RISK-FACTORS FOR INITIATION OF DRUG-USE AMONG YOUNG MALES IN SOUTHWEST CHINA

To identify, risk factors for drug use among young males in southwest China a cross-sectional survey and a non-concurrent cohort study were conducted. Demographic, behavioral and drug-use information was collec ted from young males aged 18-29 years. The non-concurrent cohort inclu ded the period 1 January 1991 to 1 August 1994. A total of 1548 subjec ts were interviewed The cumulative incidence increased between 1991 an d 1993. Multivariate analysis identified the following significant ris k factors for drug use: being divorced/widowed/separated, having been encouraged by friends/others to try drugs, smoking cigarettes, belongi ng to the Fingpo ethnic group, and having a family member who used dru gs in 1991. More than 6 years of education was a protective factor for drug use. Drug use in the community was associated with having been e ncouraged by friends or others to try drugs (71%), to smoking cigarett es (50%), and to belonging to the Fingpo group (24%). The results are consistent with community based prevention approaches which should be studied carefully because of the unique cultural and epidemiological s ituation in China.