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Published on: July 24, 2012
Relations Between Self-reported Prescription Hydrocodone, Oxycodone, and Tramadol Use and Unintentional Injuries
James S Krause1, Nicole D DiPiro1, Clara E Dismuke-Greer2
1College of Health Professions, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC.
Objective:
To identify the relations of 3 frequently used prescription opioids (hydrocodone, oxycodone, tramadol) with unintentional injuries, including fall-related and non-fall-related injuries among adults with chronic, traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI).
Design:
Cross-sectional cohort study.
Setting:
Community setting; Southeastern United States.
Participants:
Adult participants (N=918) with chronic traumatic SCI were identified from a specialty hospital and state population-based registry and completed a self-report assessment.
Interventions:
Not applicable.
Main Outcome Measures:
Self-reported fall-related and non-fall-related unintentional injuries serious enough to receive medical care in a clinic, emergency room, or hospital within the previous 12 months.
Results:
Just over 20% of participants reported ≥1 unintentional injury in the past year, with an average of 2.16 among those with ≥1. Overall, 9.6% reported fall-related injuries. Only hydrocodone was associated with any past-year unintentional injuries. Hydrocodone taken occasionally (no more than monthly) or regularly (weekly or daily) was related to 2.63 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.52-4.56) or 2.03 (95% CI, 1.15-3.60) greater odds of having ≥1 unintentional injury in the past year, respectively. Hydrocodone taken occasionally was also associated with past-year non-fall-related injuries (OR, 2.20; 95% CI, 1.12-4.31). Each of the 3 opioids was significantly related to fall-related injuries. Taking hydrocodone occasionally was associated with 2.39 greater odds of fall-related injuries, and regular use was associated with 2.31 greater odds. Regular use of oxycodone was associated with 2.44 odds of a fall-related injury (95% CI, 1.20-4.98), and regular use of tramadol was associated with 2.59 greater odds of fall-related injury (95% CI, 1.13-5.90).
Conclusions:
Injury prevention efforts must consider the potential effect of opioid use, particularly hydrocodone. For preventing fall-related injuries, each of the 3 opioids must be considered.
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