Explaining Substance Use among Puerto Rican Older Adults: Impact of Perceived Discrimination, Perceived Stress, and Social Activities

Abstract

Background: Despite Puerto Ricans having one of the highest rates of substance use among Hispanic groups in the United States, limited research has focused on the impact of perceived discrimination and stress on substance use among older adults. Individuals who experience stressful events are inclined to engage in harmful behaviors as a coping mechanism. Objectives: Based on the propositions of the General Strain Theory, the current study explores the relationship between perceived discrimination, perceived stress, social activities, and the use of alcohol and cigarettes. Methods: Baseline data from the Boston Puerto Rican Health Study collected in 2014 was used to conduct a logistic regression analysis. Results: The findings reveal that while perceived discrimination is significantly linked to both types of substance use, social activities may serve as a protective factor for cigarette use. Conclusion/Importance: Our study findings emphasize the need to examine perceived discrimination as a stressor impacting the health and well-being of Puerto Ricans in later adulthood. Policy implications for reducing substance use and directions for future research are discussed

Keywords:

• Strain
• stress
• discrimination
• social activities
• puerto ricans
• substance use
• alcohol use
• tobacco use
• older adults

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Notes

1 The terms Hispanic, Latina, Latino, Latine, and Latinx are used to refer to individuals of ethnic, racial, national origin and/or ancestry that stems from Latin America. We acknowledge ongoing debates regarding the appropriate term to use. In this article, we use the term Latinos. We also use the terms that are used by the referenced authors.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.