Prevalence Of Prescription Drug Misuse Research Articles

Early-onset prescription drug misuse in Indiana youth

BackgroundBased on 2018 national estimates, approximately 5–10% of youth between the ages of 12–17 report past year prescription drug misuse (PDM) in the United States. PDM among adolescents is associated with negative health outcomes and risk behaviors. The current study examined both the prevalence of PDM among diverse groups of adolescents and the association of alcohol and cigarette use with early PDM. MethodsData came from the cross-sectional state-based 2018 Indiana Youth Survey of students from grades 6–12, ranging in age from 10 to 17 years (n = 80,926). Lifetime PDM, alcohol, and cigarettes were assessed by self-report, including ages at first use. A series of analyses were conducted separately for non-Hispanic Black, non-Hispanic White, and Hispanic students. We estimated the prevalence of PDM. Likelihood of PDM was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier survivor function. Cox proportional hazards regression models estimated age at first PDM from ages at first use of alcohol and cigarettes. ResultsThree percent of non-Hispanic Black, 4% of non-Hispanic White, and 5% of Hispanic students reported PDM. Onset of smoking was associated with first PDM across adolescence for all groups. Onset of drinking was associated with first PDM among Hispanic students across adolescence. For Non-Hispanic Black and Non-Hispanic White students, likelihood of PDM was most pronounced during very early adolescence. ConclusionsOnset of alcohol and cigarette use were associated with of PDM among Indiana youth, suggesting that interventions aimed at preventing early smoking and drinking may also reduce PDM among youth.

Prevalence and Correlates of Prescription Drug Misuse Among Spanish Adolescents.

Prescription drug (PD) misuse among adolescents constitutes a growing health concern worldwide. This study aimed to provide up-to-date prevalence and correlates of PD misuse (i.e., tranquilizers, opioids and stimulants) among a national representative sample of high-school adolescents in Spain. We used nationwide data from 36,788 adolescents (51.93% females) aged between 14 and 18 who completed the 2018-2019 Survey on Drug Use in Secondary Education in Spain (ESTUDES). Lifetime misuse of the following PD was assessed: tranquilizers without prescription, opioids to get high, and prescription stimulants to improve academic performance. Other substance use, sociodemographic characteristics, academic performance related variables, and the quality of parental relationship were assessed. Lifetime prevalence of PD misuse was 8.50% for tranquilizers, 2.34% for stimulants, and 2.20% for opioids. Past-month tobacco use and lifetime illegal substance use were the only correlates associated with all PD categories (ORs between 1.419 and 6.788). The remaining sociodemographic, academic and family correlates were PD category-specific. This information may help in the development of empirically-based preventive interventions.

Prevalence and Correlates of Prescription Drug Misuse in a Nationwide Population Survey in Taiwan.

Background: Prescription drug misuse (PDM) is a critical mental health issue relating to psychiatric morbidity. This study investigated the prevalence of PDM and its associated psychopathology and psychosocial factors in the general population in Taiwan. Methods: The survey randomly selected a representative sample >15 year-olds using the stratified proportional randomization method. The measurements included demographic variables, previous experience with PDM, self-rated physical and mental health, health self-efficacy, risk factors for suicidality, and psychological distress. Results: The weighted one-year prevalence of PDM was 8.5% (n = 180) among 2126 participants. Those with psychological distress and lifetime suicide ideation (23.3%) or suicide attempts (5.0%) were significantly associated with PDM. PDM was also prevalent among those with poorer self-rated health and lower self-efficacy. Insomnia (OR = 1.52), depression (OR = 1.77), and low self-efficacy (OR = 2.29) had higher odds of PDM after adjustment in the logistic regression model. Conclusions: Individuals who misused prescription drugs had a higher prevalence of psychological distress and suicidality and lower levels of self-rated health. Prescription drug misuse problems should be screened for early prevention when prescribing medications for people with insomnia, depression, or lower perceived health beliefs or conditions.

Opioid-involved prescription drug misuse and poly-prescription drug misuse in U.S. older adults

Objectives Although older adult prescription drug misuse (PDM) is associated with concerning consequences, stimulant PDM and poly- PDM involving multiple medication classes each remain understudied. Our objectives were to examine PDM and poly-PDM prevalence by medication class in US older adults and to identify the mental health, SUD, and health-related quality-of-life correlates of poly-PDM. Method Data were from adults 50 and older completing the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III, (N = 14,667). Prevalence of PDM and poly-PDM by medication class was estimated. Logistic regression established odds of four SUD diagnoses, five psychopathology diagnoses and lifetime suicide attempts; linear regression evaluated health-related quality-of-life by PDM/poly-PDM status. Results Past-year PDM abstinence increased with age (50–54 years: 80.5%; 80 and older: 96.0%), while poly-PDM declined; past-year stimulant PDM was rare (≤0.6%), except when combined with opioid and tranquilizer/sedative PDM. Compared to no past-year PDM, both past-year opioid-only PDM and opioid-involved poly-PDM were associated with poorer health-related quality-of-life and greater odds of psychopathology and SUD, with the highest odds in poly-PDM. Conclusion The presence of any opioid-involved PDM in older adults highlights screening for SUD, psychopathology, and other medical conditions, with the most significant intervention needs likely in those with opioid-involved poly-PDM.

Educational attainment and prescription drug misuse: The importance of push and pull factors for dropping out

PurposeYoung adults who do not complete high school are at increased risk for substance use and offending behavior. A limitation of this research is that dropouts are often treated as a homogeneous group, which ignores the various push (e.g., academic failure or disciplinary problems) and pull (e.g., family responsibility or economic need) factors for leaving school. MethodsThe current study relies on multiple years of data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2009–2014) and examines several dependent variables, including prevalence of prescription drug misuse, frequent prescription drug misuse, and prescription drug-related substance use disorder symptoms. We assess the importance of push and pull factors for dropping out, and compare dropouts to respondents who completed school. ResultsMultivariable logistic regression analyses produce two important findings. First, push factors increase the risk of various types of prescription drug misuse compared to pull factors. Additionally, respondents who attend college are at a decreased risk for various types of prescription opioid and sedative/tranquilizer misuse and disorder. DiscussionThe current research identifies important differences in prescription drug misuse and disorders among dropouts based on the reason they left school. Additionally, college attendance appears to be a strong protective factor.

Prescription drug misuse in adolescents and young adults: an emerging issue as a health problem.

In recent years, prescription drug misuse has become a common issue among adolescents and young adults in many countries, with, for example, a lifetime prevalence of 12% among individuals aged 12-17 in 2017 in United States. To summarize recently published studies about prescription drug misuse among adolescent and young adults. Prescription drug misuse has many definitions, one being any medication taken in a way other than prescribed, whether related to dosage or manner of usage. Among adolescents, it has a relationship with illicit drug use, decline in academic performance, future delinquency, and mental problems. Individual predisposing factors include identity crisis and role confusion, and there are also environmental influences. Preventive approaches include the use of monitoring systems. Management involves initial assessment and treatment, which largely focuses on behavioural interventions. Further understanding of risk and protective factors, co-occurring issues, and treatment can help prevent and reduce the prevalence of prescription drug misuse. Collaboration among government, clinicians, and patients is urged to combat this growing issue.

Prescription drugs, alcohol, and illicit substance use and their correlations among medical sciences students in iran.

Background:Substance use among young people is a major public health problem in Iran.Objectives:The aims of the present study were to determine the prevalence of substance misuse and its determinants in medical sciences students in Tehran, Iran.Patients and Methods:A cross-sectional study was performed on a randomly selected sample of 1992 medical sciences students during 2012-2013. Anonymous, structured questionnaires were distributed among the students in each selected class. Substance misuse was defined according to cultural and epidemiological features. Data analysis was performed using chi-squared test, Fisher’s exact test, and binary logistic regression.Results:The prevalence of prescription drug misuse, last year alcohol use, and ever illicit substance use was 4.9%, 6.9%, and 2.9%, respectively. The result of multiple logistic regression model showed that being a male (OR = 4.0), hookah use in the last year (OR = 3.2), prescription drug misuse (OR = 3.2), and alcohol use in the last year (OR = 3.3) were associated with the students’ illicit substance use. Last year alcohol use (OR = 5.3), ever illicit substance use (OR = 3.2), and illicit substance use in friends (OR = 2.6) were associated with prescription drug misuse.Conclusions:Our results suggested that the prevalence of prescription drugs, alcohol and illicit substance use was relatively low, though still significant, among Iranian students, which was strongly associated with family and friends’ use. The findings of this research can be used for planning and evaluating interventions by considering the risk factors and protective factors in Universities.

Adolescents misusing prescription drugs: who’s the riskiest users of them all?

Early age of onset of alcohol use or prescription drug misuse (PDM) is associated with later alcohol or prescription drug-related substance use disorders. While the prevalence of PDM among youth continues to increase at an alarming rate, relatively little research attention has been given to the study of adolescent PDM. The present study examined differences in risky behaviors (hazardous drinking and externalizing symptoms) and impulsivity among adolescents (N = 111) who reported current PDM and underage alcohol use (i.e. PDM and alcohol use in past 30 days; n = 37), current underage alcohol use only (i.e. past-30-day alcohol use but no PDM in past 30 days; n = 37) and those who reported no alcohol or drug use in past 30 days (n = 37). Findings indicated that adolescents who reported current PDM also reported highest levels of hazardous alcohol use and impulsivity compared to adolescents in the current alcohol-only and current non-user groups. Adolescents who reported current PDM also reported higher levels of externalizing symptoms than did non-current using adolescents. Overall, the results of the present study suggest that adolescents who misuse prescription drugs could be at high risk for involvement in other types of problem behaviors.

Correlates of Prescription Drug Misuse Among Heterosexually Active Homeless Men

ABSTRACT Objective: Prescription drug misuse (PDM) is an emerging epidemic in the United States. This study examines the prevalence and correlates of PDM among homeless men. Homeless men experience higher risk for substance misuse and associated health problems and are particularly vulnerable to PDM and its negative health consequences. Methods: Participants were a representative probability sample of 305 heterosexually active homeless men interviewed from meal programs in the Skid Row region of Los Angeles. Interviews assessed demographics, substance use, mental health, and social networks. Logistic regression examined correlates of PDM. Results: Twenty-six percent of the study population reported PDM in the past year. PDM was more likely among homeless men suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (odds ratio [OR] = 2.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–5.61) and among those with more substance-using social network members (OR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.01–1.14). Decreased PDM was associated with good health (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.16–0.75). Conclusions: The prevalence of PDM is higher among the homeless men in this study than in the general population. Correlates of PDM included PTSD and poor health, suggesting that homeless men may use PDM to self-medicate. PDM was also associated with increased substance-using social network alters. Physical and mental health and social context are important aspects to consider in prevention efforts to reduce PDM among homeless men.

Prescription drug misuse among young adults: Looking across youth cultures

Youth cultures play a key role in the social organisation of drug trends among young people; the current prescription drug misuse trend is no different. The authors evaluated whether patterns of prescription drug misuse differed across several youth cultures. Using field survey methods and time-space sampling during 2011, the authors assessed the patterns and prevalence of prescription drug misuse among young adults who are socially active in various urban youth cultures (n = 1781). The prevalence of lifetime prescription drug misuse is highest within indie rock scenes (52.5%), electronic dance music scenes (52.1%), lesbian parties (53.8%) and alt scenes (50.9%). Prescription drug misuse was lowest among young adults in hip-hop scenes (25.0%). These findings were upheld in logistic regression analyses that accounted for demographic differences across youth cultures: indie rock scenes (adjusted odds ratio = 2.11), electronic dance music scenes (adjusted odds ratio = 2.20), lesbian parties (adjusted odds ratio = 2.30) and alt scenes (adjusted odds ratio = 2.65) all reported statistically significant (P < 0.05) higher odds of misuse than college bar scenes. Recent prescription drug misuse mirrored patterns for lifetime misuse. The differing prevalence of prescription drug misuse across distinct youth cultures suggests that the trend has not diffused equally among young people. The differing prevalence across youth cultures indicates that the most efficacious strategies for youth intervention may be targeted approaches that account for the subculturally rooted differences in attitudes and social norms.

Prescription drug misuse among university staff and students: A survey of motives, nature and extent

Aims: To determine the prevalence and nature of prescription drug misuse among university staff and students in the UK.Methods: In 2009, an online questionnaire regarding non-medical use of prescription drugs was completed by 1614 students and 489 staff registered at a large university in Wales. The sample data were weighted to match the population of students and staff and were analysed using SPSS.Findings: The lifetime prevalence of prescription drug misuse (using prescription drugs not prescribed to the person) was 33% among students and 24% among staff. The main medications misused were pain relievers, followed by sedatives and sleeping aids. The main motives for misusing prescription drugs were to gain therapeutic benefit and ‘to get high’.Conclusions: The study shows that a notable proportion of staff and students at the university used prescription drugs in a way that was not intended. The discussion draws attention to a debate about whether all forms of non-medical drug use should be regarded as misuse. The implications of non-medical use include health risks to the user as well as hidden social and economic costs. More research should be done to generate a more in-depth understanding of prescription drug misuse.

Commentary] IS THIS THE PATH TO EFFECTIVE PREVENTION?

Commentary] IS THIS THE PATH TO EFFECTIVE PREVENTION?

Early Age-of-onset Drinking Predicts Prescription Drug Misuse Among Teenagers and Young Adults: Results from a National Survey

Early age-of-onset drinking is associated with alcohol problems and related, high-risk behaviors. We analyzed data from 18- to 34-year-old respondents from the 2001 to 2002 National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) to determine to what extent early age-of-onset drinking increased risks for prescription drug misuse (PDM), defined as 1 or more positive responses to: "ever having misused sedatives, tranquilizers, painkillers or stimulants, obtained either as prescriptions or from indirect sources." Lifetime prevalence of PDM was 15.4% among 8306 "drinkers" and 3% among 4652 "nondrinkers." Unadjusted odds for PDM for both men and women increased with each successively younger drinking age-of-onset, reaching a 10-fold risk at <14 years (odds ratio [OR], 10.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.43-15.3) for men and women combined). In adjusted analyses, early age-of-onset marijuana use among drinkers reduced these odds and independently increased the risks for PDM 2-fold (adjusted OR, 2.07; 95% CI, 1.17-3.64). Lifetime alcohol dependence independently predicted PDM (adjusted OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 2-2.96) and obscured the association of early drinking, but not of early marijuana use, with PDM. This finding suggests a specific mediating effect of alcohol dependence between early drinking and PDM. Findings support the need for effective programs to prevent and reduce harm from early-onset drinking and from the associated risk of alcohol dependence and prescription drug misuse.