Format
Scientific article
Publication Date
Published by / Citation
Harduar Morano L, Steege AL, Luckhaupt SE. Occupational Patterns in Unintentional and Undetermined Drug-Involved and Opioid-Involved Overdose Deaths — United States, 2007–2012. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2018;67:925–930. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6733a3
Original Language

English

Country
United States
Keywords
Opioid
opioid crisis
mortality
overdose
overdose deaths
drug overdose deaths

Occupational Patterns in Unintentional and Undetermined Drug-Involved and Opioid-Involved Overdose Deaths

Summary

What is already known about this topic?

A majority of the U.S. population participates in the workforce. A person’s job affects both physical and psychological well- being. The opioid epidemic negatively affects workers, work- places, and employers.

What is added by this report?

During 2007–2012 proportional mortality ratios (PMR) for heroin-related overdose deaths (1.46) and methadone-related overdose deaths (1.34) were highest for the construction occupation group. PMRs for natural and semisynthetic opioids were highest for the extraction (1.39) and health care practitio- ner (1.81) occupation groups.

What are the implications for public health practice?

Identification of occupations associated with drug overdose deaths further characterizes the opioid epidemic. Incorporating workplace research and targeted interventions might benefit the opioid epidemic response.