An Analysis of a Primary Research Study

"Differences in Club Drug Use Between Heterosexual and Lesbian/Bisexual Females"

1. What was the question?
The purpose of the study was to "examine the patterns and contexts of club drug use among people who frequent dance club venues". The researchers sought to investigate any connections between sexual identity and drug use. Because the majority of research focuses primarily on men, this study focuses on women.

2. What was done?
The study took place in various, randomly selected clubs in Manhattan from December 2004 through July 2005. 1104 females were sampled. Field staff randomly approached club patrons and asked them to do a quick, five minute survey. Surveys were conducted with the use of palm pilots with those who consented, and the age, gender, and ethnicity were noted of those who did not. The survey included whether or not the patron used club drugs, which ones were used, and frequency of use. The data was interpreted using Chi-square analyses to examine the differences in rates of drug use, and by using stepwise logistic regression analyses to examine the predictive nature of age and sexual orientation in club drug use.

3. What was found?
Of the women studied, 53.3% were heterosexual, while 46.3 identified as lesbian or bisexual. The ages ranged from 18 to 49. Whites accounted for 57.9% of the sample, while Latinas comprised 15.9%, blacks 10.4%, Asians/Pacific Islanders 5.7%, and other or mixed roughly 10%. The majority of those surveyed (72.2%) reported to previous drug use, with MDMA or ecstasy being the most common. One in 5 women were "active" drug users (they used at least once within the past three months). Older women (over the age of 30) reported higher lifetimes rates, though younger women admitted to higher active club drug use. Lesbian and Bisexuals were significantly more likely to use drugs than heterosexuals. Overall, a lesbian or bisexual identity is predictive of lifetime use of almost every club drug, as well as current or active use.

4. What does the study mean?
While older women were more likely to be lifetime users, younger women were more likely to be active users. This means that prevention and education should be aimed at younger women. Also, because lesbian and bisexual women were more likely to use club drugs than heterosexuals, more prevention programs need to be targeted toward them. Because health promotion programs are primarily aimed at gay men, it is easy to see why lesbian and bisexual women need more attention. Future research should be aimed at learning and understanding the prevalence rates within and between female subgroups because as of now, too little information is available.




Parsons, J. T., Kelly, B. C., & Wells, B. E. (2006, December). Differences in
Club Drug Use Between Heterosexual and Lesbian/Bisexual Females.
Addictive Behaviors, 31(12), 2344-2349. Retrieved September 18, 2007,
from Science Direct database.