NCJ Number
255793
Journal
Drug and Alcohol Dependence Volume: 213 Issue: 1 Dated: August 2020
Date Published
August 2020
Length
12 pages
Annotation
The goal of this data linkage study was to improve understanding of the link between different types of justice involvement, hospital interaction, and risk of fatal opioid overdose among persons with incarcerations, arrests, and parole/probation records for drug and property crimes in Maryland.
Abstract
Persons who interact with criminal justice and hospital systems are particularly vulnerable to negative health outcomes, including drug overdose; however, the relationship between justice involvement, use of healthcare services, and overdose risk is not well-understood. The current study obtained Maryland statewide criminal justice records for 2013-2016. Data were linked at the person-level to an all-payer hospitalization database and overdose death records for the same years. Logistic regression was performed to determine which criminal justice and hospital characteristics were associated with the greatest risk of overdose death. A total of 89,591 adults had criminal-justice records and were included in the study. During the 2013-2016 study period, 4,108 (4.59 percent) were hospitalized for a non-fatal opioid overdose, and 519 (0.58 percent) died of opioid overdose. The strongest risk factors for death included being older, being White, having had an inpatient or emergency hospitalization, having had more arrests, having been arrested for a drug charge (vs. property charge), having a misdemeanor drug charge (vs. a felony charge), and having been released from incarceration during the study period. The study concludes that linking corrections and healthcare information can help in understanding risk and target overdose prevention interventions for justice-involved individuals with the greatest need. (publisher abstract modified)