Protective and risk factors for increased alcohol use in Latinx college students on the U.S./Mexico border

J Ethn Subst Abuse. 2024 Apr-Jun;23(2):287-304. doi: 10.1080/15332640.2022.2089939. Epub 2022 Jun 25.

Abstract

Alcohol use is prevalent among undergraduates, however, limited research on drinking among Latinx college students exists. This study examined potential risk and protective factors of alcohol use and consequences. Participants (n = 382) completed multiple measures including alcohol use frequency and the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index (RAPI). Linear regression models identified predictors of monthly and yearly drinking days and RAPI. Findings indicated that alcohol use frequency was associated with increasing age, parental alcohol use disorder, greater anger, and lower self-efficacy. Alcohol-related consequences were positively associated with anxiety and adverse childhood experiences. Early alcohol prevention and intervention efforts appear warranted.

Keywords: Alcohol; Latinx; college student; mental health; substance use.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Alcohol Drinking / epidemiology
  • Alcohol Drinking / ethnology
  • Alcohol Drinking in College* / ethnology
  • Anger
  • Female
  • Hispanic or Latino* / statistics & numerical data
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mexico / ethnology
  • Protective Factors
  • Risk Factors
  • Self Efficacy
  • Students* / statistics & numerical data
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Universities
  • Young Adult