Chronic health conditions of drug users

Background: Drug users are at high risk of developing many debilitating and potentially life threatening health conditions. This study presents data on the prevalence of eight health conditions among drug users who are both in and out of drug treatment.

Methods: Participants (n=109) were recruited from 4 NYC methadone clinics (2 in the Bronx and 2 in Manhattan) and from the neighborhoods where the clinics are located. Participants were recruited as part of a study of migrant Puerto Rican drug users, and criteria for inclusion included having used heroin or cocaine in Puerto Rico or having a friend/family member who used there.

Results: 66% of the sample was male; mean age was 41.5 and 79% were in drug treatment. Overall, 84% reported having at least one health condition, including 29% who reported 1 and 55% who reported 2 or more conditions. In descending order, the most prevalent conditions were: mental health (51%), respiratory (43%), hepatitis C (43%), heart problems (25%), diabetes (16%), HIV/AIDS (8%), ulcers (6%), and emphysema (5%). The most common co-occurring conditions among the total sample were mental health problems and the following conditions: HCV (24%), heart problems (18%) and diabetes (13%).

Conclusions: Drug users suffer from a range of chronic health conditions, particularly mental health, respiratory and hepatitis C. Drug treatment programs and interventions for drug users can address these issues by referring patients to medical services and providing services on-site, such as education on how to manage these conditions.