The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #45115

Elwin Wu, PhD¹, Nabila El-Bassel, DSW², Louisa Gilbert, MS³, Jorge Fontdevila, PhD¹, and Deidre Ashton, MS¹. (1) Social Intervention Group, Columbia University School of Social Work, 475 Riverside Drive, Suite 1842, New York, NY 10115, (212) 870-2044, elwinwu@post.harvard.edu, (2) School of Social Work, Columbia University, 622 West 113 St., New York, NY 10025, (3) Social Intervention Group, Columbia University, 475 Riverside Drive, Ste. #1842, New York, NY 10115

In this NIDA-funded study of men on methadone, we examined the relationship between sociodemographic factors and use of non-methadone services while controlling for number of stressful life events (SLEs). METHODS: Randomly selected men (N=780) attending methadone treatment programs in New York City provided self-reported data on sociodemographics (e.g., age, race/ethnicity, health insurance); number of SLEs (e.g., being mugged, homeless periods, life-threatening illness) using the Life Events Questionnaire; and use of non-methadone services (e.g., primary/emergency healthcare, mental health, social work) using the Treatment Services Review. The latter two instruments were modified and tailored for urban, poverty-stricken communities and assessed events/behaviors over the preceding 6 months. Logistic regression analyses were used to calculate adjusted odds-ratios (AORs), regressing service use on sociodemographic variables and number of SLEs. RESULTS: The median age of participants was 46 years, with 35% identifying as African American, 46% as Latino, and 13% as white. The number of SLEs ranged from 0 to 11 (median=1). About one-fourth (29%) of the participants used non-methadone services. On average, the likelihood of service use increased with each additional SLE (AOR=1.5, 95%CI: 1.3-1.7). After controlling for number of SLEs, service use was lower among men identifying as African American (AOR=.43, 95%CI: .26-.73) and Latino (AOR=.48, 95%CI: .29-.78) compared to white, and participants who reported having health insurance were more likely to use services compared to their uninsured counterparts (AOR=2.0, 95%CI: 1.3-3.1). CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate a need to reduce a disparity in access and use of services among minority and uninsured men on methadone.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to identify key sociodemographic subpopulation among men on methadone at risk for underutilizing non-methadone services, facilitating future efforts to better engage drug-involved individuals in drug treatment and ancillary services.

Keywords: Methadone Maintenance, Service Delivery

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.