Gender differences among older heroin users.
OBJECTIVE
This purpose of this study was to explore the following question: Are there gender differences among older individuals with a history of heroin addiction with regard to social and family relationships and health problems?


METHODS
Eight gender-specific focus groups were conducted with 38 (19 women, 19 men) older (50+ years) individuals with long-term histories of heroin dependence. Four groups were conducted in a methadone maintenance (MM) clinic and four groups were derived from the Los Angeles community.


RESULTS
Modest gender differences were observed, but mainly in the focus-group dynamics. Women typically described the impact of their addiction on their families, while men typically described their surprise at still being alive. Hepatitis C was the primary health concern in all groups; mental health issues were also discussed.


CONCLUSIONS
Remarkable gender differences were not apparent in the qualitative experiences of these participants. Instead, we found overriding similarities related to the interactive effects of drug use and aging. Longitudinal studies of this population as they age and interact with the health-care system and other social systems will help to untangle the complicated relationship between aging, drug addiction, gender, and health.
Hamilton
Alison B
AB
UCLA Integrated Substance Abuse Programs, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. alisonh@ucla.edu
Grella
Christine E
CE
D000368:Aged; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006304:Health Status; D006556:Heroin Dependence / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D015141:Los Angeles / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008691:Methadone / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D017678:Sex Distribution; D015813:Substance Abuse Detection / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D008691:Methadone