Exposure to gangs in low-income urban communities and substance use among Hispanic youth

Autumn M. Bermea, David T. Lardier, Brad van Eeden-Moorefield, Pauline Garcia-Reid, Robert J. Reid

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

A third of Hispanic youth live below the poverty line, making them vulnerable for exposure to gangs, substances, and violence, all of which have been associated with substance use. The aim of the present study was to test the link between these variables, using a multiple mediation model. Results suggest that the relationship between gang exposure and adolescent substance use was mediated by both access to substances and exposure to violence. Findings provide insight into how gang exposure impacts outcomes for low-income youth. Implications for prevention and policy are discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)190-207
Number of pages18
JournalJournal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse
Volume19
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - 2 Apr 2020

Keywords

  • Adolescent alcohol use
  • adolescent drug use
  • culturally responsive prevention
  • gangs
  • violence exposure

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