Knowledge of substance abuse disorder
Article Summary
Introduction
Knowledge of substance abuse disorder, consequential health disparities (poor overall health and psychiatric problems), and initial health treatment among African Americans are well documented. However, according to the study report by Perron et al. (2009), knowledge about how substance abuse disorder and its effects alongside initial treatment within ethnic differences in African American communities is scarce. The repercussions of late treatment for substance use disorder can be financially burdensome to individuals, families, and the U.S. public health system. Perron et al. (2009) dictate that the financial burden originates from an ethnic and cultural background, given the prevailing perceptions about health care among minority communities. Therefore, the researchers, Perron et al. (2009), embark on the research to define the impact of ethnic differences in delay treatment for substance use disorder within the African Americans, Black Caribbean, and Non-Hispanic White categories.
Rationale
Possessing knowledge of ethnic difference influences in seeking treatment can optimize how the American health care system achieves its goal in providing health care for all. Perron et al. (2009) elucidate that the time it takes to observe substance use disorder symptoms, the prevalence of psychiatric symptoms, and initial treatment is critical. The significance is to comprehend how to develop the best-targeted interventions based on ethnic and cultural differences within the vulnerable communities. The information, furthermore, will improve the intervention programs, including screening and treatment-seeking, which could potentially minimize the time taken to seek treatment among the risk groups.
Methods
A quantitative research cohort-study was used. The study population was retrieved from the National Survey of American Life and National Comorbidity Survey Replication for African Americans and the black Caribbean and non-Hispanic Whites, respectively (Perron et al., 2009). Adult sample populations were used. The cohort groups included 18-29, 30-44, 45-59, and 60 and above. Abuse measures used for the study were alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, drug abuse, and drug dependence (Perron et al., 2009). A national survey was used with the first part assessing 9 282 respondents on psychiatric diagnoses, and the second part determines 5 692 respondents on additional disorders and socio-demographic factors. In total, the sample was: 3 570 African Americans, 1 621 black Caribbean, and 891 non-Hispanic whites. DSM-V was used for psychiatric measures in addition to an assessment of treatment contact among participants (Perron et al., 2009). Statistical analysis included analyses of the representative population against the national database to have a good representation of the populace and sub-groups. Cross-tabulation using the PROC survey assessed using SAS Version 9.1.3. were used to evaluate the proportion of drug abuse based on race and socio-demographic factors.
Results
Perron et al. (2009) report of differences in substance use across racial groups. Overall, whites were more inclined to abuse drugs compared to African Americans and Caribbean Blacks. Similarly, whites were more prone to drug dependence compared to other racial groups. As a result, the data indicates that those on drug dependence were quick to seek initial treatment. Using Cox PH regression models, the researchers report that there was no significant association between race and time delay in seeking treatment. Socio-demographic factors, however, were found to have significant effects on drug abuse, dependence, and time delay in seeking treatment. Educated individuals (12 years of education and below) were reported to have long delays in alcohol dependence compared to those with higher levels of education (Perron et al., 2009). The younger cohort was reported to seek treatment faster compared to the older cohort groups. Other factors (marriage, geographic region, other disorders, and gender) did not affect the outcomes of the study.
Discussion
Perron et al. (2009) point out the limitations of the study based on participant substance use disorder and timeline in seeking treatment. The researchers indicate that the survey was biased based on statistics on alcohol and drug dependence. However, Perron et al. (2009) report success in the study, citing that there were no significant differences within racial sub-categories on drug abuse and treatment initiation. As such, Perron et al. (2009) indicate that the study did not contribute to the current knowledge of drug abuse and treatment initiation in minority groups. The researchers further critique their work, citing contradictory results based on the influence of other disorders (mood or anxiety) concerning drug and alcohol dependence and success in treatment initiation (Peron et al., 2009). Therefore, the researcher suggests that there is need to investigate the type and quality of services provided to the minority groups (categories and sub-categories) as this may be the reason for lack of proper treatment throughput for the minority groups when seeking treatment interventions (Perron et al., 2009).
Critical Thinking
The study by Perron et al. (2009) has allowed me to understand the impact that socio-emotional, personality, and physical development can affect how humans adjust to their environment. For instance, younger adults are bound to engage in alcohol and drug abuse but, dependence on these drugs increases with age. Thus, the research findings can impact how people of minority groups access treatment given that Perron et al. (2009) found inconclusive evidence that suggests race factors into drug and alcohol abuse and consequential, treatment initiation. However, this research can offer incredible insight into how older adults are treated with regard to alcohol and drug abuse as well as seeking treatment. In particular, it will affect how individuals and society perceive the socio-emotional and physical factors among older adults and why these factors influence substance use disorder.