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Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation


Drinking in Mexico by Whites and Hispanics on California’s Border

A new study by the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation found that those living near the border, Hispanic, and regular drinkers are more prone to heavy drinking in Mexico. Exposure to riskier environments increases heavy drinking, alcohol intoxication, and related problems like aggression and injuries.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalJournal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 19, 2021

Recreational marijuana legalization and co-use with alcohol among adolescents

A new study found that recreational marijuana legalization may increase the risk of alcohol and marijuana co-use among adolescents in California. The study suggests that restricting access to retail outlets, hours of operation, advertising, and imposing higher taxes on products may help reduce this negative public health effect.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 30, 2021

Adolescents’ tobacco and nicotine use: Differential associations among racial and ethnic groups

A new study by the Prevention Research Center found that California's T21 law has positive public health effects on adolescent tobacco and nicotine use. The law is associated with reduced use among students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, particularly among Hispanic and Asian youth.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalTobacco Control·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 9, 2021

A community-level intervention reduces alcohol-related crashes

A community-level alcohol intervention in California resulted in a significant reduction of alcohol-involved crashes among drivers aged 15-30. The study found that the intervention, which included sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols, translated into approximately 310 fewer crashes across the intervention cities.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateDec 20, 2020

Adverse childhood experiences and at-risk drinking, cannabis, and illicit drug use

Women who experienced at least one adverse childhood experience, such as domestic violence or physical abuse, were more likely to engage in at-risk drinking and illicit drug use. The study highlights the importance of trauma-informed care for urban ER patients, particularly women from low-socioeconomic backgrounds.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·DateNov 22, 2020

Truth telling about tobacco and nicotine

A new article highlights the need for public health institutions to develop truth-telling relationships with communities affected by smoking disparities. Researchers argue that accurate and comprehensive information about the differential harms of tobacco and nicotine products is crucial for promoting trust and informed decision-making.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMar 3, 2019

Preventing underage drinking among youths on rural reservations

A recent study evaluated the effects of combined individual- and community-level interventions to reduce underage drinking by American Indian/Alaska Native youths. Reports of drinking frequency declined among students in the intervention group relative to comparison groups, with significant reductions in heavy drinking frequency.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 23, 2018