A Qualitative Exploration on Risk and Protective Factors of Substance Use Among Black Adolescent Girls.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

While Black adolescent girls use drugs at much lower rates than White and Hispanic girls, Black adolescent girls often have worse health outcomes due to drug use. This study seeks to highlight the voices of Black adolescent girls in order to understand their unique risk factors for substance use and misuse.

Methods

Utilizing the intersectionality and ecological systems theoretical frameworks, the research team conducted twelve focus groups among a sample of Black adolescent girls (N = 62) between the ages of 13-18 (M = 15.6 years SD = 1.50).

Results

Thematic analysis was conducted to analyze the participant narratives. Four main themes arose: 1) stereotypes of Black adolescent girls; 2) the role of the physical and social environment (fe

SUBMITTER: Opara I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12002422 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan-Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature