OBJECTIVES: Variables associated with multimorbidity status among older United States (US) adults with pain who use opioids are not well known. This study explored variables associated with multimorbidity status among US adults aged ≥50 years with self-reported pain and opioid use.

METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional retrospective database design and 2019 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data. Participants were US adults aged ≥50 years with self-reported pain within the past 4 weeks and used at least one opioid in the 2019 calendar year. Opioid use was determined if an individual used at least one opioid in the 2019 MEPS prescribed medicine file using Multum Lexicon therapeutic class codes of 60 and 191. Differences between multimorbidity status (≥2 chronic conditions versus <2 chronic conditions) were compared using chi squared tests. Multivariable logistic regressions models, weighted to produce nationally representative estimates, were used to determine variables significantly associated with multimorbidity status. Significance was determined using an a priori alpha level of 0.05.

RESULTS: Among 28,512 individuals in the 2019 MEPS data file, 1,077 (weighted population=12,109,702) met the eligibility criteria. Of these, 957 individuals had multimorbidity status (weighted population=10,671,315) and 120 did not (weighted population=1,438,387). Descriptive analysis indicated significant difference between multimorbidity status for age, ethnicity, employment status, any limitation, perceived physical health status, and frequent exercise status. The most common chronic conditions were hypertension (88.1%) and arthritis (76.4). In the adjusted logistic regression analysis, those aged 50-64 (vs ≥65 years), Hispanic (vs. non-Hispanic), employed (vs. unemployed), and frequent exercise (vs. no frequent exercise) were associated with lower odds of having multimorbidity.

CONCLUSIONS: This study indicated that age, ethnicity, employment status, and exercise status are associated with lower odds of multimorbidity among older US adults with pain and opioid use. Further research is needed to further understand the clinical implications of these factors.