Factors associated with alcohol use disorder among young adults from ethnic minorities: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Background Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) has become a significant medical problem among young adults from ethnic minorities. Despite being disproportionately affected by AUD, existing literature often overlooks factors contributing to AUD within this group compared to the general population. Therefore, this study aimed to identify factors associated with AUD among young adults from ethnic minorities in Hong Kong, China. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from May 22 to October 21, 2024. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling from a large non-governmental organization. Of the 254 invited participants, 81.5% responded and completed the questionnaire. Descriptive statistics summarized the demographic data. Differences between participants with AUD and those without AUD were analyzed using chi-square tests for categorical variables and independent sample t-tests for continuous variables. A hierarchical binary logistic regression model was employed to identify factors associated with AUD. Results The sample included 202 young adult ethnic minorities (61.4% Filipino, 13.4% Indonesian, 6.4% Caucasian, 5.9% African, 4.5% Pakistan, 2% Indian, 1% Nepalese and 5.4% others).The overall prevalence of AUD was 19.8% (95% CI: 14.4–24.8), with 7.9% (95% CI: 4.5–11.8), 5.4% (95% CI: 2.5–8.4), and 6.4% (95% CI: 3.5–10.4) for mild, moderate, and severe AUD, respectively. A hierarchical binary logistic regression identified statistically significant contributing factors: male gender (AOR = 6.58; 95% CI: 1.19–36.3), age (AOR = 1.2; 95% CI: 1.02–1.34), parental history of drinking (AOR = 5.7; 95% CI: 1.63–20.01), everyday discrimination (AOR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.03–1.13), and experiential avoidance behaviors (AOR = 1.1; 95% CI: 1.01–1.12). Conclusion This study showed the high prevalence of AUD and highlighted its multifaceted nature, influenced by sociodemographic, sociocultural, and psychological factors. Further research with a rigorous design is needed to clarify the association between everyday discrimination and experience avoidance behaviors and AUD, and inform future intervention development for AUD.