Determinants of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs among latino immigrants in miami-dade county, florida

Abstract

Little is known about the pre- and postimmigration drinking and drunk- and drugged-driving behavior of Latino immigrants. Despite showing risky drinking behaviors, many recent immigrants of low socioeconomic status (SES) do not drive while impaired by alcohol (DWI) due largely to limited access to a vehicle. This effort examines the DWI and driving while impaired by drugs (DWID) behaviors of Latino immigrants who have access to a vehicle. Data came from an ongoing longitudinal sample of Latino immigrants to Miami-Dade County, Florida. Bivariate analyses and logistic regression were applied. Preimmigration DWI and DWID was the best predictor of postimmigration DWI and DWID. Future interventions should make efforts to (a) identify immigrants who had DWI and DWID in their country of origin and (b) design and deliver specific and culturally relevant messages to persuade them not to engage in DWI and DWID after immigration.