Correlates and Predictors of Alcohol Consumption and Negative Consequences of Alcohol Use Among Latino Migrant Farmworkers in Nebraska

Alcohol is a significant issue among the Latino farmworker population. This study used cross-sectional data from the Nebraska Migrant Farmworker Health Study, 2016 (N = 241) to (1) describe drinking behavior, (2) evaluate associations between alcohol consumption and negative consequences from alcohol use and various social and demographic variables, and (3) assess contextual and interpersonal predictors of alcohol consumption and negative consequences from alcohol use. Descriptive, bivariate statistics and hierarchical multiple regression were used. Results indicated that over 30% of participants had engaged in heavy drinking in the last year. Alcohol consumption was significantly positively associated with negative consequences of alcohol use and significantly negatively associated with work safety climate and age. Negative consequences from alcohol use was significantly negatively associated with work safety climate. Significant predictors of alcohol consumption included work safety climate and age. Being married or in a relationship, alcohol consumption, and work safety climate were significant predictors of negative consequences from alcohol use. This study highlights the potential positive spillover effect of work safety climate on worker drinking behaviors. Implications and recommendations for agricultural employers, farmworker health advocates, and social service agencies are discussed.