in 1996. In 1991, MTF was expanded to include assessment of 8th and 10th graders nationwide, in addition to 12th graders. According to the 1999 survey, 2.7 percent of 8th and 10th graders reported that they had taken anabolic steroids at least once in their lives. These numbers are statistically significant increases from the 1991 data. Some statistically significant increases occurred from 1998 to 1999, as well: Among 10th graders in 1999, 2.7 percent had used anabolic steroids at least once in their lifetimes, up from 2.0 percent in 1998. The rates also increased for past year use from 1.2 percent in 1998 to 1.7 percent in 1999, and increased for past month use from 0.6 percent in 1998 to 0.9 in 1999. In 1999, 2.7 percent of 8th graders had used anabolic steroids at least once in their lifetimes. In addition, 1.7 percent of 8th-graders had used anabolic steroids in the past year, up from 1.2 percent in 1998. Use in the past month had also increased from 0.5 percent in 1998 to 0.7 percent in 1999. In addition to data regarding use, the 1999 survey reported 12th graders' attitudes toward steroid use: 62.1 percent of 12th graders perceived a great risk in taking steroids - the lowest percentage reported since questions about steroids were started in 1989. This is a decrease from 68.1 percent in 1998. 88.9 percent said they disapprove of people who use steroids. Also among 12th graders in 1999, 44.6 percent felt it would be fairly easy or very easy for them to get steroids. Among 10th graders, there was a statistically significant increase in the percentage of those saying it is "fairly easy" to get anabolic steroids, from 33.0 in 1998 to 35.9 in 1999. Anabolic Steroid Use by Students, 1999:Monitoring the Future Study8th-Graders10th-Graders12th-GradersEver Used2.7%2.7%2.9%Used in Past Year1.71.71.8Used in Past Month0.70.90.9** The MTF survey is conducted by the University of Michigan's Institute for Social Research and is funded by Nation...
