Contrasting beliefs and behaviors: Latinos' and immigrants' illicit drug use and the role of perceived risk and migration characteristics

We examined whether risk perceptions regarding drug use and migration measures are independently associated with lifetime drug use (cigarettes, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD) among Latino and white immigrant and native-born adults. Data are from the 2002 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Cross tabulations and multivariate logistic regressions tested these relationships. Descriptive analyses showed illicit drugs were perceived as risky to one's health and well-being across groups. Logistic regressions demonstrated that Latino and white immigrants displayed lower rates of lifetime drug use than U.S.-born whites. U.S.-born Latinos exhibited higher drug use compared to immigrant Latinos. Perceived risk was associated with reduced use of all drugs but cigarettes. Language, age-at-migration, and MSA size impacts on drug use varied. Foreign birthplace appears protective for drug use among Latino and white immigrants. Additional study on risk-taking and sensation seeking vis-à-vis drug use among white Europeans and Latinos by nativity and birth-country is needed.