Objectives: We investigated the differences in clinical characteristics and musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions by cocaine use.
Methods: HealthStreet, a community engagement program assessed 7936 adults for medical conditions.
Results: Among 6145 African Americans (77%) and 1791 (23%) Caucasians, 15.5 % and 25% reported cocaine use, respectively. African-American cocaine users were older (p < .001) and more likely to report hypertension (p < .001) and HIV (p <.001) than Caucasian users. Compared to non-users, back pain was reported by 42% of African Americans (p < .001) and 48% of Caucasian cocaine users (p < .003). African-American cocaine users had significantly higher odds of back pain, 1.60 (95% CI 1.27, 2.04) and arthritis, 1.40 (95% CI 1.19, 1.64) than Caucasians.
Conclusions: Cocaine users are more likely to endorse MSK conditions than non-users. Racial disparities among users existed; however, how race affects health among users requires further research.
Keywords: : cocaine; African Americans; arthritis; back pain; health disparities; musculoskeletal.