Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate ethnic and gender differences in the diagnostic profiles of patients first admitted to the alcohol/drug rehabilitation unit of a state hospital. The majority of the patients (66%) had more than one diagnosis. African-American patients were significantly more likely to have a single diagnosis, however. In terms of primary diagnosis, Mexican Americans were more likely to have an alcoholrelated disorder while African-Americans were more likely to have a drug related disorder Drug-related disorders also complicate the diagnostic profile of African-American patients who had a primary diagnosis of an alcohol-related disorder Ethnic differences in type of drug abused were observed. African Americans were more likely to use stimulants/hallucinogens, and Mexican Americans were more likely to use depressants. A drug-related disorder was the most common diagnosis among females across all ethnic groups. Findings pointto the need of developing gender/ethnic-sensitive treatment programs. Potential ethnic and gender biases in the diagnostic evaluation of substance abuse patients are discussed.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 382-390 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences |
Volume | 15 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Aug 1993 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Psychology
- Cultural Studies
- Anthropology
- Linguistics and Language