A descriptive analysis of rural-urban overdose experiences among incarcerated women with opioid use disorder.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

Despite elevated overdose risk in rural communities, rural/urban differences in overdose risk factors are understudied among women with criminal legal system involvement. This study examines substance use and overdose among incarcerated women.

METHODS

Women (N = 900) were randomly selected from nine Kentucky jails, screened, and interviewed as part of a larger study. Bivariate analyses were used to identify group differences.

RESULTS

Rural women were less likely to report pre-incarceration overdose and to receive emergency services post-overdose. Substance use also varied.

CONCLUSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Results underscore the importance of Opioid Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution in rural communities.