Beth R Hoffman1, Nnenna Weathers2, Bill Sanders3. 1. Department of Public Health, California State University, Los Angeles, CA, USA. 2. Department of Nursing, California State University, Los Angeles, CA, USA. 3. Department of Criminal Justice and Criminalistics, California State University, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Abstract
PROBLEM: Gang membership is an indicator of chronic substance use. Social network studies indicate that substance use in youth is related to substance use in friends and family; however, no such analyses among gang youth have been conducted. METHODS: Interviews were conducted with a sample of young gang members (n = 60) in Los Angeles. Univariate analyses were conducted. FINDINGS: Cigarette use in gang members was strongly associated with cigarette use in friendship networks. There were no associations for use of alcohol and marijuana. CONCLUSIONS: Few associations emerged between substance use in participants and their friends/family. Possible explanations for these findings are presented.
PROBLEM: Gang membership is an indicator of chronic substance use. Social network studies indicate that substance use in youth is related to substance use in friends and family; however, no such analyses among gang youth have been conducted. METHODS: Interviews were conducted with a sample of young gang members (n = 60) in Los Angeles. Univariate analyses were conducted. FINDINGS: Cigarette use in gang members was strongly associated with cigarette use in friendship networks. There were no associations for use of alcohol and marijuana. CONCLUSIONS: Few associations emerged between substance use in participants and their friends/family. Possible explanations for these findings are presented.