Analyzing Driving & Substance Use in Rhode Island Youth

Research

“Driving after substance use in Rhode Island adolescents: A cross-sectional analysis of surveillance data.”
Traffic Injury Prevention, April 2024

Researchers

Associate Professor Jonathan K. Noel, Ph.D., MPH
Associate Professor Samantha R. Rosenthal, Ph.D., MPH
Jadyn N. Torres '26
Kelsey A. Gately, '23, OTD, OTR/L
Samantha K. Borden, Ph.D., MPH

Project Objective

Jadyn Torres ’26, a current student in JWU's Biology program, contributed to a study led by Associate Professor Noel. The study worked to understand the potential risks and risk mitigating factors of driving after the use of alcohol, cannabis and non-medical prescription drugs in young adults.

Project Goals & Skills

Torres analyzed previously collected survey data of middle and high school students in Rhode Island from the Rhode Island Student Survey (RISS), a self-report survey conducted by the Rhode Island Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH). The goal was to understand which youths were at greater risk of driving after substance use.

“The opportunity to work with mentors one-on-one has been great.”

Results & Future Implications

Results suggest that driving after use was most common among youth who use cannabis and non-medical prescription drugs.

The study results implied that parental disapproval of substance use protected youth from driving under all substances measured. Assisting parents with understanding the risks of their children using substances should be the primary direction of intervention.

School-based intervention programs are recommended to educate youth on the risks and harms of substance use, especially when it comes to driving.

The Benefits of Working on Research

Torres is grateful for her time working with the Center for Student Research & Interdisciplinary Collaboration (CSRIC), noting, “CSRIC has helped me by allowing me to improve my writing and research skills. The opportunity to work with mentors one-on-one has been great! It has allowed me to practice and work on these skills while being guided by my mentors and experiencing an environment supporting growth and improvement.”

_{Top Inset: Jadyn Torres '26, a current student in JWU’s Biology Program.}

Read the Published Study Explore Biology Program