Risks of opioid abuse among uninsured primary care patients utilizing a free clinic

Abstract

The annual number of opioid prescriptions for pain relief has been increasing in the United States. This increase has raised concerns about prescription opioid abuse and overdose. The purpose of this study was to examine opioid risks (risk factors that increase the chance of opioid abuse) among uninsured primary care patients utilizing a free clinic. Data were collected using a self-administered paper survey in the waiting room of the free clinic from May to July 2017 (N = 506). Higher levels of somatic symptoms were associated with higher levels of opioid risks. U.S.-born English speakers had higher levels of opioid risk than non–U.S.-born English speakers and Spanish speakers. Being employed was associated with higher levels of opioid risk while attending college or being postcollegiate was related to lower levels of opioid risk. Research surrounding best practices, prescription trends, and population risk is vital in driving health and social policy. Further research would benefit from examining where people are obtaining opioids. In addition, further research on opioid abuse among Hispanic populations would be beneficial. Finally, future studies should examine how prescribing practices are different among free clinic health professionals in comparison to health care professionals working in-patient or at for-profit clinics.