Neighborhood characteristics and opioid use disorder among older Medicare beneficiaries: An examination of the role of the COVID-19 pandemic

This study investigates how the associations between residential characteristics and the risk of opioid user dis-order (OUD) among older Medicare beneficiaries (age >= 65) are altered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Applying matching techniques and multilevel modeling to the Medicare fee-for-service claims data, this study finds that county-level social isolation, concentrated disadvantage, and residential stability are significantly associated with OUD among older adults (N =1,080,350) and that those living in counties with low levels of social isolation and residential stability experienced a heightened risk of OUD during the pandemic. The results suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated the impacts of residential features on OUD.

Automated summary

This study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the relationship between residential characteristics and the risk of opioid use disorder (OUD) among older Medicare beneficiaries. Using matching techniques and multilevel modeling, the study finds significant associations between county-level social isolation, concentrated disadvantage, and residential stability with OUD among older adults. Additionally, individuals living in counties with low levels of social isolation and residential stability experience an increased risk of OUD during the pandemic. These findings suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates the effects of residential features on OUD.