Non-medical use of prescription opioids is associated with heroin initiation among US veterans: a prospective cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

To estimate the influence of non-medical use of prescription opioids (NMUPO) on heroin initiation among US veterans receiving medical care.

Design

Using a multivariable Cox regression model, we analyzed data from a prospective, multi-site, observational study of HIV-infected and an age/race/site-matched control group of HIV-uninfected veterans in care in the United States. Approximately annual behavioral assessments were conducted and contained self-reported measures of NMUPO and heroin use.

Setting

Veterans Health Administration (VHA) infectious disease and primary care clinics in Atlanta, Baltimore, New York, Houston, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh and Washington, DC.

Participants

A total of 3396 HIV-infected and uninfected patients enrolled into the Veterans A

SUBMITTER: Banerjee G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5056813 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature