Work

The Influence of Perceived Risk to Health and Immigration-Related Characteristics on Substance Use Among Latino and Other Immigrants

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVES: We examined whether immigration-related characteristics and perceptions of risk surrounding substance use were independently associated with lifetime use of cigarettes and various illicit substances among immigrant and native-born Latino and non-Latino White adults in the United States. METHODS: Data were from the 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Analyses were limited to Latinos and non-Latino Whites 18 years and older. We used cross-tabulations and multivariate logistic regression to test relations between risk perceptions, immigration characteristics, and substance use. RESULTS: More than two thirds of all respondents perceived moderate or great risk to health and well-being associated with all substances analyzed. The odds of lifetime substance use by Latino and non-Latino White immigrants were lower than for US-born non-Latino Whites. Immigrant Latinos' odds of lifetime substance use were lower than for US-born Latinos. Moderate or great perceived risk was associated with lower likelihood of lifetime use of all substances except cigarettes. CONCLUSIONS: Foreign birth appeared to protect against substance use among both Latino and non-Latino White immigrants. Future studies should examine potential protective factors, including cultural beliefs and practices, acculturation, familial ties, and social network influences.

Source: American Journal of Public Health

DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2006.108142

Authors: Victoria D. Ojeda, Thomas L. Patterson, Steffanie A. Strathdee

Institution: University of California San Diego

Language: English

Topic: Migration, Health and Trauma

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

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