Perceived discrimination, racial identity, and health behaviors among black primary-care patients who use drugs

ABSTRACT

Blacks who use drugs are at heightened risk for health problems. Discrimination experiences may contribute to these risks by influencing health behaviors. This study examined associations between discrimination, racial identity, and health behaviors (alcohol use, cigarette smoking, low physical activity, and unprotected [condomless] sex) in a sample of 203 Black primary-care patients who reported current drug use. Logistic regression analyses did not find direct effects of discrimination or identity on outcomes. Hypothesized moderation of discrimination by racial identity was not observed in expected direction for the outcome of unprotected sex.

KEYWORDS:

• Drug use
• health risk behavior
• perceived discrimination
• racial identity

Notes

Examination of Centrality scale indicated that three items showed poor item-total correlations. Removal of these items resulted in a five-item scale with good internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = .78). All analyses were repeated with this modified scale but did not change the results described. Therefore, results from the complete eight-item measure are presented consistent with primary hypotheses.