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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Sasha Rudenstine¹, Danielle C. Ompad, PhD¹, Christina Chan, MPH¹, Sandro Galea, MD, DrPH², and David Vlahov, PhD¹. (1) Center for Urban Epidemiologic Studies, New York Academy of Medicine, 1216 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10029, 212-822-7274, srudenstine@nyam.org, (2) Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1214 South University, Room 243, Ann Arbor, MI 48104

Objective: Prescription drug use (PDU) has become a concern in the United States. Recent national studies show an increase in PDU in the general population and specifically among youth. We aimed to investigate prescription drugs (defined as OxyContin, tranquilizers, downers, barbituates) within urban populations. We looked at PDU in 12 community districts of New York City. Methods: A community-based sample of non-drug users, former drug users, non-injection drug users, and injection drug users aged >= 18 years were recruited from target neighborhoods. Availability and use of prescription drugs was assessed through an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Results: To date, of 394 people recruited, 50.0% were Hispanic, 39.6% Black, 10.4% White, mixed or other race. The sample was mostly male (70.3%); median age was 37 (range 18-64). Reported lifetime and recent (last 6 months) of PDU was 34.8% and 50.4% respectively. Lifetime PDU is associated with any injection drug use in the last 6 months [OR 2.1], first heroin injection at <17 years [OR 1.9], heroin and/or methamphetamine use in the last 6 months [OR 19.0 and OR 12.4, respectively], enrollment in a methadone program within the last 6 months [OR 1.9], and exchanging sex for money within the last 6 months [OR 2.3]. Conclusions: These preliminary data suggest that a substantial percentage of this urban population had used prescription drugs, and that prescription drug users were likely to be polydrug users who engaged in behaviors that may increase their risk for HIV and infectious hepatitis.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to

• Discuss the use of prescription drugs in the urban environment
• Identify characteristics associated with prescription drug use

Keywords: Prescription Drug Use Patterns, Epidemiology

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered