Identification of Behavioral Risk Factors for Medically Unsupervised Use of Prescription PAIN Medications in Utah

The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for medically unsupervised use of prescription pain medications in Utah residents age 18 and older. The 2008 Utah Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) surveyed 5,330 respondents. A state-added section included a series of questions on use and acquisition of prescription pain medications. Medically unsupervised use of prescription pain medication was defined as use of one's own medication more frequently or in higher doses than prescribed for a specific problem and/or use of prescription pain medication that was not prescribed to the individual. Factors associated with medically unsupervised use of prescription pain medications include being between 35-44 years old, white race, reported life dissatisfaction, reporting prior problems with substance use, and scoring in the mild range for psychological distress (using the K6 screening scale which identifies potential mental health problems). This study contributes to an understanding of the use of medically unsupervised prescription pain medications in the Utah population which can be used to guide prevention efforts. It can also be useful for others interested in understanding the problem and learning how to assess it in their own states.