Gender differences in drug use among individuals under arrest

ABSTRACT

Background

Drug monitoring by drug testing of individuals under arrest provides an opportunity to detect drug use patterns within geographic areas. However, women have been omitted from large-scale monitoring efforts in criminal justice populations. The purpose of this study was to examine whether gender differences exist in drug use indicated by oral fluid collected in one U.S. jail.

Methods

The study analyzed data collected in 2019–2020 from individuals under arrest (N = 191). Twenty-four percent of the sample identified as female. Oral fluid specimens were collected and then analyzed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Logit regression models examined gender differences.

Results

Women were more likely to test positive for methamphetamines than men (41% versus 22%, OR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.21–0.84). Significant gender differences were not found for other substances (marijuana, cocaine, and opioids), legality of drugs, or overall drug use.

Conclusions

Because the National Institute on Drug Abuse aims to promote health equity, future drug monitoring in criminal justice populations should employ sampling approaches representing both women and men. This research would identify possible gender-based patterns of drug use and inform gender-based policies and clinical practices to prevent and treat drug misuse.

KEYWORDS:

• Drug surveillance
• oral fluid
• enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
• liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry

Acknowedgments

The cooperation of the Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office in the conduct of this study is deeply appreciated, particularly Randy Hazel, Chief Deputy; Holly Thomas, Captain; Kevin Hirakis, Lieutenant; and all of the correctional sergeants and deputies. We also appreciate the support of the current Sheriff, Steven Hinkley, for publication of this study.

Author contributions

SM conceptualized the Calhoun County Jail Study. BW, DS, MS, and PA contributed to the management of the Calhoun County Jail Study. BW and SM took the lead in writing this manuscript. PA planned and conducted the toxicological analysis. All authors, SM, BW, DS, SM, and PA, provided feedback and helped in interpretation of the results.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R01DA045733. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.