|
|
|
|
|
Gilbert Saint-Jean, MD, MPH, PhD and Lee A. Crandall, PhD. Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Miami, 1801 NW 9th Avenue, Room # 324, Locator D-93, Miami, FL 33136, 305-243-6571, gsaint@med.miami.edu
The purpose of this study was to describe patterns of drug use and to evaluate the role of acculturation in the development of this behavior among Florida adolescents of immigrant descent. Data were collected during the 2002 Florida Youth Substance Abuse Survey (FYSAS) on tobacco, alcohol, and illicit substance use, perceptions and attitudes, and delinquent and other related behaviors from a probability sample of 63,000 students attending public middle and high schools in 64 of Florida’s 67 counties. Crosstabulations and logistic regression were used for data analysis. The outcome variables were ‘past 2 week use of 5 or more drinks’, and ‘past 30 day use of any illicit drug’. Overall, compared to other students, those who originated from Latin America or the Caribbean, or who speak a language other than English at home were less likely to report use of alcohol or illicit drugs. Youth of Haitian descent were the least likely to report use of these substances (10% and 6% for five or more drinks and any illicit drug, respectively), followed by Dominicans (14% and 10%), Puerto Ricans (14% and 14%), West Indians (15% and 12%), Central Americans (15% and 14%), Mexican Americans (18% and 14%), Cuban Americans (15% and 15%), and ‘other Hispanics’(16% and 15%). Except for Haitians, those who speak a language other than English at home were less likely to report substance use compared to those who speak English. Consistent with previous studies, lack of acculturation seems to be protective against drug use among immigrant youth.
Learning Objectives:
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.