Factors Associated With Drug Use Among Youth Living in Homeless Shelters (From The Etiology and Prevention of Drug Abuse Among Minority Youth, P 91-110, 1997, Gilbert J. Botvin, Steven Schinke, eds. - See NCJ-166518)

• NCJ Number: 166523
• Author(s): T Diaz; L Dusenbury; G J Botvin; R Farmer-Huselid
• Date Published: 1997
• Length: 20 pages
• Sale Source: Haworth Press, Inc
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: DCC

Annotation

This study examined predictors of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use with 234 homeless adolescents and preadolescents living in shelters for homeless families.

Abstract

The study reported on structured interviews on self-reported drug use, as well as background variables, social environmental influences, and individual characteristics hypothesized to promote drug use. Logistic-regression analyses revealed that social influences (friends and family drug use) are strong predictors of experimental drug use and intentions to use drugs, as are several psychological factors (psychological well-being, assertiveness, and social support). The only background variable with any predictive power was academic achievement. Study findings suggest that effective prevention programs for homeless and other high-risk youth should: (1) provide an awareness of the various social influences to use drugs; (2) incorporate a broad-based social competency approach which teaches drug-refusal skills, general assertiveness skills, stress and anxiety management techniques, and general social skills; and (3) provide opportunities for gaining peer support by building positive peer groups. Tables, references