BACKGROUND

Despite growing evidence that racial discrimination is associated with substance use among Black Americans, the existing research on Black college students has not been synthesized. In response, this scoping review investigated the state of research on racial discrimination and substance use among Black college students in the United States (U.S.).

METHODS

Using PRISMA-ScR reporting guidelines, we searched 23 databases and screened 254 non-duplicative titles and abstracts published from earliest records to December 2022. We extracted key study characteristics and described results through a narrative synthesis of the evidence.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies met inclusion criteria. Studies primarily comprised Black undergraduates (Female > 50%, MAge = 20.9 years) from single institutions. Most studies found a significant positive association between racial discrimination and alcohol, with stronger evidence for consequences than consumption. Findings for cannabis, tobacco use, and binge drinking were less consistent. Eleven studies employed complex modeling (i.e., mediation and moderation analyses), but most (17) were cross-sectional and assessed retrospective self-reports. Both single-item and multi-item measures were used to assess racial discrimination, predominantly capturing overt individual-level experiences. Several discriminatory experiences received scant attention, and most studies lacked an explicit theoretical justification for analyses.

CONCLUSION

This review highlights that racial discrimination impacts substance use risk among Black college students through various pathways. With rising sociopolitical tensions in the U.S. and on college campuses, there is an urgent need for targeted prevention efforts at both institutional and individual levels. We identified critical gaps in evidence and provided recommendations to enhance methodological rigor in future research.