Vulnerability for drug use among Latino adolescents

In this study we developed separate risk and protective factor indices to e xamine vulnerability to drug use among Latino high school students. Survey data were collected from 516 Latino 9th and 10th grade youth in the Los Ang eles area. Frequency and quantity of use data were collected for cigarettes , alcohol, marijuana, inhalants, cocaine, and other illicit drugs. Feu gend er differences emerged in prevalence of drug use and about 25% were already involved in heavy drug use. Seventeen variables were examined for inclusio n in a risk factor index (RFI) or protective factor index (PFI). Bivariate, multivariate, and structural equation models (SEM) were employed in the an alysis of data. All of the variables except for one were more risk-inducing than protective for these Latino youth. However, as a group, the PFI predi cted several types of drug use for boys and girls, and moderated the advers e effects of the RFI. At a high level of risk, a high level of protection w as associated with reduced use for some types of drugs. In the SEM, vulnera bility to drug use as indicated by the RFI and PFI was strongly associated with drug use for both boys and girls and more strongly related to drug use than the RFI or PFI alone. These results have exciting implications for in tervention. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.