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We propose a two-year project to conduct a series of analyses of data collected from more than 2,000 drug users originally identified from hospital emergency rooms (ERs), sexually transmitted disease (STD) clinics, drug treatment programs and jails in Los Angeles County. Many of these individuals have been interviewed several times over a number of years. Extensive data on tobacco use were collected, including information about the respondent's tobacco use history, tobacco cessation history, current pattern of use, and even usual choice of cigarette brand. Analyses will be performed to examine the relationships between tobacco use/cessation, other drug use, psychological functioning, psychosocial characteristics and health consequences. The comparisons and contrasts among these groups will provide a comprehensive description of important factors associated with smoking cessation patterns. Throughout the analyses, the roles of gender, ethnicity and drug types will be examined. Our goal is to use these findings and existing literature to suggest promising cessation strategies that could be targeted to specific drug-using groups.
The specific aims of the study include: (1) To examine the patterns of tobacco use and cessation and related factors (e.g., demographics, education, employment, social support, alcohol and drug use, and psychological function) among drug users (cocaine, marijuana, and other drugs) initially identified in hospital ERs, STD clinics, drug treatment programs and jails; (2) To describe and characterize patterns of and relationships between tobacco use cessation and psychological functioning and other psychosocial characteristics (e.g., education, employment, social support, alcohol and drug use) among drug users; (3) To assess the relationships between tobacco use and cessation and health consequences for different drug using populations; (4) To provide smoking risk profiles in terms of psychological functioning, alcohol and drug use, other risky life styles and psychosocial characteristics (e.g. education, employment, social support) that are specific to ERs, STD clinics, drug treatment programs, jails, and for several subgroups (women and men, ethnic groups, users of different drug types); and (5) To make recommendations for the refinement of interventions to promote smoking cessation among diverse types of drug users. |
