NCJ Number
164706
Journal
Substance Use and Misuse Volume: 31 Issue: 6 Dated: (1996) Pages: 691-728
Date Published
1996
Length
38 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the methodology and results of a social-indicator study of alcohol and other drug dependence (AODD) treatment needs specific to communities in Chicago.
Abstract
Three major statistical analyses were conducted. The first was a factor analysis of a group of selected social-indicator variables measured for each of the community areas. Given the wide-ranging effects of AODD, it is easy to identify measurable indicators of social and environmental conditions that to varying degrees reflect the extent of risk or impact of AODD within local area populations. The second statistical analysis used community- area-scale-score variables developed from the factor analysis as predictors in a multiple regression analysis for each of four publicly funded AODD treatment modalities. The third major statistical procedure explored the potential usefulness of the developed social-indicator-factor scale scores as criteria for grouping local areas into planning districts or regions. The study concludes that social-indicator needs-assessment approaches offer significant potential for the development of objective information that can help guide AODD policymaking, planning, and resource allocation. The cautions and limitations that accompany interpretation of the results of such studies emphasize the importance of incorporating both the results of other needs assessment approaches and additional locally and population- specific information in reaching such decisions. 11 figures, 3 tables, and 23 references