Citation

Okamoto J, Ritt-Olson A, Soto D, Baezconde-Garbanati L, Unger JB. Am. J. Health Behav. 2009; 33(6): 718-727.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2009, PNG Publications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

19320620

Abstract

Objective: To examine perceived discrimination and substance use among Latino high school students. Methods: Latino 9(th) graders (N = 1332) completed self-report measures of perceived discrimination and substance use behavior. Results: Perceived discrimination was associated with lifetime use measures of smoking (OR = 1.73, P < 0.01), alcohol (OR = 1.53, P < 0.01), marijuana (OR = 1.70, P < 0.01), and inhalants (OR = 1.50, P < 0.05); and past 30 day measures of smoking (OR = 2.54, P < 0.01), alcohol (OR = 1.63, P < 0.01), marijuana (OR = 1.95, P < 0.01), and inhalants (OR = 1.64, P < 0.01), and binge drinking (OR = 1.84, P < 0.01). Conclusions: Latino adolescents who have higher perceptions of discrimination are at risk for substance use. Interventions to help Latino adolescents cope with feelings of discrimination may be a useful addition to substance use prevention programs.

Language: en