Social network alcohol use is associated with individual-level alcohol use among Black sexually minoritized men and gender-expansive people: Findings from the Neighborhoods and Networks (N2) cohort study

Introduction

Black sexually minoritized men and gender-expansive people (SGM), including transgender women, have higher levels of alcohol use and experience greater negative consequences from alcohol consumption than the general population. We investigated the role of multilevel factors contributing to alcohol use among these groups.

Methods

We analyzed data collected from HIV-negative participants in the Neighborhoods and Network (N2) cohort study in Chicago, IL (N = 138). Participants completed a social network inventory (November 2018–April 2019) and reported alcohol use (frequency, quantity, and frequency of binge drinking) during a quantitative assessment. We used stepwise negative binomial regression to identify associations with social network and individual-level alcohol use while controlling for sociodemographic variables.

Results

Most participants drank alcohol in the past month (68%), with a mean of 2.5 drinks (SD = 1.9) per drinking day. Participants nominated 377 confidants (M_nominated = 2.7), of whom 93% were Black and 78% were friends/family. Among the confidants, 30% drank alcohol at least several times per week. Identifying as Latine (RR = 2.21; 95% CI: 1.44–3.10), having a higher Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 score (RR = 1.03; 95%CI: 1.00–1.05), living with a problem drinker during one's childhood (RR = 1.80; 95% CI: 1.39–2.34), and having a greater proportion of regular drinkers in one's social network (RR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.02–2.17) were positively associated with alcohol use.

Conclusion

Black SGM exposed to social network alcohol use during childhood and adulthood reported increased alcohol use. Interventions targeting Black SGM should address social norms around alcohol, intersectional discrimination, and mental health.