The protective roles of ethnic identity and community cohesion on substance use among Black women experiencing adversity

Abstract

This study employs a strengths-based approach to explore associations of ethnic identity and community cohesion with substance use among Black women experiencing adversity. Black women (N = 107; M_age = 34.2, SD = 7.7) completed interviews about their sociodemographics, HIV status, intimate partner violence exposure, ethnic identity, community connectedness, and substance use. Hierarchical linear regression analysis was used to examine associations of ethnic identity and community cohesion with substance use, accounting for age and socioeconomic status. The overall model was significant, with greater ethnic identity (β = −.25, p < .01) and more community cohesion (β = −.29, p < .01) associated with lower substance use. Findings highlight the value of contextual factors in substance use prevention among Black women.

Keywords:

• Syndemics
• ethnic identity
• substance abuse
• community connectedness
• HIV
• intimate partner violence