A study led by researchers at UCLA and Children’s Hospital Los Angeles found that injured adolescents from marginalized groups are more likely to be tested for drugs and alcohol at pediatric trauma centers compared to white adolescents. Even when adjusting for injury severity, clinician biases play a role in determining who gets screened, potentially leading to stigmatization and legal consequences for some patients. The study, published in JAMA Network Open, suggests that current guidelines for substance use screening may not be sufficient for achieving equitable care. Further research is being conducted to address these disparities and improve screening and support services for all adolescents.
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Study reveals bias in substance use screening for injured adolescents
