Jessica Cance, MPH¹, Michael Penne, MPH², and Olivia Silber Ashley, DrPH¹. (1) Center for Interdisciplinary Substance Abuse Research, RTI International, P.O. Box 12194, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194, (919) 316-3350, jcance@rti.org, (2) Statistics Research Division, Research Triangle Institute, P.O. Box 12194, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194

Unhealthy weight control behaviors are a common and increasing problem among adolescent females. In addition, past year use of 3-4 methylenedioxymethamephetamine (MDMA), better known as Ecstasy, is more common among adolescent females than adolescent males, and its effects are stronger for females than males. Research has shown that unhealthy weight control behaviors among females are associated with substance use, but these studies have focused on alcohol use and abuse among adult women in treatment for unhealthy weight control behaviors or substance abuse. This study examines the relationship between past year unhealthy weight control behaviors and past year Ecstasy use among females aged 12 to 17, using data from a nationally representative sample (n=4,292) from the 2001 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA), a survey of the U.S. non-institutionalized population. Adolescent females who had used laxatives or vomited to lose weight in the past year were more likely than those who had not to have used Ecstasy in the past year (10.4 percent vs. 2.2 percent, p<0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that past year Ecstasy use was twice as likely among females who had used laxatives or vomited to lose weight in the past year compared with those who had not (OR=2.32; 95% CI=1.38, 3.90; p=0.0015), after controlling for age, race/ethnicity, household income, and past year use of alcohol or other substances. These results show a strong link between unhealthy weight control behaviors and Ecstasy use among adolescent females, suggesting the need for prevention, screening, and intervention.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant will be able to

• Identify existing knowledge about unhealthy weight control behaviors and substance use.
• Describe the relationship between unhealthy eating behaviors and Ecstasy use among adolescent females.
• Discuss findings in relation to public health needs among adolescent females.

Keywords: Adolescent Health, Other 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.