Prescription drug misuse (PDM) is the leading cause of accidental death in the U.S. One in five Americans report at least one lifetime incident of PDM. PDM has been studied extensively, yet there is limited inclusion of racial/ethnic minorities due to purportedly lower rates of PDM. However, health disparate groups often face more detrimental consequences of substance abuse including behavioral, social, and medical/mental health (e.g., injury, HIV/AIDS, incarceration, educational attainment, and comorbidity). Failing to characterize risk factors for and consequences of PDM in racial/ethnic minorities may mask the disproportionate negative impact of this epidemic. This systematic review of three research indexes revealed 28 peer-reviewed studies published on PDM in racial/ethnic minority adults. Results indicated a high prevalence of PDM among veterans, bisexual and gay young adults, and substance abusers compared to the general population. Demographic correlates of PDM included younger age, male gender, less educated, unmarried, and those with health/emotional issues. Rates of PDM in demographically vulnerable populations suggest that broadening inclusiveness in PDM research, interventions, and clinical practice is imperative.
Keywords: Behavioral health disparities; prescription drug abuse; prescription drug misuse; racial and ethnic disparities; racial and ethnic minority prescription drug abuse.