Citation

O'Driscoll PT, McGough J, Hagan H, Thiede H, Critchlow C, Alexander ER. Am. J. Public Health 2001; 91(6): 984-987.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, American Public Health Association)

DOI

10.2105/ajph.91.6.984

PMID

11392946

PMCID

PMC1446480

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated factors associated with accidental fatal drug overdose among a cohort of injection drug users (IDUs).
METHODS: In a prospective cohort study of 2849 IDUs in King County, Washington, deaths were identified by electronically merging subject identifiers with death certificate records. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of overdose mortality.
RESULTS: Thirty-two overdoses were observed. Independent predictors of overdose mortality were bisexual sexual orientation (relative risk [RR] = 4.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.30, 13.2), homelessness (RR = 2.30; 95% CI = 1.06, 5.01), infrequent injection of speedballs (RR = 5.36; 95% CI = 1.58, 18.1), daily use of powdered cocaine (RR = 4.84; 95% CI = 1.13, 20.8), and daily use of poppers (RR = 22.0; 95% CI = 1.74, 278).
CONCLUSIONS: Sexual orientation, homelessness, and drug use identify IDUs who may benefit from targeted interventions.

Language: en

Keywords

Accidents; Adult; Cohort Studies; Death Certificates; Drug Overdose; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Residence Characteristics; Risk Factors; Sexual Behavior; Substance Abuse, Intravenous; Suicide; Washington