The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #54445

Chad Aaron Bousman, MPH¹, Audrey Shillington, PhD², Stephanie Lehman, PhD¹, Melbourne F. Hovell, PhD, MPH³, Elaine Blumberg, MA⁴, and Carol Sipan, MPH⁴. (1) San Diego State University, 6664 Bell Bluff Ave., San Diego, CA 92119, 619-549-9968, chadbousman@hotmail.com, (2) School of Social Work, San Diego State University, 9245 Sky Park Ct. Ste. 230, San Diego, CA 92123, (3) Center for Behavioral Epidemiology and Community Health, San Diego State University, 9245 Sky Park Court, Suite 230, San Diego, CA 92123, (4) Center for Behavioral Epidemiology and Community Health, San Diego State University, Graduate School of Public Health, 9245 Sky Park Ct. Suite 230, San Diego, CA 92123

Methamphetamine use has increased rapidly in the United States and is now considered to be the fastest-growing illegal drug in the country. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to estimate the prevalence of methamphetamine use and identify possible social and cultural risk factors among homeless/runaway youth in a Southern California city. A total of 83 homeless and/or runaway youth were recruited and administered a thirty-minute survey using state-of-the-art audio-computer assisted survey instrument (A-CASI) technology. Based on the Behavioral Ecological Model, several protective and risk factors for substance use were selected. Peer influence, violence involvement, risky sexual activity, religiosity, and parental monitoring were examined using logistic regression analysis. Results showed lifetime use of methamphetamine use was reported by 50.6% of participants. Violence involvement and low levels of parental monitoring were shown to be strong predictors of methamphetamine use after controlling for age, gender, and all other factors selected. The use of methamphetamine among homeless youth is a trend that will continue to grow without immediate intervention. These findings suggest solutions in parental interventions and violence prevention.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to identify risk factors of methamphetamine use among homeless and runaway youth and apply this knowledge to future interventions.

Keywords: Drug Use, Homelessness

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.