Factors associated with substance use in older homeless adults: Results from the HOPE HOME study.
Subst Abus
; 38(1): 88-94, 2017.
Article
em En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-27897965
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
The median age of the single adult homeless population is 50 and rising. Although the prevalence of substance use decreases as individuals age, older adults now have a higher prevalence of substance use than older adults did 10 years ago. Homeless individuals have a higher prevalence of substance use disorders than the general population. However, little is known about substance use in older homeless adults.METHODS:
The objective of the study was to examine prevalence of and factors associated with substance use in a population-based sample (N = 350) of homeless individuals aged 50 and older in Oakland, California. Dependent variables included moderate or greater severity illicit drug symptoms (Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) score >3) and moderate or greater alcohol symptoms (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score >7). Independent variables included demographics, mental health problems, and negative life course events such as physical and sexual abuse, school expulsion, and onset of homelessness.RESULTS:
Almost two thirds of participants, 64.6%, had moderate or greater severity symptoms for at least 1 illicit drug; 25.8% had moderate or greater severity alcohol symptoms. History of psychiatric hospitalization was associated with moderate or greater illicit drug symptoms (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.9, 1.0-3.6). The presence of major depressive symptoms was associated with moderate or greater severity alcohol symptoms (AOR = 1.8, 1.1-3.0).CONCLUSIONS:
In this sample of older homeless adults, substance use is common. There is a need for substance use treatment programs, integrated with mental health services, which are targeted towards the needs of older homeless adults.Palavras-chave
Texto completo:
1
Base de dados:
MEDLINE
Assunto principal:
Pessoas Mal Alojadas
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Asiático
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Transtornos Relacionados ao Uso de Substâncias
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População Branca
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Transtorno Depressivo Maior
Tipo de estudo:
Diagnostic_studies
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Prevalence_studies
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Prognostic_studies
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Risk_factors_studies
Limite:
Aged
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
País como assunto:
America do norte
Idioma:
En
Ano de publicação:
2017
Tipo de documento:
Article