Academic pediatrics
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Academic pediatrics · Nov 2010
Multicenter StudyAssociation of adolescent choking game activity with selected risk behaviors.
Previous research has recommended education for parents, teachers, and anticipatory guidance by pediatricians regarding participation in the so-called choking game, a potentially fatal behavior. The purpose of this study was to examine possible associations between selected demographic variables and risk behaviors with youth engagement in the choking game on the basis of secondary data analysis from a general adolescent health risk behavior survey. ⋯ Engaging in the choking game was highly associated with abuse of substances, suggesting that youth engage in the choking game for the thrill-seeking experience of brief euphoria, a drug-related feeling. To reduce the potentially fatal consequences associated with this behavior, pediatricians should screen youths and provide anticipatory guidance for higher-risk youths and their parents.