Pandemic-Related Stressors Linked to Cannabis and Nicotine Use in a Longitudinal Study of Asian, Latinx, and White Young Adults.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Systemic inequities are associated with stressor experiences of racial and ethnic minoritized individuals and disparities in health and substance use. Recently, young adults (YAs) experienced pandemic-related stressors but the differences in exposure and their long-term implications for substance use are not well-understood. We examined associations of pandemic-related stressors with alcohol, cannabis, and nicotine use among non-Latinx (NL) Asian, Latinx, and NL White YAs in the context where the use of these substances is legal for those 21+.

Methods

We used data from a statewide longitudinal (2019-2022) sample of YAs in Washington State (N=3,646; 13.8% NL Asian, 16.6% Latinx, and 69.6% NL White; 74.9%, 75.1%, and 74.2% female, respectively). Stressors in 2020 were regressed on race and ethnicity and 2019 background covariates. Substance use outcomes (modeled as latent variables of use in 2020-2022) were regressed on race and ethnicity, 2020 stressors, and background covariates.

Results

Latinx YAs experienced more pandemic-related stressors than NL White YAs. Across 2020-2022 and adjusting for use in 2019, Latinx YAs reported more cannabis use days and NL Asian YAs reported fewer cannabis and alcohol use days than NL White YAs. Stressors were positively and significantly associated with cannabis, cigarette, and e-cigarette use in 2020-2022 but were not strongly associated with alcohol use. Associations between substance use and stressors were similar across groups.

Conclusions

Pandemic-related stressors may have long-term implications for YAs' substance use, and these stressors are an area of emphasis for preventive interventions.

SUBMITTER: Martinez G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12802416 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature