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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Natalie G. De La Cruz, MPH(c), CHES, Carl Hanson, PhD, CHES, M. Lelinneth B. Novilla, MD, MPH, and Michael D. Barnes, PhD, CHES. Health Science, Brigham Young University, 213 Richards Building, Provo, UT 84602, 801-319-5579, nataliedelacruz@gmail.com

The family has been identified as an important influence on health behaviors and outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of the family on ever use of smokeless tobacco, cigarettes, alcohol and marijuana among Native American and White high school students in Montana. Data come from the 2004 Montana Prevention Needs Assessment and include measures of family management, conflict, attitudes, behaviors and involvement. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to identify which family factors significantly impact substance use among both ethnic groups. Results indicate that parental attitudes favoring substance use and having a sibling with a history of substance use were among the most important indicators for substance use among both ethnicities. In addition, the odds of substance use increased with the number of adults an adolescent knew who had used drugs in the past year. Clear family rules about tobacco use were protective against use of smokeless tobacco among Native American adolescents, while the likelihood of being caught by parents was protective against alcohol consumption among both populations. Not feeling able to ask parents for help with personal problems was associated with increased odds of smoking among Native Americans. This research confirms that the family plays an important role in determining ever use of selected substances among both Native American and White adolescents in Montana. These findings suggest the need to enhance the protective capacity of the family and to include the family in efforts to mitigate adolescent substance use.

Learning Objectives: By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to

• Recognize how family attitudes, behaviors and interactions influence substance use among adolescents in Montana.
• Describe the prevalence of substance use among Native American and White adolescents in Montana.
• Prioritize the family as a setting of intervention for preventive programs addressing adolescent substance use.

Keywords: Family Involvement, Drug Use

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered