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Chronic Toluene Misuse Among Roma Youth in Eastern Slovakia

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: This report presents pilot data on toluene misuse among Roma (Gypsy) youth in eastern Slovakia. Twenty interviews were conducted with field social workers (FSWs) working in seven Roma settlements with a combined population of 17,050 people. An estimated 340 chronic toluene users, mostly males (90%, n = 306), were identified in the researched communities. FSWs reported that children younger than 10 years of age represented about 15% of users (n = 52) and that the majority of users (75%, n = 255) were between 10 and 25 years of age. Consequences of prolonged use on individuals and communities are discussed. The study's limitations are noted.

Source: Substance Use & Misuse

DOI: 10.3109/10826084.2011.580213

Authors: Peter Važan, Maria R. Khan, Ondřej Poduška, Lenka Št'astná, Michal Miovský

Institutions: National Development and Research Institutes, University of Maryland, College Park, Charles University

Language: English

Topic: Romani and Gypsy Studies

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse