Characterization of Bodily Pain and Use of Both Prescription and Non-Prescription Opioids in Tenants of Precarious Housing

Abstract

Background

opioid use, which includes both prescribed and non-prescribed drugs, is relatively common amongst marginalized populations. Past research has shown that among those who use non-prescribed or diverted opioids recreationally, many were first exposed to the drug as prescribed pain medication. Objective: to better understand the relationship between pain and opioid use in tenants of precarious housing. Methods: in the present study, 440 individuals from a cohort living in homeless or precariously housed conditions in a neighborhood with high rates of poverty and drug use were interviewed for their bodily pain and opioid use. We examined the relationship between bodily pain levels, assessed using the Maudsley Addiction Profile questionnaire, and prescribed, non-prescribed and combined self-reported opioid use in the prior 28 days assessed using the Timeline Followback and Doctor-Prescribed Medication Timeline Followback questionnaires. Results: Analysis of the results indicated that sex (female), age (younger) and early exposure to opioids (≤ age 18) predicted current opioid use, but there was no association between current bodily pain levels and opioid use. Conclusions: these unexpected findings indicate the complex nature of the relationship between pain and opioid use in this population.

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the Hotel Study research assistants and volunteers. W.G.H. was supported by the Jack Bell Chair in Schizophrenia.

Declaration of interest

R.M.P. has received consulting fees or sat on paid advisory boards for Janssen, Lundbeck, and Otsuka; is on the speaker’s bureau for Janssen, Lundbeck, and Otsuka. G.W.M. has received consulting fees or sat on paid advisory boards for Apotex, AtraZeneca, BMS, Janssen, Lundbeck, Otsuka, Pfizer, and Sunovion. He also received fees for lectures sponsored by AstraZeneca, BMS, Janssen, Otsuka, and Eli Lilly, and has received grants from Janssen Pharmaceuticals. W.G.H. has received consulting fees or sat on paid advisory boards for the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technology in Health, AlphaSights, Guiepoint, In Silico, Translational Life Sciences (TLS), Otsuka, Lundbeck, and Newron; and holds shares in TLS and Eli Lilly. All other authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Data availability statement

Due To Privacy Issues, The Data From The Study Cannot Be Publicly Shared.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (W.G.H., CBG-101827, MOP-137103), BC Mental Health and Addictions Services (W.G.H.), and the William and Ada Isabelle Steel Fund (A.E.T.).