On this page: About the National Data | Methodology
About the National Data
Data
Baseline: 0.74 percent of persons aged 12 years and over reported prescription pain reliever misuse initiation in the past 12 months in 2017
Target: 0.62 percent
Number of persons aged 12 years and over reporting prescription pain reliever misuse initiation in the past 12 months.
Number of persons aged 12 years and over.
Minimal statistical significance
Trend data were evaluated for this objective, but it was not possible to project a target because the Healthy People 2030 Workgroup Subject Matter Experts did not expect the trend to continue. The standard error was used to calculate a target based on minimal statistical significance, assuming the same standard error for the target as for the baseline. This method was used because it was a statistically significant improvement from the baseline.
Methodology
Past year initiates include those who used that substance (misused in the case of prescription pain relievers) for the first time in the past year. Misuse of prescription pain relievers is defined as use in any way not directed by a doctor, including use without a prescription of one's own; use in greater amounts, more often, or longer than told; or use in any other way not directed by a doctor. Prescription pain relievers do not include over-the-counter drugs.
