Acculturation and substance use in a Mexican American college student sample

Abstract

Although the association between acculturation and substance use among Latino groups is important, it is often understudied, especially within specific Latino groups living in geographically distinct communities, such as the Mexican American population in South Texas. The researchers of this study aimed to better understand the effect of acculturation on substance use and alcohol dependence in a Mexican American college student population. This survey study investigated the correlation between acculturation and substance use and dependence by using the Vancouver Index of Acculturation (VIA), items related to substance use (nicotine, marijuana, and cocaine) in a Mexican American college student sample (N = 1,494), and the Short Alcohol Dependence Data Questionnaire (SADD; N = 715). The study was conducted in the Texas-Mexico border region. The results suggest that higher levels of acculturation do not predict increased drug use or alcohol dependence in the Mexican American college students. However, acculturation was found to be associated with lower use of cocaine and marijuana. The discussion examines commonalities and differences in drug use and dependence. Specifically, acculturation seems to have an inverse relationship to substance use and may serve as a protective factor to licit and illicit drug use among Mexican American college students.

Acculturation Profiles and Alcohol Use among Hispanic Americans

“…Finally, our study was conducted at a predominantly White institution. Relative to other cultural contexts, such as Hispanic-serving institutions or culturally integrated environments (e.g., at the U.S.-Mexico border; Caetano et al, 2008), acculturation may be more closely linked to college alcohol use in our sample because of a more pervasive and liberal drinking culture (Mercado et al, 2017). Future research should further consider specific contexts in which cultural orientations and drinking behaviors are assessed.…”

Acculturation profiles and alcohol use among Hispanic Americans

“…Finally, our study was conducted at a predominantly White institution. Relative to other cultural contexts, such as Hispanic-serving institutions or culturally integrated environments (e.g., at the U.S.-Mexico border; Caetano et al, 2008), acculturation may be more closely linked to college alcohol use in our sample because of a more pervasive and liberal drinking culture (Mercado et al, 2017). Future research should further consider specific contexts in which cultural orientations and drinking behaviors are assessed.…”

Research on the cultivation strategy of critical thinking of medical doctoral students based on constructivism learning theory

“…If things continue this way, students' overall ability of analyzing problems systematically and independently as well as their spirit of introspection, questioning and criticism will be greatly constrained [12] . The cultural environment of colleges affects students' "acculturation", and different college cultures have different influences on students [13] . The development of CT needs not only the active and independent construction of individuals, but also the value guidance and help of the educational environment.…”