The association between Food and Alcohol Disturbance (FAD), race, and ethnic identity belonging

Purpose: A growing body of literature has established that food and alcohol disturbance (FAD: decreasing one’s caloric intake in preparation for alcohol consumption) is a specific health risk that endangers health and wellbeing. Recent research on trends in FAD has revealed ethno-racial disparities. A sociological analysis is helpful to center race and examine the role of ethnic identity in reproducing health disparities. The current study is guided by theories of socialization into ideal body types by race. Methods: Study uses data from a cross-sectional survey conducted among college students. The sample includes White and Black American college students, ages 18–25, and uses ordinal logistic regression to test for the impact of race and ethnic identity on engagement in FAD using the Compensatory Eating and Behaviors in Response to Alcohol Consumption Scale (CEBRACS). Results: FAD prevalence was lower among Black Americans than among White Americans in the sample. Results from ordered logistic regression models indicate that stronger ethnic ties reduce likelihood of FAD among Black Americans but have the opposite effect among White Americans. This modification effect provides evidence that ethnic identity belonging protects against FAD for Black Americans but acts as a risk factor for FAD among White Americans. Conclusions: Findings shed light on the documented racial disparities in FAD and weight control behavior more broadly. Ethnic identity modifies the relationship between race and FAD in our sample. Level of evidence: Level V, cross-sectional descriptive study.