Cultural values and substance use in a multiethnic sample of California adolescents

Abstract

As the U.S. becomes increasingly multicultural, traditional values from various cultures will influence health-related attitudes and behaviors for a greater number of adolescents in the U.S. Unfortunately, few scales exist to measure cultural influences on adolescent health behaviors. This study developed a Multiethnic Cultural Values Scale to assess some cultural attitudes and beliefs relevant to adolescent health behaviors. In a multiethnic sample of 211 California adolescents, the associations between cultural values and substance use were examined. Filial piety and familism were associated with a lower risk of substance use. Machismo was associated with a higher risk of substance use among boys and a lower risk among girls. Collectivism and fatalism were not significantly associated with substance use. Cultural values may influence adolescents' decisions about substance use. Prevention programs in multicultural settings may be more effective if they address these cultural values.