A scoping review of health inequities in alcohol use disorder

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) poses a significant health burden on individuals. The burden occurs more frequently in the medically underserved, as well as racial and sexual minority populations. Ameliorating health inequities is vital to improving patient-centered care. Objectives: The objective of this scoping review is to chart the existing evidence on health inequities related to AUD and identify existing knowledge gaps to guide future equity-centered research. 

Methods: We performed a literature search using the Ovid (Embase) and MEDLINE (PubMed) databases for articles on AUD that were published in the 5-year period spanning from 2017 to 2021 and written in English. The frequencies of each health inequity examined were analyzed, and findings from each included study were summarized. 

Results: Our sample consisted of 55 studies for analysis. The most common inequity examined was by race/ethnicity followed by sex or gender. The least reported inequities examined were rural under-resourced areas and occupational status. Our findings indicate that significant research gaps exist in education, rural under-resourced populations, and LGBTQ+ communities with AUD. Conclusions: This scoping review highlights the gaps in research on inequities in AUD. To bridge the current gaps, we recommend research on the following: 1) triage screening tools and the use of telemedicine for rural, under-resourced populations; 2) interventions to increase treatment engagement and retention for women; and 3) community-based participatory methodologies for the LGBTQ+ communities.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)27-41
Number of pages15
JournalAmerican Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse
Volume50
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 31 Jan 2024

Keywords

  • AUD
  • alcohol use disorder
  • scoping review

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