Factors Related to Alcohol Misuse Among American Indian and Alaskan Native Youth: Are they Same or Different from Those of Other Racial/Ethnic Groups?

• In Event: Examining Indicators of Emotional Well-Being in Underserved Subgroups and Communities of Youth

Abstract

Compared to other racial/ethnic groups, we know that American Indian and Alaskan Native (AIAN) and White youth generally have the highest rates of alcohol misuse. While these elevated risks have been documented with several sources, we still know very little about the factors that both protect against and increase the likelihood of alcohol misuse across racial/ethnic groups. Using the 2023 Youth Behavior Risk Survey (YBRS), this paper first predicts the probability of alcohol misuse for a full sample using the variables known to affect this probability including previous childhood abuse, emotional well-being, social bonds (e.g., to family and school), and other demographic characteristics. Next, racial/ethnic-specific models are examined to determine the etiological similarities and differences that exist in predicting alcohol misuse across subgroups. Limitations and suggestions for policy and future research are discussed.

Authors

• Bernice Petit, University of Delaware

• Ronet Bachman, University of Delaware