Health-Related Issues in Latina Youth: Racial/Ethnic, Gender, and Generational Status Differences

Abstract

A B S T R A C TPurpose: Few studies have examined the early development of a broad range of health issues of importance in adolescence in Latina (female) youth, despite their being potentially a vulnerable group. This study compared suicide and depressive symptoms, substance use, violence exposure, injury prevention, obesity, and health-related quality of life among Latina, African-American, and white females as well as Latino (male) youth in fifth grade, as well as differences related to immigrant generational status for Latinas. Methods: Data were from the Healthy Passages study, including 3,349 African-American, Latina, and white females as well as Latino male fifth graders in three U.S. metropolitan areas. Self-report items and scales were used to compare status on health-related issues. Generational status was classified based on the parent report of birth location. Logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted, including adjustment for sociodemographic differences. Results: Latinas showed higher vulnerability than white females for several health issues, whereas few remained after adjustments for sociodemographic differences (higher obesity, lower bike helmet use, and lower physical health-related quality of life). Latina's lower vulnerability compared with African-American females generally persisted after adjustments. Third generation Latinas, after adjustments, reported lower prevalence of alcohol use and fewer friends using alcohol, yet higher future intentions of alcohol use, than first and second generation Latinas. There were few differences between Latina and Latino youth. Conclusions: Latina youth generally report low vulnerability across health issues in preadolescence. To the extent they appear at higher vulnerability than white females, this may be related to their disadvantaged sociodemographic status.

Non-Suicidal Self-Injury, Neuroticism, and Ethnic Identity in Young Latina Adults

“…In general, Latinas show a higher vulnerability to developing poor physical and mental health in childhood compared to their non-Latinx White peers (Martin-Gutierrez et al, 2017). Part of this vulnerability may be attributed to contextual stressors, which exacerbate distress and negative affect.…”

Facilitating Change in Drinking Cognitions and Behaviors Among Three Immigrant Generations of Latinx Youth Through a School-Based Intervention: Findings From a Multi-Site Clinical Trial

“…This is troubling given that traditional Latinx households may hold stronger sanctions against alcohol use by girls than boys (39,40). Few studies have examined how patterns of use by gender change across immigrant generational status (41,42). However, there is some evidence to suggest that exposure to risky environments may have more influence on alcohol use behaviors for Latina than Latino teens.…”