Risk Factors for Substance Use Among Sexually and Gender Diverse Latine Youth and Young Adults: A Systematic Review

The purpose of this review was to examine socioecological risk factors for substance use among sexually and gender diverse (SGD) Latine youth and young adults (YYA).

We conducted a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-guided search in PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and MEDLINE on July 16, 2025. Inclusion criteria were the following: (1) peer-reviewed journal article published on or after January 2014; (2) sample aged between 10 and 29 years old; (3) intersectional analysis of Latine and SGD subsample; (4) analysis for associative or predictive properties of individual-level, interpersonal-level, and/or structural-level risk factors with substance use. Studies that failed to meet all criteria were excluded. The quality of articles was assessed using the Appraisal tool for Cross-Sectional Studies and the Quality of Reporting of Observational Longitudinal Research tool.

Twelve studies were included in the final synthesis, the majority being cross-sectional studies (9, 75%) with youth/adolescent samples (8, 67%). Outcomes from reviewed studies indicated that depression and psychological distress were associated with substance use among SGD Latine YYA. In addition, victimization, discrimination, and absence of social support contributed to substance use among SGD Latine YYA.

Outcomes from reviewed studies prompt targeted consideration of individual-level mental health and interpersonal-level discrimination and support as it relates to substance use prevention and intervention among SGD Latine YYA. Future research should explore the intersecting cultural influences of being Latine and SGD on substance use and access to mental health and social support resources among SGD Latine YYA.