Prescription opioid misuse among university students: A systematic review. Issue 4 (19th May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Weyandt, Lisa L.; Gudmundsdottir, Bergljot Gyda; Holding, Emily Z.; Marraccini, Marisa E.; Keith, Megan; May, Shannon E.; Shepard, Emily; Francis, Alyssa; Wilson, Elizabeth D.; Channell, Isabella; Sweeney, Caroline
• Is Part Of: Journal of American college health. Volume 70:Issue 4(2022)
• Page Start: 1119
• Page End: 1137
• Publication Date: 2022-05-19
• Subjects: College students -- misuse -- nonmedical use -- prescription opioids; College students -- Health and hygiene -- United States -- Periodicals; College students -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; College students -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Universities and colleges -- Health promotion services -- Periodicals; 362.10883781980973
• DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2020.1786095
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0744-8481

Abstract

Abstract: Misuse of prescription opioids has substantially increased in the past decade among the general population, including among university students. Relative to the literature concerning opioid misuse among the general population, little information is available regarding the college student population. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to conduct a systematic review of the literature concerning the prevalence of prescription opioid misuse among the university student population. Results: The lifetime estimate for prescription opioid misuse among general populations of students ranged from 4% to 19.7%, with higher estimates for special student populations. Students most at risk for misuse of prescription opioids are those who report higher rates of psychological distress, depression, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and white, male students who use alcohol and illicit drugs. Conclusions: Findings from this study underscore the need for opioid prevention and intervention programs on university campuses.