Prevalence and Correlates of Lifetime Ecstasy/MDMA Use Among Asian American and Pacific Islander Adult Populations in the United States, 2015-2020.

Abstract

Little is known about ecstasy/MDMA use among Asian American and Pacific Islander populations. Research is important because AAPIs face unique cultural factors that may influence use. We estimated the prevalence and correlates of lifetime ecstasy/MDMA use based on a representative sample of US AAPI adults aged ≥18 from the 2015-2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. An estimated 5.1% of AAPI adults used ecstasy in their lifetime. Compared to males, females had higher odds of use (aOR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.08-1.98). Compared to those aged 18-25, those aged 26-34 were at increased odds for use (aOR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.30-3.06), while those aged ≥50 were at lower odds for use. Lifetime use of other substances including cannabis (aOR = 28.4, 95% CI: 17.1-47.2), ketamine (aOR = 10.9, 95% CI: 1.63-73.4), LSD (aOR = 3.82, 95% CI: 1.98-7.37), cocaine (aOR = 3.77, 95% CI: 2.54-5.59), psilocybin (aOR = 3.29, 95% CI: 1.75-6.16), prescription opioids (aOR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.44-4.09), and prescription stimulants (aOR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.29-2.99) were associated with increased odds of ecstasy/MDMA use. We estimated that over 1 in 20 AAPI adults have ever used ecstasy/MDMA. Variations by age, sex, family income, substance type, and mental health service utilization emphasize the need for targeted public health strategies.