Citation

Karjalainen K, Haukka J, Lillsunde PM, Lintonen T, Makela P. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2014; 137: 114-120.

Affiliation

National Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box 30, FI-00271 Helsinki, Finland.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.01.018

PMID

24566278

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The association between DUI (driving under the influence) and disadvantaged social background has been shown in cross-sectional studies, but less is known about the processes behind this phenomenon. We aimed to examine the effect of DUI arrest on subsequent social disadvantage in Finland during 1993-2006 to provide more understanding about the dynamics of DUI and marginalization and to study DUI arrest as a potential point of intervention. METHODS: In this longitudinal, register-based study the Register of DUI suspects (n=68894) was linked with the Employment Register. An age- and gender-matched reference population (n=67740) was drawn from the general Finnish population. A multi-state model was used to estimate the transition intensities between three different states (advantaged social status/disadvantaged social status/death) among three different DUI groups (alcohol only, prescription drugs, illicit drugs). RESULTS: Compared to references, the movement of DUI suspects between different social states was more dynamic in that they were more likely to either move to a disadvantaged social state or to an improved status (except DUI suspects using prescription drugs). A DUI's relative risk of death compared to references was high, especially if currently in advantaged social status. The effect of DUI did not diminish over time. CONCLUSIONS: Driving under the influence is associated with an increased long-term risk for social disadvantage. DUI arrest could serve as an opportunity for intervention in the marginalization process.

Language: en