Use of emergency room services by out-of-treatment drug users in Long Beach, California.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of emergency room services among out-of-treatment drug users in Long Beach, CA. Primary data collection occurred between 1991-1996. The study setting was a community-based location through which out-of-treatment drug users were recruited using a standard research protocol. The original study randomized 1,728 participants into a standard or enhanced HIV prevention protocol. Data were collected longitudinally at two points in time, with 1,201 returning for follow-up interview. Standardized instruments were used at baseline and follow-up. Logistic regression and test-retest reliability were performed using the SAS System. Factors associated with emergency room use included income from public assistance sources, ever using other opiates, income less than 500 dollars in the last month, reporting White race/ethnicity, and HIV positive serostatus. Having income from public assistance programs is highly predictive of emergency room use in out-of-treatment drug users.