The Department of Criminology, Ariel University, Ariel, Israel.
Isr J Health Policy Res. 2020 Oct 7;9(1):52. doi: 10.1186/s13584-020-00410-4.
This study focuses on sexual orientation and gender-based differences among Israeli young adult substance use behaviors. In addition, it evaluates young adult perception of substance use and acceptance of substances use by close friends.
We conducted a cross-sectional study. A self-reported anonymous questionnaire was distributed to a convenience sample of 496 young-adults (age: M = 23.14, SD = 2.48), which included 126 heterosexual males, 128 heterosexual females, 131 gay men, and 111 lesbians.
This study revealed significant sexual orientation and gender differences in all outcomes examined. Significant substance usage differences were found for same-sex orientation as 52% reported cannabis use and 24% reported using other illegal substances during the past 12 months compared to 34 and 6% (respectively) among heterosexuals. Significant gender differences were found, as male participants reported 50% cannabis use and 19% reported other illegal substance use in the past 12 months compared to 35 and 11% (respectively) among females. Additionally, compared with heterosexuals, gay men and lesbians perceived/assessed significantly higher substance usage rates among their close friends and higher levels of substance use acceptance by close friends. Regression models indicated the important role of respondent perceived and acceptance of substance use among close friends. Binge drinking, cannabis use, and other illegal substance use were positively associated with participants' perceived substance use and substance use acceptance level by close friends, after controlling for gender, sexual orientation, age, and level of education.
Close friends and community norms can play an important role in shaping substance usage among young adults, especially among gay men and lesbians. The results of the current study highlight the need for developing prevention and harm reduction drug policies for Israeli young adults, especially for gay men and lesbians. Interventions should also focus on young adult peers and community norms related to substance use by professionals in educational, policy-making, and therapeutic contexts.
本研究聚焦于以色列青年群体中，与性取向和性别相关的物质使用行为差异。此外，本研究还评估了青年群体对物质使用的认知，以及对亲密朋友物质使用行为的接受程度。
我们开展了一项横断面研究。通过方便抽样的方法，向 496 名青年（年龄：M=23.14，SD=2.48）发放了匿名自填问卷，其中包括 126 名异性恋男性、128 名异性恋女性、131 名同性恋男性和 111 名女同性恋者。
本研究揭示了所有研究结果中显著的性取向和性别差异。在同性取向方面，有 52%的人报告在过去 12 个月内使用大麻，24%的人报告使用其他非法药物，而异性恋者的这一比例分别为 34%和 6%。在性别方面，男性参与者报告在过去 12 个月内使用大麻的比例为 50%，使用其他非法药物的比例为 19%，而女性的这一比例分别为 35%和 11%。此外，与异性恋者相比，同性恋男性和女性认为亲密朋友的物质使用水平更高，对亲密朋友物质使用的接受程度也更高。回归模型表明，被调查者对亲密朋友物质使用的感知和接受程度对物质使用行为具有重要影响。在控制了性别、性取向、年龄和教育程度等因素后，狂饮、大麻使用和其他非法药物使用与参与者对亲密朋友物质使用的感知以及对亲密朋友物质使用的接受程度呈正相关。
亲密朋友和社区规范在塑造青年群体的物质使用行为方面起着重要作用，尤其是对同性恋男性和女性而言。本研究结果强调了为以色列青年制定预防和减少伤害药物政策的必要性，特别是针对同性恋男性和女性。干预措施还应关注与物质使用相关的青年同伴和社区规范，这需要教育、政策制定和治疗等领域的专业人员共同努力。
