Alcohol consumption and psychological distress among U.S. Anglos, Hispanics and Blacks

Data from the Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Augmentation Component of the U.S. National Center for Health Statistics were analysed to assess differences between Anglos (N=5546), Blacks (N=872), less-acculturated Hispanics (N=182), and more-acculturated Hispanics (N=58) with regard to alcohol use, psychological distress, and alcohol consumption-psychological distress relationships. Alcohol consumption differences were more notable for quantity rather than frequency, with Hispanics reporting significantly higher quantity than Anglos or Blacks. Drinkers were more depressed than non-drinkers among Anglos and Blacks; an opposite, though insignificant, pattern emerged among Hispanics. Higher quantity of alcohol use was generally associated with greater depressive symptomatology and lower well-being. More frequent drinking was generally associated with lower depressive symptoms and higher well-being. Additional findings that pointed to negative relationships between quantity and both reported nervous breakdowns and help-seeking for emotional problems among less-acculturated Hispanics suggest a greater use of alcohol as a coping mechanism in this group.