Exposure to gangs in low-income urban communities and substance use among Hispanic youth

Abstract

A third of Hispanic youth live below the poverty line, making them vulnerable for exposure to gangs, substances, and violence, all of which have been associated with substance use. The aim of the present study was to test the link between these variables, using a multiple mediation model. Results suggest that the relationship between gang exposure and adolescent substance use was mediated by both access to substances and exposure to violence. Findings provide insight into how gang exposure impacts outcomes for low-income youth. Implications for prevention and policy are discussed.

Keywords:

• Adolescent alcohol use
• adolescent drug use
• culturally responsive prevention
• gangs
• violence exposure

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Funding

Drug Free Communities Grant (DFC) Initiative (Grant #SPO22019-01). Funded through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).