This study investigates opioid prescription patterns among immigrants and native populations in Spain, using novel patient health records from the Base de Datos Clínicos de Atención Primaria (BDCAP). We examined two subsets of data from 2017 and 2018, specifically targeting individuals diagnosed with musculoskeletal (MSK) issues and new cancer diagnoses, as these conditions frequently involve pain management. Our empirical analysis involved estimating a series of linear and count data models to explore the relationship between regions of origin, socioeconomic factors, and the probability of opioid use, controlling for a rich set of health conditions, and primary care centers fixed effects. Despite previously documented healthcare inequities, Spain demonstrates no major differences in opioid prescriptions between immigrants and natives, highlighting the effectiveness of its National Health Service (NHS). This contrasts sharply with the opioid crises in the United States and Canada. The absence of significant disparities underscores the importance of comprehensive healthcare systems and stringent regulations on opioid prescribing practices, as observed in European guidelines. Policy implications include the need to maintain and strengthen public healthcare systems to ensure equitable access to essential medications like opioids and to continue monitoring and regulating opioid prescribing practices to safeguard public health.

Immigrant status and likelihood of opioid treatment. Lessons from Spain’s National Health Service

Cristina Elisa Orso
2024-01-01

Abstract

This study investigates opioid prescription patterns among immigrants and native populations in Spain, using novel patient health records from the Base de Datos Clínicos de Atención Primaria (BDCAP). We examined two subsets of data from 2017 and 2018, specifically targeting individuals diagnosed with musculoskeletal (MSK) issues and new cancer diagnoses, as these conditions frequently involve pain management. Our empirical analysis involved estimating a series of linear and count data models to explore the relationship between regions of origin, socioeconomic factors, and the probability of opioid use, controlling for a rich set of health conditions, and primary care centers fixed effects. Despite previously documented healthcare inequities, Spain demonstrates no major differences in opioid prescriptions between immigrants and natives, highlighting the effectiveness of its National Health Service (NHS). This contrasts sharply with the opioid crises in the United States and Canada. The absence of significant disparities underscores the importance of comprehensive healthcare systems and stringent regulations on opioid prescribing practices, as observed in European guidelines. Policy implications include the need to maintain and strengthen public healthcare systems to ensure equitable access to essential medications like opioids and to continue monitoring and regulating opioid prescribing practices to safeguard public health.
2024
2024
Ethnic inequalities Drug prescriptions Opioids Immigrants
Boggian, Luigi; Madia, Joan; Moscone, Francesco; Orso, CRISTINA ELISA
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11383/2183191
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