Gender Differences in Health Risk Factors for Co-Use of Gabapentin and Opioids among Black Americans.

Despite recent increases in gabapentin misuse among Black Americans who use opioids, there is a dearth of research examining gabapentin misuse among this high-risk group. The current study examines associations between health-related risk factors (e.g., pain and insomnia) and gabapentin misuse among Black adults who use opioids, as well as gender differences in these associations. Data were derived from a mixed-methods study examining opioid misuse among Black adults. The current sample included participants who confirmed lifetime prescription opioid misuse during the study survey (n=758). Stepwise logistic regression analyses, controlling for age, education, and past 30-day depression and anxiety, were used to examine main and interaction effects of pain, insomnia, and gender on odds of gabapentin misuse. Pain was assessed using the Brief Pain Inventory, and insomnia was assessed using the Insomnia Severity Index. Gabapentin misuse, depression, and anxiety were assessed using a modified version of the Addiction Severity Index-Lite. Overall, approximately 16% of participants reported gabapentin misuse in the past 30 days. Analyses showed a significant main effect of age (AOR=1.03, 95% CI [1.01, 1.04]), gender (AOR=5.60, 95% CI[2.44, 12.86]), pain (AOR=2.54, 95%CI [1.24, 5.22]) and insomnia (AOR=2.86, 95%CI [1.24, 6.38]) on odds of gabapentin misuse, and a significant interaction between gender and insomnia (AOR=.36, 95%CI [.13, .95]). Findings highlight a need to address sleep concerns among Black adults who misuse opioids and gabapentin, and for intervention approaches tailored by race and gender.