Sexual Orientation Disparities in Prescription Opioid Misuse Among U.S. Adults

Abstract

Introduction: The opioid epidemic in the U.S. continues to increase in severity, and misuse of prescription opioids is of particular concern since it commonly precedes heroin use. This study examined whether sexual orientation (i.e., sexual identity and sexual attraction) is a risk factor for prescription opioid misuse and use disorder among a nationally representative sample of adults in the U.S. Methods: This study used data from adult participants (ages ≥18 years) in the 2015 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Chi-square tests and logistic regression examined how sexual identity and sexual attraction relate to past-year and past-month prescription opioid misuse and past-year prescription opioid use disorder. Multivariable models examined associations controlling for demographic characteristics and other drug use. Gender-stratified analyses were also conducted. Data were analyzed in 2018. Results: In multivariable analyses, compared with those identifying as heterosexual, bisexual individuals were at 1.53 (95% CI=1.20, 1.97) and 1.66 (95% CI=1.14, 2.42) higher odds of reporting past-year and past-month misuse, respectively. In stratified analyses, female bisexuals remained at high risk. Regarding sexual attraction, compared with being attracted to only the opposite sex, being attracted to mostly the opposite sex (AOR=2.15, 95% CI=1.77, 2.63), or being equally attracted to both sexes (AOR=1.78, 95% CI=1.38, 2.30) was associated with higher odds for past-year opioid misuse. In stratified analyses, these associations were limited to females. Conclusions: Sexual orientation disparities in opioid misuse and use disorder among a nationally representative sample of U.S. adults was found.

Use of “Lean” Among Electronic Dance Music Party Attendees

“…Results also suggest that those identifying as bisexual were at higher risk for using Lean. Those identifying as a sexual minority (particularly as bisexual) have been found to be at high risk for opioid misuse in national studies, and results also corroborate findings from previous studies examining correlates of lifetime Lean use among 2349 students at a large southeastern university in the United States, which also found that sexual minority participants were at high risk for use . One of these studies also found that Hispanic and Native American individuals were more likely to report use than other races/ethnicities; however, this current study found that black individuals were at particularly high risk for Lean use.…”

A comprehensive multivariate model of biopsychosocial factors associated with opioid misuse and use disorder in a 2017-2018 United States national survey

“…Sexual minorities, such as those identifying as gay/lesbian or bisexual, have also been situationally reported to be at risk of opioid misuse. [19][20][21]. For instance, Duncan et al [19] found that those identifying as bisexual or gay/lesbian were at 78% or 115% increased odds for opioid misuse than heterosexuals, respectively.…”

A comprehensive multivariate model of biopsychosocial factors associated with opioid misuse and use disorder in a 2017-2018 United States national survey

“…[11,12] Other biopsychosocial factors like criminality and sexual identity, although understudied, have been associated with misuse and/or use disorder. [13,14] For instance, Pierce et al [13] found that individuals testing positive for opioid use had higher rates of criminality-though the relationship was strongest for less serious crimes. Sexual minorities, such as those identifying as gay/lesbian or bisexual, have also been reported to be at risk of opioid misuse.…”

“…Sexual minorities, such as those identifying as gay/lesbian or bisexual, have also been reported to be at risk of opioid misuse. [14][15][16]. For instance, Duncan et al [14] found that, compared to heterosexuals, those identifying as bisexual or gay/lesbian were at 78% and 115% increased odds of misuse, respectively.…”

“…[14][15][16]. For instance, Duncan et al [14] found that, compared to heterosexuals, those identifying as bisexual or gay/lesbian were at 78% and 115% increased odds of misuse, respectively. General health and access to healthcare have a role in opioid misuse and/or use disorder, but most research has focused on hospitalized subpopulations and physical pain [1,17,18], which will not be covered here.…”