NCJ Number
199149
Journal
Public Health Reports Volume: 117 Issue: 1 Dated: 2002 Pages: S30-S38
Date Published
2002
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study explored drug use patterns and the resulting health consequences of Filipino methamphetamine users in San Francisco.
Abstract
The authors explain that drug abuse among Asian and Pacific Islanders is a growing public health concern. To compound matters, this group is also the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States. Patterns of drug use among Filipino Americans differ from other groups in that they are more likely to inject drugs and to engage in risky sex practices while on drugs. As such, learning more about the behavior of this group of drug users is critical to developing appropriate intervention strategies. The authors conducted face-to-face interviews with 83 Filipino American methamphetamine users who were recruited in San Francisco through snowball sampling. A structured questionnaire asked participants about their drug use, sexual behaviors, psychosocial factors, and demographic characteristics. Results of statistical analysis revealed that Filipino methamphetamine users tended to be male and to feel low levels of shame about their drug use. They often engaged in risky sexual behavior, increasing their possible exposure to HIV-related illness. Approximately one-third of the participants had never been tested for HIV. The authors claim that their results show that HIV and drug abuse prevention programs should be targeted to this group of drug users, with careful attention to the demographic characteristics that impact this group, such as their employment status and psychosocial adjustment. Tables, references