Illicit Drug Exposure and Family Factors in Early Hong Kong Chinese Adolescents

• NCJ Number: 241550
• Journal: Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse Volume: 21 Issue: 4 Dated: September - October 2012 Pages: 323-332
• Author(s): Kwok Kei Mak; Jeffrey R. Day
• Date Published: September 2012
• Length: 10 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study examined the prevalence of persuaded-to-use and ever-use of three illicit drugs, and their relations with family environment among Hong Kong adolescents.

Abstract

A total of 4,746 Hong Kong students, aged 14-15, participated in the 2000-2001 Health Related Behavior Survey. Results produced by the logistic regression models revealed that non-private housing was significantly associated with ever-use of ecstasy in boys. Moreover, girls in non-private housing were significantly more likely to have been persuaded to use ecstasy, ketamine, and marijuana, as well as to have ever used ecstasy. Furthermore, having older siblings was significantly associated with ever-use of ecstasy in girls. These findings suggest that low family affluence and having older siblings may contribute to exposure to illicit drugs in early adolescence. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.