Prevalence of Substance Use Disorders in Sickle Cell Disease Compared to Other Chronic Conditions: a Population-Based Study of Black American Adults

Background Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a heritable chronic health condition characterized by pain symptoms throughout the life course that are routinely treated with opioids. Objective This study examined differences in substance use disorders in Black American adults with SCD compared to those with other chronic conditions or with no chronic conditions. Design Data from a population-representative sample of Black Americans with SCD, other chronic conditions, and no chronic conditions were obtained from the National Survey of American Life (NSAL) database. Diagnosis of substance use disorder was determined by structured clinical interview. Hierarchical models controlling for covariates (demographics, socioeconomic status, self-rated health, and mood disorders) compared odds of diagnosis between the three groups. Participants The sample included 4238 African-American and Black Caribbean participants from the NSAL study who were 18 years of age or older. Main Measures Measures included age, sex, income, education, marital status, employment, possession of health insurance, health conditions, and substance use disorders diagnosed by structured clinical interview. Key Results Controlling for age, sex, and socioeconomic status, there were no differences in odds of a drug use disorder when comparing individuals with SCD to Black adults with other chronic conditions (OR = 1.12; p = 0.804) or no chronic condition (OR = 2.09; p = 0.102). SCD was, however, associated with greater odds of alcohol use disorders when compared to the groups with other chronic conditions (OR = 2.15; p = 0.01) and no chronic conditions (OR = 5.11; p < 0.001). This effect was not better accounted for by socioeconomic status, marital status, self-rated physical health, or the presence of a mood disorder. Conclusions SCD was not a risk factor for drug use disorders. Further data will be needed to understand the factors contributing to increased risk of alcohol use disorders in SCD and the role uncontrolled pain symptoms may have in driving substance use.