Emergency department utilization by crack-cocaine smokers in Dayton, Ohio.
The objective of this study was to determine the frequency, principal diagnoses, and correlates of emergency department (ED) visits made by persons with a history of crack-cocaine use (n = 333) over a 3-year period. Data were collected from participant self-reports and hospital records. During the study a total of 643 ED visits were made by 211 people, ranging from 53.5 to 76.7/100 persons/year. Injury and poisoning accounted for the largest single category of ED visits (29.5%). Men had lower odds of visiting the ED (OR=0.79, 95%CI=0.62-0.99), as did participants with higher levels of education (OR=0.83, 95%CI=0.73-0.94). Number of times in drug abuse treatment (OR=1.04, 95%CI=1.01-1.09), having a chronic disease (OR=1.46, 95%CI=1.06-1.99), and higher Addiction Severity Index composite medical scores (OR=1.62, 95%CI=1.15-2.29) increased the odds of an ED visit. Factors in addition to drug use are likely to affect ED utilization rates among crack-cocaine smokers.
Siegal
Harvey A
HA
Center for Interventions, Treatment, & Addictions Research, Wright State University School of Medicine, Dayton, Ohio 45435, USA.
Falck
Russel S
RS
Wang
Jichuan
J
Carlson
Robert G
RG
Massimino
Kristen P
KP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002391:Catchment Area, Health; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016578:Crack Cocaine; D004637:Emergency Services, Psychiatric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009820:Ohio / Q000453:epidemiology; D010343:Patient Admission / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011041:Poisoning / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000534:rehabilitation
D016578:Crack Cocaine