Changes in gender and racial/ethnic disparities in rates of cigarette use, regular heavy episodic drinking, and marijuana use: ages 14 to 32

摘要: Abstract Background The purpose of this study is to investigate disparities in substance use behaviors across gender and race/ethnicity as a flexible function age from mid-adolescence through young adulthood. Methods Using data the National Longitudinal Study Adolescent Health, time-varying effect model (TVEM) was used examine racial/ethnic differences prevalence cigarette use, regular heavy episodic drinking (HED), marijuana smooth developmental age. Results Prevalence HED, higher for males than females overall, although varied with With regard race, each White Hispanic or Black individuals; these increased considerably ages 16 20, particularly use. Differences by were found age, but largest at 18, when peaks individuals, continues climb throughout 20s among individuals. Conclusions These results suggest that certain population subgroups, increases past early adolescence. Disparities fluctuate adolescence adulthood, suggesting targeted intervention programs are more critical particular ages. findings also demonstrate TVEM can advance our understanding health risk their correlates time.