Predictors of Stigma toward Alcohol Misuse in Mexico

<i>Objective</i>: This study explored factors associated with public stigma toward individuals misusing alcohol in Mexico. <i>Methods</i>: A randomized experimental vignette methodology was used to assess multiple domains of substance use-related stigma and their relationship to the gender of the vignette subject and the sociodemographic characteristics of respondents. <i>Results</i>: Although levels of stigma toward women who were misusing alcohol did not differ significantly from stigma toward men misusing alcohol, stigma levels and type of stigma reported varied with the sociodemographic characteristics of respondents. Education level, gender, self-stigma and openness to seeking mental health services were differentially associated with the three stigma domains. <i>Conclusions</i>: Accordingly, targeted community based stigma reduction efforts are needed to decrease stigma toward those misusing alcohol, and to support treatment initiation, ongoing treatment engagement and long term recovery efforts. Suggestions for future research on the relationship between substance use and stigma are offered.研究目的：本研究旨在探究墨西哥地区公众对酒精滥用个体所持公众污名（public stigma）的相关影响因素。 研究方法：本研究采用随机化实验情境小故事（vignette）法，评估物质使用相关污名（substance use-related stigma）的多个维度，并分析其与情境主角性别及受访者社会人口学特征的关联。 研究结果：尽管针对酒精滥用女性的污名程度与针对酒精滥用男性的污名程度无显著差异，但公众污名的水平与类型会随受访者的社会人口学特征产生变化。受教育水平、性别、自我污名（self-stigma）以及寻求心理健康服务的开放态度，与三个污名维度呈现出差异化关联。 研究结论：据此，亟需开展针对性的社区污名消减工作，以降低酒精滥用个体所面临的污名，同时助力其治疗启动、持续治疗参与及长期康复进程。本研究最后针对物质使用与污名间关联的未来研究方向提出了建议。