ABSTRACT
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) continues to be a threat to public health due to the associated morbidity, mortality, and social and economic impacts. AUD accounts for greater than 85,000 deaths annually in the United States and greater than 1500 deaths annually in New Jersey (NJ). Despite these associated burdens, the treatment of AUD remains unequal among the population, and it is important to identify the factors influencing the disparity in defined population groups such as NJ to drive the appropriate intervention. Data were retrieved from the 2018 Treatment Episode Data Set-Discharges (TEDS-D) of the United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Logistic regression analysis was used to predict the odds of receiving treatment based on socioeconomic factors and the type of treatment received. Compared to Asian or Pacific Islanders in NJ, the American Indian [odds ratio, OR=2.12, 95% confidence interval, CI: 1.95-2.31] has the greatest odds of receiving treatment for AUD, followed by the Black or African American [OR=1.70, 95% CI: 1.65-1.75], the Alaska Native [OR=1.67, 95% CI: 1.42-1.96], and then the White [OR=1.31, 95% CI: 1.12-1.52]. Those who are retired or on disability [OR=0.88, 95% CI: 0.82-0.94] have lower odds of receiving treatment than those on salary or wages. Those with AUD in NJ have a lower odd of receiving detoxification treatment in a 24-h hospital inpatient setting [OR=0.88, 95% CI 0.82-0.95] and a higher odd of receiving detoxification treatment in a 24-h service, free-standing residential setting when compared to the treatment received in a rehabilitation/hospital (other than detoxification) setting. This study shows that disparity exists in relation to the type of treatment received and the setting of treatment for AUD in NJ in addition to disparity based on the sociodemographic factors.
ABSTRACT
Disparities in the healthcare system are a topic of continuous discussion in public health. Despite decades of conversations with regards to health inequities, disparities still plague substance use disorder treatment. Opioid use disorder treatment is no exception as disparities has been attributed to the ingrained and deeply flawed mindset of discrimination. Hence, this review highlights the role of policy with regards to discrimination.
Subject(s)
Opioid-Related Disorders , Humans , Opioid-Related Disorders/drug therapy , Health PolicyABSTRACT
Opioid-use disorder (OUD) has become a social pandemic with a rising incidence and prevalence among women. Notably, women with OUD were more likely to have psychiatric comorbidities like major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, and bipolar disorder. Evidence suggests that opioid exposure and subsequent disease among women compared to men is unique and attributable to hormonal estrogen levels. However, there remains a dearth of literature on their ability to access treatment when needed. There is also a gap in the perceived access to women as compared to men. Hence, our review will focus on factors that may affect women from seeking OUD treatment as compared to men.
