Objectives: This study explored patterns of health care utilization between primarily African American (89%) urban female illicit drug users and nonusers; more specifically, among chronic users as opposed to their casual or nonusing counterparts. In addition, reproductive health and HIV/AIDS related issues are compared. Methods: Data from two distinct generations (18 to 71 years) of using and nonusing women (n=235) in metropolitan Atlanta (Georgia, U.S.) were examined by means of multivariate logistic and linear regression methods, as well as through Mantel-Haenszel chi-square, Fisher's Exact, and one-way analyses of variance estimates. Results: Compared to their nonusing counterparts, chronic illicit drug users were roughly three times more likely to fail to receive needed treatment (OR=2.98, 95% CI=1.08, 8.25), and were four times more likely to use a hospital emergency room as their regular source for care (OR=4.18, 95% CI=1.44, 12.12). However, results suggest that drug use is not the only variable to influence service utilization. Conclusions: Findings provide a comprehensive picture of health utilization among a population of urban women and demonstrate the importance of considering not only drug use in general, but the level of drug use (i.e., chronic versus casual use) when examining health care issues among similar populations.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session on health care utilization by drug users, the participants will: 1. Identify health care needs of female, urban, illicit drug users. 2. Describe generational differences in health between drug using and non-using women. 3. Recognize the variations in health care utilization between drug users (chronic and casual) and non-users.
Keywords: Substance Abuse, Utilization
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.