Flint [Michigan] Adolescent Study (FAS): A Longitudinal Follow-Up Study of Substance Use on Adult Transitional Events, 2000-2003

Includes data collected as part of 4 follow-up waves conducted for the Flint Adolescent Study (FAS). These data are waves five through eight, the original four waves can be found in ICPSR study 34598 (Flint [Michigan] Adolescent Study (FAS): A Longitudinal Study of School Dropout and Substance Use, 1994-1997.)  The Flint Adolescent Study (FAS) originally interviewed 850 ninth graders in the 4 public high schools of Flint, MI, between 1994 and 1997. Follow-up wave interviews were conducted 4 years after high school, between 2000 and 2003, as participants transitioned to young adulthood. The study was conducted in collaboration with the projects of Urban and Regional Affairs and Flint Community Schools. The goal of the study was to explore the protective factors associated with school dropout and alcohol and substance use. The study followed the youths for four years beginning in the Fall of 1994 to gather the first four waves of the study. The sample reflected the overall student body in the Flint high schools. In order to study those students most at risk for leaving school before graduation, individuals with grade point averages of 3.0 and below were selected.  Interviews were conducted face-to-face with each participant in a community location. Each interview took about one hour to complete. At the end of the interview students were asked to complete the last section of the questionnaire containing questions about their drug use and sexual behavior by themselves. Information obtained from the participants include: participation in church and community organizations; social support and influence of family and friends; self-esteem and psychological wellbeing; delinquent and violent behaviors; alcohol and substance use; sexual behavior and child bearing; school attitudes and performance; and family structure and relationships. Many items included in the follow-up waves repeat those present in the original surveys. Questions were also asked about driving behavior, stress, and racial identity. Data was also collected about participant education and occupation. Demographic variables in this collection include age, sex, race, education, occupation, employment history, residence type, household composition, height and weight, marital status, and number of children.