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Citation
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M FM, Doug LM, Peter F, Vivian F G, Wiley J, P Todd K, William M, Mai P, David S, Tom S, Ryan W, William Z, M YA, Lf CH. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2024; 258: e111261. |
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Abstract
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BACKGROUND: Overdose rates in rural areas have been increasing globally, with large increases in the United States. Few studies, however, have identified correlates of non-fatal overdose among rural people who use drugs (PWUD). The present analysis describes correlates of nonfatal overdose among a large multistate sample of rural PWUD.
METHODS: This is a cross-sectional analysis of data gathered via surveys with PWUD recruited through seven Rural Opioid Initiative (ROI) sites. Descriptive analyses were conducted to assess the prevalence of past 30-day overdose. Generalized estimating equations were used to estimate a series of multivariable models quantifying relationships of select factors to past-month overdose; factors were selected using the Risk Environment Framework.
RESULTS: The multisite sample included 2711 PWUD, 6% of whom reported overdosing in the past 30 days. In the fully adjusted model, houselessness (AOR=2.27, 95%CI[1.48, 3.48]), a positive test result for Hepatitis C infection (AOR=1.73 95%CI[1.18, 2.52]) and heroin/fentanyl use (AOR= 8.58 95%CI [3.01, 24.50]) were associated with an increased risk of reporting past 30-day overdose, while having a high-school education or less was associated with reduced odds of overdose (AOR=0.52, 95% CI[0.37, 0.74]).
CONCLUSION: As in urban areas, houselessness, Hepatitis C infection, and the use of heroin and fentanyl were significant correlates of overdose. Widespread access to overdose prevention interventions - including fentanyl test strips and naloxone - is critical in this rural context, with particular outreach needed to unhoused populations, people living with Hepatitis C, and people using opioids.
Language: en |