Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are among the fastest growing U.S. populations. In this context, the White House issued an Executive Order in June 1999 with the objectives of improving health and reducing social disparity among the AAPI. To accomplish the objectives as they applied to substance use, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) appointed 14 members to the NIDA AAPI Workgroup. Based on the Workgroup's efforts, this paper reports the current state of research on substance abuse among the AAPI, and AAPI participation in research and data dissemination. We identified a severe lack of reliable data in almost all areas of relevant research, including: the extent of substance abuse among diverse AAPI sub-groups, substance abuse services utilization, environmental risk and protective factors, genetic and metabolic sensitivities to psychoactive substances accounting for population heterogeneity and the complex patterns of inter-racial mating, and medical consequences of substance use including AIDS/HIV. Available information, albeit severely limited, does indicate recent increases in both licit and illicit substance abuse among segments of the AAPI. A weak research infrastructure involving AAPIs also was identified with respect to research portfolios, participation in research, and prevention and intervention services for the AAPI. Some recent efforts have begun to address these disparities. We nevertheless conclude that more aggressive initiatives must be pursued to meet the increasing needs for information on and services by AAPIs. Recommendations being drafted encompass five goals to improve research knowledge, career development and training, research dissemination, and services to the AAPI.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will be able to: 1. Identify the five major areas where substance abuse research data on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) are severely lacking. 2. Define the current limitations of the U.S. health research infrastructure in three significant areas as they apply to the AAPI. 3. Assess the five goals of the NIDA AAPI Workgroup as they apply to the current state of AAPI research
Keywords: Asian and Pacific Islander, Substance Abuse
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: National Institute on Drug Abuse provided technical assistance to the NIDA AAPI WorkGroup. This paper refers to NIDA's research portfolio on AAPI's
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.