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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Erik C. Crankshaw, MPH, Center for Health Promotion Research, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, PO Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194, 919-316-3809, ecrankshaw@rti.org

Background: The use of multiple drugs in combination, a behavior referred to as “polydrug use,” is a particularly problematic form of drug use that is associated with a wide array of serious and unique outcomes. Very little is known about the stages or transitions of polydrug use behavior, how concurrent polydrug use transitions and patterns differ from discrete drug use sequencing, or how socio-demographic characteristics such as gender and ethnicity influence polydrug use transitions. Furthermore, few studies to date have investigated the role of inhalants, a commonly abused, widely available class of drugs, in drug use progressions. Objectives: This study, a doctoral dissertation, seeks to describe adolescent transitions in concurrent polydrug use and is one of the first studies to longitudinally assess the role of inhalants in polydrug use transitions. Methods: Longitudinal data from a large, general population sample of adolescents (Ages 11 – 17, N=5,200) was collected twice yearly over three years (5 waves, 2002 – 2004). Polydrug use patterns and transition probabilities are analyzed through Latent Transition Analysis (LTA), an extension of latent class theory that allows the researcher to estimate and test models of longitudinal, stage-sequential development. Results/Discussion: Drug use stage prevalence and transition probabilities will be reported, and group differences based on gender, ethnicity and inhalant use will be discussed.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe the patterns of progression to polydrug use in an adolescent population
• Identify how inhalant use influences polydrug use transitions
• Evaluate differences in polydrug use transitions by gender and by race/ethnicity
• Assess the utility of Latent Transition Analysis for exploring discrete changes in behavior over time
• Discuss the implications of study findings for ATOD prevention

Keywords: Adolescents, Drug Use

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered

Handout (.pdf format, 203.4 kb)