Trends in drug use among young adult females: a 22-year retrospective analysis

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport (LSUHSC-S) serves a largely minority-based, urban population. This study aims to identify trends in urine drug screen (UDS) results among females aged 18-35 visiting State University during 1998-2011 and 2012-2019. Using two databases extracted from the electronic medical record system, we performed statistical analysis of demographics and UDS results. Young females aged 18-35 mostly tested positive for cannabinoids and opiates during both periods, 1998-2011 and 2012-2019. African-American females had a higher percentage of positive UDS for illicit drugs, such as cannabinoids and cocaine, while Caucasian females had a higher rate for prescription drugs such as opiates, benzodiazepines, and amphetamine. Between 1998-2011 and 2012-2019, trends in drug screen results changed in both populations, with Caucasian females showing a drastic increase in amphetamines and African-American females showing increase in opiates and cannabinoids during 2012-2019. GatewayNet analysis (sequential-rule mining for inducing causation) for 2012-2019 indicated that a positive screen for amphetamines is likely preceded by a positive screen for cannabinoids, and benzodiazepines may be preceded by opiates. Our results emphasize the importance of drug use monitoring among young females of childbearing age. GatewayNet analysis implies a sequential nature to drug positivity on urine drug screening in this population.