This paper examines the social distributions of contextual influences and variations in their relevance for tobacco use, marijuana use, abuse and dependence, and alcohol abuse and dependence across race/ethnicity, gender, nativity and SES. Specifically, for each substance, we consider perceived risk of use, level of approval of use by friends, parents and siblings, and perceived drug use by parents and peers. The results are based on the first of two detailed interviews with a representative sample of 1800 individuals in the transition to adulthood (95% were between 19 and 21 years of age). These interviews follow-up questionnaires administered in 7th, 8th and 9th grades to this study population. The sample is composed of approximately 25% Cuban, 25% other Hispanic, 25% African American and 25% non-Hispanic white. The results demonstrate variations across gender and race/ethnicity in the experienced level of these contextual factors and in their relevance for substance use outcomes.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be informed of the social distributions of contextual influences and variations in their relevance for tobacco use, marijuana use, abuse and dependence, and alcohol abuse and dependence across race/ethnicity, gender, nativity and SES. Specifically, for each substance, we consider perceived risk of use, level of approval of use by friends, parents and siblings, and perceived drug use by parents and peers. The results provide a descriptive epidemiology of perceived level of drug use approval by respondent's siblings, parents, and peers. We present the distribution of these risk and protective factors and their associations with outcome variables drug use and abuse. The results demonstrate variations across gender and race/ethnicity in the experienced level of these contextual factors and in their relevance for substance use outcomes
Keywords: Ethnic Minorities, Drug Use Variation
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
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.