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

• DOI: 10.1111/ajad.70025
• Publication Date: 2025-03-28T17:13:19Z
• Authors: Megan F. Dickson; Shawn M. Jamison; J. Matthew Webster; Martha Tillson; Carrie B. Oser; Jaxin Annett; Michele Staton

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesDespite 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.MethodsWomen (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.ResultsRural women were less likely to report pre‐incarceration overdose and to receive emergency services post‐overdose. Substance use also varied.Conclusions and Scientific SignificanceResults underscore the importance of Opioid Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution in rural communities.