Gender differences in physical and mental health outcomes among an aging cohort of individuals with a history of heroin dependence

BackgroundThis paper examines the health status and functioning of an aging cohort of individuals with a history of heroin dependence with a focus on gender differences.MethodStudy subjects were originally sampled from methadone maintenance clinics in California in the 1970s and completed follow-up interviews in 2005–09. Out of the original study sample (N = 914), 343 participants (44.3% female) were interviewed (70.6% of those not deceased). Bivariate analyses examined gender differences in participants' overall health status and physical and mental health problems. Scores on SF-36 scales were compared with general population norms by gender and age, as well as between participants in the study sample who did and did not report past-year drug use.ResultsAverage age of the study sample was 58.3 (SD = 4.9) years for males and 55.0 (SD = 4.1) years for females. There were no significant gender differences in past-year drug use (38% of sample) or injection drug use (19%). Women reported significantly more chronic health problems and psychological distress compared with men, and overall poorer health and functioning compared with general population norms. Men under 65 had poorer physical health and social functioning compared with population norms. Men in the study sample reporting past-year substance use had poorer physical functioning, but less bodily pain, than non-users, whereas women with past-year substance use had poorer mental health than other women.ConclusionIndividuals with a history of heroin dependence have poorer health and functioning than their counterparts in the general population. At a younger age, women reported poorer overall health status and more chronic health and mental health problems than men. Study findings may inform interventions for this population, particularly related to gender-specific treatment needs.

► Heroin-dependent individuals have poorer overall health than the general population.
► Men who reported past-year drug use had poorer physical health status than other men.
► Men who reported past-year drug use had less bodily pain than other men.
► Women who reported past-year drug use had poorer mental health than other women.
► Women in the sample generally had poorer mental health than men.