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Racial and Gender Differences in Perceptions of Illicit Use of Prescription Stimulants

Racial/ethnic differences underlying the illicit use of prescription stimulants (IUPS) were examined. A 2 X 2 (African American/Caucasian and male/female) design with n = 120 per group (mean age of 19.23, SD = 1.30) was used to evaluate survey responses regarding IUPS and their ADHD symptoms (using the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale; ASRS). First, African Americans endorsed IUPS less frequently (p < .001) and reported lower levels of ADHD symptoms (p < .01). Second, participants rated three domains of risk for IUPS. African Americans perceived higher social risk (p < .001). No significant differences were found for legal or health risks. Third, African Americans perceived lower benefits for IUPS for concentration (p < .001), alertness (p < .001), and help with studying (p < .001). Minor gender differences are discussed and implications for targeting risk/benefit beliefs in IUPS prevention and treatment programs are discussed.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:MSSTATE/oai:scholarsjunction.msstate.edu:td-4709
Date03 May 2019
CreatorsNayfa, Kara Lynn
PublisherScholars Junction
Source SetsMississippi State University
Detected LanguageEnglish
Typetext
Formatapplication/pdf
SourceTheses and Dissertations

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