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

Abstract #72880

W. William Chen, PhD, University of Florida, PO Box 128210, Gainesville, FL 32611, (352) 392-0583, wchen@hhp.ufl.edu

A general misconception is that drugs and alcohol use and abuse are relatively uncommon among Asian Pacific Islanders (APIs). However, closer examination of data available reveals a different picture. To better understand the problems and issues related to prevention research on drugs and alcohol among APIs, this presentation examines (1) the extent of substance use and abuse, (2) factors influencing use and abuse, (3) methodological issues related to prevention research, and (4) prevention research targeted to APIs. Recent national data indicated Asians as a group had the lowest rate of current illicit drug use, but there were significant variations among the Asian subgroups. For persons aged 12 or older, the rates were 1.3% for Chinese, 2.2% for Asian Indians or Filipinos, 3.0% for Vietnamese, 4.5% for Japanese, and 5.0% for Koreans. Specific factors affecting drugs and alcohol use include bio-physiological, ethno-cultural, and psychosocial differences, but a combination of these factors have also been suggested. Prevention research focused on APIs has not been particularly helpful because it was unclear what population groups were being studied. In addition, data collection and survey instruments have also posed serious problems for drugs and alcohol research. The causes and risks of drugs and alcohol use and abuse are somewhat different for APIs. To be effective, prevention and intervention programs need to be designed, based on the specific cultural characteristics and social environmental settings of APIs.

Learning Objectives:

• 1. Understand the level of drug abuse among Asian Pacific Islanders.
• 2. Identify factors affecting the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol among Asian Pacific Islanders.
• 3. Recognize the methodological issues related to prevention research of drugs and alcohol.
• 4. Develop drugs and alcohol prevention strategies targeted to Asian Pacific Islanders.

Keywords: Drug Use, Asian and Pacific Islander

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.