Collaborative Research on Harm Reduction: Sociological Insights, Life Course Theory and Mathematical Modeling Techniques Used to Inform Future Research. Paper/Presentation

Miriam W. Boeri, Kennesaw State University
Thor Whalen, Emory University

Abstract

Collaborative efforts between researchers from different fields of study are needed to better understand the complex relationships between drug users and harm reduction strategies. This poster shows the first steps in an attempt to traverse the borders between sociological and mathematical analyses. The goal of the study is to provide innovative predictive models that have the potential to inform future research on specific turning points in substance use and related health risks over the life course. The study site is a metropolitan area in southeastern USA. We began by using mathematical modeling of data collected from 100 polydrug users on their substance use in the last 30 days and 6 months. Next we examined what age defines the parameters of age groups for use of specific substances. We employed several graphic visualizations of the substance use data and tested all viable age group definitions based on their differentiation with respect to substance use. In so doing, we measured the distinguishing power of different age-division options for each substance. Instead of considering how the substance use of a predefined age group is different from other age groups, we examined how age groups could be defined so as to maximize this difference between age groups. We found that active use of alcohol, marijuana and methamphetamine was greater among older adults and younger adults than among adults in the “middle age” range. The middle age range with the greatest distinguishing power was 34-44, representing the ages of lowest use. The greatest active use of crack and heroin was among those age 45 and older. These preliminary findings, explained by life course theory, will be used to continue our study on turning points in substance use and HIV risk behaviors of older users, with a focus on drug careers over the life course.