THE ROLE OF PERCEIVED PEER SUBSTANCE USE IN THE ASSOCIATIONS BETWEEN COMMUNITY VIOLENCE AND LIFETIME SUBSTANCE USE AMONG LATINO ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

Research examining factors that account for the link between community violence exposure (CVE) and lifetime substance use is limited. Peer substance use warrants attention because of the influential role of peers in developing youth. Given the growing population of Latino youth in the United States and their risk for CVE and substance use, examining factors that account for this link in Latino youth is essential in developing culturally sensitive interventions. The current study examined whether peer substance use accounted for the link between CVE and lifetime substance use of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana among 144 Latino adolescents (54% male, aged 14–19 years). Results indicated that perceived peer use accounted for the link between CVE and alcohol and tobacco use and partially accounted for the link between CVE and marijuana use. Interventions targeting peer relations may aid in preventing substance use in Latino adolescents residing in neighborhoods with high levels of CVE.