Associations between ethnic labels and substance use among Hispanic/Latino adolescents in Los Angeles.
Self-identification with ethnic-specific labels may indicate successful ethnic identity formation, which could protect against substance use. Alternatively, it might indicate affiliation with oppositional subcultures, a potential risk factor. This study examined longitudinal associations between ethnic labels and substance use among 1,575 Hispanic adolescents in Los Angeles. Adolescents who identified as Cholo or La Raza in 9th grade were at increased risk of past-month substance use in 11th grade. Associations were similar across gender and were not confounded by socioeconomic status, ethnic identity development, acculturation, or language use. Targeted prevention interventions for adolescents who identify with these subcultures may be warranted.
Department of Preventive Medicine, Institute for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA.
Jennifer B
JB
Unger
James
J
Thing
Daniel Wood
DW
Soto
Lourdes
L
Baezconde-Garbanati
D000069:Acculturation; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000208:ethnology*; D000428:Alcohol Drinking / Q000208:ethnology*; D002140:California / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015141:Los Angeles; D008297:Male; D008385:Marijuana Smoking / Q000208:ethnology*; D010379:Peer Group; D012907:Smoking / Q000208:ethnology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires