Latent Growth Curve Model Evaluation of Illicit Substance and Tobacco Use among Young Adults in Cumberland County, North Carolina

Authors: Mongkuo MY*, Mongkuo MYB and Lucas N

DOI: 10.23880/aii-16000124

Volume 2, Issue 2

Abstract

Young adulthood is a period when individuals experiment health risk substances such as illicit substance and tobacco use that may predispose them to sexually transmitted diseases. Minority young adults living in HIV prevalent urban communities are notably more likely to engage in these behaviors. In the United States, minority young adults over-represented with HIV infection. To resolve this problem, the United States Congress has invested over $100million in grants. In the United States, few studies have examined illicit substance and tobacco use among this vulnerable population. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a comprehensive HIV prevention program (CIHPP) on illicit substance and tobacco use among minority young adults living in a high prevalence of HIV infection urban community.

Keywords: Comprehensive HIV Prevention Programs; Illicit Substance Use; Tobacco Use; Latent Growth Curve Model; Structural Equation Modeling; Minority Young Adults

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