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

Abstract #69121

David Hollar, PhD and Dennis Moore, EdD. SARDI Program, School of Medicine, Wright State University, P.O. Box 927, Dayton, OH 45401-0927, (937) 775-1473, david.hollar@wright.edu

Morrison and Cosden proposed a conceptual model of family, school, peer, and substance use risk factors that contribute to negative adult outcomes for individuals with disabilities. Furthermore, several studies have demonstrated that youth with disabilities have heightened risks for substance use/abuse compared to youth without disabilities. Previous analyses of the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988-2000 (NELS: 88) also revealed significantly more negative educational and social outcomes among youth with disabilities who regularly used cigarettes or who had used illicit drugs. The current study tested a structural equation model of risk factors during high school that may contribute to substance use/abuse and negative adult outcomes, based upon the Morrison and Cosden model and variables in the NELS: 88 database. Exogenous variables included base-year individual self-concept, locus of control, family communication, and peer pressure. Endogenous variables included sequential follow-up self-concept, locus of control, school experiences, substance use, and long-term education and employment eight years beyond the scheduled completion of high school. Several models were tested. The most promising model had strong fit (c²/df = 3.61, GFI = 0.88, RMSEA = 0.05) and was a significant (p < .01) improvement over its corresponding baseline model. Primary regression effects included base-year self-concept and locus of control on subsequent substance use, school problems, and educational achievement. This structural equation model provides a foundation for evaluating risk behaviors among youth with disabilities and for providing appropriate educational interventions.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
• Discuss the educational, employment, and social limitations faced by youth with disabilities who have used alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs (AOD).
• List five risk factors that may contribute to substance use and other negative adult outcomes for youth with disabilities.
• Describe AOD educational prevention strategies that are appropriate for youth with disabilities.

Keywords: Risky Behaviors, Drug Use

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.