Abstract
Background: High rates of substance abuse among young American Indian (AI) fathers pose multigenerational challenges for AI families and communities. Objective: The objective of this study was to describe substance use patterns among young AI fathers and examine the intersection of substance use with men's fatherhood roles and responsibilities. Methods: As part of a home-visiting intervention trial for AI teen mothers and their children, in 2010 we conducted a descriptive study of fatherhood and substance use on three southwestern reservations. Substance use and parenting data were collected from n = 87 male partners of adolescent mothers using audio computer-assisted self-interviews. Results: Male partners were on average 22.9 years old, primarily living with their children (93), unmarried (87), and unemployed (70). Lifetime substance use was high: 80 reported alcohol; 78 marijuana; 34 methamphetamines; 31 crack/cocaine; and 16 reported drinking binge in the past 6 months. Substance use was associated with history of alcohol abuse among participants' fathers (but not mothers); participants' poor relationships with their own fathers; unemployment status; and low involvement in child care. Conclusion: Drug and alcohol abuse may be obstructing ideal fatherhood roles among multiple generations of AI males. Scientific Significance: Targeting drug prevention among young AI men during early fatherhood may provide special opportunity to reduce substance use and improve parenting. Intergenerational approaches may hold special promise.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 395-402 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse |
Volume | 38 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 2012 |
Keywords
- American Indian
- Drug use
- Fatherhood
- Substance use
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Medicine (miscellaneous)
- Clinical Psychology
- Psychiatry and Mental health