Longitudinal study of delinquency, drug use, sexual activity, and pregnancy among children and youth in three cities.

Using data from a collaborative program of research, this paper examines the prevalence of delinquency, alcohol and drug use, sexual intercourse, and pregnancy among youth in three urban settings. The findings indicate that a substantial portion of adolescents are involved in these behaviors. There are indications that for many youth the initiation of delinquency and drug use is occurring before the teenage years. There are also indications that all of these behaviors are often co-occurring, suggesting that comprehensive intervention programs may be required. Importantly, the high rate of sexual activity and pregnancy, combined with alcohol and drug use, suggests that greater attention to this combination of behaviors is needed.