Socioeconomic status of methamphetamine users: Gender and ethnic differences

Objectives: To describe gender and ethnic differences in socioeconomic status (SES) of methamphetamine users. The study seeks to explore various domains of socioeconomic status and SES differences and similarities in a sample of adult men and women of methamphetamine drug users recruited in drug treatment settings.

Methods: Methamphetamine use, sexual risk behavior, sources of income, characteristics of housing, educational status, and race/ethnicity were ascertained cross-sectionally among persons in drug treatment. The standardized risk assessment survey was administered to 209 persons in San Diego County. Seventy-two percent were male.

Results: This presentation discusses the contextual domain of socioeconomic status and its relationship with methamphetamine use. Specifically, SES indicators, gender and race/ethnicity are examined as predictors of sexual and methamphetamine drug use risk.

Discussion: Illegal substance use, specifically methamphetamine use, continues to pose a significant public health challenge. While a significant body of literature indicates that substance abuse is correlated with socioeconomic status, little is known about specific gender and ethnic differences in SES and its relationship to methamphetamine use risk. Understanding the interaction of gender, ethnicity and SES and its influence on levels of sexual and drug use risk use is crucial for designing successful drug prevention and treatment interventions.