title: Attitudes of West African Immigrants in the United States toward Substance Misuse: Exploring Culturally Informed Prevention and Treatment Strategies.
abstract: There is a lack of literature exploring substance misuse issues of the West African-born population in the United States. Thirty-four participants born in West Africa participated in one of three focus groups in a U.S. city to discuss their attitudes toward alcohol and drug use. Based on a qualitative analysis of the discussions, stigmatization of substance abusers and negative attitudes toward U.S. substance abuse treatment were identified as barriers to service utilization for West African immigrants. Community cohesion, importance of family, and a strong sense of spirituality were identified as essential resources to inform substance misuse prevention and treatment strategies.
authors.affiliation: a Lehman College, City University of New York , Bronx , New York , USA.
authors.forename: Evan
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Senreich
authors.affiliation: b NYC Administration for Children's Services , New York , New York , USA.
authors.forename: Olatunde A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Olusesi
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000354:Africa, Western / Q000208:ethnology; D001290:Attitude; D044383:Black People / Q000523:psychology*; D003469:Culture; D054242:Emigrants and Immigrants / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000208:ethnology / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult; D001741:Black or African American
keywords: West African immigrants; alcohol; attitudes; drugs; substance abuse; treatment prevention