Epidemiological Trends and Factors Associated With Mortality Rate in Psychoactive Substance Use-Related Mental and Behavioral Disorders: A CDC-WONDER Database Analysis

Abstract

BackgroundThe persisting challenge of substance use disorder's impact on society prompts the need for insights into its mortality trends. This study examines epidemiological patterns and factors tied to mortality rates in individuals with psychoactive substance-related mental and behavioral disorders from 1999 to 2020. MethodologyThis study used a retrospective observational design. The study analyzed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Wide-ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research (WONDER) database information, encompassing mortality and population-based data. Data extraction focused on specific criteria such as age, sex, race/ethnicity, and geographic location. Descriptive statistics were employed to depict the study population and reveal epidemiological trends. ConclusionsBetween 1999 and 2020, the study explored mortality rates in individuals with psychoactive substance userelated mental and behavioral disorders. This analysis revealed variations in mortality across genders, ages (with the 55-64 age group facing higher risks compared to the 25-34 age group), and ethnicities. Notably, males exhibited higher mortality than females. Additionally, divergent rates were observed among different geographic regions. These insights can inform public health initiatives and support the development of targeted strategies to reduce mortality rates and improve the well-being of affected individuals.

Epidemiological statistical methods: A comparative review of their implementation in public health studies in the USA and Africa

“…This section explores some of the recent trends and challenges in epidemiological research, as highlighted in various studies. Okobi et al (2023) analyzed epidemiological trends and factors associated with mortality rates in psychoactive substance use-related mental and behavioural disorders. Their study, utilizing the CDC-WONDER database, revealed variations in mortality across genders, ages, and ethnicities, with males exhibiting higher mortality than females.…”