Diet quality among a community sample of Latinas reporting drug and alcohol use; The Latino Women’s Study

Abstract

Background: Substance use is known to negatively impact health through direct toxicity of drugs on metabolism, substance using lifestyle and poor dietary intake. Hispanic women (Latinas) have not been the focus of substance use research because their rates of use tend to be lower compared to Latinos. Yet, Latinas enter substance use treatment with more severe medical conditions than their male counterparts. Objective: To determine whether diet quality of Latinas who use substances is different from those who do not. Method: 320 Latinas were recruited from Miami, FL. After signed informed consent, a 24 hour dietary recall, the Drug Use Frequency Questionnaire and the Health and Daily Living Form were administered. We calculated the Healthy Eating Index (HEI), a measure of diet quality based on conformance to Federal dietary guidelines. Substance users (n=153) were defined as those reporting illicit drug use, non-prescribed use of sedatives, and/or >5 alcoholic beverages on one occasion at least once a month in the past year. Results: ANOVA indicated substance using Latinas had lower mean HEI scores than non using (n=167) (60.4±12 vs. 64.5±12 p=.002). Similarly, substance users had lower HEI component scores with respect to fruit consumption (5.0±4 vs. 3.2±3.7 p<.05) and variety of diet (8.9±2.3 vs. 8.2±2.8 p=.03). Conclusions: Diet quality among substance using Latinas is compromised and needs improvement. This group should receive nutrition counseling to meet dietary guidelines. Funded by NIDA grant #1F31 DA020205-01A1