Do people with intersecting identities report more high-risk alcohol use and lifetime substance use?

Daniel Demant (), Oscar Oviedo-Trespalacios, Julie-Anne Carroll, Jason A. Ferris, Larissa Maier, Monica J. Barratt and Adam R. Winstock
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Daniel Demant: University of Technology Sydney
Oscar Oviedo-Trespalacios: Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Julie-Anne Carroll: Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Jason A. Ferris: University of Queensland
Larissa Maier: University of Zurich
Monica J. Barratt: UNSW Sydney
Adam R. Winstock: University College London

International Journal of Public Health, 2018, vol. 63, issue 5, No 9, 630 pages

Abstract: Abstract Objectives We examined protective and non-protective effects of disadvantaged social identities and their intersections on lifetime substance use and risky alcohol consumption. Methods Data from 90,941 participants of the Global Drug Survey 2015 were analysed. Multivariable logistic regressions were used to calculate adjusted odds ratios for lifetime use of nine psychoactive substances, as well as high-risk/harmful alcohol use. Disadvantaged identities from three categories (ethnicity, sexual identity, gender), and interactions between these were compared. Results Findings indicate that participants with disadvantaged ethnic and sexual minority identities are more likely to use psychoactive substances compared to their counterparts. The intersecting identity ‘disadvantaged ethnic identity and sexual minority’ appears to be protective compared to those with just one of these identities. While female gender appears to be highly protective in general, it is not protective among females with disadvantaged social identities. Conclusions Stark disparities in substance use between different social identities and their intersections emphasise the importance of intersectionality theories in public health research intervention design. Future research on health equity, particularly substance use, should target individuals with intersecting identities.

Keywords: Substance use; Alcohol use; Intersectionality; Health inequality; Minority health (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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DOI: 10.1007/s00038-018-1095-5

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