# Determinants of Prescription Opioid Use: Population‐based Evidence from Finland

**Published:** 2020-04-24  
**Categories:** Akademiska publikationer, Publikationer  
**URL:** https://www.etla.fi/sv/publikationer/determinants-of-prescription-opioid-use-population%e2%80%90based-evidence-from-finland/

 #### Abstract

**Background and aims**

Previous studies have shown that prescription opioid use is more common in socio-economically disadvantaged communities in the United States. This study examined the area and individual-level determinants of prescription opioid use in Finland during the period 1995–2016.

**Design**

Logistic regression analysis using nation-wide data on filled opioid-related prescriptions dispensed at Finnish pharmacies and covered by National Health Insurance. Opioid consumption was linked, using personal identification codes, to population-based data maintained by Statistics Finland, which records individual background and area-level characteristics.

**Setting and participants**

Working-age population aged between 15 and 64 years in Finland during the periods 1995–2007 (*n* = 4?315?409) and 2009–16 (*n* = 4?116?992).

**Measurements**

Annual prescription opioid use was measured using defined daily doses (DDD) and whether people used opioids during a year.

**Findings**

Prescription opioid use increased in Finland from 1995 to 2016 (from less than 1 to 7%), but the increase was explained by the change in the treatment of codeine-based opioids in National Health Insurance. The area-level unemployment rate was positively correlated with the share of opioid users at the municipal level (*r* = 0.36; *P* < 0.001). In comparison with being employed, being outside the labour force was associated with increased opioid use in 1995–2007 \[odds ratio (OR) = 2.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.10–2.36\] and non-codeine opioid use in 2009–16 (OR = 2.16, 95% CI = 2.06–2.27), but not with codeine opioid use in 2009–16.

**Conclusions**

Prescription opioid use in Finland appears to be more common among low socio-economic status people, similar to the United States and the United Kingdom.

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## Additional Information

**Kirjoittajat:** Böckerman, Petri - Haapanen, Mika - Hakulinen, Christian - Karhunen, Hannu - Maczulskij, Terhi

**Publication Research:** No

**Kansikuva:** No

**Lataa Pdf:** No

**Key Words:** Codeine, Finland, Opioid use, Opioids, Population-based, Prescription drugs, Prevalence, Socio-economic status

**Paivays:** 24.04.2020

**Sivuja:** 6

**Kieli:** en

**Sarja:** Other articles

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/add.15071

**Saatavuus:** 2