Protective and risk factors for increased alcohol use in Latinx college students on the U.S./Mexico border

Abstract

Alcohol use is prevalent among undergraduates, however, limited research on drinking among Latinx college students exists. This study examined potential risk and protective factors of alcohol use and consequences. Participants (n = 382) completed multiple measures including alcohol use frequency and the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index (RAPI). Linear regression models identified predictors of monthly and yearly drinking days and RAPI. Findings indicated that alcohol use frequency was associated with increasing age, parental alcohol use disorder, greater anger, and lower self-efficacy. Alcohol-related consequences were positively associated with anxiety and adverse childhood experiences. Early alcohol prevention and intervention efforts appear warranted.

Keywords:

• Alcohol
• Latinx
• college student
• substance use
• mental health

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge all past and current members of the Prevention and Treatment in Clinical Health laboratory for their assistance with this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Funding

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