2025-09-27
Christina C. Tam, Katherine Karriker-Jaffe, Libo Li, Deidre Patterson, Sarah E. Drzarte, Derek N. Wills, David A. Gilder, Cindy L. Ehlers
Purpose: Trends in heavy drinking among Mexican American young adults are shifting in the United States. Despite elevated risks for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and related problems among Mexican American populations, little work has examined mechanisms contributing to alcohol outcomes in the context of their neighborhood environments. This study examines how neighborhood environment factors (ethnic density and distance to the nearest border port of entry) and cultural factors (acculturative stress and ethnic identity) relate to AUD. Method : The sample of 575 Mexican American men and women (aged 18 to 30) was recruited from San Diego County, California, USA. We assessed the indirect effects of Mexican American ethnic density and distance to the nearest border port of entry, on AUD through acculturative stress and ethnic identity. Multiple group path analysis was used to test sex differences. Results : While sex differences were not observed in the overall model, there were differential associations with focal variables for each group. For women, greater proportions of ethnic density and greater distance to the nearest port of entry were both negatively associated with AUD. For both women and men, acculturative stress was positively associated with AUD, and neighborhood environment indicators were not related to acculturative stress nor ethnic identity. Conclusions : These data may inform further studies to integrate social and cultural mechanisms in creation of place-based strategies for AUD prevention.
2025-09-25
Jürgen Rehm, Sawitri Assanangkornchai, Gianna Gayle H. Amul, Pheak Chhoun, Noran N. Hairi, Ahmed S. Hassan, Enjeline Hanafi, Hoang Thi My Hanh, Kyaw Ko Ko Htet, Wah Yun Low, Belinda J. Murtani, Jiraluck Nontarak, Sok King Ong, Kevin Shield, Kristiana Siste, Vathsana Somphet, Vanphanom Sychareun, Chansathit Taikeophithoun, Vassana Thammavongsa, Wen Ting Tong, Polathep Vichitkunakorn, Nguyen The Vinh, Wit Wichaidith, Andreas Suryo Wijaya, Siyan YI, Nurhaliza Zakariah, Ko Ko Zaw, Nyi Nyi Zayar, Hafsah Alwafa Zulakmal, Bundit Sornpaisarn
Introduction: Economic development leads to higher life expectancy, and in most countries is also associated with a higher level of alcohol consumption, as more people start to consume alcohol. As alcohol consumption is a major risk factor for many diseases, this increased consumption of alcohol reduces life expectancy, and in turn slows down economic development. However, alcohol control policies may reduce consumption and mitigate the detrimental effects of alcohol use on life expectancy and the economy. The objectives of this study are to quantify the interrelations between alcohol control policies, levels and patterns of consumption, life expectancy, and economic development for the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries between 2000 and 2023. Methods and analysis : Secondary data analysis of available data will be undertaken, using a cross-sectionally correlated and time-wise autoregressive model for the main conceptual model. In addition, the detrimental effects of alcohol consumption on economic development will be estimated directly and indirectly via its effect on health indicators. Ethics and Dissemination : As a secondary analysis study of publicly available data, this research does not require approval by a research ethics board. Its results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, webinars, and other forms available to decision-makers. Strengths and limitations : We selected a region, the ASEAN countries, which experienced high growth in economic growth wealth as measured by increases in per capita Gross Domestic Product in Purchasing Power Parity since the turn of the century. We were able to use standardized comparable data from international agencies (World Bank, World Health Organization). The study is based on a on a strong conceptual model; i.e., the framework of Angus Deaton, expanded to include the impact of alcohol. We have sufficient data points available to conduct the cross-sectionally correlated and time-wise autoregressive model. However, there may be difficulties in modeling feedback loops within a system in which a change in one variable can eventually lead back to affect the original variable. Finally, there are important potential practical implications for health policy.