Subjective Well Being Among Latino Day Laborers: Examaning the Role of Social Networks and Smoking Behaviors

Background: It is well established that Latino Day Laborers (LDLs) work on a contingent basis, which often leads to job insecurity. They also face psychosocial stressors such as social isolation, deportation, work exploitation, and financial uncertainty. To cope with these daily stressors, a number of LDLs may turn to heath compromising behaviors, such as drinking alcohol, drug use, and engaging in risky sexual behavior. Many may also turn to smoking cigarettes given that smoking is associated with somatic feelings that produce feelings of relaxation from the body’s reaction to stress. Given the number of stressors they experience; it is likely that many of these factors may impact their subjective well-being (SWB). However, few studies have examined how many LDLs smoke cigarettes or examine their levels of SWB. The focus of this study was to examine whether sociodemographics, religiosity, social network, and cigarette smoking are associated with SWB among LDLs.  

Method: This study is a cross-sectional analysis of data from a purposive sample of men (N= 150) LDLs.  Data were collected face-to-face from April 2013 through July 2013 from 4 informal day laborer sites in Dallas and Arlington, TX. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Self-report questionnaires were given in English or Spanish. Participants were given a $20.00 research honorarium.  Institutional Review Board approval was obtained in order to ensure minimal risk to participants. The main outcome variable was a 5-item Satisfaction with Life Scale. The predictor variables included single and multi-item scales on social network, importance of religion, acculturation levels, legal status, age, and marital status. All analyses were computed using the SPSS 22 software program.

Results: LDLs reported a mean satisfaction with life score of 19.07, which is considered a slight dissatisfaction with life. Thirty-eight percent reported not smoking any cigarettes in the last 30 days. Seventeen percent reported smoking 20-39 cigarettes, while another 16% reported smoking 40 or more cigarettes in the last 30 days. Multiple regression results reveal that the influence of religion (β = .53), relationship with friends (β = .17), marital status (β = .11), and income (β = .10) were positively associated with increased levels of SWB. Cigarette smoking (β = -.15) was negatively associated with SWB. The model was significant (F = 43.086, p= .001) and the predictors in the model accounted for 38% of the variance.

Conclusion: The findings of this study bring to light the influence of how religiosity, social relationships, and income buffer against poor SWB among LDLs. These are significant aspects of their lives that promote positive psychological well-being, which may safeguard against the damaging effects of cigarette smoking. Based on classifications established by earlier research, LDLs can be characterized as moderate cigarette smokers. Thus, it may be prudent for social workers and other mental health professionals to use these results to develop interventions that prevent or reduce cigarette smoking and promote healthy relationship building among LDLs. Doing so may lessen the likelihood of long-term adverse health and mental health consequences associated with smoking and poor SWB.