Understanding the Impact of Opioid Use on Connecticut's Population: Insights From Drug-Related Deaths and Demographics

• In Event: Using National Databases to Inform on Intersectionality, Education Policy, and Health Crisis

Abstract

This study examines the impact of opioid use on Connecticut's population through an analysis of drug-related deaths and demographic factors. Utilizing a dataset spanning 2012 to 2021, we explore the social determinants of health, intersectionality, and health disparities theories to gain a comprehensive understanding of opioid usage patterns. Demographic analysis reveals that white individuals are disproportionately affected, accounting for 71.1% of drug-related deaths, while Hispanics/Latinos and males also show higher vulnerability. Predictive models employing ridge regression achieve an accuracy of 70% in predicting opioid-related fatalities. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions and evidence-based policies to combat the opioid crisis effectively and address disparities among vulnerable populations.

Author

• Fatih Ozkan, Baylor University