Asian American Recovery Services

This intervention study collected data on Chinese, Filipino, and Vietnamese high-risk adults to ascertain similarities and differences in drug use patterns. Study participants (N = 126) participated in a 5-week intervention study to mitigate substance abuse and the prevalence of hepatitis C and HIV among high-risk adults in San Francisco, San Mateo, and Santa Clara Counties of California. Data reported were collected at baseline. The National Outcome Measures questionnaire was used to document individual substance use in the past 30 days. Filipinos reported higher use rates for alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, and crack cocaine in the past 30 days compared with their Chinese and Vietnamese counterparts; these differences proved to be statistically significant (p ≤ .03). Data analysis also showed that the alcohol use of Filipino and Vietnamese homosexual men was significantly greater than their Chinese counterparts (p = .04). A statistically significant inverse association was found for alcohol use for those in the criminal justice system during the past 30 days (odds ratio [OR] = 0.37, p = .03). In addition, a positive association for other tobacco use (OR = 11.98, p = .00) was reported for those in the criminal justice system. Age group analyses indicated a positive association for those between 18-25 years old for alcohol use (OR = 5.40, p = .00). These data confirm the importance of disaggregation of data. If collapsed into a general Asian or Asian and Pacific Islander ethnic group category, as is often the case, the unique behaviors of the individual groups would be lost.

ABSTRACT Many academic and professional studies have reported the prevalence of drug abuse among young people and its costly consequences. Sample responses and scenarios from a group of American teens reflect that their perceptions of the consequences are frequently self-oriented and male-centered. Their concerns are often related to health, mental health, sexual performance, and social relations. Implications for interventions are also discussed.

This study identified patterns of drug use and HIV risk behaviors in relation to cultural factors among Asian drug users in San Francisco. A sample of 92 Asian drug users (35 Chinese, 31 Filipino, 26 Vietnamese) who were not currently enrolled in drug treatment programs were recruited through targeted sampling methods and interviewed using a questionnaire with open-ended questions. The study evaluated responses of the participants based on content analyses. Compared with Chinese and Vietnamese, Filipino drug users had engaged in riskier behaviors in terms of injection drug use, having sex while on drugs, and having sex with injection drug users (IDUs). Cultural factors such as stigma of injection drug use and fear of needles were cited as reasons for not injecting drugs. Among IDUs, half cited trust as a reason for having shared needles. AIDS prevention programs targeting Asian drug users should consider specific cultural factors among high-risk groups (i.e., Filipinos, immigrants, women, and IDUs).

This study identified patterns of drug use and HIV risk behaviors in relation to cultural factors among Asian drug users in San Francisco. A sample of 92 Asian drug users (35 Chinese, 31 Filipino, 26 Vietnamese) who were not currently enrolled in drug treatment programs were recruited through targeted sampling methods and interviewed using a questionnaire with open-ended questions. The study evaluated responses of the participants based on content analyses. Compared with Chinese and Vietnamese, Filipino drug users had engaged in riskier behaviors in terms of injection drug use, having sex while on drugs, and having sex with injection drug users (IDUs). Cultural factors such as stigma of injection drug use and fear of needles were cited as reasons for not injecting drugs. Among IDUs, half cited trust as a reason for having shared needles. AIDS prevention programs targeting Asian drug users should consider specific cultural factors among high-risk groups (i.e., Filipinos, immigrants, women, and IDUs).

Asians constitute the largest growing minority in the United States. However, inaccurate perceptions and stereotypes continue to mask a full understanding of the state of knowledge regarding their alcohol and other drug abuse. Much of the existing research has continued this trend by categorizing Asians as "others" or persisting in its attempts to explain low incidence rates by investigating metabolic phenomena. More recent community-based studies have shown alarming incidence rates of specific substance abuse among different Asian ethnic groups. Asian heterogeneity and cultural barriers have also contributed to the lack of knowledge regarding substance abuse prevalence rates. Issues related to taboo, denial, and loss of face further mask understanding of the extent of the problem. Institutional barriers and the lack of community infrastructure make treatment efforts difficult in serving a myriad of Asian groups. For most Asians undergoing treatment, cultural factors need to be considered, including the involvement of the family as well as the risk related to its transition under immigration and the following acculturation patterns. An example of a specific treatment program and activity is discussed in relationship to the cultural factors indicated above. Finally, recommendations are specified for future treatment policy, research, and services.