Risk of starting to smoke tobacco cigarettes in the United States: Estimates for foreign-born vs. U.S.-born young people, 2002–2009

Abstract

lected from the American Community Survey and the Area Health Resources Files. Methadone dosage rates were measured by percentage of patients receiving dosages below 40, 60 and 80mg/day. Results: County density and median income were positively associated with methadone program income; median county income formed a positive relationship with expenditures per patient, after controlling for program income and total patients. Patient methadone dosage levels were significantly related to a county’s unemployment rate and median income. High county population density is associated with lower methadone dosages. However, increased county unemployment rates and program incomewere found tobe associatedwith increased rates of patients receiving higher dosages, controlling for total number of clients. Conclusions: Area-level attributes and program resources are important determinants of variation in program treatment practices. The significant relationship between these factors and concentrated racial and ethnic populations may be significant contributors in predicting the likelihood of patients receiving recommended dosage levels. Future studies should define causal pathways and specify the effects of area-level characteristics on program resources and treatment. Financial support: KL2 T81, R01DA030459.