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Jenny Chong, PhD and Darlene Lopez, MS. College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Rural Health Office, 2501 E. Elm Street, Tucson, AZ 85716, 520 626 7946 x 225, jchong@u.arizona.edu
Substance abuse is a behavioral health problem of public health importance. It also can cause concomitant physical health problems, as well as mental health problems such as depression. These may occur more in underserved minority populations and be a cause of some health disparities. One of the few studies reporting on the health status of substance abusing Native Americans in VA veterans showed that those with substance dependent diagnoses were more likely to have psychiatric disorders, but have a lower prevalence of medical disorders than those not diagnosed as substance dependent (Walker, Howard, Anderson, & Lambert, 1994). In this presentation, we describe the mental and physical health status of Native American women at the beginning and end of their 45-day substance abuse treatment, as well as at six and twelve-month follow-up post treatment, as measured by the Short Form 12. Baseline and post-treatment data show health status and effects of treatment, and contribute to our understanding of health problems in a high risk population.
Learning Objectives: Attendees will be able to
Keywords: American Indians, Treatment Outcomes
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.