Understanding the distribution of various alcohol and other drug (AOD) abuse risks is important for the design and implementation of community prevention strategies. The population density as well as the severity of AOD problems in the five boroughs of NYC necessitates that AOD prevention needs assessment be conducted at the sub-borough level.
Methodology: NYC zip code level community indicator data measuring AOD abuse risk factors and consequences were collected from NYC and NYS government agencies. Individual risk indicators were used to form risk constructs through principle components factor analysis. Risk constructs were assigned to either the Community Risk or Youth Risk Index. The Community Risk Index is comprised of constructs that operate at the community level, such as poverty, crime, and drug exposure. Those risk constructs that are more directly associated with youth, such as family dysfunction, delinquent behaviors, and school problems, were assigned to the Youth Risk Index. A Youth Consequences Index was constructed from indicators that are measures of youth substance abuse problems. Alpha coefficients supported a strong internal consistency of the risk constructs, Risk Indices, and Youth Consequences Index.
Planning Product: The NYC Risk Profiles provide risk indicator rates, as well as standardized scores and rankings for each construct and Index at the zip code level for all five boroughs in NYC. In addition, overlay transparencies are provided for NYC school districts, police precincts, community districts, and zip codes to assist prevention providers and planners in determining the need for AOD prevention services within their planning area.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. List three community risk and three youth risk constructs that increase a community’s likelihood for youth substance abuse. 2. Identify the indicators that comprise a certain risk construct, and identify the placement of the risk construct within the correct risk index. 3. Visually identify (through spatial mapping) high and low risk areas in New York City on various risk constructs and indices. During this session, the presenter will: 1. Discuss recent research on macro-level and individual aggregate factors that increase a community’s risk for youth substance abuse. 2. Discuss the use of factor analysis to reduce community indicators into meaningful risk constructs and indices. 3. Discuss the technique of spatial mapping for identifying communities in New York City which are at greater risk for substance abuse among youth
Keywords: Prevention, Needs Assessment
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (NYS OASAS)
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: employment