Full Citation

Title: Drug overdose mortality among stateside Puerto Ricans: Evidence of a health disparity

Citation Type: Journal Article

Publication Year: 2021

ISBN:

ISSN: 0955-3959

DOI: 10.1016/J.DRUGPO.2020.103079

NSFID:

PMCID:

PMID: 33341699

Abstract: Background: This study compared drug overdose mortality rates in Puerto Rican-heritage and Non-Hispanic (NH) White individuals in the United States (US), examining time trends and recent variation by age, sex, state of residence, and drugs involved in overdose. Methods: Death certificate data from the National Center for Health Statistics, as well as American Community Survey population estimates, were used to calculate age-specific and age-adjusted drug overdose mortality rates for Puerto Rican-heritage and NH White residents of the 50 United States or District of Columbia (DC). Rates for 2018 were compared between Puerto Rican-heritage and NH White individuals, overall and by sex, age, state, and specific drug involved in overdose. Joinpoint Regression was used to examine trends in drug overdose mortality rates from 2009 to 2018. Results: From 2009 to 2018, the age-adjusted drug overdose mortality rate in stateside Puerto Ricans doubled among women (from 6.0 to 12.5 per 100,000) and nearly tripled among men (from 15.3 to 45.2 per 100,000). In 2018, the age-adjusted drug overdose mortality rate was significantly higher in Puerto Rican-heritage than NH White individuals (28.7 vs. 26.2 per 100,000, respectively). The 2018 drug overdose mortality rate was highest among Puerto Rican-heritage men ages 45–54 (104.1 per 100,000). Conclusion: Findings emphasize the necessity of policies, programs, and interventions to mitigate risk of fatal overdose in stateside Puerto Rican communities.

Url: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0955395920304175

User Submitted?: No

Authors: Cano, Manuel; Gelpí-Acosta, Camila

Periodical (Full): International Journal of Drug Policy

Issue:

Volume: 90

Pages: 103079

Data Collections: IPUMS USA

Topics: Fertility and Mortality, Health

Countries: