Research & Resources

In this study, researchers tried to determine whether the language in which a brief intervention is delivered affects drinking behavior among Mexican-origin young adults. They used data from an emergency department to show that while the interventions were effective, there were no significant differences in drinking outcomes regarding whether it was given in English or Spanish. This paper shows that language may not be a crucial factor for achieving cultural congruence and should not be a barrier for anyone providing these services. The study, Brief intervention among Mexican-origin young adults in the emergency department at the USA–Mexico border: Examining the role of patient’s preferred language of intervention in predicting drinking outcomes, can be found in Alcohol and Alcoholism. It was funded by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.