Alcohol Use Disorder Risk and Protective Factors and Associated Harms Among Pacific Islander Young Adults

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Sociology
• Psychology

Background:

• Pacific Islander (PI) young adults exhibit disproportionately high rates of hazardous drinking and alcohol use disorders (AUDs).
• Limited research exists on specific risk and protective factors influencing alcohol-related behaviors in this demographic.
• A significant gap in culturally grounded AUD prevention strategies for PI young adults has been identified.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore major risk factors, protective factors, and negative consequences associated with hazardous drinking and AUDs among Pacific Islander young adults.
• To inform the development of culturally relevant AUD prevention interventions for this population.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative study employing 8 focus groups.
• Involved 69 Pacific Islanders, including 51 young adults and 18 informal providers.
• Data collection focused on understanding experiences with hazardous drinking and AUDs.

Main Results:

• Identified key risk factors: life stressors leading to self-medication, peer pressure, permissive norms, and alcohol accessibility.
• Documented negative consequences: physical altercations, health and relationship issues, reputational damage, and community harms (e.g., DUI, sexual violence).
• Highlighted protective factors: cultural emphasis on family reputation, religious faith, family obligations, and prosocial activities (sports, dance, choir).

Conclusions:

• Effective AUD prevention for PI young adults requires interventions that directly address identified risk factors.
• Culturally responsive strategies incorporating protective factors such as family values and community engagement are essential.
• The development of a culturally grounded AUD prevention program tailored to PI young adults is urgently needed.