227873 Decrease in substance-using behaviors among Austronesian minority indigenous people after the 2003 SARS outbreak in Taiwan

Monday, November 8, 2010 : 4:18 PM - 4:36 PM

Shu-Yu Lyu, MPH, PhD , School of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
Eugene Yu-Chang Peng, MD, MS , Department of Community Medicine, Taipei City Hospital, Renai Branch, Taipei, Taiwan
Wen-Min Lo, MS , Bureau of Nursing and Health Services Development, Department of Health, The Executive Yuan, Taiwan, Nantou, Taiwan
Background and purpose: Due to the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) pandemic, the World Health Organization placed Taiwan on the travel alert list from May 21 to July 5, 2003. This study explores the changes of substance-using behaviors among indigenous residents in Taiwan after the SARS outbreak. Methods: From June 8 to June 10, 2003, a telephone survey was conducted using nation-wide stratified random sampling, i.e., Taipei city versus other cities. Data were collected using the computer-assisted telephone interview system. A total of 1,000 aboriginal respondents aged 18 or above, which included 507 Taipei City residents and 493 residents of other cities, were recruited in this survey. Results: The prevalence of substance-using habits among respondents in terms of cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking, and betel nut chewing were 27.7%, 36.1%, and 18.9%, respectively. Substantial decrease in the amount of substance use were found after the SARS outbreak. The outcome of using less or much less of the substance were found in cigarette smokers (11.2 % used less and 9.7 % used much less), alcohol drinkers (14.9 % used less and 18.9 % used much less), and betel nut chewers (11.36 % used less and 16.48 % used much less). Conclusion: The society's experience of a newly emerging infectious disease has had great impact on indigenous people's behavior related to substance use.

Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Diversity and culture
Public health or related education
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
1. Recognize the decrease in substance-using behaviors among Austronesian minority indigenous people after the 2003 SARS outbreak. 2. Discuss substance-using behaviors prevention strategies for Austronesian minority indigenous people. 3. Explore substance-using behaviors and health education needs among Austronesian minority indigenous people during and after a new emerging infectious disease.

Keywords: International Health, Indigenous Populations

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am the co-PI of this research project.
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.