Journal
JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL MEDICINE
Volume 64, Issue 1, Pages 39-45Publisher
LIPPINCOTT WILLIAMS & WILKINS
DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002328
Keywords
illicit drug use; industry; NHANES; occupation; prescription opioid use
Categories
Funding
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
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This study analyzed the self-reported prevalence of drug use in the United States and found that the use of prescription opioids was higher in certain occupations. It highlights the need for judicious prescription strategies and targeted interventions. Additionally, the study also identified a high prevalence of illicit drug use among certain occupational groups, emphasizing the importance of ensuring access to therapy.
Objective: To estimate the self-reported prevalence of prescription opioid use and illicit drug use in the United States. Methods: Self-reported prescription opioid use and illicit drug use (mostly nonopioid) were obtained for adults and adult workers (NHANES 2005-2016). Results: Prevalence (95% CI) of prescription opioid use was 6.5% (6.0-7.0) (adults) and 4.1% (3.7-4.5) (workers). Prevalence of illicit drug use was 9.5% (8.8-10.1) (adults) and 10.2% (9.4-11.1) (workers). Among occupations, prevalence of prescription opioid use was highest in personal care (6.5%; 4.1-10.4) and healthcare practitioners (5.9%; 3.8-9.0); for illicit drug use, construction/extraction (18.0%; 15.1-21.3) and food preparation (15.8%; 12.5-19.7). Conclusion: The prevalence of prescription opioid use was elevated among some occupations. Judicious prescription strategies and targeted interventions are both needed. The prevalence of illicit drug use among certain occupational groups suggests the need to ensure access to therapy.
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