NCJ Number
178419
Journal
Substance Use and Misuse Volume: 34 Issue: 10 Dated: 1999 Pages: 1407-1426
Date Published
1999
Length
20 pages
Annotation
A telephone survey of 932 Mexican American males and females in 3 cities in northern California in 1994 gathered information on the relationship between the level of acculturation and alcohol consumption.
Abstract
Data was collected in Gilroy, Redwood City, and Union City. The interviews were conducted in either Spanish or English, according to the participant's preference. Multiple calls were made to establish the country of origin of the participant's parents and grandparents. Acculturation was found to have a direct effect on drinking status for women, but not for men. Results revealed the expected difference in drinking status by gender at low levels of acculturation; this difference entailed high abstention rates for women and low abstention rates for men. In contrast, drinking status converged at high levels of acculturation, so that approximately the same proportions females and males were alcohol drinkers. In addition, acculturation was associated with heavier drinking for females, whereas the place of birth was associated with heavier drinking for males. Findings indicated that studies of drinking patterns and related problems need to consider factors such as gender and acculturation. Further research is recommended on the effects of acculturation across Hispanic ethnic groups and on the locations of drinking behaviors for both men and women. Tables, figures, author biographies, and 27 references (Author abstract modified)