Citation

Caetano R, Vaeth PA, Rodriguez LA. Hisp. J. Behav. Sci. 2012; 34(1): 95-117.

Affiliation

University of Texas School of Public Health, Dallas Regional Campus.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2012, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0739986311424040

PMID

22438607

PMCID

PMC3307337

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the association between acculturation, birthplace, and alcohol-related social problems across Hispanic national groups. METHOD: 5,224 Hispanic adults (18+ years) were interviewed using a multistage cluster sample design in Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Houston, and Los Angeles. RESULTS: Multivariate analysis shows no association between acculturation and problems among men or women. Birthplace is a risk factor for social problems among both genders. Among men, Mexican Americans, Puerto Ricans, and South/Central Americans are more likely to report social problems than Cuban Americans. Other risk factors for men are unemployment, a higher volume of drinking, and a higher frequency of binge drinking. Among women, Mexican American origin and binge drinking are also risk factors for reporting problems. CONCLUSIONS: U.S.-born Hispanics may experience stress and other detrimental effects to health because of their minority status, which may increase the likelihood of more drinking and the development of alcohol-related problems.

Language: en