Hospitalization due to Alcohol and Drug Abuse in First- and Second-Generation Immigrants: A Follow-Up Study in Sweden

Abstract

The detrimental effects of substance abuse on the individual and on society are well known. Health care resources must target where they are most needed. This study investigated (1) whether the increased risk of being hospitalized for alcohol abuse and drug abuse among certain immigrant groups is present in the next generation and (2) whether having one parent born in the host country (i.e., Sweden) has a protective effect on the risk of being hospitalized for alcohol abuse and drug abuse among second-generation immigrants. In total, 2,243,546 persons aged 20–39 years were followed from 1 January 1992 until 31 December 1999 for first hospital admission due to alcohol abuse or drug abuse. A Cox regression model was used to estimate hazard ratios for each diagnosis group. When the Swedish majority population was used as reference, the highest risks of alcohol abuse and drug abuse were found among first- and second-generation Finns, after adjustment for income. Among second-generation Finns with one parent born in Sweden, the increased risk of being hospitalized for alcohol abuse and drug abuse was lower than among second-generation Finns with both parents born in Finland. Health care resources need to target certain groups of first- and second-generation immigrants.

Keywords:

• alcohol abuse
• drug abuse
• first-generation immigrant
• second-generation immigrant
• socioeconomic status

Notes

¹ The journal's style utilizes the category substance abuse as a diagnostic category. Substances are used or misused; living organisms are and can be abused. Editor's note. This article's data are based on the use of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 9 and 10 for alcohol and drug abuse and thus the terms have been kept and not changed into “use” or “misuse.”

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Teresa Saraiva Leão

Teresa Saraiva Leão, M.D., is a family physician with a special interest in the mental health of second-generation immigrants in Sweden.

Leena-Maria Johansson

Leena-Maria Johansson, M.D., Ph.D., is a psychiatrist with a special interest in the socioeconomic aspects related to mental health among immigrants.

Kristina Sundquist

Kristina Sundquist, M.D., Ph.D., is a family physician with a special interest in environmental factors related to health. She is also Assistant Professor at the Center for Family Medicine at Karolinska Institute in Stockholm.