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Differences in Substance Use and Harm Reduction Practices by Race and Ethnicity – Rhode Island Harm Reduction Surveillance System, 2021–2022
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2024
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Source: J Public Health Manag Pract. 30(2):E84-E93
[PDF-144.83 KB]
Details:
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Alternative Title:J Public Health Manag Pract
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Personal Author:
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Description:Context:
In the United States, minority populations are disproportionately affected by the overdose epidemic, have higher mortality rates, and unequal access to harm reduction and treatment services.
Objective:
This analysis aims to better understand harm reduction utilization and substance use patterns among minority populations to improve overdose outreach and prevention initiatives in Rhode Island.
Design:
The present analysis used data from the Harm Reduction Surveillance System from January 2021 to December 2022 (N=393). Chi-square tests and multivariable regression models were used to investigate differences in substance use behaviors by race and ethnicity.
Setting:
Rhode Island.
Participants:
Participants include individuals who self-reported the use of illicit drugs, currently reside in Rhode Island, and were over the age of 18.
Main Outcome Measures:
Methods of drug use and uptake of harm reduction practices.
Results:
Among survey participants, 41% were non-Hispanic white, 57% were aged 25–44 years, 62% identified as male, and 95% had health insurance coverage. Most participants reported smoking as their method of drug use (90%) and harm reduction practices were underutilized by all race and ethnicity groups. Fewer non-Hispanic Black participants reported carrying naloxone compared to the other race and ethnicity groups. Non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic participants were significantly less likely to inject drugs compared to non-Hispanic white participants (AOR: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.04–0.45; AOR: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.18–0.90).
Conclusions:
Smoking was the most common self-reported method of substance administration for all participants, whereas injection was more prevalent among non-Hispanic white participants. There is a continued need for minority-led and culturally informed harm reduction and treatment services for minority populations.
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Source:
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Pubmed ID:38153310
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Pubmed Central ID:PMC10872563
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Document Type:
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Funding:
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Volume:30
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Issue:2
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