Age, Coping, and Substance Use among Latinx/o/a Immigrants

Chiquito Jacome, Edwin, College of Letters & Science, Mentor, Nagy, Gabriela, Poster Presentation, Psychology, School and College, Student

Edwin Chiquito Jacome, “Age, Coping, and Substance Use among Latinx/o/a Immigrants”
Mentor: Gabriela Nagy, Psychology
Poster #6

Latinos comprise the second-largest growing ethnic group in the United States, representing approximately 19% of the overall population (63 million). As of 2021, almost 20 million Latino immigrants made up almost 32% of the total Latino population in the US. Latino immigrants face challenges that negatively impact their health over time, including the process of migration and adaptation to a new environment. “The Healthy Immigrant Effect” suggests that migrants initially have better health than the native population when arriving in the settling country, this effect diminishes over time. For example, over time, Latinos may exhibit more consumption of alcohol and substances. In this study, we aim to examine how current age, age of migration, and length of residence in the US influence alcohol/substance use used to cope among adult Latino immigrants. Comprehension of these predictors within the Latino community are essential to understand the likelihood of substance abuse during different stages of life. Utilizing data from Cultivando Fortaleza, an eight-week acculturative stress reduction intervention for adult Latino immigrants (N=50), the present study will examine how the age of migration, current age, length of residence, and gender influences alcohol/substance usage in adulthood among this population. It is hypothesized that a longer length of residency, middle adulthood, and an earlier age at migration will be correlated to the likelihood of alcohol/substance use used to cope in adulthood. In addition, it is anticipated males will display a higher rate of substance use than females. To test these hypotheses, we will conduct difference of means testing (e.g., t-test, ANOVA) as well as use a regression-based approach. This study will provide an understanding of coping challenges faced by Latino immigrants, ranging from local to systemic issues which are vital for developing comprehensive and culturally sensitive interventions that target health outcomes.