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Household Compositions and Substance Use among Young Adults in the U.S

Author

Listed:
  • Beth Han

    (National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA)

  • Naomi Tomoyasu

    (Center for Behavioral Health Statistics and Quality, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Rockville, MD 20852, USA)

  • Emily B. Einstein

    (National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA)

  • Christopher M. Jones

    (Center for Substance Abuse Prevention, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Rockville, MD 20852, USA)

  • Wilson M. Compton

    (National Institute on Drug Abuse, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA)

Abstract

Background: Adults aged 21–29 have the highest past-month prevalence of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use in the U.S. Currently, young adults often delay traditional adulthood milestones (e.g., marriage and childbearing), which may impact their household composition and substance use. Methods: We examined how the past-month prevalence of eight mutually exclusive substance use outcomes varied by household composition among young adults using the 2016–2019 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data. Bivariable and multivariable multinomial logistic regression analyses were applied. Results: Among young adults residing with their children, the most common household composition was residing with children and a spouse/partner (16.6%, 95% CI = 16.5–16.8%). Among those residing without children, common household compositions included residing with parents (22.8%, 95% CI = 22.2–23.4%) and residing only with a spouse/partner (17.9%, 95% CI = 17.6–18.3%). Past-month prevalence of binge alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use varied by household composition. Residing only with children and a spouse/partner was associated with a low prevalence of most examined substance use patterns. Across household compositions, those residing solely with unrelated individuals had the highest adjusted prevalence of tobacco, drug, and binge alcohol use (13.8%, 95% CI = 12.5–15.1%). Conclusions: The prevalence of substance use patterns among U.S. young adults varies by household composition. Those residing solely with unrelated individuals had the highest prevalence of tobacco, binge alcohol, and drug use. The presence of a young adult’s own children and a spouse/partner is associated with a lower prevalence of most examined substance use patterns. As household compositions continue to diversify, targeted substance use prevention/treatment strategies may be needed.

Suggested Citation

  • Beth Han & Naomi Tomoyasu & Emily B. Einstein & Christopher M. Jones & Wilson M. Compton, 2024. "Household Compositions and Substance Use among Young Adults in the U.S," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(8), pages 1-14, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:8:p:1067-:d:1456458
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. John P. Hoffmann, 2022. "Family Structure, Unstructured Socializing, and Heavy Substance Use among Adolescents," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-19, July.
    2. Greg Duncan & Bessie Wilkerson & Paula England, 2006. "Cleaning up their act: The effects of marriage and cohabitation on licit and illicit drug use," Demography, Springer;Population Association of America (PAA), vol. 43(4), pages 691-710, November.
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