4012.0: Tuesday, October 23, 2001 - 8:55 AM

Abstract #23236

Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use in the bisexual population: Analysis of the Healthy People 2010 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Companion Document

Lauretta A. Safford, MSW, Survey and Evaluation Research Laboratory, Virginia Commonwealth University, 921 W. Franklin St., Richmond, VA 23284, 804-828-8813, s2lasaff@titan.vcu.edu

Studies utilized in the Healthy People 2010 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Companion Document state that lesbians and gays are at high risk for substance abuse which also increase the risks for HIV, sexually transmitted diseases and violence (against LGBT people and by LGBT people). However few studies have included bisexuals because they are usually included in the gay and lesbian groups. Therefore, further research and discussion on alcohol, tobacco and other drug prevalence and risk factors in the bisexual community is needed. The following presentation examines the substance abuse and tobacco chapters in the companion document from a bisexual viewpoint. Participants will be involved in identifying specific issues related to ATOD and bisexuals, barriers to care and practice implications. The central aim is to focus on how substance use combined with risk sexual behaviors increase risks for other health conditions rather than sexual identity alone. Participants will also be asked to begin creating solutions to research difficulties related to studying alcohol, tobacco and other drug use in the bisexual community. By the end of the presentation, participants should:

1. Identify at least three research difficulties when studying substance abuse, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in the bisexual community. 2. Evaluate the HP 2010 LGBT Companion Document Substance abuse and tobacco chapters from a bisexual perspective. 3. Apply HP2010 LGBT Companion document objectives in the substance abuse and tobacco chapters to the bisexual community.

Learning Objectives: 1. Identify at least three research difficulties when studying alcohol, tobacco and other drugs in the bisexual community. 2. Evaluate the HP 2010 LGBT Companion Document Substance abuse and tobacco chapters from a bisexual perspective. 3. Apply HP2010 LGBT Companion Document objectives in the substance abuse and tobacco chapters to the bisexual community.

Keywords: Alcohol, Bisexual

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.

The 129th Annual Meeting of APHA