School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90015, USA.
Subst Abus. 2013;34(2):143-9. doi: 10.1080/08897077.2012.726960.
Prescription drug misuse (PDM) is an emerging epidemic in the United States. This study examines the prevalence and correlates of PDM among homeless men. Homeless men experience higher risk for substance misuse and associated health problems and are particularly vulnerable to PDM and its negative health consequences.
Participants were a representative probability sample of 305 heterosexually active homeless men interviewed from meal programs in the Skid Row region of Los Angeles. Interviews assessed demographics, substance use, mental health, and social networks. Logistic regression examined correlates of PDM.
Twenty-six percent of the study population reported PDM in the past year. PDM was more likely among homeless men suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (odds ratio [OR] = 2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-5.61) and among those with more substance-using social network members (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01-1.14). Decreased PDM was associated with good health (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.16-0.75).
The prevalence of PDM is higher among the homeless men in this study than in the general population. Correlates of PDM included PTSD and poor health, suggesting that homeless men may use PDM to self-medicate. PDM was also associated with increased substance-using social network alters. Physical and mental health and social context are important aspects to consider in prevention efforts to reduce PDM among homeless men.
处方药滥用（PDM）是美国的一种新兴流行疾病。本研究旨在探讨无家可归男性中 PD 的流行情况和相关因素。无家可归者滥用药物和相关健康问题的风险较高，特别容易受到 PDM 及其不良健康后果的影响。
研究对象为在洛杉矶贫民区参加餐饮计划的 305 名异性恋活跃的无家可归男性，他们是一个具有代表性的概率样本。访谈评估了人口统计学、药物使用、心理健康和社交网络。逻辑回归分析了 PD 的相关因素。
研究人群中，26%的人在过去一年中报告了 PD。患有创伤后应激障碍（PTSD）的无家可归男性（优势比 [OR] = 2.41，95%置信区间 [CI]：1.03-5.61）和社交网络中有更多药物使用者的男性（OR = 1.07，95% CI：1.01-1.14）更有可能出现 PD。良好的健康状况（OR = 0.34，95% CI：0.16-0.75）与 PD 的减少相关。
本研究中无家可归男性 PD 的流行率高于一般人群。PD 的相关因素包括 PTSD 和健康状况不佳，这表明无家可归者可能会使用 PD 进行自我治疗。PD 还与增加的药物使用社交网络改变有关。身体和心理健康以及社会环境是减少无家可归者 PD 预防工作中需要考虑的重要方面。
