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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Danielle C. Ompad, PhD¹, Sandro Galea, MD, DrPH², Christina Chan, MPH¹, Victoria Frye, PhD¹, Sasha Rudenstine¹, and David Vlahov, PhD¹. (1) Center for Urban Epidemiologic Studies, New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029, 212-419-3589, dompad@nyam.org, (2) Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1214 South University, Room 243, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Data are sparse on availability and use of club drugs among urban, economically-disadvantaged, racially-diverse populations. We aimed to investigate club drug use (CDU) and availability in 36 ethnographically-defined neighborhoods of New York City (NYC). A community-based sample of non-drug users, former drug users, non-injection drug users and injection drug users aged Ан18 years were recruited from target neighborhoods. Availability and use of club drugs (defined as ecstasy, LSD, PCP, GHB, ketamine and methamphetamine) was assessed through interviewer-administered questionnaires. To date, of 405 people recruited, 50.6% were Hispanic, 39.0% were Black and 10.3% were other race. The sample was 70.6% male; median age was 37 (range 18-64). In terms of lifetime CDU, PCP was reported the most (39.3%), followed by LSD (30.6%), ecstasy (20.7%), ketamine (6.4%), methamphetamine (4.7%) and GHB (2.5%). CDU in the last 6 months was reported by 76 (18.8%), with PCP (6.4%), ecstasy (5.4%), and LSD (3.0%) reported most frequently. PCP was the most frequently reported drug available in the neighborhood of residence (16.5%) followed by ecstasy (15.1%), LSD (8.6%), and methamphetamine (4.9%). Those living in neighborhoods where club drugs were available were significantly more likely to have used (43.0 vs. 10.8 %, p<0.001). There were no significant differences in terms of age, race/ethnicity, gender, education and sexual identity among those reporting neighborhood club drug availability versus no availability. These preliminary data suggest that club drugs are available in a variety of NYC neighborhoods. Despite increasing concerns about methamphetamines, availability and use are relatively low.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Describe the prevalence of club drugs in NYC neighborhoods
• Discuss correlates of club drug use
• Discuss club drug availability in New York City neighborhoods and the relationship between availability and use

Keywords: Substance Abuse,

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered