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BACKGROUND: The opioid crisis continues to pose a significant public health challenge, with the use of prescription opioids contributing to healthcare burdens and disparities. PURPOSE: Guided by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) Research Framework, this study examined the differences in social determinants of health (SDoH) and healthcare utilization between people who use prescription opioids (PPOU) and those who do not. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data from the 2021 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (n = 1,716) and applied propensity score matching to adjust for sociodemographic and clinical factors. DISCUSSION: Factors such as housing instability, life dissatisfaction, stress, and transportation barriers were associated with higher healthcare utilization, highlighting the complex impact of SDoH. CONCLUSION: PPOU face disproportionate challenges related to SDoH and experience greater healthcare utilization. Nurse-led, integrated care models may enhance continuity of care, reduce fragmentation, and help address disparities among PPOU.
Cahir et al. (Mon,) studied this question.