School climate and substance use in a sample of Chilean adolescents

Abstract

Despite the importance of school climate for positive student health outcomes, few studies address its potential effects on substance use. This study aimed to examine whether dimensions of school climate — respectful treatment, discrimination, rules, safety, and harassment — relate to alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use in a sample of Chilean students. The sample comprised 182,066 Year 10 students in 2,907 schools, who completed the Education Quality and Context Questionnaire as part of the SIMCE evaluation in 2017. Statistical analyses included a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), multilevel logistic regression, and an estimate of predicted probabilities. Models were adjusted for sex and school socioeconomic level. The results showed that school climate was associated with adolescent alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use. Negative treatment of students, discrimination, poorly defined school rules, inadequate safety, and perceived harassment were associated with an increased risk of substance use. School interventions addressing adolescent substance use should consider the influence of school climate on risky behaviors.