Individuals with a chemical-dependent family member. Does their health care use increase?

OBJECTIVE

To examine health care utilization patterns of individuals who have a chemical-dependent family member (parent, spouse, or child).

DESIGN

Morbidity and health care utilization patterns were examined for a 12-month period using the claims administrative data from the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP).

SETTING

General medical practice specializing in the treatment of addiction disorders.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred seventy-eight (73 male, 205 female) subjects were identified between 1987 and 1990. No members of the subject group were Natives, and none were dependent on chemicals during the study period. A control group, matched for age, sex, and family size, was randomly selected from AHCIP records.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Number and type of health care services and diagnoses listed in health care claims classified using the International Classification of Diseases.

RESULTS

In 91% of cases, the chemical-dependent family member was male. Members of the subject group presented more often with mental disorders, digestive system problems, obstetrical problems, injuries, and poorly defined conditions. Also, they were more likely to have nonreferred visits, to have specialist visits, and to use laboratory services than population-matched controls. The subject group's use of specialists and laboratory services amounted to twice the cost of the control group's use of these services.

CONCLUSIONS

Results show that individuals who have a chemical-dependent family member use more health care services than the general population. Morbidity among the subject group appears to be similar to that among chemical-dependent individuals; diagnoses related to stress and trauma are common.