Transcript Socioeconomic Influences on Substance Abuse and Incarcerations

Authors:
Dr. Hegamin-Younger, C.
Dr. Durgampudi, P.
Dr. Akpinar-Elci, M.
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Crises- Political, Social, Economic, Military
(‘Transitional Events’) can change socioeconomic variables that can sometimes lead to
increases in the numbers of people who engage
in high-risk drug (and sexual) networks and
behaviors and in the riskiness of what they do
Variables that these ‘Transitional Events’ affect
may include population displacement; economic
difficulties and policies; health services;
migration; which, in turn,
Affect normative regulation, social distancing,
networks and behaviors
Friedman, S. R.; Rossi, D. & Braine, N. 2009
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Autonomous action, to maintain the
economic welfare, health or happiness may
affect many of these variables or otherwise
mediate changes following the transitions
We thus hypothesize that knowing these
causal pathways will/can help us understand
to plan intervention measures for prevention
or mitigation of harm
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Global Events
◦ Economic slowdown (2009)
◦ Terrorist Event (2001)
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Regional Events
◦ Hurricanes Emily (2005)
◦ Hurricane Ivan (2004)
◦ Tropical Storm Lili (2002)- minor affect on GND
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This study uses the data obtained from the
Drug Control Secretariat
◦ Incarcerated demographic data: 2006-2009
◦ Statistical Indicators: 1998-2008
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Tri-Island state of Grenada and all other
nationals involved were counted
Sample size of 247
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Stratified according to the
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Age of incarceration
Parish of residence
Nationality
Religion
Education and
Income status
90
Distribution of Convicted Persons by Age
80
70
60
50
40+
40
35 - 39
30 - 34
30
25 - 29
20
20 - 24
10
15 - 19
0 -14
0
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
Year
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
Gender
6%
Males
Females
94%
Nationality
100.00%
90.00%
80.00%
70.00%
60.00%
Grenadian
50.00%
Other
40.00%
30.00%
20.00%
10.00%
0.00%
Males
Females
Offense by Gender
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Male
Female
Income Classification
70.00%
60.00%
50.00%
40.00%
Male
30.00%
Female
20.00%
10.00%
0.00%
Steady
Unsteady
Unemployed
Age (in years)
35.00%
30.00%
25.00%
20.00%
15.00%
Males
Females
10.00%
5.00%
0.00%
Highest Education Level
60%
50%
40%
30%
Male
Female
20%
10%
0%
Some Primary
Completed
Primary
Not Pass SEC
Some
Completed
Secondary
Secondary
Form 6 & 7
College
Offense by Income: Male
100%
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
Steady
40%
30%
Unsteady
20%
Unemployed
10%
0%
Cultivation
Possession of
Apparatus
Possession of
Drugs
Trafficking
Percent Change in Type of Offence
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5
Marijuana
Posession
Cultivation
Posession of
Cocaine
Trafficking
Intent to Supply
0
-0.5
-1
Posession of
Apparatus
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Non-nationals
Less than 40 years
Educated
Steady Income
Activity centers in St. George’s and St.
Andrews
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Nationals
Older
Unsteady income
Less education
Activity centers in economic centers and port
areas
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The study is a small portion of what happens
in the community
Women are more likely to be traffickers,
reflecting international trade
Men reflect the local market
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Recommendations:
◦ Important to note is that Grenada is a transnational
shipment point with drugs coming via ocean and
leaving via air
◦ Most of the drug arrests are due to economic
factors
 Increase in Social security net
 Sustainable Employment opportunities
 (Adult) Vocational Education
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Examine the impact of culture on the use of
marijuana
Expand the data that are collected
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The impact of drugs on society
◦ People arrested represent the lowest level in the
drug chain
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Drug use and abuse information
Impact of alcohol