Publication: Youth Risk-Taking Behavior in Brazil : Drug Use and Teenage Pregnancy
Date
2008-03
ISSN
Published
2008-03
Author(s)
Abstract
Using an extensive survey that addresses
risk factors faced by the population in the shantytowns
(favelas) of Fortaleza, Brazil, the aim of this paper is to
study risk-taking behavior by youth, focusing on drug use
and teenage pregnancy. The paper analyzes the impact of
factors such as exposure to mass media, the existence of
support networks, self-esteem, and the occurrence of
violence at home and in the neighborhood, on the probability
of risk-taking behavior. A bivariate probit model is
estimated. The findings indicate that reliance on support
networks and exposure to mass media are associated with a
lower probability of either type of risk behavior. Living in
a violent home increases drug consumption. Race does not
have a significant impact on either type of behavior.
Citation
“Cardoso, Ana Rute; Verner, Dorte. 2008. Youth Risk-Taking Behavior in Brazil : Drug Use and Teenage Pregnancy. Policy Research Working Paper; No. 4548. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/aac1b064-4ae4-5c5e-ac8e-b424944323f6 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”
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