Objectives
To evaluate age-based differences in prescription opioid misuse (POM) motives and to evaluate substance use and mental and physical health correlates of POM motive categories in older adults.
Design
Data were from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), a nationally representative US survey.
Setting
The NSDUH is a household survey.
Subjects
A total of 5,826 US residents with past-year POM; 415 were 50 years and older (7.1%).
Methods
Nine POM motives were assessed among those engaged in past-year POM, grouped into three categories: solely physical pain relief, solely non–pain relief, or mixed motives. Prevalence of POM motives were calculated by age group, with logistic models examining age-based differences. Finally, odds of substance use and mental and physical health correlates by motive category were calculated via logistic models in older adults.
Results
POM motivated solely by physical pain relief increased from 35.1% in young adults to 65.4% in older adults; in older adults, 84.7% of POM episodes involved pain relief as a motive. POM for solely non–pain relief or mixed motives was associated with greater odds, vs pain relief only, of past-year benzodiazepine misuse (odds ratio [OR] = 4.43 and 6.15, respectively), any substance use disorder (OR = 5.57 and 5.60, respectively), and suicidal ideation (OR = 4.05 and 3.56, respectively) in older adults.
Conclusions
. POM motives change over the lifespan, with increasing POM for pain relief with aging. Comprehensive nonopioid pain management is needed for those engaged in POM for pain relief, and substance use and mental health treatment are needed for those with non–pain relief motives.
As healthcare delivery continues to evolve and expand, nurse educators must prepare advanced practice registered nursing (APRN) students to use telehealth technology safely, effectively, and confidently. The aims of this study were to describe APRN students' beliefs and confidence regarding the delivery of care via telehealth in their future practice. To evaluate these aims, a single group comparison study was conducted. APRN students received an intervention comprised of multimodal telehealth instruction, which involved the simulated application of telehealth with standardized patients. Students' beliefs regarding telehealth did not significantly change between the pre‐ and post‐intervention, in which all areas were rated high pre‐intervention. Students reported an increase in their perception and confidence post‐intervention. Integration of telehealth into the APRN curriculum is essential to instil knowledge and confidence as healthcare technology advances.
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