Distinct classes of alcohol use and related problems among Asian American young adults

There is little understanding and minimal research identifying distinct subgroups of drinkers among ethnic minority populations, particularly Asian Americans, although growing evidence suggests that high-risk groups of Asian American drinkers exist. Sociocultural factors, including ethnic background and nativity status can be theoretically important factors that might be associated with these distinct groups. Additionally, well-established correlates of alcohol use, such as drinking to cope, Greek membership, and alcohol expectancies might also be associated with these distinct groups. The purpose of the study was to: (a) identify distinct classes of drinkers among 657 Asian American college students, and (b) examine the factors associated with the latent classes of drinkers. Four classes were identified, and the 2 high-risk groups included: (a) High Risk Binge Drinking class (10%): engaging in binge drinking (4 drinks in a 2 h sitting for women and 5 drinks for men) around 14.92 times in the past 3 months, reporting getting intoxicated 10.26 times over the past 3 months and 11 alcohol-related problems; (b) Monthly Binge Drinking class (27%): engaging in binge drinking 3.5 times in the past 3 months, reporting getting intoxicated 2.49 times over the past 3 months, and 7.8 alcohol-related problems. United States-born individuals were more likely to be in the High Risk Binge Drinking class; higher drinking to cope motives and being involved in a sorority or fraternity differentiated the higher drinking classes from the low-risk classes. Korean and South Asian Americans were less likely to be in the Monthly Binge Drinking class. This study illustrates that high risk drinking subgroups exist among Asian American young adults attending college, and identifies relevant correlates to drinking. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2019 APA, all rights reserved).