Work

Association Between Religious Salience and Past-Year Substance Use by Sexual Identity and Sex Among Adults in the United States

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Purpose:We examined if associations between religious salience and substance use outcomes differed by sexual identity and sex in a nationally representative sample of adults in the United States. Methods:Using data from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (N = 41,216 adults), logistic regression models tested whether sexual identity and sex moderated the associations between religious salience (agreement on the importance of religious beliefs) and past-year alcohol and drug use and use disorders. Results:Religious salience reduced risk of alcohol use disorder, drug use, and drug use disorder for heterosexual, but not lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB), individuals. Three-way interactions indicated that religious salience was more protective against alcohol use and drug use and use disorder for bisexual men than bisexual women. Conclusions:Heterosexism common in dominant religious institutions in the United States might hamper the protective effect of religiosity on substance use for LGB individuals.

Source: LGBT Health

DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2023.0080

Authors: Victoria R. Votaw, Ethan S. Van, Alena Kuhlemeier, Felicia R. Tuchman, Katie Witkiewitz

Institution: University of New Mexico

Language: English

Topic: Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism