Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with overdose among patients with a substance-related diagnosis in the emergency department of Southern California.

The issue of drug overdoses is a significant public health concern, and research on the associated factors among patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) is limited. To address this gap, a cross-sectional study was conducted using electronic medical records from a sample of 13,477 adults in a Southern California healthcare system's ED. The study aimed to investigate the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with drug overdoses among patients with substance-related diagnoses (SRD). The study found that the odds of experiencing an overdose were higher among individuals with certain diagnoses, such as cannabis-related and opioid-related diagnoses. Specifically, individuals with a cannabis-related diagnosis had 1.21 times higher odds of experiencing an overdose, while those with an opioid-related diagnosis had 1.14 times higher odds. These findings suggest that individuals with these diagnoses may be at a higher risk of overdose and may require targeted interventions. The study also identified several sociodemographic characteristics associated with an increased risk of overdose. For example, individuals aged 40-54 had 1.37 times higher odds of experiencing an overdose compared to those aged 18-24. Additionally, Black or African American individuals and those of Hispanic/Latinx origin had higher odds of experiencing an overdose compared to their counterparts. Individuals with public health insurance also had higher odds of experiencing an overdose compared to those with commercial health insurance. Moreover, individuals with any mental health diagnosis had 1.13 times higher odds of experiencing an overdose compared to those without such a diagnosis. In contrast, the study found that individuals experiencing an overdose were less likely to be female, married, or in a significant relationship. These findings highlight the importance of considering sociodemographic and clinical factors in identifying at-risk individuals for targeted interventions. By understanding these factors, healthcare providers can develop more effective strategies to prevent overdoses and provide support to individuals who are at risk. The study's results emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing the issue of drug overdoses, one that takes into account the complex interplay of sociodemographic and clinical factors. Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40410736/