Predictors of Opioid Misuse in Chronic Pain Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Ives Timothy J, Chelminski Paul R, Hammett-Stabler Catherine A, Malone Robert M, Perhac J Stephen, Potisek Nicholas M, Shilliday Betsy Bryant, DeWalt Darren A, Pignone Michael P
Primary Institution: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Hypothesis
What are the predictors of opioid misuse among patients with chronic pain?
Conclusion
Opioid misuse is common among chronic pain patients, particularly those with a history of substance abuse.
Supporting Evidence
- 32% of patients misused opioids during the study.
- Misusers were more likely to have a history of cocaine abuse.
- Age and past substance abuse were significant predictors of misuse.
- Detection of stimulants was the most common form of misuse.
Takeaway
Some people who take medicine for pain might misuse it, especially if they have a history of using drugs or alcohol in the past.
Methodology
A prospective cohort study monitored 196 patients with chronic pain for opioid misuse over one year.
Potential Biases
Self-reported histories of substance abuse may not accurately reflect actual misuse.
Limitations
The study was conducted in a single academic practice, which may not represent all chronic pain patients.
Participant Demographics
Mean age 52 years, 55% male, 75% white, 85% with income less than $20,000/year.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
OR, 4.3; CI, 1.76 – 10.4
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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