POLYDRUG USE PATTERNS AMONG MEXICAN AMERICAN WOMEN.

BACKGROUND

Co-occurring drug use among U.S.-born Latinas is underexamined. This study examines the relationship between polydrug use patterns and social inequality among low-income Mexican American women.

METHODS

Data stems from 199 Mexican American adult women collected during the follow-up period of Proyecto SALTO, a longitudinal cohort study. Latent class analysis (LCA) identified patterns of past month's marijuana, amphetamine, cocaine, and heroin use. Age-adjusted multinomial logistic regressions were conducted between covariates and latent classes.

RESULTS

LCA identified three classes: Non/Low-Use, 60.30% (n=120); Marijuana Use, 27.64% (n=55); and Polydrug Use, 12.06% (n=24). Marijuana and Polydrug Use classes had lower socioeconomic status indicators compared to the Non/Low-Use group.

CONCLUSION

Though our sample's drug use remains high compared to the general population, the largest class was Non/Low-Use. Low socioeconomic status and fractured family relationships were found to increase susceptibility for marijuana and polydrug use. Recognizing and addressing socioeconomic conditions is critical for tailored interventions.