Higher Risk of Opioid Overdose Deaths Among Female and Minority Veterans

Recent research highlights significant disparities in opioid overdose mortality among veterans, particularly affecting female veterans and those from racial and ethnic minority groups. While veterans are generally at increased risk of opioid overdose, studies reveal that this risk is uneven across different populations within the veteran community. Between 2010 and 2019, male veterans experienced a 61.2% rise in overdose deaths; however, this trend was not observed among female veterans, despite an overall increase in opioid use disorder (OUD) among women in the general population. Moreover, racial disparities are prominent, with minority veterans experiencing higher overdose death rates, except for American Indian or Alaskan Native groups.

In response to the rising opioid epidemic, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, Boston University and VA researchers examined how overdose deaths evolved among veterans with OUD. Their study, published in Drug and Alcohol Dependence, found that female veterans and those from racial and ethnic minorities face an elevated risk of fatal overdose compared to their counterparts. Dr. Amar Mandavia, a co-author, emphasized that these findings are novel in addressing how sex and race/ethnicity jointly influence overdose mortality patterns during health crises.

The researchers analyzed medical records from over 200,000 veterans diagnosed with OUD between 2016 and 2021, assessing factors like age, sex, race, and cause of death. Results showed younger, female, and minority veterans are disproportionately affected by opioid overdose fatalities, especially during times of healthcare system stress. Dr. Nicholas Livingston highlighted the importance of targeted prevention strategies, including expanding access to medications for OUD, tailored treatment models, and outreach efforts aimed at high-risk groups.

Overall, this study underscores the urgent need for equitable intervention and support for all veterans battling opioid use disorder, regardless of sex or racial background, to combat the ongoing opioid crisis effectively.