142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition

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Understanding the match between homeless youths' perceived network member substance use and their network members' actual substance use: A multi-level analysis

142nd APHA Annual Meeting and Exposition (November 15 - November 19, 2014): http://www.apha.org/events-and-meetings/annual
Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Hsun-Ta Hsu, MSW , School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Anamika Barman-Adhikari, MA, MSW, PhD Student , School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Eric Rice, PhD , School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Harmony Rhoades, PhD , School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Hailey Winetrobe, MPH, CHES , School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Background: Homeless youth are at high risk of substance abuse. Youths’ perceptions of social norms can influence their substance use behaviors. This study used a socio-metric network approach to explore correlates of a match between homeless youths’ perceived social norms and their network members’ actual substance use.

Method: This study used first wave data of a homeless youth social network longitudinal study. Participants (N=377) were sampled from two drop-in centers in Los Angeles and completed a questionnaire and social network interview. Youths’ socio-metric networks in the two centers were constructed. Hierarchical linear modeling was conducted to examine participant, network and relationship level factors on a match between youths’ perceived and network members’ actual substance use.

Results: Homophily of specific substance use between youth and their network members was  associated with a match between the perceived and actual network member marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, and prescription drug use (OR=37.09, 95% CI=12.01-114.53; OR=17.98, 95%CI=8.72-37.07; OR=47.49, 95% CI=19.09-118.15; OR=7.95, 95% CI=4.93-12.83, respectively).  Homophily in gender was associated with the perceived and actual methamphetamine use match (OR=1.71, 95% CI=1.08-2.71). Network members’ out-degree centrality was negatively associated with perceived and actual methamphetamine use match (OR=0.84; 95% CI=0.75-0.93). Participants occupying more central network positions were positively associated with perceived and actual network member heroin use match (OR=1.58, 95% CI=1.14-2.19; OR=1.31, 95% CI=1.05-1.64).

Conclusion: The findings suggest that it is important for substance abuse interventions focusing on homeless youth to target prevalent social norms rather than correcting individuals’ misperceptions for youth in networks where members use similar drugs.

Learning Areas:

Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Demonstrate multilevel analysis application in social network research Discuss potential social network characteristics that may influence individuals' correct perception of network norms

Keyword(s): Drug Abuse, Youth

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have participated in multiple projects on looking health related issues among homeless population, including substance use. My have also participated in studies that looking social network influences on homeless youth's sexual risks and substance use behaviors.
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.

Back to: 5003.0: Adolescent Issues (Other Drugs)