Opioid-related deaths in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington in Ontario, Canada: the shadow epidemic

Abstract

IntroductionIn the Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington (KFL&A) health unit, opioid overdoses are an important preventable cause of death. The KFL&A region differs from larger urban centres in its size and culture; the current overdose literature that is focussed on these larger areas is less well suited to aid in understanding the context within which overdoses take place in smaller regions. This study characterized opioidrelated mortality in KFL&A, to enhance understanding of opioid overdoses in these smaller communities. MethodsWe analyzed opioid-related deaths that occurred in the KFL&A region between May 2017 and June 2021. Descriptive analyses (number and percentage) were performed on factors conceptually relevant in understanding the issue, including clinical and demographic variables, as well as substances involved, locations of deaths and whether substances were used while alone. ResultsA total of 135 people died of opioid overdose. The mean age was 42 years, and most participants were White (94.8%) and male (71.1%). Decedents often had the following characteristics: being currently or previously incarcerated; using substances alone; not using opioid substitution therapy; and having a prior diagnosis of anxiety and depression. ConclusionFSpecific characteristics such as incarceration, using alone and not using opioid substitution therapy were represented in our sample of people who died of an opioid overdose in the KFL&A region. A robust approach to decreasing opioid-related harm integrating telehealth, technology and progressive policies including providing a safe supply would assist in supporting people who use opioids and in preventing deaths.