Victorian Substance Use Research Forum (VSURF) – April Seminar – Oisin Stronach – An age–period–cohort–interaction analysis of methamphetamine-related deaths in Australia, 2001-2020

Please join us on 11th April for our next VSURF seminar, which will be delivered by Oisin Stronach from the Burnet Institute. Oisin will be presenting his work examining trends methamphetamine-related deaths in Australian.

This will be a hybrid event hosted at the Burnet Institute, followed by post-seminar drinks at the College Lawn Hotel, so please do join us in-person if you can.

Presenter: Oisin Stronach

Title: An age–period–cohort–interaction analysis of methamphetamine-related deaths in Australia, 2001-2020

When: 11th April 2025 at 4pm, online and in-person

Location: Djeembana Room (Seminar Room 1 and 2), Level 3, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, 3004. Please note the elevator is best accessed from 89 Commercial Road.

Teams: Meeting ID: 450 047 612 219; Passcode: dT2eE72E

Abstract: Australia has one of the highest rates of methamphetamine dependence globally. Over the past two decades, methamphetamine-related deaths have quadrupled, driven mainly by drug toxicity and suicide. This presentation discusses trends in Australian methamphetamine-related deaths (2001-2020) and findings from age–period–cohort–interaction (APC-I) analyses of these deaths, extracted from the National Coronial Information System, a database of deaths reported to the coroner in Australia and New Zealand. Between 2001 and 2020, methamphetamine-related deaths were attributed to unintentional drug toxicity (52.3%), intentional self-harm including poisoning (24.9%), unintentional injury (15.8%) and natural causes (9.2%). Cohort analyses revealed that individuals born between 1962 and 1982 (Generation X) faced a higher-than-average mortality risk across various methamphetamine-related causes (including unintentional drug toxicity and intentional self-harm), with risk decreasing among later generations. Despite different age profiles across the causes of death, cohort effects suggest Generation X is predominantly experiencing a higher mortality risk for deaths attributed to methamphetamine. As Generation X ages, the risk of methamphetamine-related deaths attributed to natural causes (particularly cardiovascular disease), is likely to increase, underscoring the need for early screening and intervention. 

Bio: Mr Oisin Stronach is a current PhD Candidate at the Burnet Institute, where he is investigating the drivers of methamphetamine-related mortality in Australia. Mr Stronach has focused on shifting current practice and policy towards prioritising informed choice and valuing lived experience through his work by translating data.

We hope to see you there!

On behalf of the VSURF organising committee

Michael Curtis (Burnet Institute / NDRI, Curtin University)
Monica Barratt (RMIT University / UNSW Sydney)
Megan Cook (CAPR, La Trobe University)
Tristan Duncan (Turning Point/ Monash University)
Nyssa Ferguson (La Trobe University)
Gemma Nourse (ARCSHS, La Trobe University)