The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #53425

Arnold H. Grossman, PhD, ACSW, Department of Health Studies, New York University, 35 West 4th Street - Suite 1200, New York, NY 10012, 212-998-5615, arnold.grossman@nyu.edu and Anthony R. D'Augelli, PhD, Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Pennsylvania State University, 105Q White Building, State College, PA 16802.

Drug use among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth has been found to be elevated when compared to use among heterosexually-identified youth. Although studies have demonstrated an association between drug use and risky sexual activity, none has used a large sample of LGB youth or examined gender differences. This study focuses on three frequently used drugs, i.e., alcohol, marijuana, and party drugs (e.g., Ecstasy). Findings are based on data from a longitudinal study of LGB youth 15 to 19, which uses a sample of 274 males and 254 females. Findings from the first wave of interviews indicate that 60% of the youth used alcohol and 44% marijuana in the last year, and that 17% used one of the party drugs at least once in the last year. Initial analyses of the party drug users (n=92, F17%, M18%) indicate that 82% reported sexual activity while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, and that 76% of these youth reported unsafe sex practices. High percentages reported unsafe sex with partners of the same and opposite genders. Differences between party drug users and non-users of these drugs indicate that party drug users had lower self-esteem, were more depressed, had more lifetime and current suicide ideation and demonstrated more trauma symptoms. Other analyses will be conducted to examine similar variables for alcohol and marijuana users and non-users, as well as explore multiple drug use and its association with unsafe sexual activity.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the presentation participants should be able to:
• describe the use of alcohol, marijuana, and party drugs among LGB youth;
• identify differences between alcohol, marijuana and party drug users and non-users;
• understand the association between drug use and risky sexual activity among LGB youth;
• and describe the differences between male and female drug users related to unsafe sexual practices.

Keywords: Drug Use, Youth

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.