Drug Use and Incarceration among Rural Appalachian Women: Findings From a Jail Sample

ABSTRACT

Background/Objective: The purpose of this paper is to examine drug use and incarceration history among rural Appalachian women. Methods: This study involved random selection, screening, and interviews with rural women from local jails in Appalachia. Results: Of the women randomly selected and screened, 97% met criteria for substance use intervention. Significant factors associated with incarceration history included age, education, custody status, and mental health. A significant interaction was observed between male sex partners and drug use on incarceration history. Conclusions: Study findings suggest that the drug/crime relationship among rural Appalachian women is associated with their high-risk home environment, partner relationships, and mental health. Specifically, in addition to drug use, factors such as family and child relationships, anxiety, victimization, and relationships with partners should also be considered in the trajectory of criminal careers among rural Appalachian women.

KEYWORDS:

• Appalachia
• offenders
• rural
• women

Acknowledgments

Research reported in this manuscript was supported by the National Institute On Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health under Awards R01DA033866 and K02DA035116. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. We would also like to recognize the cooperation and partnership with the [state] Department of Corrections and the local jails participating in this study.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest.