Use of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs among Mexican Migrants: How Does Migration History Make a Difference?

Background: Few studies have used population based samples to examine the use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs (ATOD), and associated migration factors among Mexican migrants. Methods: A cross-sectional probability survey was conducted among Mexican migrants travelling through the border city of Tijuana, Mexico (N=3389). Prevalence of last 12-month use of ATOD was calculated. Univariate and multiple logistic regression models were estimated to explore the correlations between ATOD use and sociodemographic and migration factors. Results: The prevalence of last 12-month heavy drinking, smoking and illicit drug using was 59.7%, 29.1% and 17.5%, respectively. These behaviors were correlated with age, gender, marital status, education, last 12-month employment status and occupation (p<.05). Compared to migrants arriving at Tijuana from the US, those arriving at Tijuana from other Mexican border cities or via deportation were more likely to report smoking (p<.01). Deported migrants also had greater odds of reporting illicit drug use (p<.05). Labor migration history was significantly associated with use of ATOD (p<.05). Smoking and drug use were associated with previous history of deportation (AOR: 1.57 and 1.89, p<0.01). Conclusions: Rates of ATOD use among Mexican migrants are high compared to those of non-migrant adult populations in Mexico and the U.S. A history of labor migration to, or deportation from the US, as well as recent stays at the Mexican border region increase the likelihood of these substance use behaviors. Interventions to prevent and treat ATOD use among Mexican migrants are necessary, especially among those with a history of deportation.