Material Needs and Mental Health in Women Who Use Drugs During COVID-19
Author Information
Author(s): Tomko Catherine, Sisson Laura Nicole, Haney Katherine, Clouse Emily, Flath Natalie, Galai Noya, Smith Katherine C., Sherman Susan G.
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Hypothesis
What is the relationship between material need insecurities and psychological distress among women who use drugs during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Conclusion
Women who use drugs experienced significant material need insecurities during the pandemic, which were linked to higher levels of mental distress.
Supporting Evidence
- 36% of participants reported moderate psychological distress.
- 39% reported severe distress.
- 43% experienced multiple material need insecurities during COVID.
- Participants with multiple insecurities were 3.25 times more likely to report severe distress.
- Unmet mental health needs increased the risk of severe distress.
Takeaway
The study found that many women who use drugs had trouble getting basic needs like food and housing during COVID-19, which made them feel very sad and anxious.
Methodology
The study recruited 227 women who use drugs in Baltimore and assessed their material needs and mental distress using surveys.
Potential Biases
Self-reported data may introduce bias, and the sample may not represent all women who use drugs.
Limitations
The sample size is modest, and results may not be generalizable; also, the study did not measure pre-pandemic conditions.
Participant Demographics
Participants were women who use drugs, primarily from Baltimore, Maryland.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 1.42–7.45
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website