Social network and census tract-level influences on substance use among emerging adult males: An activity spaces approach. (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gibson, Crystal; Perley, Lauren; Bailey, Jonathan; Barbour, Russell; Kershaw, Trace
• Is Part Of: Health & place. Volume 35(2015:Sep.)
• Page Start: 28
• Page End: 36
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: Activity spaces -- Emerging adults -- Alcohol -- Marijuana -- Social networks; Health -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Health services accessibility -- Periodicals; Public health -- Periodicals; Political planning -- Periodicals; Social medicine -- Periodicals; Epidemiology -- Periodicals; Health Policy -- Periodicals; Health Services Accessibility -- Periodicals; Public Health -- Periodicals; Public Policy -- Periodicals; Sociology, Medical -- Periodicals; Épidémiologie -- Périodiques; Politique sanitaire -- Périodiques; Santé, Services de -- Accessibilité -- Périodiques; Health services accessibility; Health -- Social aspects; Political planning; Public health; Social medicine; Periodicals; 613
• DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2015.06.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1353-8292

Abstract

Abstract: Social network and area level characteristics have been linked to substance use. We used snowball sampling to recruit 90 predominantly African American emerging adult men who provided typical locations visited ( n =510). We used generalized estimating equations to examine social network and area level predictors of substance use. Lower social network quality was associated with days of marijuana use ( B =−0.0037, p <0.0001) and problem alcohol use ( B =−0.0050, p =0.0181). The influence of area characteristics on substance use differed between risky and non-risky spaces. Peer and area influences are important for substance use among men, and may differ for high and low risk places. Highlights: Peer behavior within social networks influences substance use among emerging minority men. Neighborhood factors may influence behavior differently for risky versus non-risky spaces. Including multiple activity spaces is an important tool in elucidating these relationships.