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Caetano R, Vaeth PAC, Gruenewald PJ, Ponicki WR, Kaplan Z. Alcohol and cannabis use and co-use among Whites and Hispanics on and off the U.S./Mexico border in California. J Ethn Subst Abuse 2024:1-17. [PMID: 38795010 DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2024.2354320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
This paper examines self-reported rates of drinking and cannabis use and co-use among White and Hispanic adults randomly selected in four counties in California: Imperial on the border; and Kern, Tulare, and Madera in California's Central Valley. Co-use was significantly higher among the U.S. born than among those born abroad, and in the Central Valley than on the border. Co-users were heavier drinkers, had higher rates of alcohol use disorder, other alcohol problems, and a positive history of illicit drug use than drinkers only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Caetano
- Prevention Research Center, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Patrice A C Vaeth
- Prevention Research Center, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Paul J Gruenewald
- Prevention Research Center, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - William R Ponicki
- Prevention Research Center, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Zoe Kaplan
- Prevention Research Center, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Folk A, Mouhaffel R, Grewal H, Noh S, Le Cam E, Liu F, Ho S, Loveland M, Sainbayar E, Pham HN, Ferreira JP, Ibrahim R. United States-Mexico Border Disparities in Alcoholic Liver Disease Mortality: A Cross-Sectional Analysis 1999-2020. J Clin Gastroenterol 2024:00004836-990000000-00283. [PMID: 38597414 DOI: 10.1097/mcg.0000000000002007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND US-Mexico (US-MX) border regions are impacted by socioeconomic disadvantages. Alcohol use disorder remains widely prevalent in US-MX border regions, which may increase the risk of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). GOALS We aimed to characterize ALD mortality trends in border regions compared to non-border regions from 1999 to 2020 in the United States (US). METHODS We performed a cross-sectional analysis using the CDC repository. We queried death certificates to find ALD-related deaths from 1999 to 2020, which included demographic information such as gender, race/ethnicity, and area of residence. We estimated age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMR) per 100,000 population and compared the AAMRs across border and non-border regions. We also explored yearly mortality shifts using log-linear regression models and calculated the average annual percentage change (AAPC) using the Monte Carlo permutation test. RESULTS In all, 11,779 ALD-related deaths were identified in border regions (AAMR 7.29) compared with 361,523 in non-border regions (AAMR 5.03). Border male (AAMR 11.21) and female (AAMR 3.77) populations were higher compared with non-border male (AAMR 7.42) and female (2.85) populations, respectively. Border non-Hispanic populations (AAMR 7.53) had higher mortality compared with non-border non-Hispanic populations (4.79), while both populations experienced increasing mortality shifts (AAPC +1.7, P<0.001 and +3.1, P<0.001, respectively). Border metropolitan (AAMR 7.35) and non-metropolitan (AAMR 6.76) regions had higher mortality rates compared with non-border metropolitan (AAMR 4.96) and non-metropolitan (AAMR 5.44) regions. CONCLUSIONS Mortality related to ALD was higher in border regions compared with non-border regions. Border regions face significant health disparities when comparing ALD-related mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Folk
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona-Tucson, Tucson
| | - Rama Mouhaffel
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona-Tucson, Tucson
| | - Harneet Grewal
- Department of Medicine, Abrazo Health Network, Glendale, AZ
| | - Sangkyu Noh
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona-Tucson, Tucson
| | - Elise Le Cam
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona-Tucson, Tucson
| | - Franklin Liu
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona-Tucson, Tucson
| | - Sabrina Ho
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona-Tucson, Tucson
| | | | | | - Hoang Nhat Pham
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona-Tucson, Tucson
| | | | - Ramzi Ibrahim
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona-Tucson, Tucson
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Caetano R, Vaeth PAC, Gruenewald PJ, Ponicki WR, Kaplan Z. Contexts of Drinking- and Alcohol-Related Problems Among Whites and Hispanics on and off the US/Mexico border in California. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2024; 11:264-272. [PMID: 36735186 PMCID: PMC9897614 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-023-01517-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper examines the association between drinking context use by Whites and Hispanics on and off the US/Mexico border and alcohol problems. METHODS Data come from a household sample of 1209 adults 18 to 39 years of age resident in Imperial County on the California/Mexico border; and Kern, Tulare, and Madera in California's Central Valley. Data were collected on the phone or online and analyzed with an ordinal generalized linear model. RESULTS The pattern of statistically significant associations between the frequency and the volume of drinking in different contexts varies across problem types. Furthermore, some contexts of drinking are associated with problems in more than one area. For instance, frequency of drinking at bars/pubs is associated with social problems, risky sex, and fights, but not with injuries. Injuries are associated with the frequency of drinking at home alone or with family and at restaurants. Volume of drinking at bars/pubs is also significantly associated with three different contexts: social problems, injury, and fights. But the volume of drinking at the home of friends or relatives is associated with fights only. Border location is an effect modifier, changing the effect of frequency of drinking at bars and pubs from protective to a factor of risk for social problems and fights. CONCLUSION These results provide support for the social ecology of drinking and micro environmental factors or risk. The effect of border location on frequency of drinking in bars/pubs underlines the importance of the macro environment in problem generation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Caetano
- Prevention Research Center, 2030 Addisoon Street, Suite 410, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA.
| | - Patrice A C Vaeth
- Prevention Research Center, 2030 Addisoon Street, Suite 410, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA
| | - Paul J Gruenewald
- Prevention Research Center, 2030 Addisoon Street, Suite 410, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA
| | - William R Ponicki
- Prevention Research Center, 2030 Addisoon Street, Suite 410, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA
| | - Zoe Kaplan
- Prevention Research Center, 2030 Addisoon Street, Suite 410, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA
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Caetano R, Vaeth PA, Gruenewald PJ, Ponicki WR, Kaplan ZB, Annechino R. Trends and correlates of spatially aggregated alcohol-involved crashes among Whites and Hispanics in California. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2022; 46:1449-1459. [PMID: 35702933 PMCID: PMC9427699 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
AIMS This paper examines trends and correlates of alcohol-involved motor vehicle crashes (AMVCs) in California between 2005 and 2016 among Hispanic and non-Hispanic Whites (Whites hereafter). Together these two groups comprise 76% of the state population. The paper also examines whether alcohol outlet density, percentage of Hispanics in census tract populations, and distance to the U.S./Mexico border are related to greater risks for AMVCs. The border is of interest given the greater availability of alcohol in the area. METHODS Crash data come from Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System maintained by the California Highway Patrol. Sociodemographic and community characteristics data from the U.S. Census and alcohol outlet density were aggregated to census tracts. Total motor vehicle crashes and AMVCs were related to these characteristics using hierarchical Bayesian Poisson space-time models. RESULTS There were over two million injury and fatality crashes during the period of analysis, of which 11% were AMVCs. About 1.7% of these crashes had fatalities. The rate of AMVCs increased among both Whites and Hispanics until 2008. After 2008, the rate among Whites declined through 2016 while the rate among Hispanics declined for 2 years (2009 and 2010) and increased thereafter. Crash distance from the border (RR = 1.016, 95% CI = 1.010 to 1.022) and percent Hispanic population (RR = 1.006; 95% CI = 1.003 to 1.009) were well-supported results with 95% credible intervals that did not include 1. The percentages of the following: bars/pubs, males, individuals aged 18 to 29 and 40 to 49 years, U.S. born population, individuals below the 150% poverty level, unemployed, housing vacant, and housing owner-occupied were all positively associated with AMVCs and well supported. CONCLUSIONS Between 2005 and 2016 the rate of AMVCs in California declined among Whites but not among Hispanics. Population-level indicators of percent Hispanic population, distance to the U.S. Mexico border, gender, age distribution, and socioeconomic stability were positively associated with crash rates, indicating that important contextual characteristics help determine the level of AMVC rates in communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raul Caetano
- Prevention Research Center, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite
601, Berkeley, California 94704, U.S.A
| | - Patrice A.C. Vaeth
- Prevention Research Center, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite
601, Berkeley, California 94704, U.S.A
| | - Paul J. Gruenewald
- Prevention Research Center, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite
601, Berkeley, California 94704, U.S.A
| | - William R. Ponicki
- Prevention Research Center, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite
601, Berkeley, California 94704, U.S.A
| | - Zoe B. Kaplan
- Prevention Research Center, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite
601, Berkeley, California 94704, U.S.A
| | - Rachelle Annechino
- Prevention Research Center, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, Suite
601, Berkeley, California 94704, U.S.A
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Caetano R, Vaeth PA, Gruenewald PJ, Ponicki WR, Kaplan Z. Drinking in Mexico by Whites and Hispanics on and off the US/Mexico border in California. J Ethn Subst Abuse 2021; 22:701-719. [PMID: 34878365 PMCID: PMC9200137 DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2021.2011815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
This paper compares drinking patterns of Whites and Hispanics who after crossing the U.S./Mexico border drink and do not drink in Mexico. Data came from a household survey of 1,209 adults 18 to 39 years of age in California. Residence near the US/Mexico border increases the likelihood of drinking in Mexico (AOR = 4.57; 95%CI = 2.45-8.52; p < .001). Hispanics (AOR = 1.91; 95%CI = 1.26-2.90; p < .01), those who drink more frequently (AOR = 1.05; 95%CI = 1.02-1.09; p < .01) and those who drink six or more drinks in day (AOR = 1.91; 95%CI = 1.26-2.29; p < .01) are more likely than Whites and lighter drinkers to report this behavior. Crossing the U.S./Mexico border to drink is influenced by living close to the border, Hispanic ethnicity, and drinking many drinks in a day.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Zoe Kaplan
- Prevention Research Center, Berkeley, CA, USA
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Lui PP, Zamboanga BL, Ertl MM, Rodriguez LM, Martin JL, Gonzales R. Drinking motives, cultural orientations, and alcohol use among Hispanic college students at the U.S.-Mexico border. J Ethn Subst Abuse 2020; 21:1-19. [PMID: 33208047 DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2020.1845901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Hispanic college students at the U.S.-Mexico border are at higher risk for alcohol use and negative drinking consequences relative to their counterparts in non-border areas. Hispanic students at the U.S.-Mexico border (N = 219, Mage = 20.14; 71.2% women) completed an online survey. U.S. orientation was negatively associated with alcohol consumption. Enhancement motives predicted alcohol consumption, whereas coping and conformity motives predicted negative drinking-related consequences. Cultural orientations did not moderate the relations between social motives and alcohol use outcomes. Results highlight the need to consider alcohol-related cognition and to better contextualize U.S. and heritage cultural orientations among Hispanics in the U.S.-Mexico areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Melissa M Ertl
- University of Albany State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA
| | | | - Jessica L Martin
- University of Albany State University of New York, Albany, New York, USA
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Oviedo Ramirez S, Alvarez MJ, Field C, Morera OF, Cherpitel C, Woolard R. Brief Intervention Among Mexican-Origin Young Adults in the Emergency Department at the USA-Mexico Border: Examining the Role of Patient's Preferred Language of Intervention in Predicting Drinking Outcomes. Alcohol Alcohol 2018; 53:728-734. [PMID: 30169575 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agy060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Determine if the language in which brief intervention (BI) is delivered influences drinking outcomes among Mexican-origin young adults in the emergency department when controlling for ethnic matching. Short Summary Aim of study was to determine if a patient's preferred language of intervention influences drinking outcomes among Mexican-origin young adults in the emergency department. Results indicate no significant differences in drinking outcomes among those who received BI in Spanish and BI in English. Methods This is a secondary data analysis on data from 310 patients randomized to receive a BI completed in Spanish (BI-S) or English (BI-E), with 3- and 12-month follow-up. Outcome measures of interest were drinking days per week, drinks per drinking day, maximum drinks in a day and negative consequences of drinking. Results There were no significant differences in drinking outcomes among those who received BI in Spanish and BI in English. Conclusions Reduced drinking outcomes following BI among Mexican-origin young adults in the emergency department may not have been due to the language used to deliver intervention. Thus, our results provide evidence that language of intervention is not a crucial factor to achieve cultural congruence. In addition, our findings suggest that receiving the intervention is beneficial regardless of language, thus, facilitating real-world implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Oviedo Ramirez
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Avenue El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Miriam J Alvarez
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Avenue El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Craig Field
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Avenue El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Osvaldo F Morera
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at El Paso, 500 W University Avenue El Paso, TX, USA
| | - Cheryl Cherpitel
- Public Health Institute, Alcohol Research Group, Emeryville, CA, USA
| | - Robert Woolard
- Texas Tech University of Health Science Center, El Paso, TX, USA
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Wallisch L, Zemore SE, Borges G, Cherpitel CJ, Maxwell JC. Prevalence and correlates of arrests or stops for drunk driving on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. J Ethn Subst Abuse 2017; 17:478-500. [PMID: 28281916 DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2017.1288190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Risk for driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) may be higher in U.S. and Mexico border cities as compared to nonborder cities in each country. We examine rates and correlates of self-reported DUI arrests or stops on both sides of the border, drawing on a large-scale survey of 4,796 Mexicans and Mexican Americans in border and nonborder cities of Texas and two states in Mexico. Findings varied by site and country and did not consistently show higher rates on the border. DUI prevention efforts should consider the heterogeneity of local conditions and needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Wallisch
- a Addiction Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin , Austin , Texas
| | | | - Guilherme Borges
- c Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, San Lorenzo Huipulco , México D.F. , México
| | | | - Jane C Maxwell
- a Addiction Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin , Austin , Texas
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Bernstein J, Bernstein E, Hudson D, Belanoff C, Cabral HJ, Cherpitel CJ, Bond J, Ye Y, Woolard R, Villalobos S, Ramos R. Differences by gender at twelve months in a brief intervention trial among Mexican-origin young adults in the emergency department. J Ethn Subst Abuse 2017; 16:91-108. [PMID: 26821181 PMCID: PMC4733888 DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2015.1095667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we investigate the role of gender in prevalence and consequences of binge drinking and brief intervention outcomes among Mexican-origin young adults aged 18-30 years at the U.S.-Mexico border. We conducted a secondary analysis, stratified by gender, from a randomized controlled trial of a brief motivational intervention in a hospital emergency department. Intervention effects for males included reductions in drinking frequency, binge drinking, and alcohol-related consequences. For females the intervention was associated with reduction in drinking frequency and binge drinking but did not have a significant effect on alcohol-related consequences. Results suggest a new direction for tailoring interventions to gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Bernstein
- a Boston University School of Public Health , Boston , Massachusetts
| | - Edward Bernstein
- a Boston University School of Public Health , Boston , Massachusetts
| | - Dantia Hudson
- a Boston University School of Public Health , Boston , Massachusetts
| | - Candice Belanoff
- a Boston University School of Public Health , Boston , Massachusetts
| | - Howard J Cabral
- a Boston University School of Public Health , Boston , Massachusetts
| | - Cheryl J Cherpitel
- b Public Health Institute , Alcohol Research Group , Emeryville , California
| | - Jason Bond
- b Public Health Institute , Alcohol Research Group , Emeryville , California
| | - Yu Ye
- b Public Health Institute , Alcohol Research Group , Emeryville , California
| | - Robert Woolard
- c Texas Tech University Health Science Center , El Paso , Texas
| | | | - Rebeca Ramos
- d Alliance for Border Collaboratives , El Paso , Texas
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Zemore SE, Cherpitel CJ, Ye Y, Borges G, Li L, Wallisch LS. Factors Explaining Variation in Alcohol Use Disorder Prevalence Across Border and Nonborder Communities in Texas. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2016; 40:1707-16. [PMID: 27381753 PMCID: PMC4961595 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND U.S. border populations have been found to be at high risk for alcohol problems. However, results from the U.S.-Mexico Study on Alcohol and Related Conditions (UMSARC) revealed surprisingly large variation in alcohol outcomes even among Texas border sites, with alcohol use disorder (AUD) prevalence ~1.5 to 1.6 times greater in the border city of Laredo compared to both San Antonio and the border site of McAllen/Brownsville. Because a better understanding of this variation is important to identifying environmental influences on AUD, we developed and tested a conceptual model addressing variation in AUD prevalence across Texas UMSARC sites. METHODS Surveys involved in-person, household interviews with Mexican-origin residents of the Texas border cities Laredo (n = 751) and McAllen/Brownsville (n = 814), with San Antonio as an off-border comparison (n = 771). Interviews assessed past-year DSM-5 AUD; past-year heavy drinking; coping and enhancement motives; and 7 indicators of substance use climate and stress exposure hypothesized to mediate site effects. Analyses, conducted separately by gender, included regressions and structural equation modeling with Mplus. RESULTS Preliminary analyses revealed that site effects on AUD prevalence were, unexpectedly, exclusive to men, and that Laredan men were similar to McAllen/Brownsville men on demographics, acculturation, and cross-border mobility. However, sites differed dramatically on most of the hypothesized risk factors. Structural equation models confirmed that site effects on AUD were partially mediated via effects of site on indicators of a permissive climate (i.e., permissive drinking norms, high drug availability) and stress exposures (i.e., high exposure to violence/crime, low family support), and via downstream effects on drinking motives and heavy drinking. CONCLUSIONS Findings of very high rates of past-12-month AUD among Laredan men (35%) suggest the possibility of significant heterogeneity even within demographically similar border areas and underline the need for additional study of the border region. Findings regarding our conceptual model suggest that this model may constitute a useful initial framework for future research on alcohol problems at the border. However, additional research using representative samples is needed to confirm and expand this model to comprehensively address relevant individual and community factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Zemore
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, Emeryville, CA
| | | | - Yu Ye
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, Emeryville, CA
| | - Guilherme Borges
- Dirección de Investigaciones Epidemiológicas y Psicosociales and Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Libo Li
- Alcohol Research Group, Public Health Institute, Emeryville, CA
| | - Lynn S Wallisch
- Addiction Research Institute, University of Texas, Austin, Texas
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Mills BA, Caetano R. Alcohol Use and Related Problems Along the United States-Mexico Border. Alcohol Res 2016; 38:79-81. [PMID: 27159814 PMCID: PMC4872617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Mills BA, Caetano R, Vaeth PAC, Reingle Gonzalez JM. Disentangling contributions of bar attendance, drinking, and other factors to elevated acute alcohol problems on the U.S.-Mexico border. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2015; 39:2171-8. [PMID: 26463356 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Levels of drinking are unusually elevated among young adults on the U.S.-Mexico border, and this elevation can be largely explained by young border residents' unusually high frequency of bar attendance. However, this explanation complicates interpretation of high alcohol problem rates that have also been observed in this group. Because bar environments can lower the threshold for many types of problems, the extent to which elevated alcohol problems among young border residents can be attributed to drinking per se-versus this common drinking context-is not clear. METHODS Data were collected from multistage cluster samples of adult Mexican Americans on and off the U.S.-Mexico border (current drinker N = 1,351). After developing structural models of acute alcohol problems, estimates were subjected to path decompositions to disentangle the common and distinct contributions of drinking and bar attendance to problem disparities on and off the border. Additionally, models were estimated under varying degrees of adjustment to gauge the sensitivity of the results to sociodemographic, social-cognitive, and environmental sources of confounding. RESULTS Consistent with previous findings for both drinking and other problem measures, acute alcohol problems were particularly elevated among young adults on the border. This elevation was entirely explained by a single common pathway involving bar attendance frequency and drinking. Bar attendance did not predict acute alcohol problems independently of drinking, and its effect was not moderated by border proximity or age. The common indirect effect and its component effects (of border youth on bar attendance, of bar attendance on drinking, and of drinking on problems) were surprisingly robust to adjustment for confounding in all parts of the model (e.g., fully adjusted indirect effect: b = 0.11, SE = 0.04, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Bar attendance and associated increases in drinking play a key, unique role in the high levels of acute alcohol problems among the border's young adult population that cannot be entirely explained by sociodemographic or social-cognitive characteristics of young border residents, by contextual effects of bars on problems, or by broader neighborhood factors. Bar attendance in particular may represent an early modifiable risk factor that can be targeted to reduce alcohol problem disparities in the region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raul Caetano
- Prevention Research Center, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Oakland, California
| | - Patrice A C Vaeth
- Prevention Research Center, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Oakland, California
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Vaeth PA, Caetano R, Mills BA. Binge Drinking and Perceived Neighborhood Characteristics Among Mexican Americans Residing on the U.S.-Mexico Border. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2015; 39:1727-33. [PMID: 26247487 PMCID: PMC4572518 DOI: 10.1111/acer.12818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study examines the association between perceived neighborhood violence, perceived neighborhood collective efficacy, and binge drinking among Mexican Americans residing on the U.S.-Mexico border. METHODS Data were collected from a multistage cluster sample of adult Mexican Americans residing in the U.S.-Mexico border areas of California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas (N = 1,307). The survey weighted response rate was 67%. Face-to-face interviews lasting approximately 1 hour were conducted in respondents' homes in English or Spanish. Path analysis was used to test whether collective efficacy mediated the impact of perceived neighborhood violence on binge drinking. RESULTS Among 30+-year-old women, perceived neighborhood collective efficacy mediated the effects of perceived neighborhood violence on binge drinking in a theoretically predicted way: Lower perceptions of violence predicted an increased perception of collective efficacy, which in turn, predicted less binge drinking. Direct effects of violence perceptions on binge were nonsignificant. Younger 18- to 29-year-old women showed a similar (but nonsignificant) pattern of effects. Perceived collective efficacy also mediated the effects of perceived violence on binge drinking among men, but in opposite ways for older and younger men. Older men showed the same mediating effect as older women, but the effect reversed among younger men due to a strong, positive relation between collective efficacy and binge drinking. There were also age differences in the direct effect of violence perceptions on binge drinking: Perceptions of violence predicted more binge drinking among young men, but less among older men. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight the complexity of people's responses to neighborhood characteristics in regard to their drinking. Young men in particular seem to react very differently to perceptions of collective efficacy than other groups. However, among both men and women, collective efficacy may come to play an increasingly important protective role in health outcomes with age.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Britain A. Mills
- University of Texas School of Public Health, Dallas Regional Campus
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