Illicit Drug Exposure and Family Factors in Early Hong Kong Chinese Adolescents

Abstract

A total of 4,746 Hong Kong students, aged 14–15, participated in the 2000–2001 Health Related Behavior Survey. Results produced by the logistic regression models revealed that non-private housing was significantly associated with ever-use of ecstasy in boys. Moreover, girls in non-private housing were significantly more likely to have been persuaded to use ecstasy, ketamine, and marijuana, as well as to have ever used ecstasy. Furthermore, having older siblings was significantly associated with ever-use of ecstasy in girls. These findings suggest that low family affluence and having older siblings may contribute to exposure to illicit drugs in early adolescence.

KEYWORDS:

• adolescents
• family environment
• illicit drugs

Acknowledgments

This research was funded by the Action Committee Against Narcotics of the Hong Kong Government.