Study, Jun/18: Sociodemographic factors, prescription history & opioid overdose

The full title of this American study is "Sociodemographic factors, prescription history and opioid overdose deaths: a statewide analysis using linked PDMP and mortality data".

RESULTS:  Younger, non-White decedents had lower odds of PO overdose, while females and benzodiazepines as a contributing cause were associated with increased odds of PO overdose. Younger age, Non-Hispanic Black race/ethnicity, greater than high school education, and cocaine/other stimulants as a contributing cause were associated with increased odds of fentanyl or heroin overdoses. Over 55% of PO, 39.2% of fentanyl, and 20.7% of heroin overdoses had an active opioid prescription at death. For PO, fentanyl, and heroin decedents, respectively, 46.0%, 30.5%, and 26.2% had an active prescription for benzodiazepines at death.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29981943