KNOWLEDGE DEFICITS ABOUT THE SAFE USE OF PRESCRIPTION OPIOIDS AND NALOXONE IN OLDER ADULTS IN ARKANSAS. (20th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Savary, Patricia; Azhar, Gohar; Amstrong, Naomi; Gibson, Regina; Eoff, Elizabeth; Pangle, Amanda; McAtee, Robin; Wei, Jeanne
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 6(2022)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 477
• Page End: 478
• Publication Date: 2022-12-20
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igac059.1847
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: Older adults might be more likely to experience adverse effects of opioid medications, or accidental overdose because of age-related multi-morbidities and polypharmacy. Arkansas has the second highest legal opioid prescription rate in the nation hence disseminating information to older individuals is key in fighting the opioid epidemic. As part of an Opioid Prevention for Aging and Longevity Program, we conducted a community-based, cross-sectional, anonymous survey of individuals >59 years about opioids, the common side effects and use of naloxone. The total N was 304, and the response per item varied from 236-298. Respondents' knowledge was strongest for preventative safety measures: to avoid drinking alcohol when using opioids 90.94% and to lock opioids in a secure location when children are nearby (89.49%). About three-quarters of respondents correctly identified medications classified as opioid (70.34%) or non-opioid (74.48%). Similarly, 75.36% recognized a non-opioid, ibuprofen, as the appropriate pain medication for back pain. The side effects of opioids not as well recognized. Sleepiness and trouble driving was the best understood side effect (72.18%). In contrast, the side-effect of constipation was correctly identified in just 34.17% of responses and trouble urinating in only 26.79%. In addition, a key emergency safety measure in case of opioid over-dose was far less known: Only 63.98% were able to correctly identify naloxone as an antidote for opioid overdose.Older adults exhibited gaps in knowledge about the common side effects of prescription opioids and were unaware of the life-saving role of naloxone in reversing the effects of opioid overdose.