RESUMEN
PURPOSE: To test a socialization model of polydrug use among Mexican-American and white non-Hispanic school dropouts. METHODS: A sample of 910 Mexican-American and white non-Hispanic school dropouts were surveyed regarding their use of alcohol, marijuana, and other drugs, and socialization characteristics that have previously been shown to be predictive of adolescent substance use. A structural equation model based on peer cluster theory was evaluated for goodness of fit and for differences in model characteristics by ethnicity and gender. RESULTS: Results partially confirmed peer cluster theory among school dropouts in that association with drug-using peers was the most powerful direct predictor of substance use. The effects of a number of other socializing influences were indirect, mediated through association with drug-using peers. Some differences were present between Mexican-American and white non-Hispanic subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Results were similar to those obtained from previous tests of this model among youth who remain in school, suggesting that social influences on drug use are similar across students and school dropouts. Association with drug-using peers dominates the prediction of substance use among school dropouts. However, family communication of drug use sanctions helps to both limit substance use and strengthen family bonds. Prior school adjustment is likely to be an important protective factor in limiting substance use among Mexican-American dropouts.
Asunto(s)
Hispánicos o Latinos , Ajuste Social , Abandono Escolar , Trastornos Relacionados con Sustancias/psicología , Población Blanca , Adolescente , Conducta del Adolescente , Educación , Relaciones Familiares , Femenino , Humanos , Masculino , Factores de Riesgo , Condiciones SocialesRESUMEN
A self-report survey of cigarette use among 10th- and 12th-grade Mexican American students found no differences in rates of use by migrant status. Male students reported higher levels of lifetime, experimental, and daily smoking than female students, and 12th-grade students reported higher levels of daily smoking than 10th-grade students. A socialization model of cigarette use based on peer cluster theory was evaluated using structural equation methods, examining the effects of family strength, family tobacco use, school adjustment, religious identification, and peer tobacco associations. The basic latent-structure socialization model was supported in all groups, but final models including specific effects identified both unique and common relationships by gender and migrant status. Common patterns across groups suggest that completely different prevention programs may not be necessary for these youth. However, program elements based on subtle group differences may serve to tailor prevention efforts and make them more effective.
Asunto(s)
Americanos Mexicanos/psicología , Modelos Psicológicos , Fumar/etnología , Socialización , Adolescente , California/epidemiología , Distribución de Chi-Cuadrado , Salud de la Familia/etnología , Femenino , Humanos , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Americanos Mexicanos/estadística & datos numéricos , Grupo Paritario , Muestreo , Factores Sexuales , Prevención del Hábito de Fumar , Migrantes/psicología , Migrantes/estadística & datos numéricosRESUMEN
Surveys of drug and alcohol use were conducted with a national probability sample of 8th- and 12th-grade Mexican-American and White non-Hispanic youth. The drug and alcohol epidemiology is representative of US Mexican-American youth residing in communities with populations of 2500 or more, at least 10% of whom are Mexican Americans. Mexican-American 8th graders reported generally higher rates of use than White non-Hispanics based on life-time prevalence and use in last month. They also reported higher frequency of high-risk drug behaviors. The pattern was reversed among 12th-grade students. The impact of differential school dropout rates is discussed as a probable cause for this reversal.