BACKGROUND: Research suggests an association between childhood social conditions and health in adult life. This study assessed the association between childhood poverty and parents' employment with mental health status in DUs. METHODS: We recruited persons > 18 years old who had used heroin, crack or cocaine during the past six months. We conducted in-person interviews on childhood, drug use and current socio-demographic status. The main outcome measures were the Mental (MH) health score of the SF-36 and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CESD). Multivariable regression analyses assessed the associations between respondents' mental health, childhood poverty and parents' employment. RESULTS: Of 309 respondents, 65% were male, 61% were African-American, 29% were Latino and 68% were current injection DUs; 56% reported having poor families when they were growing up. In linear regression models, history of family poverty was negatively associated (b=-7.6, p<0.01), and history of parental managerial/professional job was positively associated (b=6.0, p<0.05) with better mental health status. In logistic regression models, history of family poverty was associated with depressive symptoms defined as a CESD score ³ 16 [OR=2.2, 95% CI=(1.0,5.1)]. All models controlled for respondents' age, race, sex, education, physical symptoms and drug use. CONCLUSIONS: Childhood social conditions were associated with poor mental health status in a population of inner-city DUs even when controlling for respondents' own education. It may be important to consider social factors throughout the life-course in efforts aimed at understanding, and improving the mental health of DUs.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session the participant will be able to: 1. Discuss the association between childhood social factors and mental health 2. Assess the potential pathways between childhood SES and mental health in drug users 3. Develop an approach to considering social factors in public health strategies aimed at improving the mental health of drug users
Keywords: Drug Use, Mental Health
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.