Gender differences in substance abuse among juvenile inmates in Taiwan

Objective: This study examined the gender difference in substance abuse among juvenile inmates. Method: Data were collected through a census survey for juvenile inmates in the correctional institutions anonymously using a self-administered questionnaire in group settings, and directed by our interviewers in 2007. A total of 1,363 juvenile inmates aged 10 to 22 were recruited in the survey and the response rate was 90.6%. Results: Roughly 70.6% female and 78.8% male participants reported ever smoking over 100 cigarettes in their lifetime. Significant gender differences (p < .05) before current imprisonment in prevalence of substance use between female and male participants were found in cigarette smoking (81.4% vs. 88.7%), drinking alcohol (66.2% vs. 56.0%) and illicit drug using (55.2% vs. 40.9%). About 45.8% female and 39.6% male participants agreed with the statement that "smoking is the gateway drug of illicit drug use." Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that female (OR=1.96, 95%CI=1.25-3.07), those having a smoking habit (OR=4.18, 95%CI=2.38-7.33), those having a drinking habit (OR=1.52, 95%CI=1.14-2.03), those without exercise habit (OR=1.34, 95%CI=1.01-1.76), those with all or most significant others were illicit drug users (OR=4.94, 95%CI=3.66-6.66), and those with some significant others were illicit drug users (OR=6.46, 95%CI=3.63-11.50) were more likely to use illicit drug compared to their counterparts, after controlling for subjects'age, and level of education. Conclusions: Smoking/drinking habits and social influence are associated with illicit drug use behaviors among juvenile inmates.