TY - JOUR
T1 - Predictors of accidental fatal drug overdose among a cohort of injection drug users
AU - O'Driscoll, P. T.
AU - McGough, J.
AU - Hagan, H.
AU - Thiede, H.
AU - Critchlow, C.
AU - Alexander, E. R.
PY - 2001
Y1 - 2001
N2 - Objectives. This study evaluated factors associated with accidental fatal drug overdose among a cohort of injection drug users (IDUs). Methods. In a prospective cohort study of 2849 IDUs in King County, Washington, deaths were identified by electronically merging subject identifiers with death certificate records. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of overdose mortality. Results. Thirty-two overdoses were observed. Independent predictors of overdose mortality were bisexual sexual orientation (relative risk [RR]=4,86; 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.30, 13.2), homelessness (RR=2.30; 95% CI=1.06, 5.01), infrequent injection of speedballs (RR=5.36; 95% CI=1.58, 18.1), daily use of powdered cocaine (RR=4.84; 95% CI=1.13, 20.8), and daily use of poppers (RR=22.0; 95% CI=1.74, 278). Conclusions. Sexual orientation, homelessness, and drug use identify IDUs who may benefit from targeted interventions.
AB - Objectives. This study evaluated factors associated with accidental fatal drug overdose among a cohort of injection drug users (IDUs). Methods. In a prospective cohort study of 2849 IDUs in King County, Washington, deaths were identified by electronically merging subject identifiers with death certificate records. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of overdose mortality. Results. Thirty-two overdoses were observed. Independent predictors of overdose mortality were bisexual sexual orientation (relative risk [RR]=4,86; 95% confidence interval [CI]=2.30, 13.2), homelessness (RR=2.30; 95% CI=1.06, 5.01), infrequent injection of speedballs (RR=5.36; 95% CI=1.58, 18.1), daily use of powdered cocaine (RR=4.84; 95% CI=1.13, 20.8), and daily use of poppers (RR=22.0; 95% CI=1.74, 278). Conclusions. Sexual orientation, homelessness, and drug use identify IDUs who may benefit from targeted interventions.
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U2 - 10.2105/AJPH.91.6.984
DO - 10.2105/AJPH.91.6.984
M3 - Article
C2 - 11392946
AN - SCOPUS:0034985756
SN - 0090-0036
VL - 91
SP - 984
EP - 987
JO - American journal of public health
JF - American journal of public health
IS - 6
ER -