Alcohol and drug use, and depression among hispanic men in early adulthood

Luis H. Zayas, Mary Rojas, Robert G. Malgady

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Community research and clinical practice have shown that alcohol and drug use and depression are interrelated. Among Hispanics, acculturation may play a role in these relationships. To investigate these relationships as well as alcohol-related problems, we interviewed 288 Puerto Rican, Dominican, and Colombian men in early adulthood. No significant differences emerged in the proportions of abstainers across the three groups. Colombians drank significantly more frequently and had more alcohol-related problems than Dominicans. Dominicans were at least risk for and least likely to have alcohol-related problems. Puerto Ricans were much more likely to use drugs than the other Hispanic men. Drug use was associated with an increased likelihood of heavy drinking which, in turn, increased the risk of drug use and depression. Acculturation decreased the risk of drug use. Results are discussed in terms of implications for community psychology research and interventions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)425-438
Number of pages14
JournalAmerican Journal of Community Psychology
Volume26
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 1998
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Adult males
  • Alcohol
  • Depression
  • Drug use
  • Hispanics

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