Ethnic differences in family factors related to early drug initiation

FRANÇAIS :
Revue de la littérature sur les prédicteurs familaux de la toxicomanie et comparaison avec les résultats d'une enquête conduite auprès de trois groupes ethniques: des américains noirs, blancs et asiatiques. Il s'agissait d'évaluer le taux d'initiation à la drogue sur un échantillon de 919 adolescents citadins. Des différences ethniques significatives ont été observées quant: aux pratiques familiales, à l'implication dans les activités de la famille, à la déviance des frères et soeurs, à la désapprobation parentale devant une consommation d'alcool, à la structure familiale et au type de substance consommée. Discussion des implications de ces résultats.
ENGLISH :
The literature on family predictors of substance use for the general population is reviewed and compared to findings for three specific ethinc groups: black, white and Asian Americans. Rates of substance use initiation are examined in a sample of 919 urban 5th grade students. Ethnic differences on measures of family predictors are examined and significant ethnic differences are found on several of these factors. Finally, separate regressions for black, white and Asian American youths of family factors on the variety of substances initiated examine ethnic similarities and differences in predictors. The results demonstrate significant differences by ethnicity in family management pratices, involvement in family activity, sibling deviance, parental disapproval of children's drinking and family structure. The regression equations identified unique as well as common predictors of the variety of substances initiated by the end of 5th grade. Implications of the results are discussed. (Author's abstract)