Drinking and Driving among Recent Latino Immigrants: The Impact of Neighborhoods and Social Support

Recent Latinx immigrants to Miami/Dade County (FL): Travel patterns before, during, and one year after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown

INTRODUCTION

Understanding the transportation needs of immigrants is crucial for the design and promotion of safe, equitable, and sustainable living environments. This study examines the transportation patterns from a sample of Recent Latinx Immigrants (RLIs) upon arrival to Miami/Dade Co (MDC), Florida.

METHODS

Collected between 2018 and 2021, data came from a longitudinal study examining drinking and driving trajectories among 540 RLIs to MDC. Retrospective pre-immigration data (T0) were obtained simultaneously with the first-year post-immigration data (T1). Follow up surveys were conducted one year later, before (T2-BC) or during a pandemic lockout (T2-DC), and two years later (T3). Descriptive and repeated measures mixed-model regression were used to examine the data.

RESULTS

Driving declined from T0 to T1, although remained higher than previously reported for other locations. Not having a valid driver's license was the main reason for the decline. The initial reduction in driving was paralleled by an increase in the use of transit, riding as passengers in private vehicles, and walking. A year later (T2), as RLIs' income and access to a driver's license grew, driving rates increased (even during the pandemic lockdown), while the use of other transportation modes decreased. A year after the pandemic lockdown (T3), driving as well as the use of other transportation modes receded. Reasons for this decline are unclear.

CONCLUSIONS

RLIs reported elevated driving rates upon their arrival to MDC. The COVID-19 pandemic seems to have altered the RLIs' transportation patterns, provoking an overall decline in mobility that lasted even after the pandemic lockdown ceased.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Transportation planners working on developing safe and equitable transportation systems in MDC should: (1) identify and address barriers to the use of transportation modes other than driving by RLIs; and (2) understand reasons for the broad decline in transportation modes after the pandemic lockdown.

Strès ak Pwoblèm Pap Janm Fini: Deciphering migration-related stress from the perspectives of Haitian immigrants in Florida

Relocating and starting a new life in a foreign country may entail a constellation of new stressors for Haitian immigrants; thus, research that enhances our understanding of how this vulnerable population contextualizes migration-related stress is necessary. The objectives of this study were to: (a) identify what factors are associated with migration-related stress, and (b) describe which and why specific migration-related stressors were most significant from the perspective of those suffering from high migration-related stress post migration via the stress proliferation lens of the stress process model. In this mixed-methods, sequential, explanatory pilot study, first-generation Haitian immigrants (N = 76) were recruited to operationalize migration-related stress, using the Demands of Immigration Scale (DIS). Participants (n = 8), who scored 25 or higher on the DIS, completed an in-depth audio-recorded follow-up interview that consisted of open-ended questions and a stressor-ranking questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, multiple linear regression (quantitative), and thematic analysis with a double-coded approach (qualitative) were employed to analyze the data. Female gender, older age, English fluency, and migration after the age of 18 years were associated with higher migration-related stress. However, only gender and English fluency predicted migration-related stress. In interviews, participants ranked five migration-related stressors as most stressful: language barriers, financial strains, loss of social networks, family conflicts, and exposure to discrimination/stigma. A nuanced depiction of migration-related stressors and proliferation mechanisms of migration-related stress may help identify areas where support and preventive efforts should be directed to improve social integration, stress levels, and mental well-being among immigrants.

A characterization of pre- to post-immigration alcohol use among recent Latino immigrants to the United States before and during the COVID-19 pandemic

BACKGROUND

Although Latino immigrants to the United States tend to display a gradual increase in alcohol use after immigration, such escalation may not generalize to all Latino/a groups. This study examines patterns of alcohol use shown by recent Latino immigrants (RLIs) to Miami/Dade County (MDC), Florida covering a period from pre-immigration to the first two years after immigration. Differences in alcohol use prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic were also assessed.

METHODS

Data came from an on-going longitudinal study of 540 young adult (50% female) RLIs. Inclusion criteria were age 18 to 34, residing in MDC and having immigrated from a Latin American country within the past year. Respondent-driven sampling was the primary recruitment strategy.

RESULTS

Recent Latino immigrants reported a decline in alcohol use from before immigration (18.3 drinks per month, d/m) to the first (13.9 d/m), and second years (10.4 d/m before and 12.9 d/m during the pandemic lockdown) in MDC. The decline, which was moderated by RLIs' sex and legal residency status, was halted by the pandemic lockdown. While "to celebrate" was the most often cited reason for drinking, "to forget" was often cited during the lockdown.

CONCLUSIONS

The noted decrease in alcohol use since immigration may reflect the unique array of support and resources available to RLIs in MDC. Nevertheless, some RLIs increased their alcohol use over time, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. This disparate impact of the pandemic on alcohol use calls attention to the need to identify the most vulnerable RLIs to MDC and develop targeted interventions for them.

Early trajectories of cigarette and ENDS use among young adult recent Latino immigrants to U.S

Background: Recent Latino immigrants (RLIs) to the U.S. have shown high smoking rates during their first year since arrival, raising concern about future escalation of tobacco use.Objective: To examine trajectories of cigarette and Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) use among RLIs from pre-immigration (T0) through their first (T1) and second (T2) year in the U.S.Methods: Data originated from a longitudinal study of 540 (50% females) RLIs aged 18-34. Inclusion criteria was residing in Miami/Dade County (MDC), and having immigrated from a Latin American country within the past year. Trajectories were identified by using the Proc Traj procedure (SAS©, v 9.4).Results: Rates of cigarette use per month declined from 11.8 days/month in T0 to 4.9 d/m in T2. Rates for ENDS use however, increased from T0 (1.1 d/m) to T1 (1.8 d/m) and then lowered back to 0.9 d/m in T2. Four separate cigarette and e-cigarette use trajectories were identified. Only one of them showed increase in cigarette (10.6% of RLIs), and ENDS use (4.5% of RLIs). Being male, and not completing high school were significant factors in explaining smoking trajectories. Being younger than 30 years old was largely associated with ENDS use. No evidence of a substitution effect between cigarette and ENDS use was found.Discussion/Conclusions: Interventions to discourage tobacco use among Latino immigrants should begin early in the immigration process, aimed to preserve initial reductions and dissuade those at risk of increased tobacco use overtime.

Ethnic density effect on alcohol-related hospitalizations among Chinese enclaves and ethnoburbs in California, 2007-2011

INTRODUCTION

Research suggests there is an 'ethnic density effect' whereby racial/ethnic minority populations appear healthier when they reside in neighborhoods with greater numbers of people from the same ethnic group. The purpose of this study is to test whether this effect is observed for residents in Chinese enclaves (immigrant neighborhoods in urban areas) and ethnoburbs (immigrant neighborhoods in suburban areas) for measures on alcohol abuse and dependence.

METHODS

ZIP code areas of California that represented Chinese enclaves and ethnoburbs were identified and mapped. Spatial regression models were used to compare neighborhood-level effects, including the ethnic density of Chinese enclaves and ethnoburbs on observed rates of alcohol-related hospitalizations compared to the rest of California. Analyses used Bayesian Space-Time Misalignment Poisson models on the annual number of alcohol-related hospitalizations per ZIP code for the years 2007-2011 (n = 8488 space-by-time units).

RESULTS

Ethnic density effect appeared for residents of ZIP code areas with greater proportions of Chinese Americans (RR=0.986, 95% CI: 0.982, 0.990). After controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, residents of ZIP code areas representing Chinese enclaves had lower risks for alcohol-related hospitalizations (RR=0.766, 95% CI: 0.630, 0.927); hospitalizations among residents of Chinese ethnoburbs no longer differed from the rest of the state. Compared to Chinese enclaves, Chinese ethnoburbs had a lower poverty rate (p < .001), a greater English fluency rate (p = .002), and similar proportions of residents who were Chinese and foreign-born.

CONCLUSION

Despite the socioeconomic advantages of living in Chinese ethnoburbs, populations living in these neighborhoods experience more problems related to alcohol abuse and dependence.

Acculturative Stress and the Effects on Health and Health Behaviors in Hispanic Immigrants: A Systematic Review

The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate previously published literature that examined the impact of acculturative stress on health in Spanish-speaking populations. The database search yielded a final count of 32 eligible articles for inclusion in this review. Age, acculturative stress measure, and study results were analyzed. Overall, 81.2% of studies investigated the impacts of acculturative stress on mental health with the majority concluding that increased acculturative stress had a significant relationship with greater mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, and psychological stress. Other studies in this review examined impacts on physical health and health behaviors, but yielded inconclusive results indicating that these are areas for future research.

Recent Latinx Immigrants to Miami-Dade County, Florida: A Characterization of Pre- and Post-Immigration Travel

With greater understanding of preferred and frequently used modes of transportation, urban planners can design and promote efficient, equitable, and sustainable living environments. Few studies have examined the transportation needs immigrants who have recently arrived in the United States. Most of our limited understanding of this subset of the population is based on research obtained from immigrants who have resided in the United States for extended periods of time. Moreover, little is known about how post-immigration travel behaviors are affected by pre-immigration travel behaviors. This study examines how pre-immigration travel behaviors of Latinx immigrants affect their post-immigration travel behaviors within one year of their arrival to Miami-Dade County, Florida. The findings of this study align with previous research suggesting that, among this immigrant group, multiple modes of transportation are used-with variations by sex, income, and country of origin. Unlike previous studies, however, our results reveal a relatively high prevalence of driving, particularly among men, indicating the uniqueness of Latinx travel behavior in Miami-Dade County. An important and novel study finding is that transportation behaviors of immigrants soon after arrival are highly influenced by transportation behaviors in their country of origin. This knowledge can potentially be highly relevant to transportation planners in the United States, as it facilitates the adoption of early behavioral interventions to address immigrants' transportation needs.

Undocumented immigrants and mental health: A systematic review of recent methodology and findings in the United States

This study reviewed the methodology and findings of 44 peer-reviewed studies on psychosocial risk factors associated with mental health outcomes among undocumented immigrants (UIs) in the United States. Findings showed a considerable advancement over the past seven years in the methods and measures used in the included studies. Nonetheless, there is a need for continued methodological rigor, innovative study designs, greater diversity of samples, and in-depth exploration of constructs that facilitate resilience. Identifying avenues to reduce risk in this population is essential to inform intervention and advocacy efforts aimed at overcoming distress from the current U.S. anti-immigrant and socio-political climate.

Socio-Cultural Subgroups of Latina/o Immigrants: A Latent Profile Analysis

Socio-cultural factors, such as familismo, social support, machismo, and multigroup ethnic identity, are strongly associated with Latina/o immigrants' alcohol misuse and depressive symptoms. However, research has rarely explored whether unobserved groups of Latina/o immigrants with similar socio-cultural factors exist. Latent Profile analysis can illuminate which subgroups to target, or which socio-cultural factors need to be supported, to have an impact on the prevention and treatment of alcohol use and/or depression in the Latina/o immigrant population. Cross sectional data from on ongoing longitudinal investigation was utilized (N= 518 Latina/o adults living in Miami-Dade County, Florida and have immigrated to the US within one year prior to assessment). Latent Profile Analyses (LPA) were conducted utilizing validated measures of familismo, social support, neighborhood collective efficacy, ethnic identity, machismo, caballerismo, and marianismo. The LPA revealed three, significantly different profiles: (1) low socio-cultural protection (n=155, 29.98%), (2) high socio-cultural protection (n=21, 4.06%), and (3) high socio-, low-cultural protection (n=341, 65.96%). Profile membership was associated significantly with immigrant documentation status, education level, and past family history of substance use. Results indicate that Latina/o immigrants in the low socio-cultural protection group had significantly higher alcohol use compared to high socio-, low cultural protection group. No significant differences were found for depressive symptoms. We discuss implications of our findings and encourage researchers to continue to unpack the complexities associated with socio-cultural factors and Latina/o mental and behavioral health. Specifically, research should focus on socio-cultural factors can provide protection from negative health outcomes and increase resiliency among this population.

Pre- and Post-Immigration Correlates of Alcohol Misuse among Young Adult Recent Latino Immigrants: An Ecodevelopmental Approach

Latinos in the United States experience numerous alcohol-related health disparities. There is accumulating evidence that pre-immigration factors are associated with post-immigration alcohol use, but the explanation for health disparities remains unclear. The present study is a secondary analysis of data from the Recent Latino Immigrant Study (RLIS), the first community-based cohort study to examine the pre- to post-immigration alcohol use trajectories of young adult Latino immigrants during their initial years in the United States. Exploratory analysis and hierarchical multiple logistic regression were performed to assess associations between various pre- and post-immigration factors and alcohol misuse among young adult Latino immigrants early in the immigration process. Using an ecodevelopmental approach, we examined potential social and environmental determinants across multiple levels of influence associated with post-immigration alcohol misuse in this population. The study sample consisted of 474 young adult Latino immigrants between the ages of 18-34. The sample was comprised of the following national/regional origins: Cuban (43%), South American (28.7%), and Central American (28.3%). Approximately half of the sample (49.6%) reported a family history of substance use problems (FHSUP+). Participants who reported FHSUP+ and who engaged in alcohol misuse prior to immigrating to the US were more likely to engage in post-immigration alcohol misuse. Results revealed various social and environmental factors associated with pre-immigration alcohol misuse in this population. Study findings can inform culturally tailored prevention interventions aimed at mitigating problem drinking behaviors among young adult recent Latino immigrants.

Educational and sport factors as predictors of harmful alcohol drinking in adolescence: a prospective study in Bosnia and Herzegovina

OBJECTIVES

The cause-effect relationship between educational and sport factors, and alcohol drinking in adolescents is rarely prospectively investigated. This study aimed to establish the possible influence of sport, scholastic and socio-demographic factors on harmful alcohol drinking (HD) and the initiation of HD in adolescents from Bosnia-Herzegovina.

METHODS

Study included 881 adolescents (49% females) and consisted of (1) baseline tests (16 years of age) and (2) follow-up testing (18 years of age). The independent variables were scholastic and sport-related factors. Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test was used, with the following dependent variables: (1) HD at baseline, (2) HD at follow-up, and (3) HD initiation. Logistic regressions were applied to define the relationships.

RESULTS

Higher likelihood of HD was evidenced in children who performed poorly in school. Sport factors were positively correlated with HD at study baseline. Higher odds for HD initiation were found for adolescents who reported a lower GPA, a lower behavioral grade, more frequent school absences, and more unexcused school absences.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed scholastic failure as the predictor of HD initiation. The potential influence of sport factors on HD initiation should be studied at an earlier age.

Evidencing Protective and Risk Factors for Harmful Alcohol Drinking in Adolescence: A Prospective Analysis of Sport-Participation and Scholastic-Achievement in Older Adolescents from Croatia

Background: The prevalence of alcohol drinking (AD) in Croatian adolescents is alarming, but there is an evident lack of prospective analyses of the protective/risk factors of AD. This study aimed to prospectively investigate the relationships between scholastic and sport factors and harmful alcohol drinking (HD) in older adolescents. Methods: The participants (n = 644, 53.7% females) were 16 years of age at study baseline and were tested at baseline and again 20 months later (follow-up). The predictors included four variables of scholastic achievement and four factors evidencing involvement in sport. Criterion was AD observed on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and results were later categorized into harmful drinking (HD) and non-harmful drinking (NHD). The HD at baseline, HD at follow-up and HD initiation during the study course were observed as criteria in logistic regression analyses, which were additionally controlled for confounders (age, gender, socioeconomic status, and conflict with parents). Results: With 22% and 29% adolescents who reported HD at baseline and follow-up, respectively, the prevalence of HD remains among the highest in Europe. Scholastic failure was systematically related to HD at baseline and follow-up, but scholastic variables did not predict HD initiation during the course of the study. The higher odds for HD at baseline were evidenced for current and former team sport athletes. Those who quit individual sport were more likely to engage in HD at follow-up. Longer involvement in sport (OR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.18–3.72), higher sport result (OR: 3.15, 95% CI: 1.19–8.34), and quitting individual sport (OR: 13.13, 95% CI: 2.67–64.62) were predictive of HD initiation. Conclusions: The results indicated specific associations between sport factors with HD initiation, which is understandable knowing the high stress placed on young athletes in this period of life, mainly because of the forthcoming selection between junior (amateur) and senior (professional) level. The results did not allow interpretation of the cause-effect relationship between scholastic failure and HD in the studied period.

Determinants of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs among latino immigrants in miami-dade county, florida

Little is known about the pre- and postimmigration drinking and drunk- and drugged-driving behavior of Latino immigrants. Despite showing risky drinking behaviors, many recent immigrants of low socioeconomic status (SES) do not drive while impaired by alcohol (DWI) due largely to limited access to a vehicle. This effort examines the DWI and driving while impaired by drugs (DWID) behaviors of Latino immigrants who have access to a vehicle. Data came from an ongoing longitudinal sample of Latino immigrants to Miami-Dade County, Florida. Bivariate analyses and logistic regression were applied. Preimmigration DWI and DWID was the best predictor of postimmigration DWI and DWID. Future interventions should make efforts to (a) identify immigrants who had DWI and DWID in their country of origin and (b) design and deliver specific and culturally relevant messages to persuade them not to engage in DWI and DWID after immigration.