Use of E-Cigarettes for Nicotine, Marijuana, and Just Flavoring Among U.S. Youth

INTRODUCTION

E-cigarette use is gaining popularity among youth, but knowledge on patterns of youth vaping different substances is limited. This study examines risk factors associated with past-30-day self-reported vaping of nicotine, marijuana, and just flavoring among youth and the patterns (single, dual, and poly) of substances youth reported in their e-cigarettes.

METHODS

The 2017 Monitoring the Future survey was analyzed. Weighted estimates of substances that youth vaped were calculated, and multivariable logistic regressions were performed to examine risk factors associated with youth vaping these substances. Analyses were conducted in 2019.

RESULTS

Overall (n=14,560), 8.0% of participants reported currently vaping just flavoring, followed by 7.4% vaping nicotine and 3.6% vaping marijuana. Youth who were in 12th and 10th grade (versus 8th grade), male (versus female), current smokers (versus noncurrent smokers), and current marijuana users (versus noncurrent users) had increased risk of vaping nicotine, marijuana, and just flavoring. Black non-Hispanics were less likely than white non-Hispanics to report currently vaping. Among students who reported e-cigarette use in the last 30 days (n=1,685), only 24.9% reported vaping just flavoring only, and a majority (75.1%) reported vaping nicotine, marijuana, or multiple substances. Higher (versus lower) grade or increasing cigarette smoking intensity was associated with a higher proportion of students reporting vaping nicotine only and a lower proportion of students reporting vaping just flavoring only.

CONCLUSIONS

Youth e-cigarette use reveals a complex pattern, and youth reported vaping substances potentially addictive beyond just flavoring. Strategies and interventions to reduce youth e-cigarette use are needed.

[Gender differences in cluster pattern of health-risk behaviors among rural middle school students in Tujia-Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Xiangxi]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the gender differences in cluster pattern of health risk behaviors among rural middle school students in Tujia-Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Xiangxi.

METHODS

By the method of layered, random and total sampling, questionnaire survey about dietary bias, smoking, alcohol drinking, suicidal ideation, internet addiction and non-secure swimming was taken to 1974 students of eight middle schools from rural areas in four counties of Tujia-Miao Autonomous Prefecture of Xiangxi, Hunan Province in 2014. In 11 kinds of health risk behaviors as the clustering index, first by using the hierarchical clusteringmethod for male and female students were clusteranalysis, determine the optimal cluster number of male and female students were 4 class, then the two step cluster analysis, get the male and female students in 4 types of dangerous behavior clustering patterns of group characteristics.

RESULTS

Among the survey of 896 boys and 1078 girls, the boys in the low risk group were composed of 262 people, the ratio was 29. 2%, the girls were composed of 215 people, the ratio was 19. 9%; the boys in the lower risk group were composed of 268 people, the ratio was 29. 9%, the girls were composed of 365 people, the ratio was 33. 9%; the boys with highest incidence of drinking in the moderate risk group were composed of 217 people, the ratio was 24. 2%, the girls with highest incidence of lonely were composed of 264 people, the ratio was24. 5%; the boys in the highest risk group were composed of 149 people, the ratio was16. 6%, the girls were composed of 234 people, the ratio was 21. 7%. In the moderate risk group, boys with highest incidence of drinking( 97. 7%) were always accompanied with behaviors like smoking( 67. 3%), fighting( 63. 6%), non-secure swimming( 66. 4%); girls with highest incidence of lonely( 45. 1%) in the moderate risk group also had behaviors like partial eclipse( 65. 2%), pedestrian violation( 50. 4%) and the like. The total boys and 92. 7% of girls have more than 4 kinds of health-risk behaviors in highest risk group.

CONCLUSION

There were gender differences in risk behaviors among middle school students in rural areas of Xiangxi Autonomous Perfecture. Among them, the boys in moderate risk group were marked by drinking, the girls were marked by lonely. The highest risk group had a high rate of risky behaviors, showing a high degree of aggregation of "explicit problem behaviors and implicit behaviors".

Towards greater understanding of addiction stigma: Intersectionality with race/ethnicity and gender

BACKGROUND

In spite of the significant burden associated with substance use disorders, especially among persons who inject drugs (PWIDs), most affected individuals do not engage with any type of formal or informal treatment. Addiction stigma, which is represented by negative social attitudes toward individuals who use alcohol and/or other drugs, is one of the barriers to care that is poorly understood. The current study: a) assessed implicit (indirect and difficult to consciously control) and explicit (consciously controlled) beliefs about PWIDs among visitors to a public web site; and b) experimentally investigated the effects of ethnicity/race and gender on those implicit and explicit beliefs.

METHODS

N=899 predominantly White (70%) and women (62%) were randomly assigned to one of six target PWIDs conditions: gender (man/woman) x race/ethnicity (White, Black, Latino/a). Participants completed an Implicit Association Test and explicit assessment of addiction stigma.

RESULTS

Participants implicitly associated PWIDs (especially Latino/a vs. White PWIDs) with deserving punishment as opposed to help (p=0.003, d=0.31), indicating presence of addiction stigma-related implicit beliefs. However, this bias was not evident on the explicit measure (p=0.89). Gender did not predict differential implicit or explicit addiction stigma (p=0.18).

CONCLUSIONS

Contrary to explicit egalitarian views towards PWIDs, participants' implicit beliefs were more in line with addiction stigma. If replicated and clearer ties to behavior are established, results suggest the potential importance of identifying conditions under which implicit bias might influence behavior (even despite explicit egalitarian views) and increase the likelihood of discrimination towards PWIDs.

Cross-Cultural Investigation of the Questionnaire of Smoking Urges in American and Spanish Smokers

This study evaluated the factor structure of the Questionnaire of Smoking Urges (QSU) across American and Spanish smokers. Using confirmatory factor analyses, the fits of one-, two-, and four-factor models of smoking craving in American and Spanish data sets were compared. The two-factor model provided the best fit in both samples. However, negatively worded items confounded the interpretation of the two-factor structure in both the American and Spanish data. The first factor had positively and negatively worded items, whereas the second had only positively worded items. The two-factor structure was reexamined, removing either the positively or the negatively worded items. Using only positively worded items resulted in a loss of fit, whereas using only negatively worded items improved model fit substantially. Thus, the results supported the generalization of smoking craving across Spanish and American smokers and suggested that negatively worded items play a larger role in the two-factor structure of the QSU than originally thought.

Prevalence of Food Addiction Among Low-Income Reproductive-Aged Women

BACKGROUND

Hyperpalatable foods (i.e., high in salt, sugar, or fat) have been shown to have addictive properties that may contribute to overeating. Prior studies conducted on food addiction behaviors are mostly based on white and middle-aged women. Data are not available, however, on reproductive-aged women from other races/ethnicities or low-income women. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of food addiction among multiethnic women of low socioeconomic status.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of health behaviors, including food addiction according to the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS) between July 2010 and February 2011 among 18- to 40-year-old low-income women attending reproductive-health clinics (N = 1,067).

RESULTS

Overall, 2.8% of women surveyed met the diagnosis of food addiction. The prevalence of food addiction did not differ by age group, race/ethnicity, education, income, or body mass index categories, tobacco and alcohol use, or physical activity. However, it did differ by level of depression (p < 0.01). The YFAS symptom count score significantly differed by race/ethnicity (p < 0.01) with black women having higher scores than Hispanic women. Racial differences were also observed among some of the YFAS symptoms.

CONCLUSION

These findings demonstrated a low prevalence of food addiction among low-income, reproductive-aged women. Racial differences were observed in the YFAS symptom count score, but not in the overall prevalence of food addition. Additionally, women with food addiction had higher levels of depression than women without food addiction.

[Analysis on influence factors of health risk behaviors of Tujia and Miao adolescents in Xiangxi Area]

OBJECTIVE

To understand the health risk behaviors status and influence factors of Tujia and Miao adolescents in Xiangxi Area.

METHODS

By the method of layered, random and total sampling, questionnaire survey about dietary bias, current smoking, current drinking, suicidal ideation, internet addiction and lack of physical exercise was taken to 2094 Tujia and Miao adolescents. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of health risk behaviors. Results The report rates of dietary bias, current smoking, current drinking, suicidal ideation, internet addiction and lack of physical exercise were 27. 84%, 18. 29%, 28. 03%, 21. 68%, 5. 25% and 52. 82%, respectively. Logistic regression analysis result showed that the risk factor of dietary bias was depression(OR = 1. 352, P =0. 026), the protective factor were schoolboy (OR =0.765, P=0.008) and in residence(OR =0.743, P =0.004). The risk factor of current smoking were schoolboy (OR =6. 782, P =0. 000), insomnia(seldom or sometimes OR = 1. 516, P = 0. 013, often or always OR = 2. 738, P = 0. 000), internet addiction (OR =2.389, P =0. 000), fight(OR = 2. 481, P = 0. 000) and current drinking(OR = 4. 060, P = 0. 000), the protective factor was school record (average OR = 0. 699, P = 0. 026, above average or good OR = 0. 437, P = 0. 000). The risk factor of current drinking were schoolboy (OR = 1. 829, P = 0. 000), insomnia (seldom or sometimes OR = 1. 550, P = 0. 002, often or always OR = 1. 754, P = 0. 004), internet addiction (OR = 1. 901, P =0. 004), fight (OR = l.785, P = 0. 000)and current smoking (OR = 4. 016, P = 0. 000). The risk factor of suicidal ideation were lonely(seldom or sometimes OR = 1. 823, P =0. 010, often or always OR = 4. 445, P =0. 000), depression (OR = 3. 226, P = 0. 000) and only child (OR = 1. 612, P = 0. 003), the protective factor was schoolboy (OR =0. 648, P = 0. 000). The risk factor of internet addiction were schoolboy (OR = 2. 480, P = 0. 000) depression (OR = 2. 650, P = 0. 000) and mainly to play games(OR = 4. 631, P = 0. 000). The risk factor of lack of physical exercise were high school student (OR = 1. 536, P =0. 000) and depression(OR = 1. 410, P = 0. 003), the protective factor were schoolboy (OR ='0. 581, P = 0. 000) and school record (average OR = 0. 798, P = 0. 036, above average or good OR = 0. 609, P = 0. 000.

CONCLUSION

Tujia and Miao boys were more prone to smoking and drinking behavior, while girls were likely to happen dietary bias, suicidal ideation and lack of physical exercise behavior. Miao students were high-risk population of smoking and drinking behavior. Insomnia and depression became risk factors of multiple health risk behaviors.

Personal gambling expectancies among Asian American and White American college students

Many college students are involved in gambling behavior as a recreational activity. Their involvement could potentially develop into problem gambling, an issue of increasing concern to student health. At the same time, evidence suggests that Asian Americans are overrepresented amongst problem gamblers in this age period. Research on factors related to initiation and development of problem gambling in college students is necessary to inform the development of effective and culturally-sensitive prevention efforts against gambling. The relationships between personal gambling expectancies at two levels of specificity (two general and six specific types of expectancies) and college student gambling at two levels of behavior (initiation and problems) were examined in a sample of 813 Asian American and White American college students. The study aimed to address (a) whether expectancies explained ethnic differences in gambling, (b) ethnic similarities and differences in the pattern of relationships between expectancies and gambling, and (c) whether expectancies that emerged in both ethnic groups have a greater risk or protective effect for one group than another. Results showed that Asian American students reported more problem gambling than White American students, but expectancies did not account for this group difference. Risk and protective factors for initiation were relatively similar between groups, but different patterns of risk emerged for each group for problem gambling. Implications for college primary prevention and harm reduction programs are discussed.

Transgression as addiction: religiosity and moral disapproval as predictors of perceived addiction to pornography

Perceived addiction to Internet pornography is increasingly a focus of empirical attention. The present study examined the role that religious belief and moral disapproval of pornography use play in the experience of perceived addiction to Internet pornography. Results from two studies in undergraduate samples (Study 1, N = 331; Study 2, N = 97) indicated that there was a robust positive relationship between religiosity and perceived addiction to pornography and that this relationship was mediated by moral disapproval of pornography use. These results persisted even when actual use of pornography was controlled. Furthermore, although religiosity was negatively predictive of acknowledging any pornography use, among pornography users, religiosity was unrelated to actual levels of use. A structural equation model from a web-based sample of adults (Study 3, N = 208) revealed similar results. Specifically, religiosity was robustly predictive of perceived addiction, even when relevant covariates (e.g., trait self-control, socially desirable responding, neuroticism, use of pornography) were held constant. In sum, the present study indicated that religiosity and moral disapproval of pornography use were robust predictors of perceived addiction to Internet pornography while being unrelated to actual levels of use among pornography consumers.

Validation of the Chinese version of the Gambling Related Cognitions Scale (GRCS-C)

Gambling cognitions have constantly been associated with the development and maintenance of problem gambling. Despite researchers reporting high rates of gambling and problem gambling among the Chinese, little is known about the role of gambling cognitions among Chinese individuals (Raylu & Oei, 2004a). This is partly because there is a lack of validated instruments to assess gambling cognitions in this population. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to examine and validate the Gambling Related Cognitions Scale-Chinese version (GRCS-C), which was based on the 23-item Gambling Related Cognitions Scale (GRCS; Raylu & Oei, 2004b). Confirmatory Factory Analysis (CFA) using 422 Chinese participants (166 Male, 256 Female; Mean age = 32.28 years) from the general community (221 living in Australia and 201 living in Taiwan) confirmed that a five-factor model was a good fit for the data. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient for the overall scale was .95, and ranged from .83 to .89 for the five factors. Concurrent, discriminant, and predictive validities of the GRCS (Chinese version) were also good suggesting that the GRCS-C is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing gambling cognitions among non-clinical Chinese samples.

Gender, race, and group behavior in group drug treatment

BACKGROUND

Group drug counseling is the primary treatment modality used to treat drug dependence in community settings in the United States. Findings from the social psychology literature suggest that gender may influence how individuals participate in groups, and that race may moderate the effects of gender on group behavior. This study examined gender, race, and their interaction as predictors of alliance, participation, self-disclosure, and receipt of advice and feedback in drug counseling groups, and explored how gender and racial differences in drug counseling group behavior related to outcome of cocaine dependence treatment.

METHOD

Ratings of group behavior were made from videotaped sessions of group drug counseling drawn from a randomized trial of treatment for cocaine-dependent individuals (n=438). Analyses examined the effects of race (African American or non-Hispanic White), gender, and the race by gender interaction on group behavior. Additional analyses examined race, gender, and group behavior, and interactions among these variables in predicting monthly cocaine use.

RESULTS

Race and the race by gender interaction, but not gender alone, predicted many group behaviors. Non-Hispanic White women had the highest rates of self-disclosure and receipt of advice and non-positive feedback, followed by men of both races, with African American women having the lowest levels. These differences were unrelated to cross-sectional cocaine outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Women, but not men, of different races acted differently in mixed-race, mixed-gender cocaine treatment groups, with African American women exhibiting less of several behaviors. Additional research on causes and consequences of these differences could inform interventions for drug-dependent women.

American Indian methamphetamine and other drug use in the Southwestern United States

To investigate the extent of methamphetamine and other drug use among American Indians (AIs) in the Four Corners region, we developed collaborations with Southwestern tribal entities and treatment programs in and around New Mexico. We held nine focus groups, mostly with Southwestern AI participants (N = 81) from three diverse New Mexico communities to understand community members, treatment providers, and clients/relatives views on methamphetamine. We conducted a telephone survey of staff (N = 100) from agencies across New Mexico to assess perceptions of methamphetamine use among people working with AI populations. We collected and analyzed self-reported drug use data from 300 AI clients/relatives who completed the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) in the context of treatment at three diverse addiction treatment programs. Each focus group offered a unique perspective about the effect of drugs and alcohol on each respective community. Though data from the phone surveys and ASIs suggested concerning rates of methamphetamine use, with women more adversely affected by substance use in general, alcohol was identified as the biggest substance use problem for AI populations in the Southwest. There appears to be agreement that methamphetamine use is a significant problem in these communities, but that alcohol is much more prevalent and problematic. There was less agreement about what should be done to prevent and treat methamphetamine use. Future research should attend to regional and tribal differences due to variability in drug use patterns, and should focus on identifying and improving dissemination of effective substance use interventions.

Smokers have varying misperceptions about the harmfulness of menthol cigarettes: national survey data

OBJECTIVE

To describe the prevalence of menthol use and perceptions of relative harmfulness among smokers in an ethnically diverse population where tobacco marketing is relatively constrained (New Zealand).

METHODS

The New Zealand (NZ) arm of the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Survey (ITC Project) utilises the NZ Health Survey (a national sample). From this sample we surveyed adult smokers, with Wave 2 (n=923) covering beliefs around menthol cigarettes.

RESULTS

Agreement with the statement that "menthol cigarettes are less harmful than regular cigarettes" was higher in smokers who were: older, Māori, Pacific, Asian, financially stressed and had higher levels of individual deprivation. Most of these associations were statistically significant in at least some of the logistic regression models (adjusting for socio-economic and smoking beliefs and behaviour). In the fully-adjusted model this belief was particularly elevated in Pacific smokers (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 7.36, 95% CI = 1.92 - 28.27) and also in menthol smokers (aOR = 4.58, 95% CI = 1.94-10.78). Most smokers in this study (56%), and especially menthol smokers (73%), believed that menthols are "smoother on your throat and chest".

CONCLUSION

Various groups of smokers in this national sample had misperceptions around the relative harmfulness of menthols, which is consistent with most previous studies.

IMPLICATIONS

This evidence, along with a precautionary approach, supports arguments for enhanced regulation of tobacco marketing and tobacco ingredients such as menthol.

Are the demographic and clinical features of pathological gamblers seeking treatment in Singapore changing?

INTRODUCTION

The expansion in gambling activities over the past decade has made gambling more accessible than ever. This could bring changes in the sociodemographic and clinical profiles of those seeking treatment for pathological gambling.

METHODS

This study examined the differences between two cohorts of 150 patients each, treated at the National Addictions Management Service between 2001 and 2006 (cohort-1) and between 2006 and 2008 (cohort-2), respectively.

RESULTS

Compared to cohort-1, cohort-2 was significantly younger (p-value less than 0.01), comprised fewer Chinese and were more highly educated (p-value less than 0.05), with no significant difference in gender or marital status. Regarding the type of gambling activities, cohort-2 was more likely to engage in soccer betting (p-value less than 0.01). Although the proportion presenting with any comorbidity remained unchanged, alcohol use disorders had increased more than three-fold and suicide risk was slightly elevated, although not significantly.

DISCUSSION

Clinicians should undertake routine screening and assessment of alcohol misuse and suicide risk, offering brief interventions, where necessary, for this vulnerable population.

[Skin tanning and skin bleaching: ethnic addictions complying with the latest fad]

Sun is at the origin of life and is responsible for death as well. In the past decades cutaneous melanoma has affected more and more young adults. In the White population, sun exposures and sunbeds are pointed out as the main culprits responsible for addictive behaviour. Preventive measures to be taken aim at avoiding the effects of ultraviolet light addiction. Sunlight exposure particularly in moderation is indeed beneficial through vitamin D3 synthesis and improved psychological wellbeing. Hence, we are facing the dilemma between too much and too little ultraviolet light exposure.In the Black population, the reverse situation is prevalent. It concerns skin depigmentation which may turn out to be a caricature in some subjects.

Use of a national quitline and variation in use by smoker characteristics: ITC Project New Zealand

INTRODUCTION

We aimed to describe use of a national quitline service and the variation in its use by smoker characteristics (particularly ethnicity and deprivation). The setting was New Zealand (NZ), which takes proactive measures to attract disadvantaged smokers to this service.

METHODS

The NZ arm of the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Survey (ITC Project) utilizes the New Zealand Health Survey (a national sample) from which we surveyed adult smokers in two waves (N = 1,376 and N = 923) 1 year apart.

RESULTS

Quitline use in the last 12 months rose from 8.1% (95% CI = 6.3%-9.8%) in Wave 1 to 11.2% (95% CI = 8.4%-14.0%) at Wave 2. Māori (the indigenous people of NZ) were significantly more likely to call the Quitline than were European/other smokers. Relatively higher call rates also occurred among those reporting higher deprivation, financial stress, a past mental health disorder, a past drug-related disorder, and higher psychological distress (Kessler 10-item index). Independent associations in the multivariate analyses of Quitline use were being Māori, reporting financial stress, and ever having been diagnosed with a mental health disorder.

DISCUSSION

This national Quitline service is successfully stimulating disproportionately more calls by Māori smokers and those with some measures of disadvantage. It may therefore be contributing to reducing health inequalities. It appears possible to target quitlines to reach those smokers in greatest need.

Implications of American Indian gambling for social work research and practice

Since the 1988 passage of the Indian Gaming and Regulatory Act (IGRA), American Indian tribal communities have rapidly opened up casinos. American Indian participation in recreational gambling has increased, resulting in an increase in problem and pathological gambling. However, increased revenues from gaming have significantly benefited tribes. Background information on the Supreme Court case that led to passage of the IGRA and subsequently the opening of casinos on Indian reservations is provided. Data are presented on American Indian gambling studies that explore the impact of gambling on the development of problem or pathological gambling among American Indians. Reports and data are presented on the effects of gambling on the socioeconomic development of tribal communities. The implications of American Indian gaming for social work research and practice are discussed.

"We mentally ill smoke a lot": identity, smoking, and mental illness in America

Most of the history of the tobacco industry over the last few decades has focused on the conflicts between tobacco industry leaders who promoted smoking and tobacco control advocates who warned of the health consequences. Yet a view of this conflict from the perspective of smokers who are also mentally ill raises questions about how to frame public health policy for these individuals. Mentally ill consumers wrote to the tobacco industry between the 1970s and 1990s and expressed their commitment to smoking and to cigarette companies, despite their awareness of the health risks. This paper explores the relationship between mentally ill consumers, the tobacco industry, and public health in the United States through letters written by mentally ill smokers.

Evaluation of an Internet addiction treatment program for Chinese adolescents in Hong Kong

This paper described an indigenous multi-level counseling program designed for young people with Internet addiction problems based on the responses of 59 clients. Regarding objective outcome evaluation, pretest and posttest data generally showed that the Internet addiction problems of the participants decreased after joining the program and there were some slight positive changes in the parenting attributes. For the subjective outcome evaluation findings, participants generally perceived that the program was helpful. Findings based on these two evaluation strategies suggest this multi-level indigenous counseling program has promise for helping young people with Internet addiction problems.

Nicotine differentially inhibits the acoustic startle reflex in African American and Caucasian American smokers

Research suggests that there are racial disparities in smoking behaviors, cessation rates, mortality, and morbidity. However, little is known regarding racial differences in affect regulation by smoking. The purpose of this study was to examine racial differences in the effects of nicotine deprivation and administration on smokers' startle responding to smoking and affective cues. 104 African American (AA) and Caucasian American (CA) smokers completed 4 laboratory sessions crossing nicotine deprivation (12-hour deprived vs. nondeprived) with nicotine nasal spray (active vs. placebo). Participants viewed affective (positive, neutral, and negative) and smoking slides while startle probes were administered. The results showed that relative to placebo, AA smokers given nicotine spray exhibited significantly lower startle responses when they were exposed to smoking cues and CA smokers given nicotine spray exhibited significantly lower startle responses when they were exposed to negative and neutral cues. Although nicotine suppresses startle responding in both AA and CA smokers, the effect is modulated by different cue conditions, suggesting that there may be racial differences in components of smoking motivation.

Gambling and the older Chinese in Canada

In Canada, there is a lack of research on gambling among the older adults from ethnic minority groups, especially the older Chinese. In this study, two research questions were used to examine gambling among the older Chinese: (1) What is the pattern of gambling among the older Chinese in Canada? (2) What are the predictors associated with gambling among the older Chinese in Canada? The data for this study were collected as part of a multi-site study on health and well-being of 2272 older Chinese in Canada. Four main questions related to gambling were used in this study. Among the 2257 participants who answered the questions on gambling, 26.6% of them reported that they gambled. Results of the hierarchical logistic regression analysis showed that being male, having lived in Canada longer, having a higher level of social support, having more service barriers, and having a stronger level of Chinese ethnic identity would increase the probability for an older Chinese to participate in gambling. Conversely, having a post-secondary and above level of education and having a higher level of life satisfaction would reduce one's probability of gambling. Although city of residency was also significant in predicting gambling, further analysis showed that its effect was actually caused by other factors including services barriers, social support, life satisfaction, Chinese ethnic identity, and education.

Pathological gambling in Montreal's Chinese community: an anthropological perspective

Pathological gambling has been identified as a major issue in Montreal's Chinese community. A variety of sources attest to the fact that, though we live in an increasingly heterogeneous society, the services provided to minority communities for preventing and treating pathological gambling are inadequate. An anthropological approach that takes into account cultural characteristics of one's community could lead to better strategies for acknowledgement, definition, diagnosis and treatment of pathological gambling among culturally different communities. Research paths that could help to provide effective treatment and services to specific populations are suggested. An overview of the way the Chinese view gambling, pathological gambling and treatment is presented. The concepts of fate, destiny and luck in Chinese thought, as well as Montreal's Chinese community social norms related to gambling are then described. The incorporation of those cultural understandings in future studies and treatment attempts is suggested.

The relationship between impulsivity and Internet addiction in a sample of Chinese adolescents

Objective

Previous studies regarding internet addiction have investigated associated psychological variables such as shyness, loneliness, self-consciousness, anxiety, depression and interpersonal relations. Few studies about the relationship between internet Addiction and impulsivity have been done. This study aimed to assess whether internet addiction is related to impulsivity among Chinese adolescents.

Method

This study was performed in two stages. We screened for the presence of internet Addiction among 2620 high school students(age ranging from 12 years to 18 years) from four high schools of Changsha City using Diagnostic Questionnaire for internet Addiction (YDQ). According to the modified YDQ criteria by Beard, 64 students were diagnosed as internet addiction. Excluding current psychiatric comorbidity, 50 students who were diagnosed as internet Addiction (mean age, 14.8 ± 1.4 years) and 50 normal students in internet usage(mean age, 14.5 ± 1.8 years) were included in a case control study. The two groups were assessed using Barratt Impulsiveness Scale 11 (BIS-11) and behavioral measure of impulsivity (GoStop Impulsivity Paradigm).

Results

Sixty-four students met the modified YDQ criteria by Beard, of whom 14 students suffered from comorbid psychiatric disorders, especially comorbid ADHD. The internet Addiction group had significantly higher scores on the BIS-11 subscales of Attentional key, Motor key, and Total scores than the control group (P < 0.05). The internet Addiction group scored higher than the control group on the failure to inhibit responses of GoStop Impulsivity Paradigm (P < 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between YDQ scores and BIS-11subscales and the number of failure to inhibit responses of GoStop Impulsivity Paradigm.

Conclusion

This study suggests that adolescents with internet addiction exhibit more impulsivity than controls and have various comorbid psychiatric disorders, which could be associated with the psychopathology of internet addiction.

Family factors of internet addiction and substance use experience in Taiwanese adolescents

The aim of the study is to examine the differences in the diversity of family factors between adolescents with and without Internet addiction and substance use experience. A total of 3662 students (2328 boys and 1334 girls) were recruited from seven junior high schools, six senior high schools, and four vocational high schools in southern Taiwan. Internet addiction and substance experience were classified according to the score of Chen Internet Addiction Scale Questionnaires for Experience of Substance use. The family factors assessed included perceived family satisfaction, family economic status, parents' marriage status, care-givers, the frequency of intra-family conflict, families' habitual alcohol use, and perceived parents' or care givers' attitude toward adolescents' substance use. This study demonstrated that the characteristics of higher parent-adolescent conflict, habitual alcohol use of siblings, perceived parents' positive attitude to adolescent substance use, and lower family function could be used develop a predictive model for Internet addiction in the multiple logistic regression analysis. The former three family factors were also sufficient in themselves to develop a predictive model for substance use experience. The results revealed that adolescent Internet addiction and substance use experience shared similar family factors, which indicate that Internet addiction and substance use should be considered in the group of behavioral problem syndromes. A family-based preventive approach for Internet addiction and substance use should be introduced for adolescents with negative family factors.

Characteristics of Internet Use in Relation to Game Genre in Korean Adolescents

As the number of internet users increases, a new game genre using the internet as a networking tool is emerging. Some game genres are regarded as having greater addiction potentials than others. Games and the internet are closely related. We investigated games frequently used by adolescents and classified each of them with the help of game professionals. We also examined internet use patterns to identify relationships between game genre and internet use patterns. 627 middle school and high school students (male 488, female 139) completed questionnaires concerning computer and game use patterns and Korean internet addiction scales. Game genres were divided into eight criteria (simulation, role playing game, web board, community, action, adventure, shooting, and sports). Using Korean internet addiction scales, 627 participants were divided into a normal group (474), a potential risk group (128), and a high-risk group (25). Each group showed significant differences in total internet addiction scores. We classified players into specific game users based upon the game types they most prefer. Role playing game users showed significantly higher internet addiction scores than web board and sports game users. Game and internet addictions are also connected with interpersonal relationship patterns. We suggest that users of some game genre have unique psychological addiction potentials that are different from others and that this influences both game selection and internet use.

Internet Café Addiction of Taiwanese Adolescents

With the recent vigorous development, the Internet has become a part of life. And the Internet café has become an emerging industry under this new wave of Internet heat. However, the Internet café has also brought about many unexpected social problems and negative effects on society in Taiwan. For example, Internet café addiction (or pathological use) is a particular phenomenon derived from Internet café in Taiwan. But currently there are just a few scholars who attend to this problem. This study focuses mainly on the phenomenon of Internet café addiction among adolescents in Taiwan, the Internet café patronage behavior, and the cause of this phenomenon. Result of a questionnaire survey indicate that a significant difference exists between male and female adolescent in the following two aspects: "the stay hours for each visit in Internet café" and "Internet café addiction scores." Males' stay hours in Internet café are longer than females', and males also get higher Internet café addiction scores than females. The results also indicate that participants' degree of self-esteem and support from their social network can account for 30% of variance of Internet café addiction. Further, the results also suggest that social support is positively related to Internet café addiction score, whereas a negative relationship between self-esteem and Internet café addiction score is observed.

Patterns of ketamine use among young injection drug users

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic that has emerged as an increasingly popular choice among young drug users. Recent research indicates the presence of hidden populations of young people who inject ketamine in New York and other U.S. cities. Applying an ethno-epidemiological approach, the authors recruited 40 young injection drug users (IDUs) (< 25 years old) in New York City to explore health risks associated with ketamine use. This analysis looks at the varying patterns and frequencies of ketamine injection by examining personal, social, and cultural aspects of these young people's lives. We learned that drug-using histories, experiential dimensions, sociocultural characteristics, and associations with other young people help account for the different patterns of injecting ketamine within the sample. In particular, these findings indicate that young people who were more frequent ketamine injectors had the following characteristics: initiated injection drug use with ketamine; enjoyed the effects of ketamine, were stably housed; lived in the vicinity of New York City; and associated with others who also injected ketamine.

Depression and Internet addiction in adolescents

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between depression and Internet addiction among adolescents.

SAMPLING AND METHOD

A total of 452 Korean adolescents were studied. First, they were evaluated for their severity of Internet addiction with consideration of their behavioral characteristics and their primary purpose for computer use. Second, we investigated correlations between Internet addiction and depression, alcohol dependence and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Third, the relationship between Internet addiction and biogenetic temperament as assessed by the Temperament and Character Inventory was evaluated.

RESULTS

Internet addiction was significantly associated with depressive symptoms and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Regarding biogenetic temperament and character patterns, high harm avoidance, low self-directedness, low cooperativeness and high self-transcendence were correlated with Internet addiction. In multivariate analysis, among clinical symptoms depression was most closely related to Internet addiction, even after controlling for differences in biogenetic temperament.

CONCLUSIONS

This study reveals a significant association between Internet addiction and depressive symptoms in adolescents. This association is supported by temperament profiles of the Internet addiction group. The data suggest the necessity of the evaluation of the potential underlying depression in the treatment of Internet-addicted adolescents.

A Cross-Cultural Study of Gambling Behaviour Among Adolescents

This study investigated whether the prevalence of weekly and problem gambling among youth varied according to cultural affiliation. A convenience sample of 1,265 Quebec high school students aged 12-18 was divided into three linguistic groupings: Anglophone (English), Francophone (French), and Allophone (other). Results revealed that the Allophone grouping contained the highest proportion of youth who gambled on a weekly basis and who reported gambling problems, followed by the Anglophone, and finally the Francophone groupings. Acculturation difficulties were associated with problem gambling. Few meaningful between-group differences were found with respect to factors related to problem gambling (i.e., comorbidity with other risk factors, coping, family functioning and resiliency). The results are discussed with respect to the influence of cultural background on gambling behavior.

Personal factors influencing Korean American men's smoking behavior: addiction, health, and age

The purpose of this qualitative study was to identify factors influencing Korean American men's smoking behavior. Focus-group research method was used, and participants were 22 Korean male smokers in New York City. They talked about their experiences of smoking and smoking cessation. Addiction, health, and age emerged as major personal factors affecting Korean men's smoking behavior. Their experiences in relation to addiction were similar to those reported in other racial/ethnic groups, whereas the dramatic change in the perception of smoking-related health risks coming with their forties, some cessation strategies used by former smokers, and preference for group meetings over individual counseling appeared to be specific to Korean men.

Levels of cigarette availability and exposure in black and white women and efficient smokers

Purposes of this investigation were to examine differences in smoke exposure and smoking topography across three smoking conditions: usual number of cigarettes, restricted (50%) and increased (167%) simulating restricted and unrestricted cigarette availability. A repeated-measures counterbalanced design with a sample of 25 women (13 African Americans; 12 Caucasians) was implemented with a 6-day inpatient protocol conducted in the General Clinical Research Center (GCRC). There were significantly larger percentage increases in carbon monoxide (CO) postcigarette in the restricted condition compared to usual and increased condition. Women with baseline cotinine/cigarette ratios >20 ng/ml/cigarette, considered efficient smokers, had significantly higher CO increases postcigarette at baseline than participants with lower cotinine/cigarette ratios, yet increased this exposure further during the restricted condition. Efficient smokers had significantly higher nicotine boost in the restricted condition compared to less efficient smokers. Differences by ethnicity were also noted with significantly higher CO percentage increases pre- to postcigarette in African Americans across all conditions, compared to Caucasians. Levels of smoke exposure postcigarette in persons who reduce cigarettes per day in response to restricted cigarette availability may be substantial.

Genetics of pathological gambling

Pathological gambling (PG) is an impulse control disorder and a model 'behavioral' addiction. Familial factors have been observed in clinical studies of pathological gamblers, and twin studies have demonstrated a genetic influence contributing to the development of PG. Serotonergic, noradrenergic, and dopaminergic dysfunction have been reported as biological factors contributing to the pathophysiology of PG. Molecular genetic techniques have been used to investigate the role of genetic factors in PG. Molecular genetic research has identified specific allele variants of candidate genes corresponding to these neurotransmitter systems to be associated with PG. Associations have been reported between pathological gamblers and allele variants of polymorphisms at dopamine receptor genes, the serotonin transporter gene, and the monoamine-oxidase A gene. Although preliminary data suggest that some of these differences are gender-specific, more research needs to be performed to substantiate gender-specific genetic contributions to the development of pathological gambling. The review of the current findings on genetics of PG suggests that liability to PG is in part mediated by genetic factors. Additional studies are needed to replicate and extend these findings, as well as to better understand the influence of specific allelic variants to differences in biological and behavioral functioning.

Smoking addiction among university students in Istanbul

In this study, we investigated smoking addiction and some risk factors among university students in Istanbul. A questionnaire survey of 236 university students studying in Istanbul Medical Faculty (n: 148) and other faculties (n: 88) was performed with cross-sectional and responding-under-observation methods in March-May 1999. Thirty-six per cent of the university students with mean age 24.0 (2.9 were addicted to smoking (n: 85): 41.3% males and 26.7% females; 67.5% were using imported and 32.5% were using local product cigarettes. Of the subjects, 18.1% were smoking 1-10 cigarettes a day, 61.4% 11-20 cigarettes a day and 20.5% more than 20 cigarettes a day. When alcohol and smoking addiction were compared with logistic regression analysis, with respect to gender, age, school, parents' educational levels, living style and the sources of income, the risk factor for alcohol addicts was found to be more 2.54 times than smoking addicts (OR = 2.54, 95% CI = 1.38-4.67; p = 0.003). The study has emphasized the association of alcohol and smoking addiction in university students and the prevalence of smoking addiction among adolescent females.

Kava as an anticraving agent: preliminary data

Drug and alcohol abuse is one of the United States' most expensive and damaging health risk. The financial and social costs of addiction have led to a significant investment in prevention and treatment in an effort to reduce the incidence and prevalence of drug abuse. One important area of research is the chemistry of craving. It is assumed that if the neurological process of craving can be interrupted, then addiction can be successfully treated. The active ingredients found in kava, known as kavapyrones, have been found to bind to many sites in the brain that are associated with addiction and craving. In an effort to determine if kava can decrease the craving associated with substances of abuse, a craving survey and pilot study were completed where cravings of alcohol, tobacco, cocaine, and heroin were examined. The preliminary findings suggest that kava may reduce the craving associated with addiction. In one investigation, the participants reported a reduction in their desire for their drug of choice. In another investigation, a standardized amount of kavapyrones led to an apparent difference in abstinence between the experimental and placebo groups for alcohol. The studies presented are considered preliminary and exploratory, and intended only as a precursor to future, more systematic and large-scale investigations. If the findings are confirmed, kava may be a useful component to the treatment of addictions, especially for Native Hawaiian and Pacific peoples.

Gen-X junkie: ethnographic research with young White heroin users in Washington, DC

Through ethnographic research with injection drugs users (IDUs), the author presents a discussion on the network dynamics of young White heroin users from the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. An analysis of who the users are, how their networks form, how they change over time, and how they dissolve are presented in comparison the the dynamics of an older Black IDU network from the same area. Significant differences between these two types of networks shed light on important issues surrounding drug use and HIV risk, and aid in directing future research efforts in this field of study.

The prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of khat chewing in Butajira, Ethiopia

A house-to-house survey was carried out in a rural Ethiopian community to determine the prevalence and socio-demographic correlates of khat use. A total of 10,468 adults were interviewed. Of these, 58% were female, and 74% were Muslim. More than half of the study population (55.7%) reported lifetime khat chewing experience and the prevalence of current use was 50%. Among current chewers, 17.4% reported taking khat on a daily basis; 16.1% of these were male and 3.4% were female. Various reasons were given for chewing khat; 80% of the chewers used it to gain a good level of concentration for prayer. Muslim religion, smoking and high educational level showed strong association with daily khat chewing.

Problems related to alcohol use: a cross-cultural perspective

The assessment, diagnosis, and classification of mental disorders are embedded in social and cultural norms. In view of their Anglo-Saxon origins, the prevailing diagnostic criteria and instruments for their assessment have a strong Western influence. Yet they are used internationally with the implied assumption of their cross-cultural applicability. The WHO Cross-Cultural Applicability Research (CAR) study was designed to test this assumption as it applies to disorders relating to the use of alcohol and drugs. This multi-disciplinary research project was conducted in nine countries having different patterns of alcohol and drug use. The results suggest that, even though some similarities exist with respect to the definition of problematic use of alcohol in these ethnically diverse societies, very substantial differences also exist. A number of core concepts underpinning diagnosis of disorders relating to the use of alcohol have no equivalence in the local languages of the various cultures, while some others lacked cultural applicability because of their relative 'distance' from cultural and ethnic norms of drinking. This distance often relates to the difficulties of adapting descriptors of drinking norms in a 'wet' culture to one that is decidedly 'dry'.