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Showing papers in "Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse in 2016"


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A random-effects model meta-analysis of 26 studies published between 1990 and 2010 indicates a strong positive relationship and suggests larger effects of acculturation on cigarette smoking in women of Mexican descent as compared with women originating from other Latin American countries for current and lifetime smoking, as well as smoking overall.
Abstract: The present study was a random-effects model meta-analysis of 26 studies published between 1990 and 2010 (k = 32; n = 39,777) that (a) examined the association between acculturation and cigarette smoking in Hispanic women and (b) evaluated age, national origin, and measure and dimensionality (unidimensional vs. bidimensional) of acculturation as moderating variables. Results indicate a strong positive relationship and suggest larger effects of acculturation on cigarette smoking in women of Mexican descent as compared with women originating from other Latin American countries for current and lifetime smoking, as well as smoking overall. The effect of acculturation on cigarette smoking was larger in adults as compared with adolescents for current smoking and smoking overall. Few differences in effect size by measure or dimensionality of acculturation emerged. Results are discussed with regard to implications for future research and the measurement of acculturation.

45 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The Native Wellness Assessment (NWATM) as mentioned in this paper has a culture-as-intervention at its apex, where wellness, culture, and cultural intervention practices are explored from an Indigenous perspective.
Abstract: There is a need for Indigenous-centered research to appraise culture's role in wellness. Researchers described the development and validity of the Native Wellness Assessment (NWATM). The NWA has culture-as-intervention at its apex. Wellness, culture, and cultural intervention practices (CIPs) are explored from an Indigenous perspective. Indigenous clients completed matching self-report and observer versions of the NWA at three time points during addictions treatment. Statistically and psychometrically, the NWA content and structure performed well, demonstrating that culture is an effective and fair intervention for Indigenous peoples with addictions. The NWA can inform Indigenous health and community-based programs and policy.

36 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A theoretical model examining how 3 dimensions of ERS differentially relate to adolescent substance use, and how much these links are mediated by peer substance use social learning found that 2 of the 3 dimensions were related to substance use.
Abstract: The presence of parental socialization messages relevant to a child's race/ethnicity--ethnic-racial socialization (ERS)--have been found to be an important predictor of developmental outcomes. However, scholars have recently called for greater theoretical clarification, citing the need for better understanding of how the effects of ethnic-racial socialization messages differ by dimension and what causal mechanisms underlie this relationship. Using survey data from 269 Southern California high school students, this study tested a theoretical model examining how 3 dimensions of ERS differentially relate to adolescent substance use, and how much these links are mediated by peer substance use social learning (Akers, 2009). Using structural equation modeling, we cross-sectionally and longitudinally tested the pathways between ERS and peer substance use social learning and between peer social learning and substance use. We found that 2 of the 3 dimensions of ERS were related to substance use. Cultural socialization was associated with lower substance use, and promotion of mistrust was associated with greater substance use. Both effects were indirect and mediated by peer substance use social learning. These results were replicated in a separate analysis of the largest ethnic subsample (Latinos). Ethnic-racial socialization messages that stress pride in one's ethnic group and the development of one's ethnic identity (cultural socialization) may be a protective factor against future substance use by inhibiting the association with substance-using peers, whereas messages that stress distrust of other ethnic groups (promotion of mistrust) may be a risk factor against future substance use by promoting the association with substance-using peers.

26 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Estimating cultural, ethnic, and gender differences in drinking and alcohol-related problems among Hispanic students and suggesting familism was protective against drinking suggested that culture plays an important role in people’s behaviors and identifying protective factors is critical to inform culturally sensitive prevention and intervention efforts.
Abstract: The present study evaluated cultural, ethnic, and gender differences in drinking and alcohol-related problems among Hispanic students. Familism protects against negative outcomes in Hispanic populations, thus we expected familism to buffer against alcohol problems. Participants (N = 623; 53% female) completed a battery of measures. Results suggested that familism was protective against drinking. Furthermore, alcohol use mediated the association between familism and alcohol-related problems. In sum, understanding that culture plays an important role in people’s behaviors and identifying protective factors is critical to inform culturally sensitive prevention and intervention efforts.

21 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A lack of evidence-based culturally appropriate options for preventing substance use by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander youth is highlighted and Dialogue about best practices is needed and should be supported through publication of program evaluations.
Abstract: This article provides a literature review of recent programs to prevent alcohol and substance use in Hawaii and Pacific Islander youths. Five programs for alcohol and substance use prevention among Hawaii and Pacific Islander youths were found in peer-reviewed literature. Of these, two focused on Native Hawaiians and/or other Pacific Islanders and three focused on overall youths in Hawaii. The main themes of these programs were increasing cultural pride, character development through personal efficacy and integrity, connecting youth to family and community, and being school- or community-centered. Two studies showed a decrease in substance use, one showed a change in knowledge, and two did not published outcomes. This review highlights a lack of evidence-based culturally appropriate options for preventing substance use by Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander youth. Dialogue about best practices is needed and should be supported through publication of program evaluations.

20 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Modation analyses indicated that PBS were more protective for women than men against experiencing alcohol-related problems, and implementing PBS may be beneficial for all college students.
Abstract: This study examined race and gender differences in use of specific types of protective behavioral strategies (PBS) and the moderating effects of race and gender on the relationship between PBS use and alcohol problems, controlling for alcohol use, among a large sample of Asian, Black, and White college drinkers. There were significant racial and gender differences in the types of PBS used. Moderation analyses indicated that PBS were more protective for women than men against experiencing alcohol-related problems. There were no significant race effects or race-by-gender interaction effects on alcohol problems. Implementing PBS may be beneficial for all college students.

18 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In the full sample, neighborhood disadvantage significantly increased smoking and neighborhood affluence significantly decreased smoking, with no indirect paths through either distress or positive affect.
Abstract: Neighborhood disadvantage may increase smoking by increasing distress, while neighborhood affluence may reduce smoking by increasing positive affect. We examined whether relationships between neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) and daily smoking operated through distress and positive affect. Simultaneous multivariate path models used pooled cross-sectional data from the 2000 and 2005 National Alcohol Surveys (15,963 respondents; weighted N = 10,753) and the 2000 Decennial Census. Multiple groups analysis assessed differences by gender and race/ethnicity. Covariates included neighborhood immigrant concentration and individual-level demographics. In the full sample, neighborhood disadvantage significantly increased smoking and neighborhood affluence significantly decreased smoking, with no indirect paths through either distress or positive affect. Unique among Hispanics, affluence resulted in decreased smoking indirectly through reduced distress. Relationships between affect and smoking also var...

17 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A structurally traumatized communities theoretical framework relating to three major topics: addiction as an equal opportunity disease, the psychology of marijuana use, and anger and rage is proposed.
Abstract: This article reviews multidisciplinary literature to propose a structurally traumatized communities theoretical framework relating to three major topics: (a) addiction as an equal opportunity disease, (b) the psychology of marijuana use, and (c) anger and rage. From an ecological and structural perspective, the socially defined themes of stigma and stereotypes interplay with sociopolitical, historical, and cultural forces that contribute to substance use and addiction among African Americans and the treatment success gap that they experience in drug treatment. Empathy serves as an underlying mediating construct in clinical training and accreditation standards, inducing a systematic improvement in programmatic service delivery.

17 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Results of this study suggest that proportion Hispanic was positively associated with total and with off-premise alcohol outlets, and social disorganization was positively and significantly associated with all alcohol outlet types.
Abstract: This study examined the role that race/ethnicity and social disorganization play in alcohol availability in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, census block groups. This study estimated negative binomial regression models to examine separately the relationship between neighborhood racial/ethnic composition and social disorganization levels for (1) total, (2) on-premise, and (3) off-premise alcohol outlets. Results of this study suggest that proportion Hispanic was positively associated with total and with off-premise alcohol outlets. Second, proportion African American was negatively associated with on-premise alcohol outlets and positively associated with off-premise alcohol outlets. Proportion Asian was not associated with total, on-premise, or off-premise alcohol outlets. However, the effects of race/ethnicity on alcohol availability were either unrelated or negatively related to alcohol outlet availability once neighborhood social disorganization levels were taken into account, and social disorganization was positively and significantly associated with all alcohol outlet types. Neighborhood characteristics contribute to alcohol availability and must be considered in any efforts aimed toward prevention of alcohol-related negative health and social outcomes.

16 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: A factorial invariance test between a U.S. and a Philippines college sample showed that factor loadings were generally invariant across groups; however, item intercepts show non-invariance.
Abstract: The Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test's factor structure varies depending on population and culture. Because of this inconsistency, this article examined the factor structure of the test and conducted a factorial invariance test between a U.S. and a Philippines college sample. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that a three-factor solution outperforms the one- and two-factor solution in both samples. Factorial invariance analyses further supports the confirmatory findings by showing that factor loadings were generally invariant across groups; however, item intercepts show non-invariance. Country differences between factors show that Filipino consumption factor mean scores were significantly lower than their U.S. counterparts.

15 citations


Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: After adjusting for important demographic variables including age, sex, heritage group, language, and duration of U.S. residence, there was no longer an association between discrimination and binge drinking and further research still needs to identify the salient factors that contribute to increased risk for binge drinking among Hispanics/Latinos.
Abstract: The study assessed whether overall perceived ethnic discrimination and four unique discrimination types were associated with binge drinking in participants from the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos who also completed the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos Sociocultural Ancillary Study (n = 5,313). In unadjusted analyses that were weighted for sampling strategy and design, each unit increase in discrimination type was associated with a 12-63% increase in odds of binge drinking; however, after adjusting for important demographic variables including age, sex, heritage group, language, and duration of U.S. residence, there was no longer an association between discrimination and binge drinking. Further research still needs to identify the salient factors that contribute to increased risk for binge drinking among Hispanics/Latinos.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Trends in Hispanic youth marijuana admissions from 1995 to 2012 utilizing the Treatment Episode Data Set—Admissions of the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration highlight the need for targeted, culturally specific, and cost-effective treatment and prevention efforts.
Abstract: Increases in Hispanic youth admissions to substance abuse treatment programs for marijuana use are a growing public health concern. In this study, we investigated trends in Hispanic youth from 1995 to 2012 utilizing the Treatment Episode Data Set-Admissions of the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration. Hispanic youth marijuana admissions are associated with youth 15-17 years old, in high school, and living in a dependent situation. Notably, female admissions increased at greater rates than males. Results also point to decreasing tolerance of minor marijuana use by schools and community agencies. Findings highlight the need for targeted, culturally specific, and cost-effective treatment and prevention efforts.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The study found a negative relationship between the three dimensions of religiosity and substance use and believed about religion, religious self-practice, and religious social environment was found to be the strongest of the three dimension.
Abstract: The literature shows that young people are more vulnerable than adults to substance use. Religiosity is one of the factors that has been considered to protect youth from substance use and has also been interpreted as contributing to the substance abuse recovery process. Conceptualizing religiosity as a multidimensional construct, this study aimed to investigate the influence of religiosity on substance use among youth. Three dimensions of religiosity-belief about religion, religious self-practice, and religious social environment-were examined as predictors of substance use. The survey data collected in 2010 by the Governance of Istanbul, Istanbul Department of Education, and Istanbul Police Department were used. Participants were high school students (n = 31,272) between 14 and 18 years old. Structural equation modeling was used for statistical analysis and hypothesis testing. The study found a negative relationship between the three dimensions of religiosity and substance use. Religious social environment was found to be the strongest of the three dimensions. The findings suggest that religion has the potential to reduce the risk of substance use among youth. Implications for future research and policymakers were also discussed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Interventions for women on the Mexico-U.S. border should be developed based on users’ social networks to target social processes to prevent initiation and to bring active meth users into treatment.
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to extend the research on contextual factors that influence the initiation and continued use of methamphetamine (meth) by women on the U.S.-Mexico border. At present, a minimal body of literature exists that explores meth use on the Mexico-U.S. border. A purposeful sample of 20 women who were active meth users aged ≥18 years was recruited by trained outreach workers from a variety of meth-user networks in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, the city bordering El Paso, Texas. Respondents participated in in-depth, semi-structured interviews including questions on users' perceived familial, social, and environmental influences of meth use. Gender-based themes emerged from the analysis: (1) patterns of meth use; (2) places where drugs were used; (3) effects of relationship networks on meth use; (4) differential access to drugs; (5) trading sex for drugs; (6) perceived class differences; and (7) long-term drug use and its consequences. Respondents reported a preference for using meth as powder or pills as opposed to smoking or injecting the drug. They reported being introduced to meth by men they trust and relying on men for drug acquisition in spaces less accessible and more dangerous to women. They described how the drug changed their lifestyle and their behavior towards family members and friends, including instances of physical and psychological violence. Interventions for women on the Mexico-U.S. border should be developed based on users' social networks to target social processes to prevent initiation and to bring active meth users into treatment.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined whether peer substance use and cultural factors differentially influence the initiation of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use among a community-based sample of Hispanics.
Abstract: We examine whether peer substance use and cultural factors differentially influence the initiation of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use in adolescence and emerging adulthood (EA) among a community-based sample of Hispanics. Participants provided data in 11th grade (M = 16.8 years old, SD = 0.54) and emerging adulthood (M = 20.3 years old, SD = 0.6). Peer tobacco use had a stronger association with initiation of tobacco use in emerging adulthood (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.13, 1.89) than in adolescence (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.40), but this pattern was not observed with initiation of alcohol or marijuana use. Cultural orientation is associated with initiation of tobacco use during EA but not with initiation of alcohol or marijuana use.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: No differences emerged between African Americans and Caucasians in adherence to combination treatments for PTSD and A/SUD, and results indicated that a diagnosis of major depressive disorder negatively impacted PTSD symptom recovery for African American participants but not for Caucasians.
Abstract: We conducted a secondary data analysis to examine whether there were racial differences in adherence and treatment outcomes for participants with co-occurring full and subthreshold post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol/substance use disorders (A/SUD) who were treated with Seeking Safety (a cognitive-behavioral therapy) and sertraline or Seeking Safety and placebo as part of a clinical trial. Bivarate analyses examined the association between race and adherence, and generalized estimating equations assessed whether race moderated the effect of combination treatment on PTSD and alcohol use outcomes. Except for education, there were no statistically significant racial differences in baseline demographic and psychiatric characteristics. African Americans and Caucasians were equally adherent in number of psychotherapy and medication sessions attended and medication compliance. After controlling for baseline demographics and psychiatric symptoms, however, a race by treatment condition interaction emerged suggesting that African Americans who received the Seeking Safety and sertraline treatment had significantly lower PTSD symptom severity posttreatment and at six months follow-up compared to their counterparts who received Seeking Safety and placebo. No differential effect of treatment condition was found for Caucasians. Moreover, results indicated that a diagnosis of major depressive disorder negatively impacted PTSD symptom recovery for African American participants but not for Caucasians. In conclusion, no differences emerged between African Americans and Caucasians in adherence to combination treatments for PTSD and A/SUD. Findings also suggest assessment and treatment of MDD among African Americans may improve treatment outcomes. More research is needed to determine whether the differential response to Seeking Safety and sertraline among African Americans compared to Caucasians can be replicated.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: The findings suggest that alcohol beliefs would be an appropriate additional target for interventions for individuals who are not oriented to the mainstream culture.
Abstract: Native Americans have the highest rates of alcohol use in comparison to other ethnic groups, placing them at risk for experiencing alcohol-related problems. The present study examined the beliefs that some Native Americans may have related to alcohol use; specifically, the belief that alcohol is a key component in Native American cultures. To assess these beliefs, we developed the Stereotypical Alcohol Beliefs Scale for Native Americans (SABSNA). The new 20-item measure was administered to 144 individuals who identified as Native American along with a measure of acculturation and other drinking-related measures, including perceived norms, alcohol expectancies, and drinking motives. An exploratory factor analysis revealed that the measure is unidimensional in structure and has excellent internal consistency. SABSNA scores were found to be positively associated with typical week drinking, alcohol expectancies, and drinking motives (social, coping, enhancement, and conformity). Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that level of acculturation moderated the association between alcohol beliefs and weekly drinking. Native Americans who identified less with mainstream culture demonstrated a positive association between their cultural alcohol beliefs and their weekly drinking. The findings suggest that alcohol beliefs would be an appropriate additional target for interventions for individuals who are not oriented to the mainstream culture.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Smokers were more knowledgeable about smoking policy than were nonsmokers and differed slightly in their preferences for smoking policy enforcement strategies, which contribute to the understanding of how to tailor college smoking policy and programs to an Egyptian context.
Abstract: To assess smoking behavior, knowledge of smoking harm, and attitudes toward campus smoking policy at an Egyptian university, an online survey of students, staff, and faculty was conducted (N = 992). The smoking prevalence of 38% among men was in line with Egypt's national average, but the smoking prevalence among women of 20% was much higher than the national average. Smoking status influenced beliefs about smoking harm and attitudes toward smoking policy, with nonsmokers having stronger beliefs about the harm of smoking and showing stronger support for smoking regulations than smokers. Smokers were more knowledgeable about smoking policy than were nonsmokers and differed slightly in their preferences for smoking policy enforcement strategies. These findings contribute to our understanding of how to tailor college smoking policy and programs to an Egyptian context.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Results show that substance use may not independently affect sexual risk behavior among emerging adult Black men, highlighting the importance of using approaches that incorporate structural and sociocultural factors when framing research and interventions related to substance use, sexual decision making, and Black men.
Abstract: Emerging adult Black men and substance users may have an increased risk for compromised sexual health. This study qualitatively investigated how substance use affects the sexual decision-making of emerging adult Black men. Nineteen Black men in college (18-24 years) completed a semi-structured interview about their sexual attitudes, behaviors, and perceptions and their substance use. Results show that substance use may not independently affect sexual risk behavior among emerging adult Black men. Findings highlight the importance of using approaches that incorporate structural and sociocultural factors when framing research and interventions related to substance use, sexual decision making, and Black men.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Investigation of the relationship between substance use references contained in music lyrics and videos and the attitudes and behaviors regarding substance use of White non-Hispanic, African American, and Hispanic emerging adults from a cultivation and social norms framework confirmed ethnic differences in perceived risk associated with substance use.
Abstract: The current study examined the relationship between substance use references contained in music lyrics and videos and the attitudes and behaviors regarding substance use of White non-Hispanic, African American, and Hispanic emerging adults from a cultivation and social norms framework by assessing 425 male and female college students. It was hypothesized that there would be ethnic variations in perceived harm from substance use and reported recent substance use and that exposure to substance use references contained in music could mediate this relationship. Results confirmed ethnic differences in perceived risk associated with substance use as well as reported substance use with White non-Hispanic college students reporting the least perceived risk and the most substance use. African American college students reported the most perceived risk associated with substance use and the least amount of reported substance use. Results of the Test of Joint Significance confirmed the mediational model in that participant ethnicity was associated with exposure to substance use references in music lyrics and music videos. Substance use references in music lyrics, then, was able to predict actual reported substance use of participants but not perceived risk associated with substance use.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Examination of quality of life conditions of 170 male former Soviet Union and Israeli origin drug users in methadone maintenance provides an understanding of conditions linked to the World Health Organization Quality of Life project’s best available techniques reference document.
Abstract: A common treatment intervention for heroin addiction is methadone maintenance. In recent years a wider perspective has been adapted to understand and evaluate addiction through quality of life. This article examines quality of life conditions of 170 male former Soviet Union and Israeli origin drug users in methadone maintenance and provides an understanding of conditions linked to the World Health Organization Quality of Life project's best available techniques reference document. Having a partner or spouse and less chronic illness are positive factors affecting quality of life regardless of country of origin. Israeli born drug users reported better quality of life based on their psychological health and environment domain responses; no difference was found for the physical health and social relationship domains of the Israeli and former Soviet Union origin males. Because heroin addiction is a chronic and relapsing illness, one of the goals of methadone maintenance is to address patients' health status from a broad perspective. Based on clinical observations, the treatment of special populations may be enhanced if their particular needs are considered and met. Quality of life factors are relevant for assessing high risk groups, including those from different ethnic origins, in poor physical and psychological health, their treatment and personal adjustment, and their service personnel training needs.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Feelings of shame after writing about a negative heavy drinking event would be associated with greater alcohol use generally and that this effect would differ for Caucasian compared to Asian individuals, but for heavy drinking Asians, shame was associated with increased drinking intentions.
Abstract: The present study evaluates the relationships between shame, culture, and drinking behavior in predicting drinking intentions in the context of an expressive writing intervention. Theory and empirical findings have generally found that shame is maladaptive and can lead to anxiety, depression, and problematic alcohol use. However, research on cultural differences suggests that shame may be differentially damaging to individuals of collectivist, Asian cultures. Previous research evaluating expressive writing as a brief alcohol intervention has shown promising results such as reduced drinking intentions and increased readiness to change drinking behavior. The present study tested the hypothesis that feelings of shame after writing about a negative heavy drinking event would be associated with greater alcohol use generally and that this effect would differ for Caucasian compared to Asian individuals. We also explored whether this differed for light and heavy drinkers. Two hundred sixty-four undergraduates (74% female) who drank at least one alcoholic beverage in the past month completed measures of demographics, baseline drinking, event-related shame and guilt, pre- and postwriting affect, and drinking intentions. Results revealed that, independent of affect, social desirability, and event-related guilt, shame was generally negatively associated with drinking intentions for Caucasians and light drinking Asians. However, for heavy drinking Asians, shame was associated with increased drinking intentions. Results suggest that interventions that elicit shame are differentially effective and should be targeted accordingly.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Although foreign-born Asian students compose nearly one-quarter of the college population, limited research has examined how rates of alcohol use and depression differ between foreign- born and U.S..
Abstract: The number and proportion of foreign-born individuals in the U.S. population has increased in recent decades. From 1970 to 2007, the foreign-born population more than tripled to approximately 37 million (U.S. Census Bureau, 1997 , 2008 ). Foreign-born students are a key subpopulation of college students. About 23% of U.S. undergraduate college students in 2007-2008 were either born outside of the United States (10%) or were children of at least one first-generation immigrant parent (13%; National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education [NCES], 2012 ). Asian students constitute the majority (30%) of foreign-born undergraduates. Although foreign-born Asian students compose nearly one-quarter of the college population, limited research has examined how rates of alcohol use and depression differ between foreign-born and U.S.-born Asian college students (Gonzalez, Reynolds, & Skewes, 2011 ; Ralston & Palfai, 2012 ). The limited research is worrisome given their increasing rates of college enrollment (U.S. Census Bureau, 2011 ), alcohol consumption (Aud, Fox, & KewalRamani, 2010 ), alcohol abuse and dependence (Grant et al., 2004 ), and underutilization of mental health services (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2001 ). Collectively, these factors point to the need for further research tailored to Asian college drinkers.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Models showed the number of heavy drinking days was significantly correlated with the Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary, and moderate correlations suggest that drinking and health related quality of life measures might tap different aspects of alcohol outcomes and should be concurrently administered.
Abstract: This study aimed to examine the correlates of health related quality of life in Thai patients with alcohol dependence. The amount of alcohol intake was calculated by timeline followback chart and the health related quality of life was determined by Short Form-36 Health Survey. The means of the Short Form-36 Physical Component and Mental Component Summary were 67.43 (18.74) and 64.45 (20.90), respectively. Stepwise linear regression models showed the number of heavy drinking days was significantly correlated with the Physical Component Summary and Mental Component Summary. Such moderate correlations suggest that drinking and health related quality of life measures might tap different aspects of alcohol outcomes and should be concurrently administered.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, a study was conducted to understand the lives of Korean children of alcoholics within a Korean cultural context, influenced by Confucianism, by collecting data from 20 Korean adult children through semi-structured interviews.
Abstract: Children of alcoholics (COAs) are those who have grown up with parental alcoholism. The purpose of this study was to understand the lives of Korean COAs within a Korean cultural context, influenced by Confucianism. Prior literature has extensively reported about the adverse life experiences of COAs related to their alcohol dependent parents. Indeed, most of these studies assume the U.S.- or Western-centric perspective. However, in order to provide culture-specific care, health professionals who provide care for diverse ethnic families have to understand the cultural influences on the families which have an ill family member. Data were collected from 20 Korean adult children through semi-structured interviews. All interviews were audio-recorded and fully transcribed. Thematic analysis was used for the data analysis. The lives of Korean COAs were described with four themes, namely: “Losing family,” “Life with holding a bomb,” “My life ruined,” and “Being bound.” Conclusion: In conclusion, the findin...

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: It is suggested that having caregivers and their adolescents participate in discussions tasks could be potentially beneficial in facilitating discussions and could identify areas in which caregivers could use help in discussing sensitive topics.
Abstract: Parents play a critical role in shaping their children's substance use behaviors, yet few studies have examined the messages that caregivers give their adolescents about tobacco. In this study, we identify tobacco-related messages discussed by African American maternal caregivers and their adolescent daughters. Twenty-five African American maternal caregivers and their adolescent daughters participated in a video-taped discussion about tobacco. Discussions were transcribed and coded thematically. Seven themes emerged, which were grouped into tobacco-messages and communication strategies. Messages included health risks, non-health-related reasons to stop smoking, reasons people smoke, and tobacco products and marijuana. Strategies caregivers used to communicate their tobacco-related messages included sharing personal or their families' experience with smoking, using humor, and role-playing. Finally, embedded within all of the themes, participants expressed their disapproval of tobacco use, whether it was directed at their own use, their adolescents' use, a family members' use, or peers' use. African American maternal caregivers and their daughters openly talk about a variety of tobacco-related topics, and caregivers are open to sharing their own and their families' experience with substance use. Findings also suggest that having caregivers and their adolescents participate in discussions tasks could be potentially beneficial in facilitating discussions and could identify areas in which caregivers could use help in discussing sensitive topics.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: There were no differences on self-reported substance use, but matched youth reported significantly fewer attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms versus the comparison group and one possible reason for these findings is the effect of in-group stereotype threat.
Abstract: Obtaining accurate assessment data from adolescents in treatment aids clinical decision making and facilitates more accurate outcome evaluations. However, findings could be biased due to underreported substance use and mental health symptoms. This article compares self-reports of youth in non-White matched client-assessor dyads and those in nonmatched dyads. There were no differences on self-reported substance use, but matched youth reported significantly fewer attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms versus the comparison group. One possible reason for these findings is the effect of in-group stereotype threat. Future studies should examine the potential effect that in-group stereotyping and perceived racism have on the therapeutic relationship.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Findings show that lifetime prevalence of substance use among Venezuelan adolescents increases dramatically and more closely resembles rates among US and European samples when having had an opportunity to use was taken into account.
Abstract: Few studies have examined exposure to drug use and the lag between exposure and use. This paper estimates prevalence of opportunity to use a substance, for use, and for use given an opportunity to use among a sample of Venezuelan adolescents. Several covariates on the opportunity to use and the transition to use are also examined. Findings show that lifetime prevalence of substance use among Venezuelan adolescents increases dramatically and more closely resembles rates among US and European samples when having had an opportunity to use was taken into account. A majority of youth who transitioned to use did so the same year exposure occurred, and females had a shorter time difference compared to males. Covariates primarily predicted exposure rather than having used after controlling for exposure, and their effects varied by substance. Implications for prevention efforts are discussed.

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This article provides a framework to understand the traumas experienced by Chinese people and offers insights on how macrofactors may impact the trauma and its treatment in different societies.
Abstract: This qualitative study explores the traumas of Chinese heroin users. The results showed that the Chinese experience traumas during (childhood, later in life but prior to heroin-use onset, and throughout their heroin-use career. Themes related to the traumas include the historical economic transition, the value of family orientation, an emphasis on scholarly pursuits, the shame orientation, and a scarcity of resources conducive to recovery. This article provides a framework to understand the traumas experienced by Chinese people and offers insights on how macrofactors may impact the trauma and its treatment in different societies.