An assessment of individual-level factors associated with alcohol treatment utilization among Mexican Americans

J Subst Abuse Treat. 2014 Nov-Dec;47(5):347-52. doi: 10.1016/j.jsat.2014.06.011. Epub 2014 Jul 12.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to identify enabling factors for treatment utilization for alcohol-related problems, and to evaluate how enabling factors vary by need for treatment, among two samples of Mexican American adults. These two distinct samples included 2,595 current and former drinkers (one sample included 787 U.S./Mexico border residents; the other sample included 740 Mexican Americans living in U.S. cities not proximal to the border). Need for treatment (alcohol disorder severity) and (male) gender were the primary correlates of treatment utilization; and there was no moderation in the enabling factors by need for treatment as "enablers" of utilization. Further theoretical and empirical research is necessary to determine which mechanisms are driving disparities in treatment utilization across racial/ethnic groups generally, and Hispanic national groups specifically.

Keywords: Alcohol; Border; Hispanic; Mexican American; Treatment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alcoholism / psychology
  • Alcoholism / therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Mexican Americans / psychology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Sex Factors
  • Substance Abuse Treatment Centers / statistics & numerical data*
  • Young Adult