Multi-Factor Analysis of the Overdose Epidemic in Ohio 2017-2019

Abstract

Background: The drug overdose pandemic has had a devastating impact on public health in Ohio. Improving our understanding of the relationships between factors that are associated with drug overdose deaths can enhance the quality of public policy and healthcare reach in Ohio. Methods: Utilizing data from the CDC and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, this project seeks to quantify the associations between the drug overdose rate for counties in Ohio with various factors via statistical regressions. Results: The overwhelming majority of drug/alcohol overdose deaths during 2017-2019 were unintentional. Drug overdose deaths and life expectancy are strongly associated. Communities with higher overdose rates have lower life expectancies. Socioeconomic status (SES) and health care factors, such as mental distress and physical inactivity, are significantly correlated with increased drug overdose deaths. Household income is significantly correlated with increased access to health care, implying that communities of lower SES may lack adequate access to quality care and suffer from increased overdose deaths. Conclusions: The data indicate the importance of access to healthcare and healthcare providers in response to the drug overdose pandemic in Ohio. Health care access is currently proportional to income—higher income households have a higher proportion of insured and primary care physicians. Thus, implementing policies that support health care infrastructure should be prioritized to increase the capacity of treatment in neglected (low-income and socioeconomic) communities.