APP FINAL DATASET.xlsx

This study examines disparities in treatment initiation and engagement among individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) receiving care at Capital Area Human Services District, a publicly funded behavioral health agency in Louisiana. Using a cross-sectional design and electronic health record data from 252 adult treatment episodes (2022–2023), the study analyzes patterns by race and birth sex. Initiation occurred in 52.4% of cases, but only 38.5% achieved engagement. Race was not significantly associated with either outcome, suggesting that low-barrier, publicly funded care may help reduce racial disparities in treatment access. However, females were significantly more likely than males to engage in treatment, highlighting a gender gap in retention. Guided by the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations and Social Determinants of Health, findings underscore the value of agency-level data in identifying local disparities. Results support the need for gender-responsive interventions and further research into structural barriers influencing long-term engagement in OUD care.