| The use of illicit drugs and substance abuse dependency continue to rise among African Americans. In many instances, the healthcare system fails to deliver high-quality treatment to individuals, resulting in the creation of healthcare disparities. The purpose of this cross-sectional research study was to examine the relationship between healthcare setting, treatment compliance, insurance status, and the perception of treatment by therapeutic staff in relation to treatment outcomes. The study measured the treatment outcome by examining rehabilitating patients who have used the emergency room delivery system or community treatment centers (including inpatient and outpatient facilities). The methodology used was a self-reported quantitative survey that was administered in a group setting. Participants in the study were rehabilitee African Americans (N=70) illicit drug users who are in residential treatment programs in Atlanta, Georgia. The research used descriptive, chi square, and logistic regression analysis to address the hypotheses and answer the research questions. The results from the analysis indicated that there were no statistical differences for health setting, insurance status, or feelings of disrespect in relation to treatment outcomes. However, there was a statistically significant relationship between treatment compliance and treatment outcomes. Additionally, logistic regression revealed that there was an association between perception of disparities and criminality. |
