Gender-specific factors predicting substance abuse: in search of health communication strategies for high risk group

The aim of this research was to assess the influence of social-demographic, psychological, health beliefs, and social environmental factors on the substance use in each gender group. Greater knowledge concerning these issues may help public health and medical policy-makers design more effective means for preventing substance abuse. Logistic regression analyses of the 2005 Korean Institute of Criminology Survey were conducted for exploring gender-specific factors in the sample of 1,332 male and 131 female prisoners. Prevalence for substance abuse was 49.5% of men and 50.1% of women. For both men and women, social environment factor such as drug use by family and friends was associated with substance abuse (odds ratio [OR], 2.738 for men; OR, 5.072 for women; P<0.01). Perceived severity (OR, 0.816 for men; OR, 0.839 for women; P<0.01) and perceived vulnerability (OR, 1.149 for men; OR, 1.215 for women; P<0.01) were also factors contributing to substance abuse. Among women, depression and impulsive behavior increased the risk of substance use. Men, on the other hand, age, no religion, and smoking were the risk factors of substance use. We find support for the current argument that there are differences in contributing factors in each gender group in regards to the risk of substance abuse. Our findings suggest that there is a need to develop appropriate health communication and policy intervention strategies for substance abuse prevention and treatment for gender specified groups at greater risk.