PMH30 PREVALENCE AND FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH NARCOTIC CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE USE AMONG PEOPLE WITH DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY: NHANES 2015-2016

Abstract

Given the prevalence of anxiety (18.1%) and depression (6.7%) in US adults, and continual fight against opioid addiction, the purpose of the study was to examine the prevalence and other factors associated with narcotic controlled substance use among people with these disorders. The most recent 2015-2016 cycle of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was used as the data source. NHANES captures cross-sectional survey data that is representative of the US civilian population. This study included adults at least 18 years of age, categorized for depression symptom severity using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). The use of prescribed opioids was assessed for each individual. Anxiety information was also identified via new survey questions implemented in this most recent cycle. Descriptive analysis and logistic regression of demographic, medical, and social characteristics were conducted using SAS 9.4. An odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval was used a measure of association. A total of n=991 NHANES participants were included in this analysis. The prevalence of narcotic opioid for the NHANES population with depression was 10.49%. The odds of prescription narcotic opioid use were markedly higher among white participants and for older adults 40-59 (OR= 4.3 CI, 2.46 - 7.56) and ≥60 years (OR= 4.26 CI, 2.28 - 7.97). The odds higher in lower-income families (OR= 4.13 CI, 1.235 - 13.813), and in Medicare beneficiaries (OR= 5.414 CI, 2.867 - 10.224). The use of opioid prescriptions increased with increasing severity of depression symptoms; with moderately severe (OR= 4.074 CI, 2.273 - 7.301) and severe (OR= 3.754 CI, 1.801 - 7.825). The presence of anti-depressants was also associated with higher opioid use. As the healthcare field and patients adapt to the emerging opioid prescribing practices designed to curb the spread of opioid misuse, depression patients should not go unnoticed. Careful management of their needs is necessary.