This study conducts longitudinal analysis on frequency of crack-cocaine use and depression level (measured by Beck Depression Inventory - BDI), using parallel process Latent Growth Model (LGM). The initial levels and changes of the two outcome measures are treated as random coefficients and conceptualized as growth factors in the framework of structural equation modeling. How the growing process of depression is associated with the parallel growing process of crack-cocaine use over time is examined. Individual variations in the initial levels and the trajectories of the two outcome measures are also examined by including individual background variables such as age, gender, ethnicity, and education as convariates into the model. A sample of 430 crack-cocaine users interviewed at four consecutive time points with a 6-month interval in a natural history study in Dayton, Ohio are used for the study.
Learning Objectives: NA
Keywords: Depression, Substance Abuse
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.