A comparative study of male and female opium addicts among the Hmong (Meo)
Author(s):
Westermeyer, Joseph; Peng, Grace
Format:
Journal article
Citation:
British Journal Of Addiction, Volume 73, Issue 2 (1978-06). pp. 181-187.
Language:
English
Abstract:
Studied the differences and similarities between 59 male and 22 female (15–60 yr old) opium addicts in Hmong society during 1972–73. Ss were voluntary patients admitted to the National Detoxification Center in Vientiane, Laos. Remarkably, only 2 differences were found: sex ratio (more male addicts) and occupation (most women reported themselves as "housewives"). Comparison of 12 other demographic and clinical factors failed to show statistically significant differences. This study suggests that the many sex-linked clinical differences observed in the US and elsewhere (such as earlier onset in men and more rapid course among women) are related to sex-linked sociocultural factors rather than to biological differences. (19 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)