Help-Seeking Patterns and Barriers to Care Among Latino Immigrant Men with Unhealthy Alcohol Use.

Abstract

Latino immigrant men have high rates of unhealthy alcohol use, a wide range of behaviors, from drinking above the recommended limits to severe alcohol use disorder, yet have low levels of treatment-seeking. Little is known about their preferred sources of care and barriers to care. Using survey data from a community-based sample of Latino immigrant men (N=121) with unhealthy alcohol use (AUDIT≥6), we described help-seeking patterns and perceived barriers to care. The mean AUDIT score was 20 (SD 10; range 6-40), and 49% of men had severe levels of unhealthy alcohol use (AUDIT score ≥ 20). We observed low help-seeking rates and high levels of perceived internal and external barriers. Thirty percent reported having sought help for drinking. Most men reported wanting to solve their drinking problem on their own (65%). Our findings were consistent with previous research. Future studies should further describe barriers to treatment among low-income Latino immigrant men with unhealthy alcohol use and identify ways to increase access to low-cost, high-quality treatment options.