University Presentation Showcase: Undergraduate Division
Investigating the Spatial Variability of Kentucky’s Opioid Crisis
Major
Geology and GIS
Department
Geosciences
Degree
Undergraduate
Mentor
Don Yow
Mentor Department
Geosciences
Recommended Citation
Robinson, Devan M. Mr.; Fennell, Daniel; and Thompson, James, "Investigating the Spatial Variability of Kentucky’s Opioid Crisis" (2020). University Presentation Showcase Event. 18.
https://encompass.eku.edu/swps/2020/undergraduate/18
Abstract
Government data shows a tenfold increase in deaths involving prescription opioids from 1999 to 2017. The opioid crisis affects all parts of America, but some areas experience it more acutely than others. In 2017, 1,160 opioid-related deaths were reported in Kentucky - a rate of 27.9 deaths per 100,000 persons. The national average rate in 2017 was 14.6 deaths per 100,000 persons. The reasons why opioid-related deaths occur at nearly twice the national average rate in Kentucky are complex and difficult to determine. We investigate this issue by first mapping the spatial variability of the opioid crisis across Kentucky using county-level opioid overdose rates as our indicator for opioid abuse. After identifying areas of low/high overdose rates, we use statistical analysis to investigate the relationship between overdose rates and variables that may relate to or influence them. The independent variables we consider include population density, opioid prescription rates, crime rates, economic status, demographics, proximity to healthcare facilities, and education level. Identifying factors highly correlated with overdose rates helps guide efforts to reduce this problem and improve lives.
Presentation format
Poster
Investigating the Spatial Variability of Kentucky’s Opioid Crisis
Government data shows a tenfold increase in deaths involving prescription opioids from 1999 to 2017. The opioid crisis affects all parts of America, but some areas experience it more acutely than others. In 2017, 1,160 opioid-related deaths were reported in Kentucky - a rate of 27.9 deaths per 100,000 persons. The national average rate in 2017 was 14.6 deaths per 100,000 persons. The reasons why opioid-related deaths occur at nearly twice the national average rate in Kentucky are complex and difficult to determine. We investigate this issue by first mapping the spatial variability of the opioid crisis across Kentucky using county-level opioid overdose rates as our indicator for opioid abuse. After identifying areas of low/high overdose rates, we use statistical analysis to investigate the relationship between overdose rates and variables that may relate to or influence them. The independent variables we consider include population density, opioid prescription rates, crime rates, economic status, demographics, proximity to healthcare facilities, and education level. Identifying factors highly correlated with overdose rates helps guide efforts to reduce this problem and improve lives.
