Primary Submission Category: Health behaviors
Who seek treatment and who do not: Investigating the heterogeneity among people with substance use disorder
Authors: Kiwoong Park Tse-Chuan Yang
Presenting Author: Kiwoong Park*
It is widely recognized that people with substance use disorder often face significant challenges in accessing and receiving treatment. However, previous research has not fully accounted for the heterogeneity among people with substance use disorders, including differences in age, gender, race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and health insurance coverage. These differences may contribute to disparities in treatment utilization and outcomes.
To address this issue, this study employs propensity score methods to analyze nationally representative data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). The study aims to investigate the heterogeneous effects of substance use disorder on treatment-seeking behaviors, with a focus on vulnerable subgroups such as racial/ethnic minorities and those with low socioeconomic status and/or less health insurance coverage.
The study hypothesizes that these more vulnerable groups are less likely to seek treatment for substance use disorder than their counterparts. Furthermore, they may perceive more barriers to treatment in healthcare settings, resulting in a treatment gap where individuals have a history of substance use but have not received treatment.
By identifying these vulnerable groups, this study can help inform the development of effective treatment programs that address the unique needs and challenges faced by people with substance use disorder. Ultimately, this research may contribute to reducing disparities in access to and utilization of substance use disorder treatment.