Use of Emergency Room Services by Out-of-Treatment Drug Users in Long Beach, California

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of emergency room services among out-of-treatment drug users in Long Beach, CA. Primary data collection occurred between 1991–1996. The study setting was a community-based location through which out-of-treatment drug users were recruited using a standard research protocol. The original study randomized 1,728 participants into a standard or enhanced HIV prevention protocol. Data were collected longitudinally at two points in time, with 1,201 returning for follow-up interview. Standardized instruments were used at baseline and follow-up. Logistic regression and test-retest reliability were performed using the SAS System. Factors associated with emergency room use included income from public assistance sources, ever using other opiates, income less than $500 in the last month, reporting White race/ethnicity, and HIV positive serostatus. Having income from public assistance programs is highly predictive of emergency room use in out-of-treatment drug users.