Polysubstance use among reproductive-aged parenting women who misused prescription opioids in the United States

Abstract

Research has shown a significant increase in overdose deaths among reproductive-aged parenting women in the United States. Given the alarming rise of opioid use disorder, this study analyzes polysubstance use among reproductive-aged parenting women. Using data from 2015 to 2016 National Survey of Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), this study examines data on prevalence and patterns of polysubstance use among US reproductive-aged parenting women who misused prescription opioids in the past 30 days. Results show that 87% of parenting women who misused prescription opioids reported using other substances concurrently in the past 30 days.

Keywords:

• Opioids
• parenting women

Acknowledgments

The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE), or US Department of Health & Human Services. Dr. Jie Chen is supported by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities R01MD011523.