Vida PURA: Results from a Pilot Test of Screening and Brief Intervention to Reduce Unhealthy Drinking among Latino Day Laborers

Latino immigrant men are at increased risk for unhealthy alcohol use and its consequences, yet are unlikely to receive treatment due to their limited access to health care.  We pilot tested, Vida PURA, a culturally adapted screening and brief intervention program (SBI) for Latino day laborers.  The intervention consisted of SBI at a day labor worker center by promotores trained to incorporate the social and cultural context of drinking for Latino immigrant men.  All men screened (N = 104) completed a survey including sociodemographic characteristics and alcohol use.  The average age was 46, most had a high school education or less, and many were homeless.  Men with an AUDIT score ≥ 6 were also offered a brief intervention (N = 65).  Men receiving a brief intervention received a follow-up survey and 2 weeks and 8 weeks.  Those receiving a BI drank an average of 4 out of the last 14 days, with an average of 2.4 drinks per day.  Their mean AUDIT score was 18.7 at baseline, which decreased to 13.5 at 2 weeks (p < .05) and 14.8 at 8 weeks (p < .05).  Readiness to change scores increased slightly and negative consequences of drinking decreased at 8 weeks. Results indicated the community-based SBI may be effective in reducing unhealthy alcohol use among Latino day laborers, a vulnerable and underserved population.