Treatment Disparities in Georgia: Methamphetamine Use Disorder.

BACKGROUND

Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) is becoming more of a public health issue in Georgia State, with health and social effects affecting both people and communities. This study aimed to investigate attributes that may affect the accessibility of treatment among the methamphetamine-use population in the state of Georgia.

METHODS

We utilized the Treatment Episode Data Set - Discharges (TEDS-D) for 2016-2020 in Georgia, comprising participants with MUD (175,270). We utilized descriptive statistics and inferential techniques to ascertain the relationship between variables. Multiple logistic regression was used to control for confounding variables at a 95% confidence interval.

RESULTS

This study's findings showed individuals aged 25-49 years had 1.8 times higher odds of getting treatment for methamphetamine use compared to those aged 12-24 years (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.8; 95% CI: 1.50-2.16). Alaska Native individuals (Aleut, Eskimo, and Indian) had 7.07 times higher odds of receiving treatment than Asian or Pacific Islander individuals (AOR = 7.07; 95% CI: 2.02-24.67). Compared to Asian or Pacific Islander individuals, Black or African American individuals had 12.11 times higher odds of receiving treatment (AOR = 12.11; 95% CI: 9.37-15.66), while White individuals had 6.82 times higher odds of getting treatment (AOR = 1.09; 95% CI: 0.86-1.37).

CONCLUSION

MUD treatment disparity challenges are revealed in our study, emphasizing the critical need for focused intervention programs.