Cross-boundary Substance Uses Among Hong Kong Chinese Young Adults

Abstract

The study documents the characteristics of Hong Kong residents who used substances in mainland China. Characteristics of such users were compared with those using substances elsewhere. A cross-sectional survey was used. Data analyses were stratified by gender, and multivariate analyses were performed. Respondents, Hong Kong adults aged 18-30 (n=6,528), were interviewed using a mixed interviewer and computerized mobile phone method, at the Hong Kong-mainland China boundary. Cross-border substance users and other types of substance users had characteristics that were quite different (e.g., education level, perceived harmfulness of substance use in general, having friends who frequently used substances in mainland China). Crossboundary substance users also found it easier to obtain substances in mainland China than in Hong Kong (males: 60.5%, females: 39.6%) and perceived no chance of being arrested in mainland China because of substance use (men: 28.8%, women: 24.5%). They tended to use substances in discos/rave parties together with friends (men: 77%, women: 81%), and substances were often obtained for free (men: 63.2%, women: 78%). Ecstasy and ketamine were often used (men: 86.5% & 79.4%, women: 81% & 70.2%), and multiple uses of different substances were common (men: 81.3%, women: 68.6%). Lower price, peer influence, and better availability were reasons behind crossboundary substance use behaviors. Cross-boundary substance users have specific characteristics. Prevention policies should take these characteristics into account. Regional collaborations are highly warranted.

Risk-Taking Behaviors and Subgrouping of College Students

“…Numerous studies have emphasized on the co-occurrence of risky behaviors. For example, co-occurrence of alcohol drinking and violence (Buskirk & Janish, 2012; Livingston, 2011; Proescholdt, Walter, & Wiesbeck, 2012), substance abuse and high-risk sexual behaviors (Buffum, 1988; Cryan & Perry, 2011; Lau, Tsui, Lam, & Lau, 2007; Lopez, Krueger, & Walters, 2010), and alcohol drinking and high-risk sexual behaviors (Snipes & Benotsch, 2013; Weiser et al, 2006) have been documented. We examined risk-taking behaviors differently and identified four latent classes for males and females.…”

Mapping the Life Satisfaction of Adolescents in Hong Kong Secondary Schools With High Ethnic Concentration

“…Recent evidence on youth risk behaviors in Hong Kong has shown that substance abuse, suicidal ideation, and criminal activities are increasingly prevalent (Sun & Shek, 2010), particularly among cross-boundary and Chinese immigrant students (Kwan, 2010; Lau, Tsui, Lam, & Lau, 2007). Drawing from their Hong Kong findings, Sun and Hui (2007) note that family cohesion and sense of school belonging are the most influential mediators for adolescent psychological well-being and life satisfaction.…”

Clinical and behavior characteristics of individuals who used ketamine

“…Correlational studies show that drug use, particularly use of methamphetamine, is strongly related to a higher risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease 45 . Likewise, Lau et al noted that users of substance engaged in sexual activities subsequent to drug intake, which put them at greater risk of contracting HIV 46 . The authors claimed that individuals who engage in high-risk drug use behavior are more likely to engage in other forms of risky behavior, such as unprotected sex, while under the influence of the drug.…”