Back to Annual Meeting

Back to Annual Meeting

APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Recorded presentation

Craig Field, PhD, MPH¹, Raul Caetano, MD, PhD², Elizabeth Childers³, and Cara J. Hamann³. (1) Division of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas School of Public Health, 6011 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235, (2) Dallas Regional Campus, University of Texas School of Public Health at Houston, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., V8.112, Dallas, TX 75390-9128, (3) University of Texas School of Public Health, 6011 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235, 214-648-4299, cara.hamann@utsouthwestern.edu

Background: The current study examines ethnic differences in the association of substance use disorders and prior alcohol related injuries with unmet treatment need among patients with an alcohol related injury. Methods: During a two year period, 1499 trauma patients including 699 Whites, 291 Blacks and 539 Hispanics with an alcohol related injury were identified in a Level 1 Trauma Center. Logistic regression was conducted to determine the risk factors associated with unmet treatment need (i.e., current diagnosis of alcohol abuse or dependence and no prior alcohol treatment). Risk factors of interest included age, race/ethnicity, gender, education, alcohol volume per week, frequency of heavy drinking, recent alcohol problems, prior alcohol related injury and drug use or dependence. Results: In the total sample 27% met criteria for alcohol abuse and dependence and reported no prior alcohol treatment involvement. Bivariate analysis indicated significant differences with regard to the age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, frequency of heavy drinking, drug dependence, and prior alcohol related injury in comparison to patients who sought prior treatment. After controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and alcohol consumption, patients with drug dependence (OR=.69, 95% CI=.489-.97) were less likely to have unmet treatment need for alcohol abuse or dependence. There were no ethnic differences and a prior alcohol related injury did not facilitate treatment engagement. Conclusions: Comorbid drug dependence appears to facilitate entry into alcohol treatment. This pattern may be a function of access to care and treatment availability.

Learning Objectives:

• Define the prevelance of alcohol and drug problems among injured patients
• List the factors associated with unmet treatment need among patients with an alcohol related injury
• Discuss the barriers and solutions to reducing unmet treatment need among injured patients with drug and alcohol problems

Keywords: Substance Abuse Treatment, Injury

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered

Recorded presentation