Risk of Mortality Associated With Substance Use Disorder in Korea: A National Population-Based Study.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Addiction Medicine

Background:

• Substance use disorder (SUD) is a global health crisis with significant morbidity and mortality.
• In South Korea, SUD remains a concern despite public health efforts, with varied trends across substance types.
• This study examines SUD mortality risks using national health data in South Korea.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mortality risk associated with SUD in South Korea.
• To analyze incidence rates, mortality characteristics, and risk factors for alcohol use disorder (AUD), drug use disorder (DUD), and nicotine use disorder (NUD).
• To identify demographic and socioeconomic disparities in SUD mortality.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cohort analysis of the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) database (2008-2022).
• Identification and tracking of incident SUD patients (AUD, DUD, NUD).
• Evaluation of incidence, mortality, and risk factors across different patient groups.

Main Results:

• SUD patients had a significantly higher mortality rate (16.8%) than non-SUD patients (10.9%).
• Alcohol use disorder (AUD) was the leading cause of death among SUD patients (89.7%).
• Higher mortality risk was observed in lower-income individuals, those with disabilities, and those with psychiatric comorbidities. Incidence of AUD and DUD increased among women and young adults (15-29 years).

Conclusions:

• SUD incidence varies by sex and age, but mortality risk is disproportionately higher in vulnerable socioeconomic and demographic groups.
• A rising incidence of AUD among young women is a significant concern, alongside elevated mortality risk in this demographic and other vulnerable populations.
• Targeted public health interventions for high-risk groups, especially young women, and improved access to treatment are crucial for reducing SUD-related mortality.