NCJ Number
199158
Journal
Public Health Reports Volume: 117 Issue: 1 Dated: 2002 Pages: S135-S145
Date Published
2002
Length
11 pages
Annotation
This article explores the role of socioeconomic status, homelessness, and incarceration on the health of drug users.
Abstract
The authors explain that socioeconomic status (SES), homelessness, and incarceration are circumstances that contribute to adverse health outcomes. These three factors are also intertwined with drug use patterns and impact the health of drug users. As such, the authors explore how SES, homelessness, and incarceration impact the health outcomes of drug users, especially minority drug users. Previous research concerning the health outcomes of drug users has focused on physiologic, medical, or behavioral factors as contributing to the higher morbidity and mortality rates of drug users. However, the authors argue that social and economic factors play an important role in shaping both drug taking behavior and disparities in health outcomes. According to their review, SES, homelessness, and incarceration indirectly affect health outcomes by placing individuals at greater risk for drug use, especially high-risk injection drug use. These social and economic factors directly affect health outcomes by reducing resources and access to social welfare systems, and interfering with compliance with medical instructions. Minority members are at a higher risk for experiencing the social and economic factors related to poor health outcomes, which contribute to disparities in health status among drug users. In conclusion, the authors contend that any intervention model must address these social factors if the health status of drug users is to be impacted on a broad level.