Risk and protective factors of Hispanic youth in Utah

In this study of adolescent risk and protective factors, secondary analysis was used to examine the use of alcohol and other substances. Comparisons of Hispanic youth were made to the White population. The data showed that the Hispanic youth (n > = 762) used more substances than the White youth (n < = 7,854). The substances used most were alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana. Most of the risk and protective factors were the same between the two groups, with the analysis showing a significant statistical difference between the percentage of risk and protective factors. The areas of greatest difference were early initiation of substance use, personal transition and mobility, family history of antisocial behavior, and academic failure. Linear regression indicated that peer and individual risk and protective factors had the greatest impact on substance abuse. Culture was also found to be a protective factor.