Alcohol Use Behaviors Among Indigenous Migrants: A Transnational Study on Communities of Origin and Destination

Abstract

The association between international and domestic migration and alcohol use among indigenous communities is poorly understood. We explored migration-related factors associated with alcohol use behaviors among an indigenous Mayan, binational population. From January to March 2012, 650 indigenous participants from the high-emigration town of Tunkás in the Mexican state of Yucatán (n = 650) residing in Mexico and California completed surveys. Multivariate logistic regression identified migration-related factors associated with alcohol use behaviors. US migration of shorter duration (<5 years) was independently associated with at-risk drinking (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 2.34; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.09–5.03), as was longer-duration domestic migration (≥5 years) (AOR 2.34; 95 % CI 1.12–4.87). Ability to speak Maya (AOR 0.26; 95 % CI 0.13–0.48) was protective against at-risk drinking. Culturally appropriate alcohol use prevention interventions are needed for domestic and international indigenous Mexican migrants to address alcohol use behavior in the context of migration.

Acculturation and Drug Use Stigma Among Latinos and African Americans: An Examination of a Church-Based Sample

“…Longer residence in the United States (U.S.) is consistently associated with higher risk for substance use and substance use disorders across Latino samples encompassing different ages and countries of origin (e.g., Mexicans) (1–5). Indeed, migration appears to be such a powerful predictor of substance use and abuse that it continues to shape migrants’ substance use behavior even after they return to their country of origin, and even among persons who never migrated but have family members that did.…”

An Exploratory Study of Internal Migration and Substance Use Among an Indigenous Community in Southern Mexico

“…11,12 Findings from our prior research in this region suggest that internal migration may influence the substance use behaviors of indigenous persons in Mexico. 7 Our research team found that among a sample of indigenous migrants (n=650) from Southern Mexico, those with only internal migration experiences (i.e., migrated internally but never to the US) had higher independent odds of being at-risk drinkers (i.e., alcohol abuse) with increased time spent in an internal migration destination. 7 This suggests that indigenous migrants may be at increased risk for substance abuse and dependence.…”

“…7 Our research team found that among a sample of indigenous migrants (n=650) from Southern Mexico, those with only internal migration experiences (i.e., migrated internally but never to the US) had higher independent odds of being at-risk drinkers (i.e., alcohol abuse) with increased time spent in an internal migration destination. 7 This suggests that indigenous migrants may be at increased risk for substance abuse and dependence. There is a gap in research knowledge regarding the relationship between internal migration and illicit drug use among indigenous populations.…”

“…1,4-6 In the context of Mexico, migration to the United States (US)—the primary migration destination for Mexican migrants—has been associated with substance abuse. 1,4-7 Mexican migrants in Mexico with prior migration histories to the US commonly report a higher prevalence of substance use and substance use disorders as compared to their non-migrating counterparts. 4-6 Though Mexico has had a long-standing history of high emigration to the US, US-Mexico migration dynamics are quickly changing.…”

Latino Mother/Daughter Dyadic Attachment as a Mediator for Substance Use Disorder and Emotional Abuse

“…In addition, acculturation should be considered as a factor in the substance use habits of Latina women in the U.S. Previous studies have indicated that acculturation with U.S. culture is associated with higher risk for substance abuse and hazardous drinking behaviors in Latino samples (45, 46). Accordingly, it may be worthwhile, in a future study, to investigate the role of acculturation on mother-daughter dyadic relationships in mothers and daughters who abuse substances.…”