The prevalence and demographic predictors of illicit and licit drug use among lesbians and gay men

Am J Public Health. 1994 Aug;84(8):1307-10. doi: 10.2105/ajph.84.8.1307.

Abstract

Studies on illicit and licit drug use among homosexuals of both sexes have focused primarily on gay men, used limited drug measures, and been conducted in cities known for large homosexual populations. This paper examines (1) the prevalence of 12 illicit and licit drugs by sex and age group and (2) the demographic predictors of past-year frequency of marijuana, alcohol, and cigarette use. Organizational mailing lists were used to collect self-report data on 455 homosexuals living in a southern state. Differences were found between gay men and lesbians in the use of specific substances and in the demographic predictors of drug use.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology*
  • Female
  • Homosexuality / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Illicit Drugs*
  • Male
  • Population Surveillance*
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prevalence
  • Psychotropic Drugs / therapeutic use*
  • Risk Factors
  • Smoking / epidemiology*
  • Socioeconomic Factors
  • Substance-Related Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Urban Population

Substances

  • Illicit Drugs
  • Psychotropic Drugs