Factors associated with prescription opioid misuse in adults aged 50 or older

Abstract

BackgroundAlthough prescription opioid misuse in older adults results in serious health complications, this issue has been overlooked. PurposeThis study aimed to describe the prevalence of prescription opioid misuse and identify factors associated with misuse in adults aged 50 years or older. MethodsThis study used a cross-sectional design with a convenience sample. One hundred and thirty patients with chronic pain aged 50 years or older, taking prescription opioids, participated in the study. FindingsApproximately 35% of the participants misused their prescription opioids. Factors associated with opioid misuse included age (younger), level of education (higher), level of depression (moderate level), alcohol use problem, illicit drug use, and a higher level of pain interference on walking ability and normal walk. Significant predictors of opioid misuse included education, illicit drug use, depression, and pain interference with normal work. DiscussionOur study provided important information to health-care providers about identifying high-risk older adults.