The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #41564

Michael Fendrich, Institute for Juvenile Research, University of Illinois at Chicago, 840 S. Wood, Mail Code 747, Chicago, IL 60612, 312-413-1084, fendrich@uic.edu and Timothy P. Johnson, PhD, Survey Research Laboratory, University of Illinois at Chicago, 412 S. Peoria St., 6th Floor (M/C 336), Chicago, IL 60607.

A probability sample of over 600 young adult (18-40 years) residents of the City of Chicago completed a household-based Audio Computer Assisted Self-Interview on drug use during the latter half of 2001. As part of this survey, respondents completed a "club drug" module assessing use of a variety of substances that are considered in this category, including ecstasy, ketamine, and GHB and LSD. The module also inquired about the context in which these substances were used, including questions about respondents' involvement in the club and party scene. Preliminary results suggest considerable demographic differences between users and non-users of club drugs, particularly with respect to race and gender. White males, for example, reported considerably higher rates of hallucinogen use than other informants in this study. This presentation explores the prevalence of club drug use among young adults in Chicago, and compares their prevalence with that of other illicit drugs. We will present a demographic profile of club drug users, comparing their characteristics with those of non-users and with those who are users of substances such as marijuana, cocaine and heroin. Results from drug tests voluntarily completed as part of the interview protocol will be used to address the validity of responses from which comparisons are drawn. Our presentation will inform the direction of future prevention efforts focusing on club drugs - substances whose use and abuse has been rapidly expanding throughout the United States during the last five years.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will learn about innovative survey methods to assess substance use prevalence in the community. The presentation will describe our assessment tools and sampling procedures. The presentation will clearly define categories of substance abuse with particular attention to those substances that may be classified as "club drugs." We will analyze demographic data in order to help participants identify those populations most at risk for club drug involvement. At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be 1)aware of survey procedures for maximizing drug use reporting validity
• identify the substances that comprise the "club drug" category 3)identify those subgroups to whom prevention efforts need to be targeted

Keywords: Drug Use, Epidemiology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.