Back to Annual Meeting Page		American Public Health Association 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition December 10-14, 2005 Philadelphia, PA

Abstract #113807

Jeffrey T. Parsons, PhD¹, Brian C. Kelly, PhD², Brooke E. Wells, MA³, and PARTY Team². (1) Psychology Department, Hunter College of the City University of New York, 695 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021, (2) Center for HIV Educational Studies and Training, Hunter College/CUNY, 250 W 26th St, Suite 300, New York, NY 10001, (3) Social Personality Psychology, The Graduate Center at The City University of New York, Center for HIV/AIDS Educational Studies and Training, 250 W. 26th St., Ste 300, New York, NY 10001, 212-206-7919, bwells@hunter.cuny.edu

Background: “Club drugs” encompass a diverse range of substances that emerged during the 1990's as significant drugs of abuse in the US. Efforts have been made through large-scale national surveys to determine the extent of the use of club drugs. However, while general population estimates are important, it is equally important to identify and assess prevalence among key target populations. Club drugs are titled as such because of a perceived association with club cultures. Yet, we have little published data providing more complete assessments of these assertions.

Methods: Using time-space sampling to generate a probability-based sample of club-going young adults (ages 18-29) in NYC, 472 young adults provided data on their use of six key club drugs: ecstasy, ketamine, cocaine, crystal meth, GHB, and LSD, as well as data on their gender, sexual orientation, and key demographic variables.

Results: Preliminary analyses suggest that club-going young adults in NYC consume club drugs at higher rates than national averages. Gender does not appear to play a significant role in patterns of club drug use, yet sexual identity plays a significant role. The use of ecstasy (OR=1.6, p<.05), GHB (4.1, p<.001), cocaine (2.3, p<.001), and crystal meth (2.0, p<.01) was significantly higher amongst gay, lesbian, and bisexual (GLB) club-going individuals than amongst heterosexuals.

Discussion: Even among young adults who frequent dance clubs, differences in rates of use between GLB young adults and heterosexuals were evident. Intervention programs and educational messages may need to differentially target GLB dance clubs and their patrons.

Learning Objectives:

• Attendees will be able to identify key club drugs of abuse, to assess the differences in club drug use by key demographic variables, and to evaluate potential options for health promotion efforts related to club drug use.

Keywords: Drug Use, Special Populations

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.