Latinos in the U.S. experience numerous alcohol-related health disparities. There is accumulating evidence that pre-immigration factors are associated with post-immigration alcohol use, but the explanation for health disparities remains unclear.
Researchers from FIU’s Robert Stempel College of Public Health & Social Work, Center for Research on U.S. Latino HIV/AIDS and Drug Abuse (CRUSADA) and the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine conducted a secondary analysis of data from the Recent Latino Immigrant Study (RLIS), the first community-based cohort study to examine the pre- to post-immigration alcohol use trajectories of young adult Latino immigrants during their initial years in the United States.
Researchers examined pre- and post-immigration factors and alcohol misuse among young adult Latino immigrants early in the immigration process and the potential social and environmental determinants across multiple levels of influence associated with post-immigration alcohol misuse in this population.
The study sample consisted of 474 young adult Latino immigrants between the ages of 18-34, comprised of participants from throughout Latin America.
Approximately half of the sample (49.6%) reported a family history of substance use problems (FHSUP+). Participants who reported FHSUP+ and engaged in alcohol misuse prior to immigrating to the U.S. were more likely to engage in post-immigration alcohol misuse.
Results revealed social and environmental factors associated with pre-immigration alcohol misuse. Study findings can inform culturally tailored prevention interventions aimed at mitigating problem drinking behaviors among young adult recent Latino immigrants.
To read the full study, click here .