NCJ Number
190962
Journal
Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: 2002 Pages: 97-112
Date Published
2002
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This study examined the relationship of family factors to drug use among a population of impoverished African-American adolescents.
Abstract
An extensive body of literature has identified several risk and protective factors for adolescent substance use. Several facets of family relationships have been identified in the general adolescent and African-American adolescent substance-use literature. There are gaps in the knowledge base for African-American rural youth living in poverty and the study would benefit from further exploration. It is possible that this unique population may exhibit trends not seen in the general population or urban African-American adolescents. In the current study, a sample of 826 African-American adolescents who were living in rural low-income areas, ranging in age from 14-19 years old, were given a survey that included 294 questions. Survey topics ranged from school attendance and attitudinal questions to queries about risk behaviors such as gang activity and substance use. Only variables regarding the family of the adolescent were used in this analysis. An exploratory analysis was performed to determine the relationship of family-relationship variables to African-American rural adolescent substance use. The findings suggest that several factors, namely, existence of family rules and parental monitoring, were significant factors in buffering adolescent use of alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine. These factors proved to be significant across gender. The study concluded that the parent-adolescent relationship is an important factor in influencing adolescent substance use. Also, the quality and type of parental/adolescent relationship is important. This relationship should also be targeted when considering any intervention for treating these adolescents. Further research should be conducted in this domain. 4 tables and 59 references