Date of Publication
2024
Faculty Mentor
Benjamin Kalinkowitz
Abstract
Objective: To determine whether there was an observed difference in prevalence of opioid-related mortality in Vermont in the context of COVID-19.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study used mortality data from the Vermont Electronic Death Registration System between 2017 and 2022 with a sample size of 34,224. Exposures included the date of death of decedents. The outcome was opioid-related overdose mortality.
Results: During-COVID cases had a risk ratio of 1.45 (95% CI 1.25, 1.67), and post-COVID cases had a risk ratio of 1.65 (95% CI 1.40, 1.95). Veterans had a risk ratio of 1.11 (95% CI 1.06, 1.16). Those with higher level education had a risk ratio of 0.52 (95% CI 0.46, 0.62), and females had a risk ratio of 0.52 (95% CI 0.50, 0.60). 65% of cases occurred in rural areas (95% CI 1.05, 1.37).
Conclusions: Compared to pre-COVID, there was a significant increase in risk of opioid-related mortality during and post-COVID. Veterans, those residing in rural areas, males, and individuals with only high school level education had an increased risk of opioid related mortality.
Policy implications: When developing emergency preparedness measures, it is essential to prioritize access to harm reduction services and address mental health risks associated with isolation.
Document Type
Dissertation/Thesis
Recommended Citation
Shilo, Lauren; Rowell, Liz; Tuttle, Libby; Olson, Patrick; and Zenali, Maryam, "The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Opioid-Related Mortality in Vermont" (2024). Master of Public Health Culminating Projects. 51.
https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/mphcp/51