The relationship between substance use, body image, and social physique anxiety amongst school-aged adolescents on theTexas/Mexico border

Abstract

Background: Marijuana and alcohol use are higher in Hispanic youth in the U.S. compared with their non-Hispanic peers. Among adolescents, negative body image (BI) is associated with risky behaviors including substance use. Few studies have looked at the link between BI and substance use among adolescents, particularly along the US-Mexico border. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between BI and substance use among 6th-12th grade students living along the south Texas-Mexico border. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, 556 Mexican-American students (44.9% male, M age = 13.22 years) from randomly selected schools representing 6th-12th grades near the south Texas/Mexico border self-reported age, gender and substance use behaviors, and completed measures of social physique anxiety (SPA), perceived and ideal BI. BI dissatisfaction, SPA, and substance use were compared by gender and grade level. Prevalence ratios were calculated to assess the likelihood of students using alcohol, tobacco or marijuana. Results: No differences in BI dissatisfaction or social physique were found across grades. Girls had higher SPA scores compared to boys (P= 0.006), but no differences were found for BI dissatisfaction. Older students reported smoking and drinking more than younger students. As SPA increased the prevalence of drinking decreased. Conclusions: Future public health efforts to reduce substance use among Hispanic youth may start before or during middle school. Consideration of physical self-presentation might be important given the timing of first use coincides with growth and maturation.