The Association Between Immigration-Related Stress, COVID-19 Impact, and Drinking Motives Among US-Born Latinos During the Pandemic

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the present study was to identify factors associated with increased alcohol use during the COVID-19 pandemic among a sample of drinkers and heavy drinkers US-born Latino adults. Methods: Hierarchal logistic regression modelling was employed to evaluate associations between the increased use of alcohol during the pandemic and potential risk factors. Results: Participants in the medium and high adverse COVID-19 impact classes reported higher odds (AOR: 7.63, 95 % CI: 2.34–24.84) of increasing their alcohol use during the pandemic. Higher education (AOR: 7.63, 95 % CI: 2.34–24.84), immigration stress (AOR: 2.53, 95 % CI: 1.35–4.75), and drinking to cope (AOR: 1.13, 95 % CI: 1.06–1.19) were positively associated with increased alcohol use during the pandemic. Conclusion: Stressors stemming from adverse consequences resulting from the pandemic may negatively influence the alcohol use behaviors of US-born Latinos, which may potentially exacerbate existing racial/ethnic alcohol-related disparities.