Abstract
ObjectiveTo examine whether overdose deaths and related metrics—overdose calls for service to police and non-fatal overdose emergency department visits—in Delaware follow within-year (i.e., seasonal) patterns during the most recent years of the opioid epidemic (2016-2020).MethodsWe begin by providing descriptive statistics on yearly trends in overdose metrics, followed by Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to analyze whether seasonal variations have a significant impact on the patterns of Delaware’s overdose metrics while controlling for annual variations.ResultsWe find yearly variations across the three overdose-related metrics, with overdose deaths reporting the only consistent increases per year. Within-year, or seasonal, variations show the spring months have the most consistent increases in overdose deaths and overdose calls for service across years we studied. Finally, we report significant differences for all overdose metrics across years and seasons.ConclusionsAs in prior studies, we find significant variation in overdose-related metrics by season in Delaware.Policy ImplicationsThese findings lend support to existing interventions in slowing yearly growth in overdose deaths. However, allocation of resources and interventions to specific times of the year—when overdoses are highest—may further reduce risks and harms.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.