COVID-19 outcomes among individuals with substance use disorders.

OBJECTIVES Individuals with substance use disorders may be more susceptible to COVID-19 outcomes due to damage in their immune, pulmonary and respiratory systems. The aim of our study is to investigate COVID-19 outcomes among individuals with a history of substance use disorders compared to individuals without substance use disorders.

STUDY DESIGN This study was a population-based cohort study.

METHODS Using the Utah Population Database, individuals with substance use disorder history (2015-2020; n = 227,277) were individually matched by age and sex to individuals without substance use disorders (n = 227,277). COVID-19 outcomes from 2020 to 2023 were assessed with conditional logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS Individuals with substance use disorders had higher odds of hospitalization (OR: 2.90, 95% CI: 2.78-3.02), ICU admission (OR: 2.92, 95% CI: 2.72-3.13), all-cause death (OR: 2.94, 95 % CI: 2.81-3.08), and COVID-19-specific death (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.14-1.57). The ORs for COVID-19 outcomes were similar for individuals with alcohol use disorders and opioid use disorders.

CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 outcomes were strongly associated with substance use disorders, highlighting the need for targeted health strategies for individuals with substance use disorders.