@article{ref1,
title="Prescription opioid dispensing and prescription opioid poisoning: population data from Victoria, Australia 2006 to 2013",
journal="Australian and New Zealand journal of public health",
year="2016",
author="Berecki-Gisolf, Janneke and Hassani-Mahmooei, Behrooz and Clapperton, Angela and McClure, Roderick John",
volume="41",
number="1",
pages="85-91",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: To describe recent trends in opioid prescribing and prescription opioid poisoning resulting in hospitalisation or death in Victoria, Australia. <br><br>METHOD: This is a population-based ecological study of residents of Victoria, 2006 - 14. Australian Bureau of Statistics residential population data were combined with Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) opioid prescription data, Victorian Admitted Episodes Data (VAED) and cause of death data. <br><br>RESULTS: Annual opioid dispensings increased by 78% in 2006 - 13, from 0.33 to 0.58 per population. Opioid use increased with age: in 2013, 14% of Victorian residents aged ≥65 years filled at least one oxycodone prescription. In 2006 - 14, prescription opioid related hospital admissions increased by 6.8% per year, from 107 to 187 /1,000,000 person-years; 56% were due to intentional self-poisoning. Annual deaths increased from 21 to 28 /1,000,000 persons, in 2007 - 11. Admissions and deaths peaked at 25-44 years. <br><br>CONCLUSIONS: Although both opioid prescribing and poisoning have increased, there is discrepancy between the exposed group (dispensings increased with age) and those with adverse consequences (rates peaked at ages 25-44 years). IMPLICATIONS: A better understanding is needed of drivers of prescribing and adverse consequences. Together with monitoring of prescribing and poisoning, this will facilitate early detection and prevention of a public health problem.<br><br>© 2016 Public Health Association of Australia.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1326-0200",
doi="10.1111/1753-6405.12568",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1753-6405.12568"
}