Cocaine and Opiate Overdose Deaths in NYC (1990-2000)
Author Information
Author(s): Kyle T. Bernstein, Angela Bucciarelli, Tinka Markham Piper, Charles Gross, Ken Tardiff, Sandro Galea
Primary Institution: New York University
Hypothesis
What are the trends and correlates of cocaine- and opiate-related overdose deaths in New York City during 1990–2000?
Conclusion
Understanding the different populations at risk for cocaine and opiate-related overdoses is critical for targeted interventions.
Supporting Evidence
- Cocaine only overdose deaths accounted for 27.3% of total overdose deaths.
- Opiate only overdose deaths rose from 30.6% to 40.1% from 1990 to 2000.
- Black decedents were nearly five times more likely to have a cocaine only overdose compared to Whites.
Takeaway
This study looked at people who died from drug overdoses in New York City and found that cocaine and opiates affect different groups of people.
Methodology
Data were collected from the NYC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner on all fatal drug overdoses involving cocaine and/or opiates from 1990 to 2000.
Potential Biases
Potential misclassification of overdose causes due to variations among medical examiners.
Limitations
The study did not include suicides or overdoses among those under 15 or over 65, and it may not represent changes in drug use patterns.
Participant Demographics
79.4% male, 33.6% White, 36.9% Black, 29.5% Hispanic, with nearly 75% under 45 years old.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 0.62–0.82
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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