Naloxone use in Puerto Rico: the first four years of intervention 2019-2022.

Abstract

Objective: Puerto Rico has had an alarming increase in opioid use, a 100 % increase from 1999 to 2013. It is crucial to analyze current trends in naloxone usage to tackle this opioid epidemic. This paper examines the use and impact of naloxone in Puerto Rico over four years, focusing on its role in combating the opioid crisis. Methods: The retrospective study analyzes naloxone administration across various demographics and settings from 2019 to 2022, providing an overview of its effectiveness in overdose interventions. The data was sourced from the Puerto Rico Mental Health and Addiction Subdivision (ASSMCA) and highlights findings on the patterns of use, demographic impacts, and the settings for naloxone administration. Results: Key results indicate a higher prevalence of naloxone administration in public spaces and peaks of delivery during afternoon hours, with males and middle-aged individuals more frequently receiving interventions. Additionally, the results demonstrate significantly elevated lethal outcomes for individuals who did not receive naloxone intervention, reiterating its life-saving impact in vulnerable populations. The study also explores the legislative and community responses to the opioid crisis in Puerto Rico, illustrating the collaborative efforts between governmental and community organizations. Conclusions: The study findings present an effective approach to managing opioid misuse and enhancing the targeted geographical distribution of naloxone. The findings underscore the critical role of naloxone in reducing opioid-related fatalities and improving patient outcomes, advocating for increased accessibility and continued community engagement to address the ongoing public health challenge on the island.