177843 Role of parental monitoring and peer influences on substance use with Caribbean Youth

Monday, October 27, 2008

Dina Cuervo, MA , School of Science & Technology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Sharon Mieras Perugini, MA, EdS , School of Science & Technology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Kiti Freier Randall, PhD , School of Science & Technology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Karen Flowers, MA , Andrews University, Berrrien Springs, MI
Duane C. McBride, PhD , Behavioral Science Department, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI
Gary L. Hopkins, MD, DrPH, MPH , Center for Prevention Research, Center for Media Impact Research, Andrews University, Careywood, ID
Carlos Archbold, PhD , Miami Dade College, Miami, FL
Introduction: Previous research suggests high levels of alcohol consumption and drug use among Caribbean Youth. The literature indicates that negative peer influences have been associated with high risk behaviors; however, emerging evidence suggests that parental monitoring may counteract peer influence. This study's objective was to examine the effects of parental monitoring and perceived peer norms on adolescent alcohol and drug use.

Methods: The data is from several Caribbean islands and is part of a larger IRB approved project assessing risk behaviors among adolescents. The survey included demographic information and questions from the Center for Disease Control's Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) and assessed health risk prevalence including alcohol and drug use.

Results: 903 youth were a part of this study (Male-43%, Female-57%; mean age=15.6 (SD=1.6). For alcohol use, parental monitoring accounted for variance above and beyond that of perceived peer norms, although the effect was small (Adj R2=.03). No interaction was found between parental monitoring and perceived peer norms with alcohol behavior. For drug use, parental monitoring moderated the effect of perceived peer norms (B=.101, p<.01).

Conclusions: Parental monitoring had differential influences over adolescent substance use. Cultural norms regarding the acceptability of alcohol use, even among adolescents, are prevalent within many Caribbean cultures and may override the effects of parental monitoring; perhaps accounting for these differences regarding the role of parental monitoring. For drug use, parental monitoring demonstrated protective effects. Further investigation is important in this area in developing effective prevention/intervention programs that target these high risk behaviors.

Learning Objectives:
Evaluate the moderating effects of parental monitoring with substance use for a sample of adolescents from the Caribbean.

Keywords: Adolescents, International, Substance Abuse

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have no monetary or other conflict of interest and I have been a part of the research team for this study.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.