Differences in barriers to specialty alcohol treatment between Latino and White adults with an alcohol use disorder

Abstract

Background

Among individuals with an alcohol use disorder (AUD), little is known about why Latino adults are less likely to use formal alcohol treatment than their non-Hispanic White counterparts.

Objective

To investigate Latino-White differences in barriers to specialty alcohol treatment, including sex differences by race/ethnicity.

Methods

In 2021, a national sample of 1200 Latino and White adults with AUD were recruited to complete a structured online questionnaire. Alcohol treatment barriers were assessed using the 36-item Barriers to Specialty Alcohol Treatment (BSAT) scale. Differences in barriers to specialty alcohol treatment between Latino and White participants were examined using multivariable regression models.

Results

Latino (vs. White) adults had greater odds of reporting that specialty alcohol treatment was not culturally accepted (AOR): 1.43; 95 % CI: 1.29–1.59), concerns that providers might not understand their cultural background (AOR: 1.45; 95 % CI: 1.32–1.61), and that providers would not be of the same racial/ethnic or cultural background as them (AOR: 1.58; 95 % CI: 1.42–1.76) as reasons for not using treatment. Further, Latino (vs. White) adults were more likely to endorse immigration-related barriers to treatment, including concerns about disclosing sensitive information, such as their immigration status (AOR: 1.34; 95 % CI: 1.21–1.48) or that using treatment would negatively affect their own immigration status (AOR: 1.35; 95 % CI: 1.21–1.48) or the immigration status of someone in their family (AOR: 1.36; 95 % CI: 1.23–1.50). No sex differences by race/ethnicity were documented.

Conclusion

Culturally tailoring existing alcohol treatment services that incorporate immigration-related concerns may be key for encouraging Latino adults to use formal alcohol treatment services.