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Perez LG, Troxel WM, Tucker JS, Dunbar MS, Rodriguez A, Klein DJ, D’Amico EJ. Discrimination experiences and problematic alcohol and cannabis use in young adulthood. Am J Addict 2025; 34:30-39. [PMID: 38978344 PMCID: PMC11680462 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.13632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Limited research has examined how discrimination in young adulthood relates to substance use. We examined how multiple and specific types (e.g., race-based) of experiences of unfair treatment are related to problematic alcohol and cannabis use. METHODS We analyzed cross-sectional data from a diverse cohort of young adults (mean age 24.7) predominantly residing in southern California (n = 2303) to examine associations of multiple (count) and specific experiences (race-, sexual orientation-, gender-based) of perceived everyday discrimination with self-reported alcohol and cannabis use outcomes (consequences, use disorders, and solitary use). We also tested interactions between the three specific discrimination experiences and sociodemographic characteristics (e.g., race-based discrimination × race/ethnicity). RESULTS In this diverse sample (e.g., 47% Latinx/o and 22% Asian; 22% sexual/gender diverse; 56% female) of young adults, about 46% reported up to four different discrimination experiences and 27% reported race-, 26% gender-, and 5% sexual orientation-based discrimination. Race- and gender-based discrimination and experiencing more types of discrimination were associated with worse cannabis use outcomes. Race-based discrimination was associated with fewer alcohol consequences and lower Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores. Associations with sexual orientation-based discrimination and the interactions were not significant. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Findings build on limited research on associations of discrimination with cannabis use in young adults. More work is needed to understand the mechanisms by which discrimination influences drinking behaviors. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE This study advances the field by examining the unique contributions of specific and multiple types of discrimination experiences in young adulthood, a critical developmental period in which substance use peaks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wendy M. Troxel
- RAND Corporation, 4570 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213 USA
| | - Joan S. Tucker
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90407
| | | | | | - David J. Klein
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90407
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Dong L, Brown RA, Palimaru AI, D’Amico EJ, Dickerson DL, Klein DJ, Johnson CL, Troxel WM. Enhancing sleep health in urban American Indian/Alaska Native adolescents: Implications for culturally tailored interventions. J Adolesc 2024; 96:1316-1327. [PMID: 38757459 PMCID: PMC11303116 DOI: 10.1002/jad.12350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Urban American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) adolescents are vulnerable to sleep and other health-related disparities due to numerous social drivers, including historical trauma and relocation to urban areas. This study aims to identify strategies to increase protective factors and culturally tailor sleep health interventions for this population. METHODS Using community-based participatory research, the NAYSHAW study conducted in-depth interviews with urban AI/AN adolescents aged 12-19 years to understand critical components needed for developing a culturally sensitive sleep health intervention. Data from two qualitative subsamples (N = 46) and parent surveys (N = 110) were analyzed, focusing on factors that affect sleep health behaviors, including parental involvement, technology, and traditional practices. RESULTS Key findings include the detrimental impact of electronics use at night and protective effects of traditional practices on sleep. Parental involvement in sleep routines varied by adolescent's age. Adolescents desired sleep health education in interactive formats, whereas parents preferred workshops and digital applications for sleep health strategies. Findings suggest that interventions need to address electronics use and should also be culturally tailored to address the unique experiences of urban AI/AN adolescents. CONCLUSIONS Results underscore the importance of utilizing community-based strategies to develop culturally tailored sleep interventions for underserved populations, specifically urban AI/AN adolescents. Integrating traditional practices with evidence-based sleep health strategies can provide a holistic approach to improving sleep and overall well-being. Parental education and involvement will be critical to the success of such interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Dong
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA
| | | | | | | | - Daniel L. Dickerson
- UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs (ISAP), Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, CA
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Troxel WM, Klein DJ, Dong L, Mousavi Z, Dickerson DL, Johnson CL, Palimaru AI, Brown RA, Rodriguez A, Parker J, Schweigman K, D’Amico EJ. Sleep Problems and Health Outcomes Among Urban American Indian and Alaska Native Adolescents. JAMA Netw Open 2024; 7:e2414735. [PMID: 38833247 PMCID: PMC11151157 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.14735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Importance Adolescent sleep problems are prevalent, particularly among racial and ethnic minority groups, and can increase morbidity. Despite the numerous strengths of their racial and ethnic group, urban American Indian and Alaska Native adolescents face significant health disparities but are rarely included in health research. Understanding how sleep problems are associated with health outcomes among American Indian and Alaska Native adolescents may elucidate novel targets for interventions to promote health equity. Objective To assess whether baseline sleep problems are associated with changes in behavioral and cardiometabolic health outcomes among urban American Indian and Alaska Native adolescents 2 years later. Design, Setting, and Participants American Indian and Alaska Native adolescents were recruited via flyers and community events for an observational cohort study in California. Baseline assessments were conducted among 142 adolescents from March 1, 2018, to March 31, 2020, and follow-ups were conducted among 114 adolescents from December 1, 2020, to June 30, 2022. Exposures Baseline actigraphy-assessed sleep duration and efficiency and self-reported sleep disturbances and social jet lag (absolute value of the difference in sleep midpoint on weekends vs weekdays; indicator of circadian misalignment). Main Outcomes and Measures Main outcome measures included self-reported depression (measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire), anxiety (measured using the Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale), past year alcohol and cannabis use, body mass index, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), waist circumference, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Analyses examined whether baseline sleep was associated with health outcomes at follow-up, controlling for age, sex, and baseline outcome measures. Results The baseline sample included 142 urban American Indian and Alaska Native adolescents (mean [SD] age, 14.0 [1.4] years; 84 girls [59%]), 80% of whom (n = 114; mean [SD] age, 14.1 [1.3] years; 71 girls [62%]) completed follow-ups. Linear or logistic regressions showed significant negative associations between shorter sleep duration and depression (β = -1.21 [95% CI, -2.19 to -0.24]), anxiety (β = -0.89 [95% CI, -1.76 to -0.03]), DBP (β = -2.03 [95% CI, -3.79 to -0.28]), and HbA1c level (β = -0.15 [95% CI, -0.26 to -0.04]) and likelihood of alcohol (odds ratio [OR], 0.57 [95% CI, 0.36-0.91]) and cannabis use (full week: OR, 0.59 [95% CI, 0.35-0.99]) at follow-up. Greater social jet lag was associated with significantly higher SBP (β = 0.06 [95% CI, 0.01-0.11]) at follow-up. Conclusions and Relevance This cohort study found significant associations between poor sleep and adverse changes in health outcomes. Findings highlight the importance of developing culturally responsive interventions that target sleep as a key modifiable risk factor to improve the health of American Indian and Alaska Native adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy M. Troxel
- Behavioral and Policy Sciences, Division of Social and Economic Wellbeing, RAND Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - David J. Klein
- Behavioral and Policy Sciences, Division of Social and Economic Wellbeing, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California
| | - Lu Dong
- Behavioral and Policy Sciences, Division of Social and Economic Wellbeing, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California
| | - Zahra Mousavi
- Behavioral and Policy Sciences, Division of Social and Economic Wellbeing, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California
| | - Daniel L. Dickerson
- UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Program, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Alina I. Palimaru
- Behavioral and Policy Sciences, Division of Social and Economic Wellbeing, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California
| | - Ryan A. Brown
- Behavioral and Policy Sciences, Division of Social and Economic Wellbeing, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California
| | - Anthony Rodriguez
- Behavioral and Policy Sciences, Division of Social and Economic Wellbeing, RAND Corporation, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer Parker
- Behavioral and Policy Sciences, Division of Social and Economic Wellbeing, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California
| | | | - Elizabeth J. D’Amico
- Behavioral and Policy Sciences, Division of Social and Economic Wellbeing, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California
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Tucker JS, Perez LG, Klein DJ, D'Amico EJ. Homelessness and Food Insecurity During Emerging Adulthood: Associations With Changes in Behavioral and Physical Health Over a Two-Year Period. J Adolesc Health 2024; 74:1006-1011. [PMID: 38323969 PMCID: PMC11031281 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE For emerging adults in the United States, economic instability is a widespread problem with implications for the successful transition to adulthood. This study examines how two indicators of economic instability, homelessness and food insecurity, are associated with changes in health-related outcomes over a two-year period. METHODS The analytic sample (N = 2,182) completed online surveys in 2019-2020 (mean age 23 years) and 2021-2022 (mean age 25 years). Regression analyses were conducted for the full sample, as well as by sexual or gender diverse (SGD) identity (17.8% of sample identified as SGD) and race/ethnicity (76.3% identified as non-White). RESULTS At age 23, 8.2% of participants reported homelessness and 31.2% reported food insecurity. In the full sample, homelessness and food insecurity were associated with increased depression, anxiety, physical ailments, and drug problems two years later. A similar pattern emerged for those identifying as non-SGD. The only associations for SGD-identifying participants were food insecurity with increased anxiety, depression, and physical ailments. Racial/ethnic differences indicated that homelessness was associated with increased depression and anxiety among Hispanics, and physical ailments and drug consequences among Asians, but fewer drug problems among Whites. Food insecurity was associated with increased depression in all racial/ethnic groups, anxiety among Hispanics and Asians, physical ailments among Whites and Asians, and drug problems among Asians. DISCUSSION Homelessness and food insecurity predicted worse health outcomes during the transition to adulthood, with varying results across SGD and racial/ethnic subgroups. It is important for future research to continue examining long-term effects of economic instability on health disparities during this important developmental period.
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Dickerson DL, D'Amico EJ, Kennedy DP, Brown RA, Klein DJ, Etz K, Johnson CL, Funmaker G, Arvizu-Sanchez V, Malika N. The Role of Social Networks on Depression and Anxiety Among a Sample of Urban American Indian/Alaska Native Emerging Adults. J Adolesc Health 2024; 74:556-562. [PMID: 38085209 PMCID: PMC11129916 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2023.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mental health inequalities continue to persist among American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) people. However, few studies have examined the association of social networks and depression and anxiety among urban emerging AI/AN adults. METHODS This study analyzes the association of social network characteristics with depression and anxiety among a sample of urban AI/AN emerging adults. A second set of regression models tested the same associations but controlling for respondent sexual and gender minority (SGM) status. Data were from a sample of 150 AI/AN emerging adults residing in urban areas from 20 different states (86% female; mean age 21.8; 48.0% SGM) who participated in a randomized controlled trial analyzing the effects of culturally grounded interventions on alcohol and other drug use and cultural connectedness. RESULTS Participants with a higher proportion of network members who were around the same age reported significantly less anxiety. Those who had a higher proportion of network members who they sometimes/often argue/fight with were more likely to report greater depression and anxiety. Participants with higher proportions of social network members who have ever lived on a reservation/Rancheria/tribal land/tribal village reported significantly less depression. However, participants with higher proportions of social network members who lived 50 miles away or more reported significantly more depression. Controlling for SGM status, results were largely similar. DISCUSSION Results highlight the role of social connections on the mental well-being of urban AI/AN emerging adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Dickerson
- University of California, Los Angeles, Integrated Substance Abuse Programs (ISAP), Los Angeles, California.
| | - Elizabeth J D'Amico
- Division of Social and Economic Well-Being, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California
| | - David P Kennedy
- Division of Social and Economic Well-Being, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California
| | - Ryan A Brown
- Division of Social and Economic Well-Being, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California
| | - David J Klein
- Division of Social and Economic Well-Being, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California
| | - Kathy Etz
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Gaithersburg, Maryland
| | | | | | | | - Nipher Malika
- Division of Social and Economic Well-Being, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California
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Palimaru AI, Brown RA, Dickerson DL, Kennedy D, Johnson CL, D'Amico EJ. Mixed Methods Evaluation of Satisfaction with Two Culturally Tailored Substance use Prevention Programs for American Indian/Alaska Native Emerging Adults. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2024; 25:330-346. [PMID: 37923885 PMCID: PMC10891245 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-023-01612-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities are disproportionately affected by the opioid epidemic. AI/AN emerging adults (ages 18-25) in urban areas are at particularly high risk, with the overdose death rate among urban-dwelling AI/AN people 1.4 times higher than rural-dwelling AI/AN people. Despite these challenges, there are no evidence-based culturally tailored prevention or intervention programs to address opioid, alcohol and other drug use among urban AI/AN emerging adults. This study focused on understanding AI/AN emerging adults' experiences with two culturally tailored programs addressing opioid, cannabis, and alcohol use as part of the randomized controlled trial for Traditions and Connections for Urban Native Americans (TACUNA) in order to enhance feasibility of this intervention. Using a convergent mixed methods design at 3-month follow-up, we collected satisfaction and experience ratings and written narratives (total n = 162; intervention n = 77; control n = 85) from a sample of urban-dwelling AI/AN emerging adults who participated in both programs. We analyzed data through simultaneous examination of qualitative and quantitative data. The quantitative ratings show that both programs were rated highly. The qualitative data contextualized these ratings, illustrating pathways through which specific components were perceived to cause desired or observed behavioral change in participants. Among the elements that mattered most to these participants were the convenience of the virtual format, having a comfortable and safe space to share personal stories, and learning new information about their social networks. Negative comments focused on workshop length and inconvenient scheduling. This is one of the first studies to explore participant satisfaction and experience with culturally tailored substance use programming among a historically marginalized and understudied population. It is important to consider the voices of urban-dwelling AI/AN people in program development because hidden factors, such as limited financial resources, limited time, and misalignment with cultural values may prevent existing programs from being feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina I Palimaru
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90401, USA.
| | - Ryan A Brown
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90401, USA
| | - Daniel L Dickerson
- UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Program, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - David Kennedy
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA, 90401, USA
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Mousavi Z, Troxel WM, Dickerson DL, Dong L, Brown RA, Palimaru AI, Klein DJ, Johnson CL, D’Amico EJ. Neighborhood determinants of sleep and the moderating role of cultural factors among native adolescents. Health Psychol 2024; 43:101-113. [PMID: 38127509 PMCID: PMC10842707 DOI: 10.1037/hea0001342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study examined the association between neighborhood social environment and sleep among urban American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) adolescents as well as the moderating role of cultural factors in this association. METHOD The analytic sample included 133 urban AI/AN adolescents (age 12-16, 57.1% female, Mage = 14.03, SDage = 1.35). Perceived neighborhood social environment included safety and cohesion. Cultural factors included AI/AN cultural identification and historical loss. Sleep duration, efficiency, and wake after sleep onset (WASO) were measured via actigraphy. Sleep disturbance was measured via a questionnaire. RESULTS Greater neighborhood safety was significantly associated with lower sleep disturbance (b = -2.17, SE = 0.8, p = .008), higher sleep efficiency (b = 1.75, SE = 0.64, p = .006), and lower WASO (b = -8.60, SE = 3.34, p = .01). Neighborhood cohesion was not associated with any sleep outcomes. Cultural factors moderated the association between neighborhood social environment and sleep outcomes (p < .05). Specifically, both neighborhood safety and cohesion were associated with lower sleep disturbance, only among individuals reporting higher levels of AI/AN cultural identification. Further, neighborhood safety was associated with greater sleep efficiency and lower WASO (i.e., better sleep) only among adolescents with higher contemplation of historical loss. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight the importance of considering cultural factors in addressing sleep and health disparities. AI/AN cultural identification and a sense of historical loss may be important targets for identifying adolescents who might benefit the most from policies and interventions focused on improving the social environment in order to improve sleep and other health outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Mousavi
- Department of Psychological Science, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
- Division of Behavior and Policy Sciences, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California, USA
| | - Wendy M. Troxel
- Division of Behavior and Policy Sciences, RAND Corporation, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Daniel L. Dickerson
- UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Program, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Lu Dong
- Division of Behavior and Policy Sciences, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California, USA
| | - Ryan A. Brown
- Division of Behavior and Policy Sciences, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California, USA
| | - Alina I. Palimaru
- Division of Behavior and Policy Sciences, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California, USA
| | - David J. Klein
- Division of Behavior and Policy Sciences, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California, USA
| | - Carrie L. Johnson
- Sacred Path Indigenous Wellness Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Elizabeth J. D’Amico
- Division of Behavior and Policy Sciences, RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California, USA
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Malika N, Palimaru AI, Rodriguez A, Brown R, Dickerson DL, Holmes P, Kennedy DP, Johnson CL, Sanchez VA, Schweigman K, Klein DJ, D’Amico EJ. Voices of Identity: Exploring Identity Development and Transformation among Urban American Indian/Alaska Native Emerging Adults. IDENTITY (MAHWAH, N.J.) 2024; 24:112-138. [PMID: 38699070 PMCID: PMC11064810 DOI: 10.1080/15283488.2023.2300075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Emerging adulthood shapes personal, professional, and overall well-being through identity exploration. This study addresses a gap in the minority identity literature by investigating how urban AI/AN emerging adults think about their identity and discussing challenges and protective factors associated with exploring their identity holistically. This mixed-methods study created a sampling framework based on discrimination experiences, cultural identity, social network support, mental health, and problematic substance use. We recruited 20 urban AI/AN emerging adults for interviews. We sought to gain deeper insights into their experiences and discussions surrounding identity formation and exploration. We provide descriptives for demographic characteristics and conducted a thematic analysis of the qualitative data from the interviews. Four themes emerged: a) being an urban AI/AN emerging adult means recognizing that one's identity is multifaceted; b) a multifaceted identity comes with tension of living in multiple worlds; c) the trajectory of one's identity grows over time to a deeper desire to connect with Native American culture; and d) understanding one's Native American background affects one's professional trajectory. Findings underscore the importance of developing programs to support well-being and identity development through cultural connection for urban AI/AN emerging adults.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ryan Brown
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California, USA
| | - Daniel L. Dickerson
- UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Program, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine
| | | | | | - Carrie L. Johnson
- Sacred Path Indigenous Wellness Center, Los Angeles, California, United States
| | | | - Kurt Schweigman
- Public Health Consultant, Santa Rosa, California, United States
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Guenzel N, Daisy Dai H, Dean L. Context of substance initiation among urban Native Americans: an exploratory retrospective case-control study. PeerJ 2023; 11:e16482. [PMID: 38034870 PMCID: PMC10688302 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.16482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Addiction is a significant problem among many Native American groups but has rarely been examined in urban populations. In particular, little is known about the context in which urban Native Americans first use substances. This study compares cases (people with a history of addiction) to controls (people without a history of addiction) on demographics, substance use history, context of first substance use, and polysubstance use. In addition, this appears to be the first study to overcome the lack of Native American professionals by employing and training lay community members to identify criteria of substance use disorders in survey participants. Employing community members helped foster trust that enabled the revelation of sensitive and often illegal activity. As a result, the investigators were able to recruit participants who likely would not have engaged with traditional researchers. Methods The trained Native American lay research assistants recruited community members and administered surveys. They first asked questions regarding the criteria for substance use disorders. Individuals who were determined to have met criteria for a substance use disorder in the past were classified as cases (n = 38) and those who never met such criteria were classified as controls (n = 42). They then asked demographic, substance use, and polysubstance use questions. Lastly, eight cases and eight controls were randomly selected for a second interview by a licensed drug and alcohol counselor (LDAC) who conducted a blinded assessment regarding the presence or absence of a history of a substance use disorder. Results Both groups reported a relatively young age of first substance use (age 16 years for cases and age 15 years for controls). Alcohol was the first substance most commonly used in both groups. Controls reported first benzodiazepine use at a younger age than cases but no other significant differences were found. Both groups reported first obtaining their first drug from family, friends, or at home (rather than a party, bar, or store). Most commonly, the location of their first use of drugs occurred at a friend's home, a party, a bar, or school rather than at their own home. Cases were marginally more likely to report that their first drug use occurred with a friend rather than with a family member when compared with controls. The majority of both groups reported that their first drug use occurred with other Native Americans rather than with non-Native Americans. Polysubstance use was common in both groups (43-45%). There were no significant differences between the groups regarding polysubstance use. The LDAC arrived at the same determination as the trained research assistants on all eight cases and eight controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Guenzel
- College of Nursing, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Lincoln, NE, United States of America
| | - Hongying Daisy Dai
- College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States of America
| | - Lyndsay Dean
- College of Nursing, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States of America
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Komro KA, D'Amico EJ, Dickerson DL, Skinner JR, Johnson CL, Kominsky TK, Etz K. Culturally Responsive Opioid and Other Drug Prevention for American Indian/Alaska Native People: a Comparison of Reservation- and Urban-Based Approaches. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2023; 24:88-98. [PMID: 35750937 PMCID: PMC9244356 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-022-01396-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
There are few substance use treatment and prevention programs for AI/AN people that integrate culturally based practices with evidence-based treatment and prevention. The National Institutes of Health's (NIH's) Helping to End Addiction Long-term (HEAL) Prevention Cooperative supports two projects focused on AI/AN populations. One focuses on youth ages 15 to 20 years living within the Cherokee Nation reservation, a multicultural rural area in northeastern Oklahoma, and the second focuses on emerging adults ages 18 to 25 years living in diverse urban areas. We provide a brief overview of the two prevention trials and a case comparison across approaches using the framework of promising practices for intervention science with Indigenous communities (Whitesell et al., 2020) related to (1) integration of Indigenous and academic perspectives to respond to community needs, (2) community partnership and engagement, (3) alignment with Indigenous cultural values and practices, (4) capacity building and empowerment, (5) implementation within complex cultural contexts, and (6) tribal oversight. Overall, these two projects highlight the importance of long-standing relationships with community partners, engaging the community at all levels to ensure that programming is culturally and developmentally appropriate, and having tribal and elder oversight. These practices are key to establishing trust and building confidence in research in these communities and ensuring that research can benefit AI/AN people. These studies showcase how strong partnerships can advance health and support the conduct of rigorous science to help pinpoint optimal health solutions by identifying efficacious, culturally grounded intervention strategies. Although the sovereign status of tribes demands this type of partnership, this research serves as a model for all community research that has a goal of improving health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelli A Komro
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | | | - Daniel L Dickerson
- Integrated Substance Abuse Programs (ISAP), University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Kathy Etz
- Epidemiology Research Branch, National Institute On Drug Abuse, North Bethesda, USA
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D'Amico EJ, Kennedy DP, Malika N, Klein DJ, Brown RA, Rodriguez A, Johnson CL, Schweigman K, Arvizu-Sanchez V, Etz K, Dickerson DL. Risk and protective factors of social networks on alcohol, cannabis, and opioid use among urban American Indian/Alaska Native emerging adults. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2023; 37:657-669. [PMID: 37023284 PMCID: PMC10440259 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Assess associations between social networks and urban American Indian/Alaska Native emerging adults' alcohol, cannabis, and opioid use and intentions. METHOD American Indian/Alaska Native participants ages 18-25 (N = 150; 86% female) were recruited across the United States from 12/20 to 10/21 via social media. Participants named up to 15 people whom they talked with most over the past 3 months and reported who (a) used alcohol and cannabis heavily or used other drugs (e.g., opioid use), (b) engaged in traditional practices, and (c) provided support. They also reported past 3-month alcohol, cannabis, and opioid use and intentions to use. RESULTS Having a higher proportion of network members engaging in regular cannabis and heavy alcohol use (but not other drugs) was associated with more frequent cannabis use and stronger cannabis use intentions. Participants with higher proportions of members engaging in heavy alcohol use, regular cannabis use, or other drug use and who did not engage in traditional practices were more likely to report cannabis use and greater intentions to use cannabis and drink alcohol. In contrast, participants with higher proportions of network members engaging in traditional practices and who did not report heavy alcohol use, regular cannabis use, or other drug use were less likely to report intentions to use cannabis or drink alcohol. CONCLUSIONS Findings emphasize what many studies have shown among various racial/ethnic groups-having network members who use substances increases the chance of use. Findings also highlight that traditional practices may be an important part of the prevention approach for this population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Daniel L Dickerson
- UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Program, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine
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D'Amico EJ, Tucker JS, Dunbar MS, Perez L, Siconolfi D, Davis JP, Pedersen ER, Rodriguez A. Unpacking disparities in substance-related outcomes among racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minoritized groups during adolescence and emerging adulthood. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2023; 37:651-656. [PMID: 37523303 PMCID: PMC10400096 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alcohol and other drug (AOD) use increases substantially from adolescence to emerging adulthood, and recent longitudinal studies show disparities in AOD-related outcomes by racial and ethnic, as well as sexual and gender minority (SGM), identities. Greater insight is needed into how individual, social, and environmental contexts interact and affect such disparities, as well as why disparate outcomes are found across different domains (e.g., social, educational, economic), even after accounting for intensity of use. This commentary addresses these important and timely issues. METHOD We provide a brief overview of the literature, including our own team's work over the last 14 years, to identify and understand disparities in AOD-related outcomes during adolescence and emerging adulthood across individuals with different racial and ethnic, and sexual and gender, identities. We then discuss paths forward to advance research and build a stronger evidence base, leading to the development and identification of effective interventions that can help mitigate disparities among historically marginalized adolescents and emerging adults. RESULTS Existing research highlights the need for further longitudinal work in several areas, including addressing contextual factors at various levels (e.g., individual, social, environmental) that may contribute to outcomes for different groups of individuals, developing and testing culturally appropriate AOD-related services, giving greater consideration to intersectionality of multiple minority identities, and using novel statistical approaches to help improve the estimation of differences across smaller subgroups of individuals in existing cohorts. CONCLUSIONS To inform prevention programming and policy for improving health and well-being of historically marginalized populations, it is important to continue our efforts to understand disparities in AOD-related outcomes using multidisciplinary, equity, and intersectionality lenses. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Jordan P Davis
- University of Southern California, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work
| | - Eric R Pedersen
- University of Southern California, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work
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Kennedy DP, D'Amico EJ, Brown RA, Palimaru AI, Dickerson DL, Johnson CL, Lopez A. Feasibility and acceptability of incorporating social network visualizations into a culturally centered motivational network intervention to prevent substance use among urban Native American emerging adults: a qualitative study. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2022; 17:53. [PMID: 36180896 PMCID: PMC9523629 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-022-00334-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Coupling social network visualizations with Motivational Interviewing in substance use interventions has been shown to be acceptable and feasible in several pilot tests, and has been associated with changes in participants’ substance use and social networks. The objective of this study was to assess acceptability and feasibility of an adaptation of this behavior change approach into a culturally centered behavior change intervention for American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) emerging adults living in urban areas. AI/AN populations experience high rates of health disparities and substance use. Although 70% of AI/AN people live outside of tribal lands, there are few culturally tailored health interventions for these AI/AN populations. Social networks can both increase and discourage substance use. Leveraging healthy social networks and increasing protective factors among urban AI/AN emerging adults may help increase resilience. Methods We conducted thirteen focus groups with 91 male and female participants (32 urban AI/AN emerging adults ages 18–25, 26 parents, and 33 providers) and one pilot test of the three workshop sessions with 15 AI/AN emerging adults. Focus group participants provided feedback on a proposed workshop-based intervention curriculum that combined group Motivational Interviewing (MI) and social network visualizations. Pilot workshop participants viewed their own social networks during group MI sessions focused on substance use and traditional practices and discussed their reactions to viewing and discussing their networks during these sessions. We used a combination of open coding of focus group and workshop session transcripts to identify themes across the group sessions and content analysis of comments entered into an online social network interview platform to assess the extent that participants had an intuitive understanding of the information conveyed through network diagrams. Results Focus group and pilot test participants reacted positively to the intervention content and approach and provided constructive feedback on components that should be changed. Themes that emerged included feasibility, acceptability, relevance, understandability, and usefulness of viewing personal network visualizations and discussing social networks during group MI workshops. Workshop participants demonstrated an intuitive understanding of network concepts (network composition and structure) when viewing their diagrams for the first time. Conclusions Social network visualizations are a promising tool for increasing awareness of social challenges and sources of resilience for urban AI/AN emerging adults. Coupled with Motivational Interviewing in a group context, social network visualizations may enhance discussions of network influences on substance use and engagement in traditional practices. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04617938. Registered October 26, 2020
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Affiliation(s)
- David P Kennedy
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main St., 2138, Santa Monica, CA, 90401, USA.
| | | | - Ryan A Brown
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main St., 2138, Santa Monica, CA, 90401, USA
| | - Alina I Palimaru
- RAND Corporation, 1776 Main St., 2138, Santa Monica, CA, 90401, USA
| | - Daniel L Dickerson
- UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior David Geffen School of Medicine, 11075 Santa Monica Blvd., Ste. 200, Los Angeles, CA, 90025, USA
| | - Carrie L Johnson
- Sacred Path Indigenous Wellness Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90017, USA
| | - Anthony Lopez
- Sacred Path Indigenous Wellness Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90017, USA
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