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Dominicus So, PhD, Psychology, Howard University, 525 Bryant Street NW, Room N-269, Washington, DC 20059, 202-806-9462, dso@howard.edu and Frank Wong, PhD, International Health/School of Nursing and Health Studies, Gerogetown University, 3700 Reservoir Road NW, Washington, DC, DC 20057-1107.
Asian American youths are often portrayed as being the most substance-free among all racial/ethnic groups. However, if the substance use pattern of Asians in college resembles that of all U.S. college students, there is a paucity of culture-specific data on Asian Americans. Two hundred and forty eight self-identified Asian American college students participated in this study that examined the prevalence rate and socio-demographic factors of substance use prevalence among Asian Americans in college. Using a Basic Demographic Questionnaire, Family of Origin Measure, Acculturation Lifestyle Survey, and Substance Use Checklist (all instruments were in English), we found prevalence comparable to or higher than a national sample: 94.5% lifetime prevalence and 78.6% current prevalence (past 30 days) of alcohol use; higher current prevalence (past 30 days) of illicit drug use (9.5%) and of current cigarette use (22.8%) than other Asians aged 12 and older (3.5% for illicit drugs and 17.7% for cigarettes) in a national survey. Male students and those being employed are more likely to be current users (past 30 days) of drugs in general (15%) and marijuana (13.2%), and users of wine coolers (76.0%) and cigarettes (61.1%) in the lifetime. Being born overseas, years in the U.S., and preference for American TV/movie are associated with substance use. Asian Americans are not immune from substance use (or abuse) while in college. Culture-specific prevention is necessary to influence male students and those who are not US-born, through influential natural opinion leaders, and culture-specific social activities in college.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Asian Americans, Substance Abuse
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.