Substance use among young, unmarried, 2nd generation Asian American women: Preliminary results from “Healthy Women, Healthy Communities” study (Asian American Women's Sexual Health Initiative Project (AWSHIP))

Objectives: Results from epidemiological studies consistently show high prevalence of alcohol and cigarette use among Asian American males. However, less is known about the patterns of cigarette, alcohol and illicit drug use among Asian American young women. Methods: This pilot study is part of a larger cross-sectional survey study (n=93), designed to describe mental, physical, sexual health, sexual risk behavior and substance use among Asian American women who reside in the greater Boston area. This pilot study was collected in January 2010. To be eligible for this study, participants must be (1) age 18-35 years old women; (2) self identified as Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, or mixed of one of these ethnicity; (3) children of immigrants. Computer Assisted Interview Survey (CASI) was employed. Results: Although the prevalence of cigarette use in the past 12 months was low (11%), the prevalence of binge drinking and marijuana use were high. Approximately 39% of women reported binge drinking in the past 12 months, 22% of women reported binge drinking in the past two weeks. Approximately 38% reported life time marijuana use, and 22% reported marijuana use in the past 12 months. Approximately 4% reported ever using cocaine, and 11% reported eve using other illegal drugs. Conclusions: Young Asian American women have high prevalence of binge drinking and marijuana use, substantially higher to that of the majority US population. Factors associated with these substances need to be identified, and culturally appropriate intervention targeted to reduction of substance uses among this population is urgent.