Substance Abuse Research Development Program
for Underserved Populations
Social Risk Factors Associated with Substance Abuse Among
Gay and Lesbian Youth
Yolanda C. Padilla, Ph.D., Principal Investigator
Despite a higher risk for substance abuse among gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender (GLBT) youth, there is limited research on the factors that influence GLBT youths' decisions to use substances. Little is known about factors related to the coming out process, self-esteem, social support, and sense of community that may contribute to or detract from the likelihood that GLBT youth will or will not use substances such as cigarettes, alcohol, cocaine, and other illegal drugs. Expanding our knowledge in this area will allow for the design of more effective health promotion interventions to enhance the well-being of this population.
The purpose of this project is to conduct a pilot study by analyzing an existing data set of 5281 gay, lesbian, bisexual and questioning (GLB/Q) youth aged 25 and under to examine one specific health risk behavior in this population, substance use, and determine the social risk factors and protective factors associated with its use across multiple contexts. Accordingly, the specific aims of the study are to:
- Examine the relationship between factors at the individual/personal level and risk of substance use;
- Examine the relationship between factors at the level of family/other social relationships and risk of substance use;
- Examine the relationship between factors at the community level and risk of substance use;
- Examine the direct/indirect effects of protective/risk mechanisms at all three levels on the risk of substance abuse; and
- Test whether the effects of individual, family, and community factors on the risk of substance abuse differ by age, gender, race/ethnicity, and sexual orientation identification (gay, lesbian, bisexual or questioning).
To accomplish these aims, we will use national-level data from the Internet Survey of Queer and Questioning Youth conducted by OutProud, the National Coalition for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth. This data set represents one of the largest bodies of data collected on GLBT youth and in contrast to prior studies on GLBT youth, was not limited to a specific geographic area and includes respondents from all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The data set consists of 537 variables, including eight variables about substance use.
The study will be conducted at the Center for Social Work Research (CSWR) of the University of Texas at Austin. The PI, Dr. Yolanda Padilla, will collaborate with Dr. Donna Lynn Rew of the School of Nursing and Dr. James Neff of the School of Social Work. All phases of the project will be conducted collaboratively between the three researchers.
The grant is expected to help generate three specific research publications. In addition, the proposed study is intended to serve as a pilot project and as the foundation for future interdisciplinary research on substance abuse among gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender youth. Specifically, the principal investigator in collaboration with the co-investigators will prepare a proposal to the National Institute of Drug Abuse in response to the current Program Announcement on "Behavioral, Social and Mental Health, and Substance Abuse Research with Diverse Populations".
Addiction Research Institute
Center for Social Work Research
School of Social Work
University of Texas at Austin
1717 West 6th Street, Suite 335
Austin, TX 78703
(512) 232-0616
FAX: (512) 232-0617
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