Increasing numbers of young Hispanic men are being treated for alcohol abuse and its consequences. To provide culturally competent services, there must be an understanding of subcultural differences in the antecedents of alcohol abuse and drinking problems. The present study examined the impact of depression, acculturation, and motivations as antecedents for drinking and drinking-related problems among 288 Colombian, Dominican, and Puerto Rican men. Path analyses suggest that for all three groups, depression is associated with drinking for psychological motivational reasons. Psychological motivations, in turn, have a direct impact on heavy drinking and drinking problems. The model for Puerto Ricans suggests psychological motivations are the only direct predictor of drinking problems. For Dominicans, depression appears to be an important direct contributor to drinking problems, whereas for Colombians, acculturation seems to directly contribute to drinking problems. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
Fear, crime, and self-imposed, isolating restrictions on activities lower the quality of urban life. The impact of community characteristics upon such restrictions has received minimal attention, although the community has long held a place in theories addressing the origin and prevention of crime. This study explores the effects of both formal and informal community organization on such behavior, mediated by fear of crime and victimization. Findings suggest that existing models explaining precautionary measures might be refined. Individual characteristics and fear of crime retain a secure place. Victimization might be reconsidered as an indirect contributor operating largely through fear of crime. The impact of formal community organization may be reflected in the differential responses of American and West Indian Blacks, indicating that this factor might be added to the model, though its place is uncertain.
The effects of aging and its correlates on the structure and function of primary groups in a modern industrial society are examined using the theoretical framework suggested by Litwak and Szelenyi (1969). After a brief summary of the basic theoretical assumptions, a series of factors are discussed that affect primary group structure and function in old age in unique ways. Alternative theories are reviewed. Some measurement issues are examined, and problems for future research are suggested.
The difficulties of conducting research on minority group older women have not been considered by those in the field of non-compliance. Methodologists have long discussed the issues of doing research on compliance and those of doing research in minority communities. We attempt to integrate these two themes and suggest how the concerns described can be incorporated into our practice and assessment of research.
Primary groups such as relatives, neighbors and friends are a source of support that health care providers overlook. We present a theoretical framework which suggests primary groups can help prevent the misuse of prescription medicine. Kin are especially helpful in assisting elderly to take medications on a long-term basis where the regimens are fairly simple. It may also be especially important to engage kin in helping the older minority woman to understand the doctor. Even at a distance, kin may be able to provide such assistance and should not be discounted as a resource. Neighbors can be helpful in getting a medicine needed unexpectedly and might assist with relatively complex routines that last for only a brief period. Friends who have had similar experiences are especially helpful when the medicine is prescribed on an as needed basis by teaching the client how to judge when a dose is needed.
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