Age differences in the association of nonmedical prescription opioid use and suicidality

Keith T. Chan, MSW, PhD; Priya Winston, MSW; Rubin Jennings, MS; Jeffrey Trant, MSW; Mary Moller, MSW

doi:10.5055/jom.2019.0480

Authors

Keith T. Chan, MSW, PhD
Priya Winston, MSW
Rubin Jennings, MS
Jeffrey Trant, MSW
Mary Moller, MSW

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5055/jom.2019.0480

Keywords:

nonmedical prescription opioid use, suicidality, age

Abstract

Objectives: To examine age differences in the associations of nonmedical prescription opioid use (NMPOU) and suicidality.

Design: This is a population health study using the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

Participants: The sample included 38,136 persons 18 and older.

Main outcome measures: Weighted logistic regression analyses were used to examine the odds of past year NMPOU with suicidality (suicidal thoughts, plans, and attempts in the past year), stratified by age groups.

Results: Overall, the prevalence of suicidality was higher for persons who reported past year NMPOU across all age groups. For the full sample, NMPOU was associated with increased odds of suicidal thoughts (OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.36, 2.14), plans (OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.33, 2.84), and attempts (OR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.27, 4.00). Users 18 to 34 had greater odds for reporting yes on all three suicidality measures. Users 50 and older had greater odds for suicidal thoughts in the past year.

Conclusions: Among younger and older age groups, there is a higher prevalence and associated odds of suicidality for those who report any misuse within the 12-month period.

Author Biographies

Keith T. Chan, MSW, PhD

Assistant Professor, School of Social Welfare, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, New York

Priya Winston, MSW

Doctoral Student, School of Social Welfare, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, New York

Rubin Jennings, MS

Master’s Student, School of Criminal Justice, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, New York

Jeffrey Trant, MSW

Doctoral Student, School of Social Welfare, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, New York

Mary Moller, MSW

Doctoral Student, School of Social Welfare, University at Albany, SUNY, Albany, New York

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