NOVEMBER 11, 2020 — UTSA researcher Manuel Cano, an assistant professor in the Department of Social Work in the College for Health, Community and Policy, is shedding light to understand the topic of drug overdose deaths in the Hispanic community.
In his article published in the journal Substance Use & Misuse, Cano used national death certificate data (data recording all deaths of U.S. residents) to examine drug overdose mortality in different Hispanic subgroups, based on heritage, place of birth and gender.
“In the context of the current opioid crisis, drug overdose in the media is often presented as a problem affecting white individuals,” Cano said. “However, this tragedy affects all racial/ethnic groups, and no racial/ethnic group should be overlooked or left behind in the national response. Opioids are killing a lot of people, but so are other drugs affecting different groups. There is substantial variation considering race and ethnicity.”
The national data on drug overdose mortality show lower rates of drug overdose deaths in Hispanics compared to non-Hispanic whites or Blacks. However, the study revealed people of Puerto Rican heritage have a higher rate of drug overdose mortality compared to non-Hispanic whites or Blacks.
Among those of Puerto Rican heritage, those born in Puerto Rico—many of whom may speak Spanish as a first language—were overrepresented in drug overdose deaths, suggesting that culturally tailored and accessible services in Spanish are necessary for this group. In contrast, the majority of individuals of Mexican heritage who died of drug overdose were born in the United States.
“The more we understand which subgroups are most affected, the more we can provide culturally appropriate services that better address their needs. Drug overdose is preventable,” Cano added.
Cano concluded, “Hispanic cultures have many rich cultural values and strengths that can be protective factors against overdose—for example, the value of the family and respect.”
UTSA Today is produced by University Communications and Marketing, the official news source of The University of Texas at San Antonio. Send your feedback to news@utsa.edu. Keep up-to-date on UTSA news by visiting UTSA Today. Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram.
Join the doctoral candidates for the Doctoral Conferreal Ceremony and celebrate their accomplishments.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusCelebrate the graduates from the Carlos Alvarez College of Business, College of Education and Human Development, Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design and University College.
AlamodomeCelebrate the graduates from the College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and College of Sciences.
AlamodomeThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.
We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.
