Changes in characteristics of drug overdose death trends during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alcohol
COVID-19
Fentanyl
Opioids
Overdose death
Stimulants
Journal
The International journal on drug policy
ISSN: 1873-4758
Titre abrégé: Int J Drug Policy
Pays: Netherlands
ID NLM: 9014759
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
12 2021
12 2021
Historique:
received:
03
03
2021
revised:
13
07
2021
accepted:
14
07
2021
pubmed:
30
7
2021
medline:
18
12
2021
entrez:
29
7
2021
Statut:
ppublish
Résumé
Reports analyzing drug overdose (OD) mortality data during the COVID-19 pandemic are limited. Outcomes across states are heterogenous, necessitating assessments of associations between COVID-19 and OD deaths on a state-by-state level. This report aims to analyze trends in OD deaths in Massachusetts during COVID-19. Analyzing 3,924 death records, we characterize opioid-, cocaine-, and amphetamine-involved OD mortality and substance co-presence trends from March 24-November 8 in 2020 as compared to 2018 and 2019. OD deaths involving amphetamines increased by 85% from 2019 to 2020 (61 vs. 113; P<0.001) but were steady from 2018 to 2019. Heroin's presence continued to decrease (341 in 2018, 247 in 2019, 157 in 2020; P<0.001); however, fentanyl was present in more than 85% of all OD deaths across all periods. Among OD deaths, alcohol involvement consistently increased, present in 250 deaths in 2018, 299 in 2019 (P=0.02), and 350 in 2020 (P=0.04). In 2019, 78% of OD decedents were White and 7% were Black, versus 73% and 10% in 2020 (P=0.02). Increased deaths involving stimulants, alcohol, and fentanyl reflect concerning trends in the era of COVID-19. Rising OD death rates among Black residents underscore that interventions focused on racial equity are necessary.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
Reports analyzing drug overdose (OD) mortality data during the COVID-19 pandemic are limited. Outcomes across states are heterogenous, necessitating assessments of associations between COVID-19 and OD deaths on a state-by-state level. This report aims to analyze trends in OD deaths in Massachusetts during COVID-19.
METHODS
Analyzing 3,924 death records, we characterize opioid-, cocaine-, and amphetamine-involved OD mortality and substance co-presence trends from March 24-November 8 in 2020 as compared to 2018 and 2019.
RESULTS
OD deaths involving amphetamines increased by 85% from 2019 to 2020 (61 vs. 113; P<0.001) but were steady from 2018 to 2019. Heroin's presence continued to decrease (341 in 2018, 247 in 2019, 157 in 2020; P<0.001); however, fentanyl was present in more than 85% of all OD deaths across all periods. Among OD deaths, alcohol involvement consistently increased, present in 250 deaths in 2018, 299 in 2019 (P=0.02), and 350 in 2020 (P=0.04). In 2019, 78% of OD decedents were White and 7% were Black, versus 73% and 10% in 2020 (P=0.02).
CONCLUSION
Increased deaths involving stimulants, alcohol, and fentanyl reflect concerning trends in the era of COVID-19. Rising OD death rates among Black residents underscore that interventions focused on racial equity are necessary.
Identifiants
pubmed: 34325184
pii: S0955-3959(21)00297-8
doi: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103392
pmc: PMC9759694
pii:
doi:
Substances chimiques
Analgesics, Opioid
0
Fentanyl
UF599785JZ
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Pagination
103392Informations de copyright
Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Déclaration de conflit d'intérêts
Declarations of Interest The authors declare no competing interests.
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