Do Coping Strategies Modify the Association Between Experiencing Parental Alcohol Misuse and Symptoms of Depression, Anxiety and Alcohol Consumption? A Case–Control Study Among Young People From Deprived Urban Areas in Latin America

Abstract

Objective: Assess the association between experiencing parental alcohol misuse with depression, anxiety and frequency of alcohol use among young people, and evaluate participants’ coping strategies as effect modifiers. Methods: Participants were adolescents and young adults from deprived Bogotá, Buenos Aires, and Lima areas. We evaluated the relationship between experiencing parental alcohol misuse and presence of depression (PHQ-8), anxiety (GAD-7), and frequency of alcohol use (ASSIST), and examined the modifying effect of coping (CCSC-R1). Results: Young people who experienced parental alcohol misuse in the last year had 2.41 and 2.30 times higher odds of having depression and anxiety, respectively, and 1.91 and 2.49 times higher odds of drinking monthly and weekly, compared to those who did not. Those who experienced it more than a year ago had 1.60 and 1.58 times higher odds of having depression and anxiety, respectively, compared to participants who did not. Coping strategies were not significant effect modifiers. Conclusions: Parental alcohol misuse is associated with emotional distress and frequency of alcohol use in young people. Family-based interventions should address youth drinking and promote positive parenting practices.