Spatiotemporal analysis of substance use disorder mortality in the United States: an observational study of emerging hotspots and vulnerable populations (2005-2020).

ABSTRACT:

Background

The escalating substance use disorder (SUD) crisis in the contiguous United States (US), with rising mortality since 1999, necessitates a spatiotemporal analysis to identify high-risk areas and vulnerable populations. This study examines the geospatial distribution and clustering patterns of SUD mortality, assessing disparities by race and urban-rural status.

Methods

We analyzed county-level ecological data on SUD-related deaths from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from 2005 to 2020. Using spatial scan statistics, we identified significant clusters of elevated SUD mortality and assessed shifts over time. The analysis stratified results by race (White and Black subpopulations) and urban-rural classification to explore disparities.

Findings</

SUBMITTER: Escobar S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12003021 | biostudies-literature | 2025 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature