Ethnic identity and religiosity are related to lower alcohol use and cannabis use in Arab American college students.

Background

Although religious and cultural factors have been related to substance use in various populations, research is needed regarding associations for Arab Americans.

Objectives

We examined how ethnic identity and religiosity relate to the odds and frequency of alcohol and cannabis use in Arab American college students during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as differences by biological sex and Muslim upbringingMethods:Arab American college students (N = 173; Mage = 20.1, range 17-23; 60.7% female; 44.5% Christian upbringing, 43.9% Muslim upbringing) were recruited through electronic flyers and a psychology subject pool in California. Participants reported their ethnic identity affirmation (i.e. feeling positively about being Arab American) and search (i.e. learning about Arab culture), religiosity, and past-year alcohol and cannabis useResults: Greater ethnic identity affirmation was related to less frequent alcohol (OR = .68, p = .046) and cannabis use over the past year (OR = .58, p = .030), whereas greater ethnic identity search was related to lower odds of alcohol (OR = 0.66, p = .025) and cannabis use (OR = 0.68, p = .025). Greater ethnic identity search was also related to less frequent alcohol use among individuals from Muslim upbringings (OR = .37, p = .004). Greater religiosity was related to less frequent alcohol (OR = .61, p = .015) and cannabis use (OR = .44, p = .005). It was also related to lower odds of using alcohol and cannabis, with significantly stronger associations among individuals from Muslim upbringings (OR = .39, p = .040; OR = .40, p = .048)

Conclusion

Ethnic identity and religiosity buffered substance use risk. Culturally tailored interventions and supporting cultural experiences may reduce Arab American students' substance use.