The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between drug use, depression and the use of preventive medical care. The sample consisted of 1271 injecting drug users, chronic drug users and a nondrug using community comparison group in Miami, Florida. The relationship between drug, alcohol and tobacco use as well as selected socio-demographic variables and having a physical in the last 12 months was examined using odds ratio analysis. The adjusted odds ratios showed that those who were depressed, were heavy alcohol users, and both types of drugs users were significantly less likely to get a physical in the last 12 months than nondrug users. In addition, having insurance was significantly related to having a physical in the last 12 months. The data suggest that depression is independently related to not obtaining preventive medical care and imply the importance of assessing and treating depression as a part of attempts to increase the use of preventive care.
Learning Objectives: "At the conclusion of the session, the participants in this session will be able to: 1. Describe the relationship between alcohol, tobacco, other drug use and depression and the use of preventative medical care. 2. Discuss the independent nature of the relationship between depression and use of preventative medical care. 3. Apply the data results to the development of an intervention program designed to increase the use of preventative medical care for depressed drug user
Keywords: Drug Abuse, Preventive Medicine
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.