Racial/Ethnic Differences in Substance Use Among Justice-Involved Youth
Author Information
Author(s): Sarah W. Feldstein Ewing, Kamilla L. Venner, Hilary K. Mead, Angela D. Bryan
Primary Institution: The Mind Research Network
Hypothesis
Racial/ethnic minority youth would be comparatively overrepresented in the juvenile justice system, substance use rates would differ across racial/ethnic groups, and individual-level risk factors would be better predictors of substance use for Caucasian youth than for youth of other racial/ethnic groups.
Conclusion
The study found that racial/ethnic minority youth are overrepresented in the juvenile justice system, with Caucasian youth showing the highest rates of substance use.
Supporting Evidence
- Racial/ethnic minority youth were significantly overrepresented in the juvenile justice system.
- Caucasian youth reported the highest rates of substance use.
- African American youth showed the lowest rates of substance use.
- Individual-level risk factors were less effective in predicting substance use for African American youth.
Takeaway
This study looked at how different races of kids involved in the justice system use drugs and alcohol, finding that white kids use more than kids from other races.
Methodology
The study used a large, diverse sample of justice-involved youth and assessed their substance use behaviors and individual-level risk factors through surveys.
Potential Biases
The study's reliance on self-reported data may introduce bias, and the sample may not represent all justice-involved youth.
Limitations
The study used a convenience sample, limiting generalizability, and was cross-sectional, which restricts causal conclusions.
Participant Demographics
Participants were 66% male, with 41% Hispanic, 24% African American, 15% Caucasian, and 11% American Indian/Alaska Native.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Confidence Interval
95% confidence limits [-2.8711 to -0.3278]
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website