Social isolation proxy variables and prescription opioid and benzodiazepine misuse among older adults in the US: A cross-sectional analysis of data from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2015-2017

摘要

Background: Prescription drug misuse in older adults is a growing public health problem. It is important to understand factors which predispose older adults to misuse prescription drugs, and social isolation may play an important role. In this study, we examined the association between social isolation proxy variables (living alone, being unmarried, and not attending religious services) and prescription opioid/benzodiazepine misuse in older adults.