scholarly journals Religious Affiliation, Informal Participation, and Network Support Associated With Substance Use: Differences Across Age Groups

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 656-665 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tuba Demir-Dagdas ◽  
Stephanie T. Child

Background. Associations between religious involvement and substance use are well established. However, limited research examines the effects of religious affiliation, informal participation, and network support on substance use among two distinct age cohorts. Objectives. This study aims to examine whether religious affiliation, informal participation, and network support are associated with alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use among young and late middle-age adults. Method. The UC Berkeley Social Networks Study (Wave 1, 2015) offers novel cohort data on young (21-30 years old, n = 483) and late middle-age (50-70 years old, n = 673) adults. Poisson regression models were used to predict alcohol use, while logistic regression models were used to predict odds of smoking and marijuana use. Results. Among young adults, membership in a religious organization was associated with less alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use. Conversely, participating in informal organizations was associated with more alcohol and marijuana use. Desiring more people to talk to and get together with were associated with more smoking and drinking, respectively. However, wishing more people to ask for help was associated with less substance use altogether. In a similar pattern, among older adults, religious involvement was associated with less alcohol and marijuana use. Desiring more people to ask for help was also related to less marijuana use. Conclusion. Younger adult participation in informal groups serves to encourage social substance use. In contrast, older people are more involved in religious groups, which support social behaviors that do not include substance use.

2021 ◽  
pp. 104345422110110
Author(s):  
Christopher Cappelli ◽  
Kimberly A. Miller ◽  
Anamara Ritt-Olson ◽  
Mary A. Pentz ◽  
Sofia Salahpour ◽  
...  

Objectives: Substance use among young adult childhood cancer survivors (YACCSs) has been found to increase during survivorship, resulting in increased risk of developing long-term negative health outcomes. This investigation sought to determine various risk and protective factors of tobacco, alcohol, or marijuana use over time among a sample of YACCSs. Methods: 127 YACCSs (57% Hispanic, 55% female, average age at diagnosis 12.4 years) who were diagnosed with any cancer type (except Hodgkin lymphoma) at two large pediatric medical centers in Los Angeles County between 2000 and 2007 responded to two surveys separated by ∼5 years. Bivariate logistic regression models were used to assess independent clinical and psychosocial Time 1 variables associated with each substance use outcome at Time 2. Time 1 variables significant at p < .10 were included in multivariable logistic regression models for each Time 2 substance use variable. Results: Rates of 30-day use increased over time for binge drinking alcohol (from 25.6% to 37.7%), marijuana (from 10.6% to 22.1%), and cigarette/tobacco (from 8.9% to 12.2%). Of the following Time 1 variables, marijuana use, cigarette use, and binge drinking were associated with Time 2 marijuana, cigarette, and binge drinking, respectively. Of the following clinical factors, receipt of more intensive cancer treatment was associated with decreased tobacco use. All other psychosocial and clinical factors analyzed were not associated with any increase or decrease in substance use. Conclusions: A greater emphasis on early health education efforts regarding the health risks of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use is needed in this at-risk population.


2020 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 642-651
Author(s):  
Monique J Brown ◽  
Julianne M Serovich ◽  
Tanja C Laschober ◽  
Judy A Kimberly

The aim of this study was to assess the association between age, depressive symptoms, and substance use among men who have sex with men (MSM) living with HIV. Baseline data were obtained from 337 MSM living with HIV. Linear and logistic regression models were used to determine the association between age and depressive symptoms and substance use. MSM aged 35–49 had higher depressive symptoms than MSM 50 and older (B = 3.53; 95% CI: 0.33, 6.72); MSM aged 25–34 and MSM 35–49 had higher substance use than MSM 50 and older (B = 2.66; 95% CI: 0.77, 4.54; and B = 1.68; 95% CI: 0.22, 3.14, respectively). MSM aged 35–49 were more likely to be at risk for clinical depression than MSM 50 and older (OR = 1.84; 95% CI: 1.06, 3.22); MSM aged 18–24 and MSM 35–49 were less likely and more likely to have substance abuse than MSM 50 and older (OR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.91; and OR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.02, 3.29, respectively). Interventions addressing depressive symptoms and substance use tailored to individuals in different age groups should account for varying needs at different stages of life.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Loren Kock ◽  
Lion Shahab ◽  
Jamie Brown ◽  
Graham Moore ◽  
Marie Horton ◽  
...  

Background: Changes in the prevalence of mental health problems among smokers due to the COVID-19 pandemic in England have important implications for existing health inequalities. This study examined the prevalence of psychological distress among smokers following the onset of the pandemic compared with previous years. Methods: Cross-sectional data were used from a representative survey of smokers (18+) in England (n = 2,927) during four months (April to July) in 2016, 2017 and 2020. Adjusted logistic regressions estimated the associations between past-month psychological distress across two time periods (2016/17 and 2020), and age. Weighted proportions, chi-squared statistics and stratified logistic regression models were used to compare the distributions of minimal, moderate and severe distress, respectively, within socio-demographic and smoking characteristic categories in 2016/17 and 2020. Results: The prevalence of moderate and severe distress among past-year smokers was higher in 2020 (moderate: 28.79%, 95%CI 26.11-31.60; OR=2.08, 95%CI 1.34-3.25; severe: 11.04%, 9.30-13.12; OR=2.16, 1.13-4.07) than in 2016/17 (moderate: 20.66%, 19.02-22.43; severe: 8.23%, 7.16-9.47). While there was no overall evidence of an interaction between time period and age, young (16-24 years) and middle-age groups (45-54 years) may have experienced greater increases in moderate and older age groups (65+ years) in severe distress from 2016/17 to 2020. There were also increases in 2020 of moderate distress among those from more disadvantaged social grades and of both moderate and severe distress among women and those with low cigarette addiction. Conclusions: Between April-July 2016/17 and April-July 2020 in England there were increases in both moderate and severe distress among smokers. The distribution of distress differed between 2016/17 and 2020 and represents a widening of established inequalities, with increases in distress among socio-economically disadvantaged groups, women and diverging age groups.


BMJ Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. e041453
Author(s):  
Xin Xu ◽  
Kimberly Ann Chew ◽  
Xiaolin Xu ◽  
Zhihua Wu ◽  
Xiaohua Xiao ◽  
...  

ObjectivesExamine compliance with personal protective measures in communities for the prevention and control of local transmission of the COVID-19, and explore indicators for such behavioural compliance.DesignCross-sectional design with a self-selecting sample. Data collected in February 2020.SettingCommunity dwellers in China.Participants2956 participants aged 16 and above completed the study and were included in the analysis.Outcome measuresNationwide COVID-19 survey. Demographics and self-reported compliance with four personal protective measures—home quarantine, mask-wearing, temperature-taking and hand-sanitising were collected. Outbreak severity and timeliness of personal protection order were obtained from the China Center for Disease Control and Prevention website. Logistic regression models were employed to examine the association between demographic and social indicators and behavioural compliance.ResultsCompliance with home quarantine was only associated with gender (men, OR=0.61 (0.51–0.73), inverse association) but no other indicators. In contrast, men had higher compliance with mask-wearing (OR=1.79 (1.49–2.16)) and temperature-taking (OR=1.27 (1.05–1.53)). Compared with younger adults (≤20 years), the middle-age groups (31–40 and 41–50 years of age) were more compliant with all protective behaviours, except for home quarantine (OR=0.71 (0.54–0.93) and 0.67 (0.46–0.97), respectively).ConclusionMale gender was associated with lower compliance with home quarantine yet higher compliance with mask-wearing and temperature-taking. The middle-age participants (31–50 years) had lower compliance with home quarantine but higher with other measures. These findings may be supported by the economic considerations and the long-inherited Confucian values among Chinese. In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, public health authorities should tailor policy implementation to disparities in psychosocial indicators.


2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (08) ◽  
pp. 1159-1169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Namkee G. Choi ◽  
Diana M. DiNitto ◽  
C. Nathan Marti ◽  
Bryan Y. Choi

ABSTRACTBackground:Given the rapid increase in prescription and illicit drug poisoning deaths in the 50+ age group, we examined precipitating/risk factors and toxicology results associated with poisoning deaths classified as suicides compared to intent-undetermined death (UnD) among decedents aged 50+.Methods:Data were from the 2005–2015 US National Violent Death Reporting System (N = 15,453). χ2 tests and multinomial logistic regression models were used to compare three groups of decedents: suicide decedent who left a suicide note, suicide decedent who did not leave a note, and UnD cases.Results:Compared to suicide decedents without a note (37.7% of the sample), those with a note (29.4%) were more likely to have been depressed and had physical health problems and other life stressors, while UnD cases (32.9%) were less likely to have had mental health problems and other life stressors but more likely to have had substance use and health problems. UnD cases were also more likely to be opioid (RRR = 2.65, 95% CI = 2.42–2.90) and cocaine (RRR = 2.59, 95% CI = 2.09–3.21) positive but less likely to be antidepressant positive. Blacks were more than twice as likely as non-Hispanic Whites to be UnDs. Results from separate regression models in the highest UnD states (Maryland and Utah) and in states other than Maryland/Utah were similar.Conclusions:Many UnDs may be more correctly classified as unintentional overdose deaths. Along with more accurate determination processes for intent/manner of death, substance use treatment and approaches to curbing opioid and other drug use problems are needed to prevent intentional and unintentional poisoning deaths.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 210-216
Author(s):  
Khaled Shaaban

Background: Pedestrian non-compliance at signalized crossings is unsafe and considered one of the causes of pedestrian crashes. The speed limit on most major urban roads is 60 km/hr or less. However, the speed on some urban roads is higher in some countries. In this case, the situation is more unsafe and increases the possibility of fatal injuries or fatalities in the case of a crash. Therefore, it is expected that the pedestrians will be more cautious on these roads. Aim: This study aims to explore pedestrian compliance at signalized intersections on major arterials with 80 km/hr speeds in Qatar. Methods: Video data were collected for pedestrian movements at multiple intersections. Results: The study reported a 68.1 percent compliance rate at the study locations. The results also revealed that 14.6 percent of the pedestrians crossed during the Flashing Don’t Walk interval and 17.3 percent crossed during the Steady Don’t Walk interval. These rates are considered high compared to other countries. Several variables that may influence pedestrians’ behavior were investigated. Binary and ordinal logistic regression models were developed to describe the pedestrian crossing behavior as a function of these variables. Conclusion: Male and middle-age pedestrians were more likely to cross during these two intervals. The analysis showed that female pedestrians, elder pedestrians, pedestrians crossing in groups, pedestrians waiting before crossing, and pedestrians crossing against a flow of other pedestrians are more likely to comply and cross during the Walk interval compared to other groups. Several solutions were proposed in the study to increase compliance rates.


2020 ◽  
Vol 110 (9) ◽  
pp. 1411-1417
Author(s):  
Laura Hawks ◽  
Emily A. Wang ◽  
Benjamin Howell ◽  
Steffie Woolhandler ◽  
David U. Himmelstein ◽  
...  

Objectives. To compare the health and health care utilization of persons on and not on probation nationally. Methods. Using the National Survey of Drug Use and Health, a population-based sample of US adults, we compared physical, mental, and substance use disorders and the use of health services of persons (aged 18–49 years) on and not on probation using logistic regression models controlling for age, race/ethnicity, gender, poverty, and insurance status. Results. Those on probation were more likely to have a physical condition (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2, 1.4), mental illness (AOR = 2.4; 95% CI = 2.1, 2.8), or substance use disorder (AOR = 4.2; 95% CI = 3.8, 4.5). They were less likely to attend an outpatient visit (AOR = 0.8; 95% CI = 0.7, 0.9) but more likely to have an emergency department visit (AOR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.6, 2.0) or hospitalization (AOR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.5, 1.9). Conclusions. Persons on probation have an increased burden of disease and receive less outpatient care but more acute services than persons not on probation. Public Health Implications. Efforts to address the health needs of those with criminal justice involvement should include those on probation.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 1068-1078
Author(s):  
Norman R. Greenberg ◽  
Zu Wei Zhai ◽  
Rani A. Hoff ◽  
Suchitra Krishnan-Sarin ◽  
Marc N. Potenza

AbstractBackground and aimsSelf-injurious behaviors (SIBs) and problematic shopping (PS) are both prevalent in adolescents. These behaviors have been proposed as behavioral addictions and linked to impulsivity (Imp) and sensation-seeking (SS). They are also associated with negative mental health and psychosocial measures. This study examined relationships between PS and SIB in adolescents. It also examined how PS and SIB relate to Imp and SS, and interactions between PS and SIB in relation to health/functioning measures.MethodsSurvey data from 2,624 Connecticut high-school students were evaluated using chi-square analyses. Next, logistic regression models were used to assess relationships between PS and measures of SIB. T-tests compared Imp and SS in adolescents with and without PS and SIB. Interaction analyses assessed effects of PS on relationships between SIB and health/functioning measures.ResultsAdolescents with PS had 3.43-fold higher odds of endorsing lifetime SIB than those without PS, and were more likely to exhibit severe SIB and disruption due to SIB. PS and SIB were associated with elevated Imp and SS. Interaction analyses revealed that in adolescents with PS, the relationships between SIB and substance use was weaker than in adolescents without PS. This suggests PS accounts for variance in relationships between SIB and substance use.Discussion and conclusionsPS is strongly related to SIB prevalence, severity, and impairment in adolescents, and weakens associations between SIB and substance use. PS should therefore be considered for prevention efforts for SIB. Further research should investigate mechanisms connecting PS and SIB and explore possible interventions targeting associated features like Imp and SS.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 3066
Author(s):  
Chen Ye ◽  
Sumiya Aihemaitijiang ◽  
Ruoyu Wang ◽  
Mairepaiti Halimulati ◽  
Zhaofeng Zhang

Background: The association between childhood food deprivation (FD) and health in later life has been extensively studied; however, studies on the association between childhood food deprivation and frailty are scarce. This study assessed the associations between childhood FD and the risk of frailty at middle-age and old age. Methods: Three waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), including 11,615 individuals aged over 45 years, were used for this research. Frailty was operationalized according to the FRAIL scale as a sum of fatigue, resistance, ambulation, illness, and the loss of weight. Childhood FD experiences and levels were measured by self-reported FD and historical content. Logistic mixed-effects models and proportional odds ordered logistic regression models were used to analyse the association between childhood FD and frailty. Findings: Childhood FD increased the odds of frailty at old age (1.30, 95% CI: 1.26–1.36). Compared with subjects with mild FD, those with extreme FD experiences had increased risks of frailty (1.34, 95% CI: 1.26–1.43). Subjects exposed to hunger at different ages all had an increased risk of frailty, and subjects who had FD during ages 6–12 (1.15, 95% CI: 1.09–1.22) were more likely to have an increased risk of frailty than those who had experienced FD in younger ages. The interaction of experience of FD at ages 0–6 and the experience of FD at ages 6–12 is not statistically significant after adjusting all covariates. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that childhood FD exerts long-lasting effects on frailty among older adults in China. The prevention of childhood FD may delay or even avert the emergence of frailty in people of middle-age and old age.


2016 ◽  
Vol 208 (5) ◽  
pp. 484-490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Steck ◽  
Matthias Egger ◽  
Marcel Zwahlen

BackgroundIn Switzerland assisted suicide is legal if no self-interest is involved.AimsTo compare the strength and direction of associations with sociodemographic factors between assisted and unassisted suicides.MethodWe calculated rates and used Cox and logistic regression models in a longitudinal study of the Swiss population.ResultsAnalyses were based on 5 004 403 people, 1301 assisted and 5708 unassisted suicides from 2003 to 2008. The rate of unassisted suicides was higher in men than in women, rates of assisted suicides were similar in men and women. Higher education was positively associated with assisted suicide, but negatively with unassisted. Living alone, having no children and no religious affiliation were associated with higher rates of both.ConclusionsSome situations that indicate greater vulnerability such as living alone were associated with both assisted and unassisted suicide. Among the terminally ill, women were more likely to choose assisted suicide, whereas men died more often by unassisted suicide.


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