A review of opioid-related death trends in Oklahoma

Abstract

Opioids are a popular analgesic compound that act at the opioid-receptors in the body to create effects of reduced pain and consciousness, euphoria, and dependence (Pathan, H. and Williams, J., 2012). The concept of pain as a fifth vital sign catalyzed the opioid epidemic through the over prescription of opioids. The opioid epidemic is characterized by three distinct waves beginning in the late 1990’s consisting of prescription opioids, heroin, and fentanyl. The state of Oklahoma is lacking an encompassing model of the opioid epidemic within its borders. A variety of studies have been done in the United States and on an international scale that use spatio-temporal designs to evaluate demographic and geographic variables over time as they relate to the opioid crisis. The study herein presents a consolidated model of opioid-related deaths in Oklahoma from 2008-2022 using data from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Summary statistics were performed centering on demographics, location, and drug categories for each year using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS). The results found that in Oklahoma overall opioid-related deaths were most common among Whites (86%), Males (57.8%), and people ages 25-44. There was an approximately 500% decrease in prescription opioid deaths from 2008-2022. Heroin deaths peaked in 2018 at 54 deaths. From 2008-2019 fentanyl deaths remained consistently low then saw an almost 7-fold increase from 2020-2022. Total opioid-related deaths were highest in Carter, Coal, Jefferson, Muskogee, Pawnee, and Pushmataha counties. Prescription opioids showed no geographic inclination while fentanyl deaths were concentrated in urban counties (Tulsa and Oklahoma). This study is the first of its kind in Oklahoma and its dissemination will inform both public and private entities on the use of funding, proactive resources, and treatment for opioid use and abuse. The datasets developed in this study will serve as a resource for future substance abuse research that can bring greater specificity to demographic and geographic factors of deaths involving other prevalent drug classes.