248360 Gender differences in the relationship between self-reported discrimination and substance abuse among Latina/os

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Angie Denisse Otiniano, PhD, MPH , School of Public Health Department of Community Health Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Gilbert C. Gee, PhD , School of Public Health, Community Health Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Chandra L. Ford, PhD, MPH, MLIS , Department of Community Health Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
Background: Using alcohol and drugs to cope with discrimination may lead to substance abuse for Latina/os. However, men tend to have higher levels of self-reported discrimination and higher prevalence of substance abuse. We investigate the relationship between self-reported discrimination and substance abuse among Latina/os as well as differences by gender.

Methods: Analyses focus on the Latino (n=1,039 men) and Latina (n=1,273 women) respondents from the National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS) community household survey carried out from 2002-2003. Discrimination was measured using Williams' Everyday Discrimination Scale. Outcomes were alcohol abuse and illicit drug abuse (marijuana, cocaine, etc) measured using DSM-IV definitions and criteria. Additional covariates included immigrant characteristics, social influences, and demographics. Analyses were completed using gender-stratified multinomial logistic regression.

Results: Latinos reported higher levels of discrimination than Latinas (39.6% versus 30.3%). Latinos also had higher prevalence of alcohol abuse (16.5% versus 4.5%) and overall illicit drug abuse (9.5% versus 2.3%) compared to Latinas. While self-reported discrimination was significantly associated with increased risk of alcohol abuse among Latinas, self-reported discrimination was significantly associated with increased risk of illicit drug abuse among Latinos.

Discussion: These findings suggest substance abuse may be related to discrimination for Latina/os. Latinas may use alcohol to cope with discrimination, while Latinos may use more addictive and harmful substances such as illicit drugs to cope with discrimination. Our findings are consistent with other research showing that men and women cope differently in response to stressors; specifically, men tend to have more maladaptive coping behaviors than women.

Conclusion: Future research should consider how men and women, particularly Latina/os, cope with discrimination. Future research should also consider how social norms around substance use both in the United States and Latin America are coupled with experiences of discrimination.

Learning Areas:
Diversity and culture

Learning Objectives:
At the end of this presentation, audience members should be able to: 1. Discuss the importance of discrimination as a social determinant of Latina/o health. 2. Discuss the relationship between discrimination and substance abuse for Latina/os. 3. Compare how Latinas and Latinos may cope with discrimination and how this may influence substance abuse.

Keywords: Latino Health, Drug Abuse

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am presenting a portion of my dissertation work.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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