Examining associations between prescription stimulant misuse frequency and misuse characteristics by race/ethnicity

Abstract

Introduction

The misuse use of prescription stimulants (MPS) among college students is a pressing public health concern. Past research suggests there is variation in MPS frequency by race/ethnicity. According to the Theory of Triadic Influence, a health behavior can increase in frequency based on experiences and characteristics of the behavior. Thus, our aim was to examine the association between experiences and characteristics of MPS with MPS frequency, by race/ethnicity.

Methods

A probability sample of students attending two California universities completed a paper-based, psychometrically validated, instrument. Students who reported engaging in MPS in their lifetime were also asked questions about frequency, cost per pill, administration routes, sources, and experience with the drug. We used regression analyses to address our research questions, and conducted analyses by racial/ethnic group (i.e. for students identifying as Asian, Latinx, and White).

Results

MPS frequency did not vary by race/ethnicity. The influence of characteristics of misuse on frequency varied by race/ethnicity. Additionally, frequency of experiencing the desired outcome was significantly associated with increased MPS frequency across all three racial/ethnic groups.

Conclusions

Characteristics of misuse are important to consider when screening for misuse and potential dependence. Particular attention should be given to these characteristics by race/ethnicity. Implications for future research are discussed.

Keywords:

• Prescription stimulant misuse
• frequency
• misuse characteristics
• substance use
• theory
• of triadic influence

Acknowledgements

(A) This manuscript is not submitted, in press, or published elsewhere. In addition, we have no conflicts of interest to declare.

(B) Funding for this study was provided by the BUILD Research Stimulus Grant (NIH/NIGMS 8UL1GM118979) for Pilot Projects and RL5GM118978; the Prevention Research Center Development Fund; and the Summer Student Research Assistant Program. Manuscript preparation was supported by NIH/NIDA: 1R15DA044458-01A1. These funding entities had no role in the study design, collection, analysis or interpretation of the data, writing the manuscript, or the decision to submit the paper for publication.

(C) We wish to thank the students who participated in this study.

Disclosure statement

We have no interests to report.