and sedentary activities.

Results: Approximately 20.2% of participants reported NMPDU. Respondents not active for 60+ minutes, 5+ days a week were significantly more likely to report NMPDU (OR = 1.135; p = .003). The same was observed for those who did not: (1) attend PE class 1+ days in an average week (OR = 1.231; p < .000); (2) play on at least one sports team in past 12 months (OR = 1.273; p < .000); (3) exercise in PE 21+ minutes (OR = 1.268; p < .000); and (4) participate in PE daily (OR = 1.281; p < .000). Participants who played video games less than three hours a day reported significantly less NMPDU (OR = .897; p = .019). Variables not associated with NMPDU included exercising to lose weight, watching TV 3+ hours a day, engaging in 20 minutes of vigorous and/or 30 minutes of moderate exercise in the past seven days.

Conclusion: Exercise may exert a protective affect against NMPDU in adolescents. Implications for coordinated school health programs and interventions will be discussed.