Patrick Oliorah, a pharmacist and healthcare researcher from Nigeria, has successfully published a peer-reviewed study analyzing racial and socioeconomic disparities in opioid treatment in the United States. His research, which examined data from 2016 to 2021, highlighted inequities in opioid prescribing practices amid efforts to address the country’s ongoing opioid crisis, where over 80,000 deaths are attributed to opioid-related causes each year.

In his study published in the international medical journal Cureus, Oliorah utilized nationally representative U.S. data to assess the effectiveness and equity of interventions aimed at reducing opioid prescriptions across different racial and ethnic groups. His findings indicate that while there has been a notable decline in opioid prescriptions, disparities still exist, raising concerns about fairness in healthcare access and treatment for individuals of diverse backgrounds affected by opioid use disorder.

Oliorah’s research is particularly relevant as the opioid crisis continues to impact millions, with approximately 14 million Americans diagnosed with opioid use disorder and over 50 million living with chronic pain. The study not only contributes valuable insights to the ongoing dialogue surrounding public health policies but has also facilitated his successful acquisition of over $500,000 in scholarships from prestigious American institutions to further his academic and professional pursuits in this critical field.