Racial/ethnic variation in mental health correlates of substance use among college students

ABSTRACT

This study investigated mental health indicators, substance use, and their relationships, by race/ethnicity. A probability sample of 1,053 students at two California universities self-reported their frequency of substance use and rated their experience with indicators of mental health. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), chi-square tests, and multivariate censored regression models were estimated to examine which indicators of mental health were associated with each substance use form by race/ethnicity. Results from the one-way ANOVA and chi-square tests showed differences in substance use prevalence and mental health by race/ethnicity. For example, students who identified as White demonstrate a higher prevalence for every form of substance use in comparison to the Asian, Latino, and “All other” categories. Results from the regression showed, among Whites, inattention was associated with prescription stimulant misuse, and psychological distress was associated with marijuana use. Among Latinos, inattention was associated with cocaine and prescription stimulant use. Among Asians, psychological distress was associated with tobacco use and the misuse of prescription painkillers. Findings highlight the need to ensure subpopulations receive needed services.

KEYWORDS:

• College students
• mental health
• prescription stimulants
• racial/ethnic differences
• substance use

Acknowledgments

We thank research assistant Jocelyne Mendez, who helped with data collection and data entry.