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Alcohol and Drug Use, and Depression Among Hispanic Men in Early Adulthood

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American Journal of Community Psychology

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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate School of Social Service, Fordham University, Tarrytown, New York, 10591

    Luis H. Zayas

  2. College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, USA

    Mary Rojas

  3. Program in Quantitative Studies, New York University, USA

    Robert G. Malgady

Authors
  1. Luis H. Zayas
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  2. Mary Rojas
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  3. Robert G. Malgady
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Zayas, L.H., Rojas, M. & Malgady, R.G. Alcohol and Drug Use, and Depression Among Hispanic Men in Early Adulthood. Am J Community Psychol 26, 425–438 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1022111221380

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