Non-Medical Prescription Sedative Use Among Adult Latina Mothers and Daughters

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Abstract
This study examines correlates of non-medical prescription sedative, tranquilizer, and hypnotics use (hereafter NPSU) among a non-clinical, community-based sample of adult Latina mother-daughter dyads. Participants were 316 Latina mothers and daughters enrolled in a study of intergenerational transmission of drug abuse and HIV/AIDS risk behaviors in South Florida. Interviewers administered a questionnaire containing study variables such as age, education, time in the U.S., Spanish language proficiency, health insurance status, wellness behaviors, perceived health condition, alcohol use, NPSU, and other drug use. Correlates of NPSU across mothers and daughters were determined using a dyadic model analysis. Daughters’ health status, age, wellness, and illicit drug use were associated with mothers’ NPSU. Mothers who reported being uninsured, having higher levels of education, and indicating poorer health statuses reported more NPSU. Daughters’ wellness behaviors, age, illicit drug use, and insurance status were associated with their NPSU. Insured mothers and mothers who engaged in illicit drug use had daughters who reported more NPSU. The study's findings provide a modest understanding of family dynamics surrounding NPSU, and it suggests that as women age and their perceived health status worsens, their NPSU may increase.

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