Women's participation in a opiate pill sharing network

Background: In 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported widespread prescription opioid use among reproductive-aged women, and these women have an increased risk of death from an overdose. Limited research is available regarding pill sharing networks and prescription drug abuse. Therefore, this study will examine the relationship between women’s participation in pill sharing networks and the number of opiate pills taken per month.

Method: The target population will be drawn from women who are opiate prescription abusers in Nashville, TN. The sample size will consist of 2 to 3 networks with 10 to 20 participants each. A cross-sectional research design method will be employed, in addition to combining qualitative interviews and survey research, and a network analysis.

Results: The anticipated results should show women who are central figures in a pill sharing network are more likely to take at least 30 opiate pills per month than women who are on the fringes of pill sharing networks. Other expected outcomes will identify participant’s interactions within a pill sharing network amongst one another, and how doctor shopping is navigated outside of their network.

 

  Conclusion: The number of opiate pills taken, the extent of participation in a pill sharing network, and diversion mechanism are factors that should be considered when designing measurement instruments and interventions to reduce prescription opiate abuse among this population.