Results from a NIAAA-NHCHC study: Women’s alcohol, drug, health, mental health risks, implications for improving care

“Women’s Health Survey: Substance abuse, mental health and health needs of women in primary care” is a project of the Practice Based Research Network involving 11 HCH clinical sites in 9 states, funded by the National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. The study aims were to: 1) Describe the prevalence and correlates of past year risky alcohol and drug use, and comorbidities with mental and physical health conditions, among women receiving primary health care services in HCH programs; 2) Describe access to substance abuse treatment among women in this sample including perceived barriers to care, motivation to seek substance abuse treatment, and the acceptability and perceived helpfulness of having HCH primary care providers assist with these issues; and 3) Identify potentially innovative approaches to prevent and treat substance abuse and mental health issues in this population. The study included a survey of 750 adult women seeking care in HCH programs augmented by a medical record review. The session will highlight study methodology and findings, including a discussion of behavioral health issues among women experiencing homelessness and integrating behavioral health into primary care.