The Relationship Between Discrimination and Alcohol Use Among Latinx College Students in The Context of COVID-19
Latinx are the largest minority group in the United States. Ethnic discrimination is a common experience among this population—especially among young adults. Prior work has suggested an association between discrimination, psychological well-being, and alcohol use. Research has also highlighted that social support may buffer the impact of discrimination upon Latinx mental well- being and alcohol use. The present study investigated the relation between the appraisal of discrimination and alcohol-related outcomes (i.e. frequency of use, binge drinking, alcohol- related consequences and risky behavior) of Latinx college students in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. We evaluated social support as a moderator for the relation between the discrimination stress and drinking outcomes. Study data was derived from an ongoing longitudinal study of a minority-serving university. Participants who self-identified as Latinx and were 18 and older (N= 343, female =246) completed questionnaires assessing discrimination stress, general stress, past-month drinking frequency, binge drinking episodes in past two-weeks, alcohol-related behavior and consequences, and social support. Multiple binomial regression determined a significant association between discrimination stress and frequency of alcohol use (B=.01, SE=.01, p=.04). No significant relation between discrimination stress, binge drinking, alcohol related consequence and risky behaviors were found. Further, social support did not moderate the association between discrimination stress and alcohol use and consequences. Study findings highlighted that discrimination is a consequential and modifiable factor impacting alcohol use frequency for Latinx college students. College administration and supports should target the psychological impact of discrimination as part of broader efforts to reduce drinking- related harms.
Discrimination, alcohol use, Latinx, young adults, COVID-19 pandemic, Social and Behavioral Sciences
City University of New York - City College
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