Alcohol Use and Depression Among U.S. Hispanics

Summary This paper reports on the relationship between drinking patterns, alcohol problems and depression among U.S. Hispanics. Subjects comprise a national probability sample of members of this ethnic group. Depression was estimated using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. The results show that depression, drinking and heavier drinking have different sociodemographic correlates. Depression is more common among women, among single respondents and among those with lower income. Drinking and heavier drinking are more frequent among men, among the young and among those with higher income. Problem drinkers have twice the chance of being depressed as compared to all others, and this is independent of sex.