Explaining the alcohol immigrant paradox: Perspectives from Mexican American adults.

Abstract

Native-born Latinx Americans are at greater risk for alcohol use and misuse than their foreignborn peers (i.e., the alcohol immigrant paradox). To understand this phenomenon, we conducted a qualitative study with Mexican American adults in the community to explore their perspectives on reasons that may explain the alcohol immigrant paradox. Community adults from the Southwest United States were recruited to participate in the present focus group study (N = 32, Mage = 32.8, 63.0% women). Participants shared their observations, beliefs, and lived experiences regarding alcohol use and misuse during in-person semi-structured interviews. Using a combination of grounded theory and consensual qualitative research approaches, we identified three key themes that illuminated Mexican Americans' perspectives regarding factors that may underlie the immigrant paradox in alcohol involvement: (1) exposure to risks in the U.S., (2) loss of Mexican values that are protective against alcohol misuse, and (3) deterrents specific to immigrants. Participants' perceptions for reasons that explain nativity differences in alcohol use were consistent with erosion theory. To the effect of considering negative drinking-related social consequences, participants indicated that this nativity difference also may explain the immigrant paradox in alcohol involvement. This type of immigrant-specific deterrents to engaging in (hazardous) drinking is not currently represented in the literature. New knowledge gleaned from Mexican Americans' perspectives can inform future research that examines the possible mechanisms and moderating conditions that underlie the alcohol immigrant paradox.

Mapping Problematic Drinking Trends over Time in Urban, Semi-Urban, and Rural Populations

“…Changes in alcohol consumption and cultural attitudes towards consumption have changed over time. Increased wealth in both developed and developing countries contributes to increased alcohol consumption [ 5 , 6 ], in addition to acculturation-related factors for long-term migrants and first-generation descendants [ 7 , 8 ]. Deregulation of alcohol sales over time result in increased alcohol outlets and hours of operation in low socio-economic status (SES) neighborhoods [ 9 ].…”