Leslie C. Cooper, RN, BSN, MPH, PhD¹, Dorothy C. Browne, DrPH², Lula Beatty, PhD³, and Patricia Ann Clubb, PhD². (1) Epidemiology Branch, NIH/NIDA/DESPR, 6001 Executive Blvd., Suite 5167, Bethesda, MD 20892, 301-402-1906, lc58q@nih.gov, (2) Drug Abuse Research Program, Morgan State University, 1700 E Cold Spring Lane, Montebello Building, Room D103, Baltimore, MD 21251, (3) NIH/NIDA/OD, Special Populations Office, 6001 Executive Blvd, Suite 4154, Bethesda, MD 20892

This panel will present a series of presentations highlighting the work of drug abuse health disparity researchers supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). Previous research indicates that minority populations are disproportionately affected by the consequences of drug abuse; however, an understanding of the contextual factors that contribute to such disparities has been more difficult to achieve. The panel will begin with an overview of the challenges of conducting health disparities research, followed by a discussion of theoretical issues related to the study of drug abuse disparities, such as the challenge of understanding the mechanisms by which multiple environmental factors operate simultaneously and the bi-directional nature of the person-environment relationship. Panel members will then present research findings on a broad range of environmental factors that contribute to health disparities both within and across racial/ethnic populations, including American Indians, African Americans, and Hispanics. In addition, presenters will discuss challenges researchers face when conducting such work and strategies for addressing these challenges. One barrier to the study of drug addiction is the stigma associated with this medical condition. Racial/ethnic minority populations in the United States continue to experience discrimination. Such discrimination in combination with the stigmatization of drug abuse may lead to misperceptions about addiction in minority communities and adversely affect the way they in which prevention and treatment programs are delivered.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, participants will

• Have a heighten awareness of health disparities related to drug use, dependency, and addiction;
• Develop a broader understanding of current theoretical approaches and research that address the mechanisms by which environmental factors are related to the development of drug use and addiction, particularly the ways in which such factors contribute to previously observed health disparities; and
• Identify gaps in the current state of knowledge regarding health disparities in drug use and innovative approaches that could be used to fill these gaps.

Keywords: Drug Abuse,

Related Web page: www.nida.nih.gov

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: NIDA/NIH/HHS
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.