Abstract
BackgroundPatterns of opioid dispensing often exhibit substantial temporal and geographical variability, which has implications for public health policy decisions and interventions. The study examined recent trends in prescription opioid dispensing and identified high dispensing areas and factors associated with the doses dispensed.MethodsThree years (1 January 2013–31 December 2015) of dispensing data of prescription opioids in local government areas (LGAs) for New South Wales (NSW), Australia’s most populous state, were analyzed. The proportion of individuals who were dispensed opioids was computed for four age-groups. A Chi-square test was used to examine trends over time in proportions of the population who were dispensed opioids in four age-groups. The number of prescriptions over time and quantities in daily defined dose/1000 people/day (denoted DDD) were also examined. LGAs with relatively high levels of dispensing were identified and mapped. A multivariate regression model was used to identify factors associated with DDD.ResultsOverall, codeine, oxycodone and tramadol were the main opioids in terms of DDD, number of prescriptions and number of individuals who were dispensed these medications. Quantity (in DDD), and population dispensed to were consistently higher for women than men over time. Proportions of individuals who were dispensed opioids increased significantly over time in all four age-groups. In the multivariate model, age, urbanization, sex and socio-economic indexes for areas were significantly associated with doses dispensed among opioid users. All areas with very high dispensing were outside major metropolitan areas.ConclusionsGiven that over-use of opioids is a major public health problem and that long-term use has substantial side effects including dependence, it is important to understand spatial patterns of opioid prescribing to enable targeted interventions. Nationwide implementation of real-time drug-monitoring programs and access to monitoring databases from both doctor and pharmacy point-of-care sources may potentially reduce excessive and undue use of opioid.
Highlights
Patterns of opioid dispensing often exhibit substantial temporal and geographical variability, which has implications for public health policy decisions and interventions
Islam et al BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology (2018) 19:30 patterns of diversion, misuse and/or unsanctioned use of prescription opioid differ across Australian states and territories [11]
Opioid dispensing increased in New South Wales (NSW) across the study period (1 January 2013–31 December 2015) in terms of number of prescriptions, and number of individuals to whom opioids were dispensed but remained similar in terms of Daily Defined Dose (DDD) (Fig. 1, Tables 1 and 2)
Summary
Patterns of opioid dispensing often exhibit substantial temporal and geographical variability, which has implications for public health policy decisions and interventions. Islam et al BMC Pharmacology and Toxicology (2018) 19:30 patterns of diversion, misuse and/or unsanctioned use of prescription opioid differ across Australian states and territories [11]. This spatial variation in usage is likely to be influenced by factors such as socio-economic status, age and sex of residents. Studying the relationships between patterns of opioid prescribing, quantity dispensed and population characteristics of those who use opioids at relatively small geographies could be useful for policy development This information can facilitate understanding of where inappropriate dispensing, prescribing, and prescription opioid-seeking behaviors may occur and offer valuable information for implementation of local-level interventions
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: 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.
