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

Abstract #68738

Monique Wilson, DrPH(c), Data Processing, Friends Social Research Center, 1040 Park Avenue, Suite 103, Baltimore, MD 21201, 410-837-3977, mwilson@frisrc.org and Tameca Jackson, MSW, Case Management, Friends Social Research Center, 1040 Park Avenue, Suite 103, Baltimore, MD 21201.

Objectives:This study compared patterns of substance use pre- and post -September 11th terrorist attacks in large urban areas in the United States. Methods:Interviewers utilized face- to-face, computer-, and audio- assisted interviews with males and females 12 and older residing in households, non-institutional quarters, and civilians living on military bases. Data were collected in New York City (NYC), the NYC Consolidated Metropolitan Statistical Area (NY CMSA), and the combined CMSAs of Los Angeles, Detroit, and Chicago (C-CMSA). Results: Marijuana prevalence among males in NYC increased from 5.1% in the first three quarters of 2001 to 9.3% in the fourth quarter. This trend was significantly different in 2000 (an average of 5.2% in the first three quarters v. 4.7% in the last quarter). Female marijuana use dropped from 9.4 to 5.3 days in 2001 (first three quarters and fourth quarter, respectively). In the NY CMSA, male alcohol use increased by a mean of 2.1 to 2.4 binge days. This increase was significantly different from the 2.0 to 1.2 day decline in 2000 (first three quarters to fourth quarter, respectively). Finally, in 2001 the prevalence rate for female cigarette use declined from 22% to 15.3%. Females in NY CMSA had a similar decline from 21.4% to 19.8% (first three quarters and fourth quarter, respectively). Conclusions: Overall, there were few significant differences in substance use post September 11th 2001. Considering comparison data were collected during the last quarter, the timetable may be too brief to accurately ascertain the effects of the event.

Learning Objectives:

"At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to:
• Recognize the effects of September 11, 2001 on ATOD use."
• Discuss substances that had significant changes post September 11, 2001.
• Identify significant gender differences in ATOD use post September 11, 2001."

Keywords: Drugs,

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.