Abstract
Junior high school pupils were divided into three groups on the basis of urinary concentrations of hippuric acid, and the epidemiological factors in the group suspected of glue sniffing were investigated.
1. Among 685 pupils 4.4% were glue sniffers (3.2% of the boys and 5.8% of the girls).
2. There were statistically significant differences between sniffers and non-sniffers in regard to some subjective symptoms, physical fitness and body-build, but in the results of hematological examinations or urinalysis.
3. There was no significant difference between sniffers and non-sniffers as to such sociological factors as school attendance, grades, history of deliquency, expectation to go on to high school, economic deprivation, level of education of parents, etc.
4. Glue sniffing did, however, seem to be related to such circumstances as fatherlessness, defiance of parents, being left alone by parents among the girls; and absence of a feeling of parental affection and trust among the boys.
