Use of health care services by women who use crack cocaine

Women Health. 1999;30(1):35-51. doi: 10.1300/j013v30n01_03.

Abstract

Chronic drug users demonstrate a need for access to health care due to both acute health problems related directly to substance use and to other existing medical problems. This study attempts to examine how women differ from men in their utilization of health services. Also, it analyzes how crack use affects men and women differentially. The study population is a community-based sample of 624, comprised equally of men and women, as well as crack users and non-users of crack. Results indicate that women utilized health care more than men; however, crack use among women appears to be an inhibitory factor in the utilization of health services by women.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / complications
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / psychology*
  • Cocaine-Related Disorders / therapy
  • Crack Cocaine*
  • Female
  • Florida
  • HIV Infections / complications
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Needs Assessment
  • Sex Factors
  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases / complications
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Urban Health / statistics & numerical data
  • Women / psychology*

Substances

  • Crack Cocaine