Factors supporting substance use improvement for Black Americans: A population health observational study

Evaluating the substance use disorder treatment gap in the United States, 2016-2019: A population health observational study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Only 10% of Americans with substance use disorders (SUDs) receive treatment with insufficient treatment access and screening practices proposed and potential contributing factors.

METHODS

This retrospective cross-sectional study used National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data to assess individuals with SUDs receiving treatment between 2016 and 2019 (survey n = 12,111; weighted n = 12,394,214). Demographic, access, and screening characteristics were investigated as predictors of treatment receipt using time-series logistic regression analyses to test trends and assessed treatment receipt odds, controlling for demographic and treatment characteristics.

RESULTS

For those with past-year SUDs, 13.0% reported receiving past-year SUD treatment (survey n = 1605; weighted n = 1,612,154). The SUD treatment receipt rate remained statistically stable from 2016 to 2019, with a nonsignificant treatment receipt trend declining from 14% to 12%. Treatment changes were notable among Native Americans (+53.80%), Pacific Islanders (+94.10%), multiracial (-59.96%), ages 65+ (-70.18%), and ages 12-17 (-50.70%). In the regression model, race, sex, age, insurance status, and receiving mental health treatment were associated with SUD treatment receipt.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

The treatment gap remains substantial and stable. Annually, about 87% of Americans with SUDs are not receiving the treatment they need. Asian Americans were less likely and those attending general mental health services were more likely to receive treatment.

SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE

We present an updated SUD treatment gap evaluation, and identify access and screening characteristics associated with SUD treatment receipt. Policymakers, clinicians, and researchers must continue improving access and identification of those in need of care.

Substance Initiation Tendency Scale (SITS): Validity and Reliability Study

Background: The purpose of the present study was to make a new contribution to the literature by developing a scale to detect the substance initiation tendencies of young people and adolescents and to create a leading tool for preventive policies to be implemented against substance use. Method: An 8-item and 2-factor measurement tool called the "Substance Initiation Tendency Scale" was created. The data obtained from 470 students studying in 5 high schools in the Genç County of Bingöl, Turkey, were subjected to reliability and validity tests. In this context, Explanatory Factor Analysis (EFA), Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), item analysis, and halving methods were used along with the SPSS 24 and AMOS 24 data analysis programs. Results: It was found that the Kaiser-Meyer Olkin (KMO) value was "excellent" with .909 and the Bartlett Sphericity Test was significant, and the scale, which could explain 57.332% of the total variance, had the feature of distinguishing what was intended to be measured. The values obtained from the Confirmatory Factor Analysis showed a "good fit". Conclusion: It was understood that the obtained data were sufficient to confirm the construct's validity.