Substance Use Disorders Among Adults Who Are Deaf Or Hard of Hearing in the United States

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2021

Keywords

Hearing Loss, Substance Use Disorders, Risk Perceptions, Religiosity, Disability, Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Major Depressive Episode, Public Health

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.109106

Abstract

There has been limited research on substance use disorders (SUDs) among individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing (DHH). This study explored associations among activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), major depressive episodes, risk perceptions for substance use, religiosity, and past-year SUDs within the DHH population. Data were drawn from the 2015–2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (N = 214,505) to compare past-year SUD rates between DHH and non-DHH populations. Results indicate SUDs are more prevalent among DHH adults, who are significantly more likely to report alcohol, marijuana, pain reliever, and illicit drug use disorders. Religion and risk perception were associated with decreased odds of SUDs, whereas disability and depressive episodes were associated with increased odds. The findings highlight the need for more research on mechanisms underlying SUDs in the DHH population.

Was this content written or created while at USF?

No

Citation / Publisher Attribution

Drug and Alcohol Dependence, v. 228, art. 109106

Share

COinS