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Hoffman KL, Milazzo F, Williams NT, Samples H, Olfson M, Diaz I, Doan L, Cerda M, Crystal S, Rudolph KE. Independent and joint contributions of physical disability and chronic pain to incident opioid use disorder and opioid overdose among Medicaid patients. Psychol Med 2024; 54:1419-1430. [PMID: 37974483 PMCID: PMC10994776 DOI: 10.1017/s003329172300332x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain has been extensively explored as a risk factor for opioid misuse, resulting in increased focus on opioid prescribing practices for individuals with such conditions. Physical disability sometimes co-occurs with chronic pain but may also represent an independent risk factor for opioid misuse. However, previous research has not disentangled whether disability contributes to risk independent of chronic pain. METHODS Here, we estimate the independent and joint adjusted associations between having a physical disability and co-occurring chronic pain condition at time of Medicaid enrollment on subsequent 18-month risk of incident opioid use disorder (OUD) and non-fatal, unintentional opioid overdose among non-elderly, adult Medicaid beneficiaries (2016-2019). RESULTS We find robust evidence that having a physical disability approximately doubles the risk of incident OUD or opioid overdose, and physical disability co-occurring with chronic pain increases the risks approximately sixfold as compared to having neither chronic pain nor disability. In absolute numbers, those with neither a physical disability nor chronic pain condition have a 1.8% adjusted risk of incident OUD over 18 months of follow-up, those with physical disability alone have an 2.9% incident risk, those with chronic pain alone have a 3.6% incident risk, and those with co-occurring physical disability and chronic pain have a 11.1% incident risk. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that those with a physical disability should receive increased attention from the medical and healthcare communities to reduce their risk of opioid misuse and attendant negative outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L. Hoffman
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
| | - Floriana Milazzo
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
| | - Nicholas T. Williams
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
| | | | - Mark Olfson
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
| | - Ivan Diaz
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine
| | - Lisa Doan
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine
| | | | | | - Kara E. Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University
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Maestas N, Sherry TB, Strand A. Opioid Use Among Social Security Disability Insurance Applicants, 2013–2018. JOURNAL OF DISABILITY POLICY STUDIES 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/10442073221150613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Opioid use is common among Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries who account for a disproportionate share of opioid-related hospitalizations and mortality. However, little is known about the prevalence of opioid use prior to SSDI enrollment. Understanding when opioid use is established and how it correlates with individual characteristics and community prescribing practices would inform policy approaches to reducing opioid-related harms among SSDI beneficiaries. We estimated the prevalence of opioid use among SSDI applicants by applying a natural language processing algorithm to SSDI application data. We find the prevalence of opioid use among SSDI applicants declined from 33% in 2013 to 24% in 2018. In contrast, the share of applicants with musculoskeletal impairments, which are commonly associated with pain, was unchanged. The share of applications reporting opioid use declined across both sexes, all age groups and education levels, and all regions. There was substantial variation, however, in the magnitude of decline by geography, with the smallest declines in parts of the Midwest and Southeastern United States. SSDI application rates and applications reporting opioid use were more likely to come from communities with higher opioid prescribing rates. Our estimates suggest most SSDI beneficiaries began opioid use prior to entering the SSDI program.
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Pritchard KT, Baillargeon J, Lee WC, Raji MA, Kuo YF. Trends in the Use of Opioids vs Nonpharmacologic Treatments in Adults With Pain, 2011-2019. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2240612. [PMID: 36342717 PMCID: PMC9641539 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.40612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Chronic pain prevalence among US adults increased between 2010 and 2019. Yet little is known about trends in the use of prescription opioids and nonpharmacologic alternatives in treating pain. OBJECTIVES To compare annual trends in the use of prescription opioids, nonpharmacologic alternatives, both treatments, and neither treatment; compare estimates for the annual use of acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy; and estimate the association between calendar year and pain treatment based on the severity of pain interference. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS A serial cross-sectional analysis was conducted using the nationally representative Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to estimate the use of outpatient services by cancer-free adults with chronic or surgical pain between calendar years 2011 and 2019. Data analysis was performed from December 29, 2021, to August 5, 2022. EXPOSURES Calendar year (2011-2019) was the primary exposure. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The association between calendar year and mutually exclusive pain treatments (opioid vs nonpharmacologic vs both vs neither treatment) was examined. A secondary outcome was the prevalence of nonpharmacologic treatments (acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy). All analyses were stratified by pain type. RESULTS Among the unweighted 46 420 respondents, 9643 (20.4% weighted) received surgery and 36 777 (79.6% weighted) did not. Weighted percentages indicated that 41.7% of the respondents were aged 45 to 64 years and 55.0% were women. There were significant trends in the use of pain treatments after adjusting for demographic factors, socioeconomic status, health conditions, and pain severity. For example, exclusive use of nonpharmacologic treatments increased in 2019 for both cohorts (chronic pain: adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.72; 95% CI, 2.30-3.21; surgical pain: aOR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.13-2.08) compared with 2011. The use of neither treatment decreased in 2019 for both cohorts (chronic pain: aOR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.37-0.49; surgical pain: aOR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.46-0.75) compared with 2011. Among nonpharmacologic treatments, chiropractors and physical therapists were the most common licensed healthcare professionals. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Among cancer-free adults with pain, the annual prevalence of nonpharmacologic pain treatments increased and the prevalent use of neither opioids nor nonpharmacologic therapy decreased for both chronic and surgical pain cohorts. These findings suggest that, although access to outpatient nonpharmacologic treatments is increasing, more severe pain interference may inhibit this access.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin T. Pritchard
- Department of Nutrition, Metabolism, and Rehabilitation Sciences, School of Public and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
| | - Jacques Baillargeon
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
| | - Wei-Chen Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
| | - Mukaila A. Raji
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
| | - Yong-Fang Kuo
- Department of Biostatistics and Data Science, School of Public and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To understand the changes in opioid cessation surrounding the release of CDC guidelines and changes in state Medicaid coverage at the individual patient level. METHODS This study used a 20% national sample of Medicare beneficiaries between 2013 and 2018 with at least 90 days of consecutive opioid use in the first year of either of 2 study periods (2013-2015 or 2016-2018). Cessation of opioid use was assessed in year 3 of each period by generalized linear mixed models. RESULTS Opioid cessation rates were higher in period 2 (11.2%) compared to period 1 (10.1%). Adjusted for beneficiary characteristics, those in period 2 had 1.07 times the odds of cessation (95% CI: 1.05-1.09) compared to those in period 1. Additionally, the increase in opioid cessation over time was larger in states with Medicaid expansion compared to those without. CONCLUSION The increase in opioid cessation after 2016 suggests the potential effects of the CDC guidelines on opioid prescribing and underscores the need for further research on the relationship between opioid cessation and subsequent change in pain control, quality of life, and opioid toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Westra
- Office of Biostatistics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- *Correspondence: Jordan Westra, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555, USA (e-mail: )
| | - Mukaila Raji
- Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Sealy Center on Aging, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Yong-fang Kuo
- Office of Biostatistics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
- Sealy Center on Aging, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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Kuo YF, Liaw V, Yu X, Raji MA. Opioid and Benzodiazepine Substitutes: Impact on Drug Overdose Mortality in Medicare Population. Am J Med 2022; 135:e194-e206. [PMID: 35341773 PMCID: PMC9232943 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjmed.2022.02.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gabapentinoids (GABAs) and serotonergic drugs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs]/serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors [SNRIs]) are increasingly being prescribed as potential substitutes to opioids and benzodiazepines (benzos), respectively, to treat co-occurring pain and anxiety disorders. The toxicities of these drug classes and their combinations are not well understood. METHODS We conducted a matched case-control study using 2013-2016 Medicare files linked to the National Death Index. Cases were enrollees who died from drug overdose. Controls were enrollees who died from other causes. Cases and controls were matched on patient characteristics and prior chronic conditions. Possession of any opioids, GABAs, benzos, and SSRIs/SNRIs in the month prior to death was defined as drug use. Combination drug use was defined as possessing at least 2 types of these prescriptions for an overlapping period of at least 7 days in the month prior to death. RESULTS Among 4323 matches, benzo possession was associated with twice the risk for drug overdose death in cases vs controls. Compared with opioid-benzo co-prescribing, combinations involving SSRIs/SNRIs and opioids (or GABAs) were associated with decreased risk (adjusted odds ratio 0.55; 95% confidence interval, 0.44-0.69 for opioids and SSRIs/SNRIs; adjusted odds ratio 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.44-0.79 for GABAs and SSRIs/SNRIs). Fatal drug overdose risk was similar in users of GABA-opioid, GABA-benzo, and opioid-benzo combinations. CONCLUSIONS Benzodiazepines, prescribed alone or in combination, were associated with an increased risk of drug overdose death. SSRIs/SNRIs were associated with lower risk of overdose death vs benzodiazepines. GABAs were not associated with decreased risk compared with opioids, raising concerns for GABAs' perceived relative safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Fang Kuo
- Department of Internal Medicine and Sealy Center on Aging; Department of Preventive Medicine and Population Health; Institute for Translational Science; Office of Biostatistics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston.
| | - Victor Liaw
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas
| | - Xiaoying Yu
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Population Health; Office of Biostatistics, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston
| | - Mukaila A Raji
- Department of Internal Medicine and Sealy Center on Aging; Department of Preventive Medicine and Population Health
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Pritchard KT, Downer B, Raji MA, Baillargeon J, Kuo YF. Incident Functional Limitations Among Community-Dwelling Adults Using Opioids: A Retrospective Cohort Study Using a Propensity Analysis with the Health and Retirement Study. Drugs Aging 2022; 39:559-571. [PMID: 35713791 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-022-00953-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid analgesics are commonly used to manage pain; however, it is unclear how they affect patient function. This study examines the association between opioid analgesics and incident limitations in activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and cognitive functioning among community-dwelling older adults. METHODS Data included 10,003 participants of the 2016 and 2018 waves of the Health and Retirement Study, which sampled US adults aged 51-98 years. The primary exposure was self-reported opioid pain medication use in 2016. Outcomes included incident limitations in ADL, IADL, and cognitive functioning in 2018. Statistical methods adjusted for confounding using multivariable logistic regressions, inverse probability of treatment weighting, and propensity scores. RESULTS Opioid use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.34, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-1.68) was associated with a statistically significant higher odds of incident ADL limitation in multivariable regression and in propensity score adjustment (aOR: 1.41, 95% CI 1.13-1.76). The association between opioid use and ADL and IADL limitations was modified by age. Adults aged < 65 years had a higher odds of incident ADL (aOR: 1.83, 95% CI 1.38-2.42) and IADL (aOR: 1.42, 95% CI 1.06-1.90) limitations compared with those aged ≥ 65 years. CONCLUSIONS Community-dwelling adults using opioid analgesics to manage pain may be at risk for incident ADL limitations. Middle-aged adults, compared with those older than 65 years of age, experienced the greatest odds for incident ADL and IADL limitations following opioid use. According to sensitivity analyses, our findings were robust to unmeasured confounding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin T Pritchard
- Department of Nutrition, Metabolism, and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555-1137, USA.
| | - Brian Downer
- Department of Nutrition, Metabolism, and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, Galveston, TX, 77555-1137, USA
| | - Mukaila A Raji
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jacques Baillargeon
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Yong-Fang Kuo
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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Reif S, Lauer EA, Adams RS, Brucker DL, Ritter GA, Mitra M. Examining differences in prescription opioid use behaviors among U.S. adults with and without disabilities. Prev Med 2021; 153:106754. [PMID: 34348132 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to identify differences in prescription opioid-related behaviors between adults with and without disabilities in the U.S. We analyzed data from the 2015-2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (128,740 individuals; weighted N of 244,831,740) to examine disability-based differences in (1) reasons and sources of last prescription opioid misuse and, in multivariate models overall and stratified by disability, the likelihood of (2) prescription opioid use, and if used, (3) misuse and prescription opioid use disorder (OUD), overall and stratified by disability. Adults with disabilities were 11% more likely than adults without disabilities to report any past-year prescription opioid use, adjusted for sociodemographic, health, and behavioral health characteristics. However, among adults with any prescription opioid use, which is more common among people with disabilities, likelihood of prescription OUD did not vary by disability status. Pain relief as the reason for last misuse was associated with 18% increased likelihood of prescription OUD, if any use. To reduce risk of opioid misuse among people with disabilities, accessible and inclusive chronic pain management services are essential. Further, the substance use treatment field should provide accessible and inclusive services, and be aware of the need for pain management by many people with disabilities, which may include the use of prescription opioids. These findings highlight essential opportunities for public health and policies to improve access, accommodations, and quality of health and behavioral health care for people with disabilities, and to encourage a holistic perspective of people with disabilities and their needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Reif
- Institute for Behavioral Health, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02453, USA.
| | - Eric A Lauer
- Institute on Disability, University of New Hampshire, 10 West Edge Drive, Suite 101, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Rachel Sayko Adams
- Institute for Behavioral Health, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02453, USA; Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Health Administration, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Debra L Brucker
- Institute on Disability, University of New Hampshire, 10 West Edge Drive, Suite 101, Durham, NH 03824, USA
| | - Grant A Ritter
- Schneider Institutes for Health Policy and Research, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
| | - Monika Mitra
- Lurie Institute for Disability Policy, Heller School for Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, 415 South Street, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
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Heins SE, Buttorff C, Armstrong C, Pacula RL. Claims-based measures of prescription opioid utilization: A practical guide for researchers. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 228:109087. [PMID: 34598101 PMCID: PMC8595838 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.109087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the increased attention to the opioid epidemic and the role of inappropriate prescribing, there has been a marked increase in the number of studies using claims data to study opioid use and policies designed to curb misuse. Our objective is to review the medical literature for recent studies that use claims data to construct opioid use measures and to develop a guide for researchers using these measures. METHODS We searched for articles relating to opioid use measured in health insurance claims data using a defined set of search terms for the years 2014-2020. Original research articles based in the United States that used claims-based measures of opioid utilization were included and information on the study population and measures of any opioid use, quantity of opioid use, new opioid use, chronic opioid use, multiple providers, and overlapping prescriptions was abstracted. RESULTS A total of 164 articles met inclusion criteria. Any opioid use was the most commonly included measure, defined by 85 studies. This was followed by quantity of opioids (68 studies), chronic opioid use (53 studies), overlapping prescriptions (28 studies), and multiple providers (8 studies). Each measure contained multiple, distinct definitions with considerable variation in how each was operationalized. CONCLUSIONS Claims-based opioid utilization measures are commonly used in research, but definitions vary significantly from study to study. Researchers should carefully consider which opioid utilization measures and definitions are most appropriate for their study and recognize how different definitions may influence study results.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rosalie Liccardo Pacula
- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA,Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics, University of Southern California
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Association of Occupational and Physical Therapy With Duration of Prescription Opioid Use After Hip or Knee Arthroplasty: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Medicare Enrollees. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2021; 102:1257-1266. [PMID: 33617862 DOI: 10.1016/j.apmr.2021.01.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish whether nonpharmacologic interventions, such as occupational and physical therapy, were associated with a shorter duration of prescription opioid use after hip or knee arthroplasty. DESIGN This retrospective cohort study used data from a national 5% Medicare sample database between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2015. SETTING Home health or outpatient. PARTICIPANTS Adults 66 years or older with an inpatient total hip (n=4272) or knee (n=9796) arthroplasty (N=14,068). INTERVENTIONS We dichotomized patients according to whether they had received any nonpharmacologic pain intervention within 1 year after hospital discharge (eg, occupational or physical therapy evaluation). Using Cox proportional hazards, we treated exposure to nonpharmacologic interventions as time dependent to determine if skilled therapy was associated with duration of opioid use. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Duration of prescription opioid use. RESULTS Median time to begin nonpharmacologic interventions was 91 days (95% confidence interval [CI], 74-118d) for hip and 27 days (95% CI, 27-28d) for knee arthroplasty. Median time to discontinue prescription opioids was 16 days (hip: 95% CI, 15-16d) and 30 days (knee: 95% CI, 29-31d). Nonpharmacologic interventions delivered with home health increased the likelihood of discontinuing opioids after hip (hazard ratio [HR], 1.15; 95% CI, 1.01-1.30) and knee (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 1.03-1.17) arthroplasty. A sensitivity analysis found these estimates to be robust and conservative. CONCLUSIONS Occupational and physical therapy with home health was associated with a shorter duration of prescription opioid use after hip and knee arthroplasty. Occupational and physical therapy can address pain and sociobehavioral factors associated with postsurgical opioid use.
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Gibson DC, Raji MA, Baillargeon JG, Kuo YF. Regional and temporal variation in receipt of long-term opioid therapy among older breast, colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer survivors in the United States. Cancer Med 2021; 10:1550-1561. [PMID: 33423372 PMCID: PMC7940244 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.3709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older cancer survivors have high rates of long-term opioid therapy (≥90 days/year). However, the geographical and temporal variation in long-term opioid therapy rates for older cancer survivors is not known. METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted using SEER-Medicare data. Persons aged ≥66 years, diagnosed with breast, colorectal, lung, or prostate cancer from 1991 to 2011, and alive ≥5 years after diagnosis were included. Persons were followed from 1/1/2008 until 12/31/2016. Persons were assigned to a census region in their state of residence each year. Individuals who were covered by an opioid prescription for at least 90 days in a calendar year were classified as having received long-term opioid therapy. Multivariable analysis was conducted using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS Temporal trends significantly varied by region (p < 0.0001) and opioid-naïve status (p < 0.0001). Compared to 2013, opioid-naïve cancer survivors in the south and non-naïve survivors in the south and west experienced significant declines in long-term opioid therapy in 2015 and 2016. Significant declines were observed in 2016 for opioid-naïve and non-naïve cancer survivors residing in the northeast and among opioid-naïve cancer survivors living in the Midwest. CONCLUSION The annual trends in the receipt of long-term opioid therapy significantly varied by region among older cancer survivors. Variation in a clinical practice suggests the need for more research and interventions to improve efficiency, process, cost, and quality of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derrick C Gibson
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Population Health, University of Texas Medical Branch - Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Mukaila A Raji
- Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch - Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Jacques G Baillargeon
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Population Health, Office of Biostatistics, University of Texas Medical Branch - Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Yong-Fang Kuo
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Population Health, Office of Biostatistics, University of Texas Medical Branch - Galveston, Galveston, TX, USA
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