The alarming opioid crisis, with its staggering death rates, is affecting the life expectancy rates of Americans. Select one of the populations on the map and address the following: Selected population : Florida [ Use an . Provide The scholarly source needs to be: 1) evidence-based, 2) scholarly in nature, 3) Sources should be no more than five years old ( citations and references are included when information is summarized/synthesized and/or direct quotes are used, in which standards apply.
The opioid crisis in the United States has become a significant public health issue, with devastating consequences on individuals, families, and communities. Among the states greatly affected is Florida, which has seen a rise in opioid-related deaths and substance abuse disorders. This assignment aims to examine the impact of the opioid crisis on the population of Florida, specifically in terms of its effect on life expectancy rates. To achieve this, an evidence-based and scholarly source published within the last five years will be utilized.
One authoritative source that provides insights into this topic is the study conducted by Dasgupta, Beletsky, and Ciccarone (2018), titled “Opioid Crisis: No Easy Fix to Its Social and Economic Determinants.” This article, published in the American Journal of Public Health, offers valuable evidence-based findings on the multifactorial nature of the opioid crisis and its repercussions.
The study examines how the opioid crisis stems from complex social and economic factors, lending itself to a nuanced understanding of its impact on various populations. It identifies the key drivers behind the opioid crisis, including economic insecurity, adverse childhood experiences, and inadequate access to healthcare services. These factors are particularly relevant when considering the impact on the population of Florida.
Florida, known for being a retirement destination, has a significant elderly population. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the state had an estimated 21.7% of residents aged 65 and older in 2019 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2021). This aging population is more vulnerable to the effects of opioid misuse and its associated health risks. While the study by Dasgupta et al. (2018) does not specifically focus on Florida, it provides a broader understanding of the social determinants and consequences of the opioid crisis, which can be applied to the selected population.
The impact of the opioid crisis on life expectancy can be viewed through multiple dimensions. First, opioid-related overdoses are the leading cause of death in the United States among individuals under the age of 50 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2020). This alarming statistic suggests that the opioid crisis is disproportionately affecting the younger population, potentially truncating their life expectancy. While the study by Dasgupta et al. (2018) does not evaluate specific age groups in detail, it sheds light on the broad social determinants contributing to the crisis, which can indirectly affect life expectancy rates.
Second, the misuse of opioids often leads to the development of substance use disorders, which can have long-lasting health consequences. Chronic opioid use can result in respiratory depression, liver disease, mental health disorders, and infectious diseases such as hepatitis C and HIV (CDC, 2020). These health outcomes, when prevalent in a population, can contribute to a decline in life expectancy rates.
Furthermore, the opioid crisis has substantial social and economic consequences, which can have indirect effects on life expectancy. For instance, substance misuse can result in unemployment, loss of productivity, and strain on familial relationships (Dasgupta et al., 2018). These socioeconomic factors may lead to increased stress, lower quality of life, and reduced access to healthcare services, ultimately impacting overall life expectancy.
In conclusion, the opioid crisis in Florida, as a subset of the greater national crisis, has undoubtedly impacted the life expectancy rates of its population. While the selected scholarly source does not directly examine the impact on Florida, it provides substantial evidence on the social determinants and consequences of the opioid crisis. The study highlights the complexity of the issue, including factors such as economic insecurity, adverse childhood experiences, and limited access to healthcare services. Through its multifactorial nature, the crisis disproportionately affects certain populations, potentially contributing to a decline in life expectancy rates. However, to fully evaluate the specific impact on the population of Florida, further research using localized data and studies specific to the state would be necessary.
References:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Opioid overdose: Understanding the epidemic. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/epidemic/index.html
Dasgupta, N., Beletsky, L., & Ciccarone, D. (2018). Opioid crisis: No easy fix to its social and economic determinants. American Journal of Public Health, 108(2), 182-186. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2017.304200
U.S. Census Bureau. (2021, August 12). Quickfacts: Florida. Retrieved from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/FL