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. 2023 Oct 23;12(20):6684.
doi: 10.3390/jcm12206684.

Characteristics Associated with Multimorbidity among Older United States Adult Opioid Users with Pain

David R Axon  1   2 , Megan Grieser  1
Affiliations

Characteristics Associated with Multimorbidity among Older United States Adult Opioid Users with Pain

David R Axon et al. J Clin Med. .

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the variables associated with multimorbidity status among older United States (US) adults with self-reported pain and opioid use. This study used a cross-sectional retrospective database design that included US adults aged ≥50 years with self-reported pain who used an opioid in 2019 in the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data. Multivariable logistic regression models, weighted to produce nationally representative estimates, were used to determine variables significantly associated with multimorbidity status (≥2 versus <2 chronic conditions). Significance was determined using an a priori alpha level of 0.05. In the adjusted logistic regression analysis, those aged 50-64 (vs. ≥65 years), Hispanic (vs. non-Hispanic), employed (vs. unemployed), and who performed frequent exercise (vs. no frequent exercise) were associated with lower odds of having multimorbidity. In conclusion, these characteristics may be targets for pain management and opioid use interventions among older US adults. Further research is needed to investigate the variables associated with multimorbidity in greater detail.

Keywords: multimorbidity; opioids; pain.

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Conflict of interest statement

Axon reports grant funding from the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, Arizona Department of Health, Merck & Co., National Council for Prescription Drug Programs Foundation, Pharmacy Quality Alliance, and Tabula Rasa HealthCare Group, outside of this study.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Study eligibility flowchart.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Weighted percentage of each chronic condition present among older United States adults (age ≥ 50 years) with self-reported pain interference in the past four weeks who used opioids.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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