Understanding alcohol use disorder and help-seeking in a Hispanic faith-based community

Hispanic Americans are disproportionately affected by alcohol use disorders (AUD) yet many are reluctant to seek alcohol treatment. Faith-based communities could serve as an effective setting for raising awareness and supporting linkage to treatment given the strong role of faith within many Hispanic communities. Limited research, however, has focused on experiences of AUD and help-seeking among Hispanic Americans within congregational settings.

Using data from a California community-based longitudinal study of Hispanic church attendees with a probable AUD at baseline (n = 169), we examine the rates of help-seeking from health care providers and clergy at 1-year follow-up, and whether baseline sociodemographic characteristics and perceived need for treatment prospectively predict help seeking at 1-year follow-up.

A little over half of the participants with AUD at baseline sought help from health care providers (30%), clergy (13%), or both (8%) at 1-year follow-up. Help-seeking from health care providers was significantly associated with perceived need for treatment at baseline (OR = 4.05) and reported clergy services at 1-year follow-up (OR = 6.10). Help-seeking from clergy at 1-year follow-up was solely associated with not having health insurance at baseline (OR = 0.16).

Findings highlight the potential role that faith-based communities can play in strengthening awareness of alcohol-related problems and reducing barriers to seeking care. Partnering with faith-based communities to promote early recognition and facilitate connections to treatment may enhance support for Hispanic individuals with AUD.