(HealthDay News) — Rates of biochemical alcohol and drug screening are disproportionately higher among adolescent trauma patients who are from racial and ethnic minorities, have public or no insurance, or are female, according to a research letter published online Oct. 4 in JAMA Network Open.
Jordan M. Rook, M.D., from the Greater Los Angeles Veterans Administration Healthcare System, and colleagues used the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Trauma Quality Programs dataset (2017 to 2021) to identify 85,362 adolescent trauma patients (aged 12 to 17 years) presenting to 121 ACS-verified pediatric trauma centers. Receipt of biochemical alcohol and drug screening was compared by race.
The researchers found that 24.5 percent of adolescents underwent biochemical alcohol screening, with Black (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.08) and American Indian adolescents (aOR, 2.17) more likely to be screened than White adolescents. Similarly, Hispanic adolescents were more likely to be screened than non-Hispanic adolescents (aOR, 1.20). Screening was also more likely among adolescents who were Medicaid insured (aOR, 1.15) and uninsured (aOR, 1.13) versus those who were privately insured. Female adolescents (aOR, 1.32) were more likely screened than male adolescents. Similar results were seen for biochemical drug screening (21.8 percent screened overall), with higher screening odds seen for adolescents who were Black (aOR, 1.13), American Indian (aOR, 1.75), Hispanic (aOR, 1.20), Medicaid-insured (aOR, 1.28), uninsured (aOR, 1.18), or female (aOR, 1.28).
“Our findings indicate potential disparities in biochemical substance use screening at pediatric trauma centers,” the authors write.
The effects of unnecessary drug testing on Black minors
The practice of drug testing in healthcare settings has become increasingly prevalent, with hospitals often implementing mandatory screening programs for patients seeking treatment. While proponents argue that drug testing can help to identify and address substance abuse issues, critics contend that it can have negative consequences, particularly for minority teenagers. This article explores the disproportionate impact of unnecessary drug testing on minority youth in hospitals and the potential implications for their health and well-being.
One of the most significant concerns regarding drug testing in hospitals is the potential for racial bias. Studies have consistently shown that minority patients, particularly African American and Latino youth, are more likely to be subjected to drug testing than their white peers. This disparity can be attributed to several factors, including implicit biases among healthcare providers, the targeting of high-risk neighborhoods, and the use of racial profiling techniques.
The overrepresentation of minority students in drug testing programs can have far-reaching consequences. When patients are subjected to frequent drug tests, they may experience increased stress, anxiety, and a sense of distrust towards healthcare providers. This can negatively impact their health outcomes, as patients may be less likely to seek out necessary medical care or disclose important health information. Additionally, the stigma associated with drug testing can lead to feelings of shame and embarrassment, further exacerbating the psychological burden on minority youth.
Moreover, unnecessary drug testing can have unintended consequences for the physical health of minority teenagers. False positives, which can occur even with highly accurate drug tests, can lead to serious consequences, including delayed treatment, denial of care, and involvement with the criminal justice system. These negative outcomes can have a lasting impact on a student’s life, including their educational opportunities, employment prospects, and overall well-being.
In addition to the psychological and social consequences, unnecessary drug testing can also have negative implications for the physical health of minority teenagers. Studies have shown that drug testing can deter patients from seeking out medical care, particularly for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and other sensitive health issues. This is particularly concerning for minority youth, who are already at higher risk for certain health disparities.
Several strategies can be considered to address the issue of unnecessary drug testing in hospitals. First, hospitals can adopt evidence-based drug testing policies that are aligned with national guidelines. These policies should be based on data and research, rather than on anecdotal evidence or personal beliefs. Second, hospitals should implement measures to prevent racial bias in drug testing programs. This may include training healthcare providers on implicit bias and cultural sensitivity, as well as establishing clear guidelines for the selection of patients for testing.