Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms and Their Relationship to Drug and Alcohol Use in an International Sample of Latino Immigrants

Overview

Journal J Immigr Minor Health

Publisher Springer

Specialties Public Health
Social Sciences

Date 2016 May 7

PMID 27150593

Citations 12

Authors

Zorangeli Ramos

Lisa R Fortuna

Michelle V Porche

Ye Wang

Patrick E Shrout

Stephen Loder

Samantha McPeck

Nestor Noyola

Manuela Toro

Rodrigo Carmona

Margarita Alegria

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

We identify the prevalence and correlates of posttraumatic stress (PTSD) symptoms and their relationship to alcohol and substance use disorders (AUD/SUD) among Latino immigrants in two countries. A screening battery assessing PTSD symptoms (PCL-C), alcohol use (AUDIT), drug abuse (DAST), and psychological measures was administered to 562 Latino immigrants recruited in clinics. We used logistical regression analyses to evaluate the relationship between PTSD symptoms and AUD/SUD. Prevalence of elevated PTSD symptoms was high (53.7 % in Boston, 47.9 % in Madrid and, 43.8 % in Barcelona). Screening positive for psychological measures was significantly correlated to screening positive on the PCL-C (p < 0.001). Significant gender differences in risk of AUD/SUD were moderated by PTSD symptoms. Presence of any PTSD symptoms predicted problems with benzodiazepine misuse. Given the high rates of co-morbidity between PTSD symptoms and AUD/SUD, we recommend early interventions for dual pathology for Latino immigrants with trauma history.

Citing Articles

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Extortion experiences of recent adult immigrants from Latin America: self-reported prevalence, associated costs, and current mental health.

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Posttraumatic Stress and Alcohol Use Among Hispanic/Latinx University Students: A Moderated Indirect Effect Model of Coping-Related Drinking and Anxiety Sensitivity.

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The relationship between discrimination, alcohol use severity, and PTSD symptoms among Latinx heavy drinkers.

Lee C, Nalven T, Hai A, Pinedo M, Lopez V, Morris M J Subst Use Addict Treat. 2023; 159:209263.

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