Intersectional Profiles of Hispanic Sexual Minority Youth and Substance Use Depressive Symptoms

Strategic Insights -

A recent study has shed new light on the complex relationships between identity markers, substance use, and depressive symptoms among Hispanic sexual minority youth (HSMY). The research, conducted by a team of experts from the University of Miami, analyzed a sample of 974 Hispanic adolescents and identified distinct profiles of HSMY with varying identity markers. The study found significant differences in substance use and depressive symptoms across these profiles, with a particular emphasis on the need for tailored preventive interventions to address the unique needs of these groups.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study identified four distinct profiles of HSMY: English-speaking, integrated, US-born, non-sexual minority youth; Spanish-speaking, separated, non-US-born, non-sexual minority youth; English-speaking, culturally marginalized, US-born, HSMY; and Spanish-speaking, culturally marginalized, non-US-born, HSMY.
  • There were significant differences across classes on past 90-day substance use, with class 3 (English-speaking, culturally marginalized, US-born, HSMY) being more likely to report substance use and depressive symptoms.
  • The study highlights the need for preventive interventions that take into account the unique needs of each profile, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach.
  • The research concludes that "results suggest that there is a need for tailored preventive interventions to address the unique needs of these groups."
  • The study is significant in understanding the complex relationships between identity markers, substance use, and depressive symptoms among HSMY.

Statistics:

  • 974 Hispanic adolescent participants between the ages of 12 and 18 years were included in the study.
  • 24.4% of the participants identified as HSMY.
  • A four-class solution was optimal in the latent class analysis of indicators of baseline sexual orientation, acculturation, time in the United States, country of origin, and language preference.
  • Class 3 (English-speaking, culturally marginalized, US-born, HSMY) was more likely to report substance use and depressive symptoms (p < 0.05).
  • The study was peer-reviewed and published in the Journal of Adolescent Health (2025;77(2):292-299).

Sources:

  • Intersecting Identities Among Hispanic Sexual Minority Youth and Their Relationship With Substance Use and Depressive Symptoms. Journal of Adolescent Health, 2025;77(2):292-299. doi: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2025.06.001.
  • University of Miami. NewsRx. Findings from University of Miami Provide New Insights into Biomarkers (Intersecting Identities Among Hispanic Sexual Minority Youth and Their Relationship With Substance Use and Depressive Symptoms). Health & Medicine Week. September 26, 2025; p 1586.