Arrest and Trait Aggression Correlates of Emergency Department Use

Area of Science:

• Criminology
• Psychiatry
• Public Health

Background:

• Individuals with a history of incarceration often have complex health needs.
• Aggression and its management are critical factors in successful community reintegration.
• Understanding the drivers of emergency department (ED) use among this population is essential for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the associations between arrest and incarceration, trait aggression, and emergency department (ED) use.
• To identify specific factors related to incarceration that predict ED utilization.
• To inform strategies for improving post-release healthcare for individuals with aggressive traits.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study of 525 clients at a behavioral research center.
• Utilized validated instruments including the Aggression Questionnaire (AQ) and Addiction Severity Index.
• Employed bivariate and logistic regression analyses to assess associations.

Main Results:

• Bivariate analysis indicated ED use was significantly associated with trait aggression and trait-displaced aggression in those with incarceration history.
• Logistic regression revealed weapons offenses, manslaughter/homicide, male gender, and Black race were significant predictors of ED use.
• Trait aggression emerged as a key correlate of ED utilization among formerly incarcerated individuals.

Conclusions:

• Aggressive personality traits are significantly associated with emergency department use among individuals with a history of incarceration.
• Specific offenses and demographic factors, including race and gender, are linked to higher ED utilization.
• Identifying and managing aggressive traits is vital for effective post-release care and community-based healthcare integration.