Work

More Alike than Different: Health Needs, Services Utilization, and Outcomes of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Populations Treated for Substance Use Disorders

Year: 2012

Type: article

Abstract: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) are often portrayed as a healthy group with minor substance use problems. Using data from two studies of patients treated in 44 community-based substance use treatment sites located in three states, 298 AAPIs and a matched comparison group of 298 non-AAPI patients were compared on demographic characteristics, treatment experiences, and 1-year outcomes. At treatment entry, more AAPIs reported recent drug use and fewer injected drugs, AAPIs had less severe medical and alcohol problems, and AAPIs reported worse general health but less desire for medical and alcohol services. After controlling for baseline problem severity, there were no differences in treatment retention, completion, or outcomes. Contrary to the model minority stereotype, AAPIs have mostly similar treatment needs, experiences, and outcomes as other racial/ethnic groups in drug treatment.

Source: Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse

DOI: 10.1080/15332640.2012.735172

Authors: Elizabeth Evans, Jennifer Pierce, Libo Li, Richard Rawson, Yih-Ing Hser

Institution: University of California, Los Angeles

Language: English

Topic: Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse