Factors associated with prescription opioid misuse in adults aged 50 or older

Background: Although prescription opioid misuse in older adults results in serious health complications, this issue has been overlooked. Purpose: This study aimed to describe the prevalence of prescription opioid misuse and identify factors associated with misuse in adults aged 50 years or older. Methods: This study used a cross-sectional design with a convenience sample. One hundred and thirty patients with chronic pain aged 50 years or older, taking prescription opioids, participated in the study. Findings: Approximately 35% of the participants misused their prescription opioids. Factors associated with opioid misuse included age (younger), level of education (higher), level of depression (moderate level), alcohol use problem, illicit drug use, and a higher level of pain interference on walking ability and normal walk. Significant predictors of opioid misuse included education, illicit drug use, depression, and pain interference with normal work. Discussion: Our study provided important information to health-care providers about identifying high-risk older adults.