Race/ethnicity and contexts: associations of racial/ethnic discrimination with underage youth’s alcohol use and drinking contexts

Abstract

Background This study examined how racial/ethnic discrimination may shape alcohol use behaviors, related problems, and contexts of alcohol use among underage youth (<21 years old). Age group differences were also explored. Methods Cross-sectional data were obtained from California youth identified as racial and ethnic minoritized youth (n = 605; ages 14–20). An adapted version of the Everyday Discrimination Scale was used to assess racial/ethnic discrimination. Demographics were also assessed. Outcomes included drinking status, past-6-month alcohol frequency and quantity, number of types of alcohol-related problems, risk for alcohol addiction, and past-6-month alcohol frequency and quantity in public and private settings. Multinomial, negative binomial, and linear regression analyses were conducted, controlling for demographics and exposure to context settings. Results Experiencing racial/ethnic discrimination was positively associated with lifetime drinking, any past-6-month drinking, and risk for alcohol addiction. It was also positively associated with the past-6-month typical number of drinks participants consumed in public settings. Age-group differences were observed with some greater risks for older underage youth (18–20 years old). Conclusions Findings suggest the importance of trauma-informed interventions for youth of diverse racial/ethnic groups and for addressing racial/ethnic discrimination in schools or communities to address alcohol use inequities in young people.