Keywords
Maternal; Hispanic; Substance use; Socioeconomic; Acculturation; Mental Health
Abstract
Aim: To explore and synthesize existing research that focuses on the relationship between socioeconomic status and the use of substances amongst the maternal Hispanic population. By examining research and these factors, interventions can be identified to lower reported substance use rates amongst Hispanic mothers of childbearing ages.
Background: Minorities such as Hispanic women deal with a myriad of struggles, especially during motherhood. Socioeconomic status and substance use can contribute to a large part of the struggles faced by this population. Hispanic and Latina will be used interchangeably throughout this review of literature.
Method: A comprehensive electronic review of 3 databases was utilized to compile relevant research articles within the database of APA PsycINFO, CINAHL Ultimate, and MEDLINE. Articles followed trends within the defined population based on inclusion/exclusion search criteria. A review of common themes and interventions relevant to the studied demographic was compiled to obtain an in-depth grasp of current research and showcased as a reported analysis.
Key Issues: Low socioeconomic Hispanic women who are either pregnant, have/care for children, or who are a maternal figure amongst their household face adversities in various aspects ranging from socioenvironmental deficits to lack of health care access and education. Various studies suggest substance use rates tend to be higher among women with low socioeconomic status compared to Hispanic women with higher socioeconomic status. This factor must be perceived to allow for the discovery of interventions concerning substance use and Hispanic mothers facing various adversities.
Conclusion: At-home interventions, accessible community healthcare, involvement have demonstrated lower rates of substance use among Hispanic women within the maternal population. Numerous articles supported the conclusive evidence of interventions and the effectiveness of having public communal support resources available. Future research should focus on accessible community healthcare and having resources available to mothers struggling with substance use.
Keywords: Maternal, Hispanic, Latina, Substance use, Socioeconomic, Stress, Acculturation, Mental Health
Thesis Completion Year
2025
Thesis Completion Semester
Spring
Thesis Chair
Cooks, Fayshonda
College
College of Nursing
Department
Nursing
Thesis Discipline
Nursing
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus Access
None
Campus Location
UCF Cocoa
STARS Citation
Olivo, Emily C., "The Impact of Socioeconomic Status on Substance Use Amongst the Hispanic Maternal Population" (2025). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 287.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hut2024/287
Included in
Family, Life Course, and Society Commons, Other Mental and Social Health Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons, Social Psychology and Interaction Commons, Social Statistics Commons, Substance Abuse and Addiction Commons
Rights Statement
