Gender Differences in Indices of Opioid Dependency and Medical Comorbidity in a Population of Hospitalized HIV-Infected African-Americans

We examined gender differences in drug use patterns and in medical presentation among 520 hospitalized, HIV-infected African-Americans. Substance abuse history was self-reported, and medical data were obtained by chart review. Overall, 321 (65%) reported ever having used heroin, with equivalent rate...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The American journal on addictions 2004-05, Vol.13 (3), p.281-291
Main Authors: Boyd, Susan J., Thomas-Gosain, Neena F., Umbricht, Annie, Tucker, Marvin J., Leslie, Jo M., Chaisson, Richard E., Preston, Kenzie L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
African Americans
Comorbidity
Female
Health Services - utilization
Health Status
HIV Infections - complications
HIV Infections - psychology
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Opioid-Related Disorders - complications
Retrospective Studies
Sex Factors
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Summary:We examined gender differences in drug use patterns and in medical presentation among 520 hospitalized, HIV-infected African-Americans. Substance abuse history was self-reported, and medical data were obtained by chart review. Overall, 321 (65%) reported ever having used heroin, with equivalent rates in men and women. Women were more likely to report current use, to have sought treatment, and tended to feel more dependent on heroin than men. Among heroin users, women were more likely to be admitted for conditions related to drug use, rather than AIDS, and to have CD4 counts > 200/mm3. These gender differences in opioid dependency and medical comorbidity may indicate a need for alternative treatment approaches for men and women.(Am J Addict 2004; 13:281-291)
ISSN:1055-0496
1521-0391
DOI:10.1080/10550490490459960