Disparities in Opioid Prescribing for Long-Term Chronic and Short-Term Acute Pain: Findings from the 2019 National Health Interview Survey.

Abstract

The CDC cautioned against prescribing opioids for long-term chronic pain because opioid use disorder (OUD) risk was greater compared to short-term use for acute pain. The study objective was to describe rates and characteristics of respondents prescribed opioids for long-term chronic and short-term acute pain. National Health Interview Survey respondents for 2019 aged 18years and over were examined (n = 31,997). Bivariate and multivariable models demonstrated opioid use for long-term and acute pain relative to sociodemographic characteristics. About 12.3% of US adults took opioids in the last 12months, and among those with chronic pain who had been prescribed opioids in the last 3months, over half took opioids every day. The odds of taking opioids for long-term chronic pain decreased with increasing income and increased with advancing age. Opioid prescribing diverged from CDC recommendations. Less affluent older adults may be at increased risk for OUD.