Trends in drug overdose deaths among adults 65 years of age and older in Canada (2000-2022).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although young adults and middle-aged adults have borne the brunt of the drug overdose crisis in Canada, older adults are also at an increased risk of harms. We examined trends in drug overdose deaths and opioid overdose deaths among adults 65 years of age and older.

Methods

Age-standardized rates of drug overdose deaths in Canada (2000-2022) and of opioid overdose deaths in Ontario (2003-2021) were computed. Drug overdose deaths were based on vital statistics registries, while opioid overdose deaths were based on toxicologic testing. Trends were characterized using joinpoint regression.

Results

Drug overdose deaths among adults 65 years of age and older in Canada rose from 4.3 to 9.9 deaths per million in the entire population between 2000 and 2022 (Averag

SUBMITTER: Imtiaz S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11301229 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature