NCJ Number
194192
Date Published
1999
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This chapter explores the feasibility of hair testing in a community sample.
Abstract
The main study from which the present sample is derived was based on a community sample of residents 18- to 35-years-old in the city of Chicago. The pool of neighborhoods selected for the study was restricted to those with above average admissions to State-supported drug and alcohol treatment programs. Neighborhoods were stratified according to 1990 Census data in order to assure a balanced distribution across race/ethnicity groups. Variables included survey reports of recent illicit drug use, study design, participation status, reaction to hair test, and statistical analysis. Findings suggest limitations with respect to feasibility of hair testing in community studies of subjects at high risk for drug use. Just under half of those who were asked to participate did not do so. Most subjects simply refused to participate; although a substantial proportion was unable to do so. Black and Hispanic males were considerably over-represented in the ineligible group. Women were considerably over-represented in the group unwilling to participate. Black and Hispanic males did not participate because they were unable to and women did not participate because they did not want to. A request for a hair test made women more uncomfortable than men. The procedure made Black and Hispanic respondents more uneasy than white/other respondents. Comments with respect to appearance, discomfort with the procedure, and social role concerns all suggest that hair testing was perceived of as an invasive, burdensome procedure by a substantial minority of respondents. 5 tables, 31 references