Limited research is available regarding the health risks associated with opioid medication misuse among middle age (50-64 years) and older adults (65 and older). Understanding the misuse symptom risk profiles of these populations has potential to advance the national opioid epidemic response. A survey was conducted in four community pharmacies in southwestern Pennsylvania among adult, non-cancer patients filling opioid medications (N = 318) regarding opioid medication misuse symptoms and misuse risk factors. Descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses compared respondent characteristics, misuse symptoms, and misuse risks among those 65 and older, 50 to 64, and those less than 50 years old. Those 65 and older (Incidence Rate Ratio [IRR] = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.46-3.95) and those 50 to 64 years (IRR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.03-1.54) who reported illicit drug use had increased rates of misuse symptoms. Those 50-64 with posttraumatic stress disorder also had an increased rate of misuse symptoms (IRR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.08-1.54). Misuse behaviors of those 65 and older and 50-64 involved shortening time between dosages (≥65 = 11.4%, 50-64 = 27.6%), taking higher dosages than prescribed (≥65 = 11.4%, 50-64 = 13.6%), and early refills (≥11.8%, 50-64 = 12.7%). Gerontological social workers must continue to work to understand and identify individuals engaged in misuse in order to develop and provide age appropriate care.

The present study examined Queensland Transcultural Mental Health Centre (QTMHC) client characteristics in order to provide a better understanding for development of future health service delivery models. Archived data that was collected for 1499 clients over two years period (2007)(2008)(2009)) was analysed using descriptive statistics and Chi squares.The results indicated that clients were referred from a range of sources and were generally adults. There were more women than men, who sought services. At least half of the clients had language barriers and relied on bilingual workers. Most frequently expressed mental health issues were mood disorder symptoms, followed by symptoms of schizophrenia and psychosis and anxiety. Acculturation strains and stressors were described as the most common psychosocial issues. Mental health and psychosocial issues differed for age, gender and world regions from which the CALD clients originated. The findings provided an understanding of clients who seek services at QTMHC. Various ways in which transcultural services and data bases can be further improved are discussed.Word count: 163

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Background Combining opioid medications and alcohol has serious implications for patient health, including overdose. Information regarding those who use/misuse opioid medications and engage in unhealthy alcohol use is limited to pharmacological and epidemiological descriptions. This study presents opioid medication misuse and behavioral, mental, and physical health characteristics of persons filling opioid medications that are engaged in unhealthy alcohol use. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey at 5 community pharmacies in Southwestern, Pennsylvania among patients filling opioid medications. Respondents completed validated opioid medication misuse, alcohol use, illicit drug use, depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and physical health functioning assessments. We present univariate and multivariate statistics describing opioid medication misuse and health risks among those positive for unhealthy alcohol use. Results A total of 344 patients completed the survey (75.8% response). A total of 15.9% of respondents screened positive for opioid medication misuse, of whom 20.3% reported unhealthy alcohol use. Taking opioid medications too often was reported among a larger proportion of the sample with unhealthy alcohol use (34.3%) compared to those without (22.1%, p=0.04). Further, among respondents with unhealthy alcohol use, illicit drug use (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=12.14, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]= 1.64–89.72) and PTSD (AOR=9.77, 95% CI= 1.70–56.11) were associated with increased odds for opioid medication misuse. Conclusion Results suggest respondents with unhealthy alcohol use had distinct health profiles, which may place them at risk for opioid misuse and adverse events, such as overdose. Continued research must work to further understand these relationships and identify intervention and treatment strategies.