Predictors of multi-wave opioid use among older American adults

Abstract Background and Objectives Despite limited analgesic benefits, long-term opioid therapy (L-TOT) is common among older adults with chronic pain. Extended use poses a threat to as aging metabolisms retain opioids for longer, increasing the risk of injury, overdose, other negative health outcomes. In contrast predictors general use, L-TOT in are not well-documented. We aimed identify such using all available data on self-reported Health Retirement Study. Research Design Methods Using five waves data, respondents (N=10,713) aged 51 were identified reporting no (n= 8,621), single wave (n=1,410), or multiple (n=682). conducted multinomial logistic regression predict both single- multi-wave relative use. Demographic, socioeconomic, geographic, health, healthcare-related factors included our model. Results Multivariable findings show that, non-users, users significantly more likely be younger (RRR=1.33;RRR=2.88); report lower household wealth (RRR=1.47;RRR=2.88); live US Midwest (RRR=1.29;RRR=1.56), South (RRR=1.34;RRR=1.58), West (RRR=1.46;RRR=2.34); experience interfering pain (RRR=1.59; RRR=3.39), back (RRR=1.35;RRR=1.53), arthritic (RRR=1.46;RRR=2.32); see doctor frequently (RRR=1.50;RRR=2.02). Multi-wave less Black (RRR=0.69) Hispanic (RRR=0.45), never married (RRR=0.52). Discussion Implications demographic, multi-year Our focus individuals taking this extended duration novel. Differences by geographic region frequency visits particularly warrant attention from policymakers researchers. make additional recommendations based sensitivity analysis 2016-2020 data.