The Impact of Depression and Acculturation on Injection Drug Use among Male Latino Injection Drug Users

Shehadeh N,Sanchez J,Rubens M,Attonito J

doi:10.16966/2380-5536.148

Abstract

The Impact of Depression and Acculturation on Injection Drug Use among Male Latino Injection Drug Users

Highlights

Mental illnesses plague the global community, and such illnesses tend to be underdiagnosed
It has been reported that injection drug users (IDUs) with depressive symptoms were more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as sharing syringes and injection equipment [5,6]
This study examines depressive symptoms, acculturation, and frequency of injection drug use among male, Latino IDUs in South Florida

Summary

Introduction

Mental illnesses plague the global community, and such illnesses tend to be underdiagnosed. Depression, one of the most common mental illnesses in the U.S, can impact all facets of one’s mood, daily functioning, and behaviors. Individuals with non-addictive psychiatric disorders are more likely to engage in drug use than the general population [2,3]. It has been reported that injection drug users (IDUs) with depressive symptoms were more likely to engage in risky behaviors, such as sharing syringes and injection equipment [5,6]. Among U.S injection drug users (IDUs), Latinos account for 21% of new HIV/AIDS cases. Acculturation, coupled with depressive symptoms, has been found to impact risky behaviors increasing susceptibility to diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis B/C.

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion