Substance Use Among Intersectional Minority Youth: Findings From the California Healthy Kids Survey

• In Event: Poster Session 15
  In Poster Session: Human Development 2

Abstract

Research has found elevated rates of substance use among lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth. Sustained substance use during adolescence may lead to serious physical and cognitive problems during adulthood. In a statewide survey of youth in California schools (n=432,853), this study examined intersections of sexual identity, race, biological sex, rurality, and socioeconomic status and associations with use of emerging drugs (non medical use of cold/cough medicines, prescription pain killers). The results indicated that female LGB youth of color are especially at risk of using these substances. The findings of this study suggest that school counselors and other professionals could focus more on supporting the well-being on female LGB youth of color.

Authors

• Alberto Valido, University of Florida

• Kris M. De Pedro, Chapman University

• Tamika Gilreath, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Monica Christina Esqueda, University of California - Davis