Characteristics of fatal drug overdoses among college age decedents in Tennessee, 2019-2020

Purpose

College age persons experienced unique disruptions to their regular lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, sometimes resulting in negative coping mechanisms. We examined changes in the number of and characteristics of college age fatal drug overdoses before and during the early COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We conducted a statewide cross-sectional study to determine the changes in the number and characteristics of college age fatal drug overdose decedents before and during the COVID-19 pandemic using 2019-2020 data from the Tennessee State Unintentional Drug Overdose Reporting System. We defined college age as 18-24 years. Frequencies and rates were generated to compare demographics, circumstances, and toxicology between 2019 and 2020.

Results

From 2019 to 2020, 336 college age persons experienced an unintentional or undetermined fatal drug overdose in Tennessee. Characteristics of college age decedents: mean age 21.7 years, 68.5% males, and 71.4% White. Rates of fatal overdoses among college age persons increased 50.0% overall, 150.1% for female decedents, and 141.7% for Black decedents. Fewer people were treated for substance use disorder or mental health conditions (p = 0.0243) in 2020.

Conclusion

This analysis can inform local and regional public health workers to implement focused prevention and intervention efforts to curtail the overdose epidemic among college age persons in Tennessee.

College inflammatory bowel disease (C-IBD) day: a targeted approach to shared decision-making in college age students with IBD-a 2-year pilot project

BACKGROUND

Adherence to treatment is a key therapeutic goal in chronic disorders including diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and hypertension. Non-adherence has been associated with increased health care costs. Previous studies have evaluated adherence to treatment in inflammatory bowel disease, as well as predictors of non-adherence. Higher belief of necessity for medications and membership of IBD patient organizations have been associated with higher medication adherence.

AIM

This study aimed to identify patient reported factors that influence understanding of IBD in college age patients with IBD.

METHODS

We conducted questionnaire based survey among a group of college age patients with IBD who attended a structured program. The program consisted of a clinical appointment with an IBD physician, lecture by an IBD physician, followed by interactive segment between patients. Educational material was available for patients to review. In addition, opportunity was given to patients to share their story and ask questions in a safe environment.

RESULTS

A total of 26 patients participated in the two C-IBD sessions over a 2-year period. Twenty-three were enrolled in college, 1 was a recent graduate, and 2 were of college age but not enrolled. All patients thought the program was beneficial, 96% rated the overall experience as "awesome" or "very good." Seventy-six percent of patients reported sharing their story as the most beneficial. Only 19% found the physician lecture beneficial.

CONCLUSION

A targeted approach to a vulnerable population with IBD is an additional useful tool in improving understanding of IBD. This may lead to improved compliance with management plans.