National Household Survey on Drug Abuse/Age of First Use
National Household Survey on Drug Abuse/Age of First Use used in psychology are essential tools for clinical and research assessments. This post is based on dissertations submitted by students during their academic programs. At ‘Mental Health,’ we arrange and provide these resources to you. Here is the complete list of resources (Click Here). To access these materials, click on the ‘Avail File’ section below.”
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About National Household Survey on Drug Abuse/Age of First Use
The Age of First Use measure within the NHSDA is significant because research consistently shows that the earlier an individual begins using substances, the greater the risk of developing long-term dependence or addiction. Early initiation is also associated with a variety of negative health, social, and psychological outcomes.
This tool serves as a powerful data source for public health officials, policymakers, and researchers seeking to understand trends in substance use initiation. By tracking the age at which substance use begins, the survey provides evidence for the development of targeted prevention and intervention programs aimed at reducing early onset of substance use.
Purpose of the Tool
The National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA), with its focus on the Age of First Use, aims to gather and analyze data on the initiation of drug, alcohol, and tobacco use among individuals in the United States. Understanding the age at which people first engage in substance use helps to predict patterns of future addiction, identify risk factors, and guide public health prevention programs.
Background
The National Household Survey on Drug Abuse (NHSDA) was a large-scale, annual survey conducted to collect data on the use of illicit drugs, alcohol, and tobacco in the general population of the United States. The survey targeted individuals aged 12 and older and provided crucial insights into substance use patterns, perceptions of risk, and related behaviors across different demographic groups.
One of the critical metrics within the survey is the Age of First Use, which refers to the age at which respondents report first trying substances such as alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, cocaine, and other illicit drugs. This measure is vital in understanding the onset of substance use and how early exposure can influence the likelihood of developing substance abuse disorders.
Description
The NHSDA collects self-reported data through in-person interviews conducted in respondents’ homes. The survey uses a complex sampling design to ensure that the results are representative of the U.S. population. For the Age of First Use measure, respondents are asked at what age they first used specific substances such as:
- Alcohol
- Cigarettes
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Hallucinogens
- Inhalants
The measure includes both legal and illegal substances, providing a comprehensive view of substance use initiation across the population.
Psychometric Properties
The NHSDA is known for its reliability and validity, primarily because of the rigorous survey methods employed. Key psychometric properties include:
Reliability: The survey employs standardized, well-tested questions and interview protocols to ensure high reliability. By using consistent data collection methods across different years, the survey can accurately track trends over time.
Validity: The NHSDA has high content validity as it captures a broad range of substance use behaviors and attitudes. Its large sample size and representative nature also enhance its external validity, making the findings generalizable to the U.S. population.
Sampling and Generalizability: The NHSDA uses a multi-stage probability sampling design to select participants, ensuring that the results are representative of various demographic groups, including age, gender, race, and region. The survey has been lauded for its ability to capture substance use patterns across diverse populations.
The Age of First Use measure is particularly important for public health efforts, as it helps to identify vulnerable populations who may require early intervention. The survey results have been instrumental in shaping prevention programs aimed at delaying the initiation of substance use, thereby reducing the long-term risk of addiction and other negative outcomes.
Age Group
The National Household Survey on Drug Abuse targets individuals aged 12 and older. The Age of First Use measure specifically focuses on when respondents first tried substances, providing a broad range of data across various age groups, including adolescents, young adults, and older adults.
References
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (1999). Summary of Findings from the 1998 National Household Survey on Drug Abuse. Office of Applied Studies, DHHS Publication No. (SMA) 99-3328. Rockville, MD.
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