Development and Evaluation of a Measure of Drinking Behavior in Response to Acculturation Stressors for Latinx Adults Entering Alcohol Treatment

Robert Rosales ¹, Christina S Lee ², Dharma Cortés ³

⁰Brown University School of Public Health, Department of Behavioral & Social Sciences, Center for Alcohol and Addictions Studies, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI 02903.

Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment +

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March 4, 2024

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This study developed the Measure of Immigration and Acculturation Stressors (MIAS) and the Measure of Drinking in Response to Immigration and Acculturation Stressors (MDRIAS) to assess how immigration stress impacts drinking behaviors in Latinx adults.

Area Of Science

Psychology
Public Health
Sociology

Background

Acculturation and immigration introduce unique stressors.
These stressors can significantly influence mental health and substance use behaviors, particularly heavy drinking among Latinx adults.
Existing measures may not fully capture the nuances of these experiences.

Purpose Of The Study

To develop and validate a scale measuring immigration and acculturation stressors.
To develop and validate a parallel scale assessing drinking behaviors in response to these stressors.
To provide tools for adapting alcohol interventions for Latinx populations.

Main Methods

Development of the 19-item Measure of Immigration and Acculturation Stressors (MIAS) and the Measure of Drinking in Response to Immigration and Acculturation Stressors (MDRIAS).
Administration of scales at baseline, 6 months, and 12 months within a randomized controlled trial.
Exploratory factor analysis for scale validation and reliability testing.

Main Results

The MIAS demonstrated a robust four-factor solution (Relational Stress, Perceived Ethnic Discrimination, Attenuated Aspirations, Sense of Alienation) with 15 items.
Both MIAS and MDRIAS subscales exhibited good reliability (internal consistency, test-retest) and criterion-related validity.
Scales effectively measured immigration stressors and corresponding drinking behaviors in Latinx adults.

Conclusions

The MIAS and MDRIAS are reliable and valid instruments for assessing immigration/acculturation stressors and related drinking in Latinx adults.
These measures can inform the adaptation of alcohol interventions to address specific stressors contributing to alcohol use.
Future research can utilize these tools to better understand and mitigate alcohol-related problems in immigrant and acculturating populations.

Keywords:

Acculturation Stress Alcohol Consumption Latinx Psychometric Evaluation Reliability