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Humphrey JL, Schwab C, Richardson NJ, Lambdin BH, Kral AH, Ray B. Overdose as a complex contagion: modelling the community spread of overdose events following law enforcement efforts to disrupt the drug market. J Epidemiol Community Health 2024:jech-2024-222263. [PMID: 39389758 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2024-222263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/16/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opioid overdose mortality crisis in the USA is an ongoing public health epidemic. Ongoing law enforcement strategies to disrupt local unregulated drug markets can have an iatrogenic effect of increasing overdose by driving consumers towards new suppliers with unpredictable drug products of unknown potency. METHODS Cross-sectional study using point-level information on law enforcement opioid-related drug seizures from property room data, opioid-related non-fatal overdose events from emergency medical services and block group-level social determinants of health data from multiple sources. Using an endemic-epidemic spatiotemporal regression model, we estimated the degree to which exposure to drug supply disruptions triggers future overdose events within small space-time distances in Indianapolis, Indiana. RESULTS Neighbourhoods with more structural racism, economic deprivation or urban blight were associated with higher rates of non-fatal overdose. Exposure to an opioid-related drug seizure event had a significant and positive effect on the epidemic probability of non-fatal overdose. An opioid seizure that occurred within 250 m and 3 days, 250 m and 7 days, and 250 m and 14 days of an overdose event increased the risk of a new non-fatal overdose by 2.62 (rate ratio (RR)=2.62, 95% CI 1.87 to 3.67), 2.17 (RR=2.17, 95% CI 1.87 to 2.59) and 1.83 (RR=1.83, 95% CI 1.66 to 2.02), respectively. Similar spatiotemporal patterns were observed in a smaller spatial bandwidth. CONCLUSIONS Results demonstrated that overdoses exhibit a community spread process, which is exacerbated following law enforcement strategies to disrupt the unregulated drug market. We discuss decriminalisation and increasing resources that promote safer drug use to combat this public health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Clyde Schwab
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | | | | | - Alex H Kral
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - Bradley Ray
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
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Prahlow JA, Jones P, Bailey K, Grande A, Obead A, Pink C, Douglas E, Shattuck B, Fisher-Hubbard A, Brown T, deJong JL. SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Experience at an Academic Medical Examiner's Office. Acad Forensic Pathol 2024; 14:87-107. [PMID: 39246388 PMCID: PMC11380442 DOI: 10.1177/19253621231224532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
Introduction The coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in a great deal of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Since most deaths related to COVID-19 are currently considered natural, and they tend to occur following a clinically recognized illness, many medical examiner/coroner offices within the United States do not take jurisdiction over the majority of COVID-19 deaths. Methods In this review, we present the experience of a medium-sized medical examiner's office affiliated with an academic medical school institution, over the first 15 months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results Compared to a 15-month period that immediately preceded the pandemic, our office experienced a significant increase in the total number of reported deaths, scene investigations, full autopsies, natural deaths, accidents, homicides, and drug-related deaths, but a decrease in the number of suicides. Overall, our office performed 5 autopsies during the study period where COVID-19 was considered the primary cause of death, 4 cases where COVID-19 was considered a contributory cause of death, and 28 cases where COVID-19 testing was positive, but COVID-19 was not contributory to death. Discussion The COVID-19 pandemic was accompanied by a sizeable increase in work volume within our academic medical examiner's office. Although this increased workload was not related to a large number of COVID-19-related deaths investigated by the office, there were numerous areas of increased workload that were likely secondarily related to the conditions associated with the pandemic.
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Wolf DA, Monnat SM, Wiemers EE, Sun Y, Zhang X, Grossman ER, Montez JK. State COVID-19 Policies and Drug Overdose Mortality Among Working-Age Adults in the United States, 2020. Am J Public Health 2024; 114:714-722. [PMID: 38696735 PMCID: PMC11153954 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2024.307621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
Objectives. To identify relationships between US states' COVID-19 in-person activity limitation and economic support policies and drug overdose deaths among working-age adults in 2020. Methods. We used county-level data on 140 435 drug overdoses among adults aged 25 to 64 years during January 2019 to December 2020 from the National Vital Statistics System and data on states' COVID-19 policies from the Oxford COVID-19 Government Response Tracker to assess US trends in overdose deaths by sex in 3138 counties. Results. Policies limiting in-person activities significantly increased, whereas economic support policies significantly decreased, overdose rates. A 1-unit increase in policies restricting activities predicted a 15% average monthly increase in overdose rates for men (incident rate ratio [IRR] = 1.15; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.09, 1.20) and a 14% increase for women (IRR = 1.14; 95% CI = 1.09, 1.20). A 1-unit increase in economic support policies predicted a 3% average monthly decrease for men (IRR = 0.97; 95% CI = 0.95, 1.00) and a 4% decrease for women (IRR = 0.96; 95% CI = 0.93, 0.99). All states' policy combinations are predicted to have increased drug-poisoning mortality. Conclusions. The economic supports that states enacted were insufficient to fully mitigate the adverse relationship between activity limitations and drug overdoses. (Am J Public Health. 2024;114(7):714-722. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307621).
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas A Wolf
- Douglas A. Wolf, Emily E. Wiemers, Yue Sun, and Jennifer Karas Montez are with the Aging Studies Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY. Shannon M. Monnat and Xue Zhang are with the Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion and Population Health, Syracuse University. Elyse R. Grossman is with the Epidemiology Research Branch, US National Institute on Drug Abuse, Gaithersburg, MD
| | - Shannon M Monnat
- Douglas A. Wolf, Emily E. Wiemers, Yue Sun, and Jennifer Karas Montez are with the Aging Studies Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY. Shannon M. Monnat and Xue Zhang are with the Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion and Population Health, Syracuse University. Elyse R. Grossman is with the Epidemiology Research Branch, US National Institute on Drug Abuse, Gaithersburg, MD
| | - Emily E Wiemers
- Douglas A. Wolf, Emily E. Wiemers, Yue Sun, and Jennifer Karas Montez are with the Aging Studies Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY. Shannon M. Monnat and Xue Zhang are with the Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion and Population Health, Syracuse University. Elyse R. Grossman is with the Epidemiology Research Branch, US National Institute on Drug Abuse, Gaithersburg, MD
| | - Yue Sun
- Douglas A. Wolf, Emily E. Wiemers, Yue Sun, and Jennifer Karas Montez are with the Aging Studies Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY. Shannon M. Monnat and Xue Zhang are with the Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion and Population Health, Syracuse University. Elyse R. Grossman is with the Epidemiology Research Branch, US National Institute on Drug Abuse, Gaithersburg, MD
| | - Xue Zhang
- Douglas A. Wolf, Emily E. Wiemers, Yue Sun, and Jennifer Karas Montez are with the Aging Studies Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY. Shannon M. Monnat and Xue Zhang are with the Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion and Population Health, Syracuse University. Elyse R. Grossman is with the Epidemiology Research Branch, US National Institute on Drug Abuse, Gaithersburg, MD
| | - Elyse R Grossman
- Douglas A. Wolf, Emily E. Wiemers, Yue Sun, and Jennifer Karas Montez are with the Aging Studies Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY. Shannon M. Monnat and Xue Zhang are with the Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion and Population Health, Syracuse University. Elyse R. Grossman is with the Epidemiology Research Branch, US National Institute on Drug Abuse, Gaithersburg, MD
| | - Jennifer Karas Montez
- Douglas A. Wolf, Emily E. Wiemers, Yue Sun, and Jennifer Karas Montez are with the Aging Studies Institute, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY. Shannon M. Monnat and Xue Zhang are with the Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion and Population Health, Syracuse University. Elyse R. Grossman is with the Epidemiology Research Branch, US National Institute on Drug Abuse, Gaithersburg, MD
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Simha S, Ahmed Y, Brummett CM, Waljee JF, Englesbe MJ, Bicket MC. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on opioid overdose and other adverse events in the USA and Canada: a systematic review. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2024; 49:361-362. [PMID: 36427903 DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2022-104169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Siddartha Simha
- Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Yusuf Ahmed
- University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Chad M Brummett
- Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Michigan Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jennifer F Waljee
- Michigan Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Surgery, University of Michigan Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Michael J Englesbe
- Michigan Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Surgery, University of Michigan Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Mark C Bicket
- Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Michigan Opioid Prescribing Engagement Network, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Richardson L, Geddes C, Palis H, Buxton J, Slaunwhite A. An ecological study of the correlation between COVID-19 support payments and overdose events in British Columbia, Canada. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 126:104362. [PMID: 38484530 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pandemic income support payments have been speculatively linked to an increased incidence of illicit drug poisoning (overdose). However, existing research is limited. METHODS Collating Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) payment data with data on paramedic attended overdose and illicit drug toxicity deaths for the province of British Columbia at the Local Health Area (LHA) level, we conducted a correlation analysis to compare overdose rates before, during and after active CERB disbursement. RESULTS There were 20,014,270 CERB-entitled weeks identified among residents of British Columbia for the duration of the pandemic response program. Approximately 52 % of all CERB entitled weeks in the study were among females and approximately 48 % were among males. Paramedic-attended overdoses increased uniformly across the pre-CERB, CERB and post-CERB periods, while illicit drug toxicity deaths sharply increased and then remained high over the period of the study. Correlation analyses between overdose and CERB-entitled weeks approached zero for both paramedic-attended overdoses and illicit drug toxicity deaths. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that attributing the pandemic increase in overdose to income support payments is unfounded. Sustained levels of unacceptably high non-fatal and fatal drug poisonings that further increased at the start of the pandemic are reflective of complex pre-existing and pandemic-driven changes to overdose risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsey Richardson
- Department of Sociology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada.
| | - Cameron Geddes
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Heather Palis
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jane Buxton
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Amanda Slaunwhite
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada; British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Lowder EM, Grommon E, Bailey K, Ray B. Police-mental health co-response versus police-as-usual response to behavioral health emergencies: A pragmatic randomized effectiveness trial. Soc Sci Med 2024; 345:116723. [PMID: 38422686 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with mental illness are overrepresented in United States (US) criminal legal systems. In response, alternatives to traditional police response to behavioral health emergencies have become more common, despite limited evidence for their effectiveness. We conducted the first randomized controlled trial of a police-mental health co-response team to determine program effectiveness relative to a police-as-usual response on key outcomes identified by community stakeholders. METHODS Between January 2020 and March 2021, we randomized behavioral health emergency calls for service in one of six police districts in Indianapolis, Indiana to receive a co-response or police-as-usual response during operational hours between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mondays - Fridays. Eligible calls for service were determined via pre-specified phrases indicating a behavioral health incident over the police dispatch radio. Researchers then communicated random assignment with the co-response team to indicate whether they should respond or withhold. Logistic and negative binomial regression were used to assess group differences in emergency medical services (EMS) events within 12 months of the randomized incident along with jail booking, outpatient encounters, and emergency department visits. FINDINGS We randomized 686 calls for service with co-response completed in 264 cases and police-as-usual response in 267 cases. The overall rate of attrition was similar across conditions and the final sample included 211 co-responses and 224 police-as-usual responses. We found no significant differences in any EMS event (odds ratio [OR]: 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.85-1.88, p = .246) or event counts (incidence rate ratio [IRR]: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.52-1.37, p = .504). We also found no differences in secondary outcomes (jail booking, outpatient encounters, and emergency department visits). DISCUSSION A police-mental health co-response team model was not more effective than traditional police response on key outcomes. Co-response team models, such as the one reported here, may unintentionally foster emergency services utilization among persons with behavioral health needs. Without a functioning national mental health system, communities in the US will continue to struggle to identify solutions to meet the needs of community members with complex behavioral health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan Marie Lowder
- George Mason University Department of Criminology, Law and Society, 4400 University Drive, 4F4, Fairfax, VA, 22030, United States
| | - Eric Grommon
- Indiana University O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, 801 W. Michigan Street BS 3025, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, United States
| | - Katie Bailey
- University of California San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, United States
| | - Bradley Ray
- RTI International, 3040 East Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709-2194, United States.
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Campbell AG, Naz S, Gharbi S, Chambers J, Denne S, Litzelman DK, Wiehe SE. The Concordance of Electronic Health Record Diagnoses and Substance use Self-Reports Among Reproductive Aged Women Enrolled in a Community-Based Addiction Reduction Program. INQUIRY : A JOURNAL OF MEDICAL CARE ORGANIZATION, PROVISION AND FINANCING 2024; 61:469580241237051. [PMID: 38528783 DOI: 10.1177/00469580241237051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
Substance use disorders among reproductive aged women are a major public health issue. There is little work investigating the validity and reliability of electronic health record (EHR) data for measuring substance use in this population. This study examined the concordance of self-reported substance use with clinical diagnoses of substance use, substance abuse and substance use disorder in EHR data. Reproductive age women enrolled in the Community-Based Addiction Reduction (CARE) program were interviewed by peer recovery coaches (PRC) at enrollment. That survey data was linked with EHR data (n = 102). Concordance between self-reported substance use and clinical diagnoses in the EHR was examined for opioids, cannabis/THC, and cocaine. Cohen's kappa, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated. The survey captured a higher number of women who use substances compared to the EHR. The concordance of self-report with EHR diagnosis varied by substance and was higher for opioids (17.6%) relative to cannabis/THC (8.8%), and cocaine (3.0%). Additionally, opioids had higher sensitivity (46.2%) and lower specificity (76.2%) relative to cannabis/THC and cocaine. Survey data collected by PRCs captured more substance use than EHRs, suggesting that EHRs underestimate substance use prevalence. The higher sensitivity and lower specificity of opioids was due to a larger number of women who had a diagnosis of opioid use in the EHR who did not self-report opioid use in the self-report survey relative to cannabis/THC and cocaine. Opioid self-report and diagnosis may be influenced by research setting, question wording, or receipt of medication for opioid use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saman Naz
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Sami Gharbi
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Joanna Chambers
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana Clinical Translational Sciences Institute, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Scott Denne
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana Clinical Translational Sciences Institute, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Debra K Litzelman
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana Clinical Translational Sciences Institute, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Sarah E Wiehe
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Indiana Clinical Translational Sciences Institute, Indianapolis, IN, USA
- Regenstrief Institute, Inc., Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Hossain S, Jackson A, Burkom H, Boyd C. Effects of the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Utilization of Emergency Medical Services in Maryland. JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH MANAGEMENT AND PRACTICE 2024; 30:E5-E13. [PMID: 37966957 DOI: 10.1097/phh.0000000000001843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opioid epidemic in the United States has devastated the lives of individuals and imposed decades-long opportunity costs on the community. METHODS We analyzed Emergency Medical Services (EMS) data from the Maryland Department of Health installation of the Electronic Surveillance System for Early Notification of Community-Based Epidemics (ESSENCE) to assess the impact of COVID-19 on EMS call volume and how COVID-19 impacted patients' decisions whether to accept transport to a hospital following an EMS call. RESULTS The rate of patients accepting transportation via EMS to a hospital emergency department (ED) declined for both opioid-related and non-opioid-related calls from prepandemic (before April 2020) to mid-pandemic (mid-March 2020 to mid-April 2020). The opioid-related call volume increased more from pre- to mid-pandemic for male patients than for female patients, and this "gender gap" had not returned to prepandemic levels by April 2021. CONCLUSION Consistent with reports from other states, the pandemic worsened the opioid crisis in Maryland, impacting some populations more than others while also decreasing the likelihood that individuals experiencing an opioid-related overdose would seek further medical care following an EMS call.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharmin Hossain
- Maryland Department of Human Services, Baltimore, Maryland (Dr Hossain); Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, Maryland (Ms Jackson and Mr Burkom); and Independent Researcher (Ms Boyd)
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Abramson TM, Abramson CM, Burner E, Eckstein M, Sanko S, Wenzel S. Does Housing Status Matter in Emergency Medical Services Administration of Naloxone? A Prehospital Cross-sectional Study. West J Emerg Med 2023; 24:831-838. [PMID: 37788022 PMCID: PMC10527833 DOI: 10.5811/westjem.60237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Persons experiencing homelessness (PEH) use emergency medical services (EMS) at disproportionately high rates relative to housed individuals due to several factors including disparate access to healthcare. Limited access to care is compounded by higher rates of substance use in PEH. Despite growing attention to the opioid epidemic and housing crisis, differences in EMS naloxone administration by housing status has not been systematically examined. Our objective in this study was to describe EMS administration of naloxone by housing status in the City of Los Angeles. Methods: This was a 12-month retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of electronic patient care reports (ePCRs) for all 9-1-1 EMS incidents attended by the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), the sole EMS provider agency for the City of Los Angeles during the study period, January-December 2018. During this time, the City had a population of 3,949,776 with an estimated 31,825 (0.8%) PEH. We included in the study individuals to whom LAFD personnel had administered naloxone. Housing status is a mandatory field on ePCRs. The primary study outcome was the incidence of EMS naloxone administration by housing status. We used descriptive statistics and logistic regression models to examine patterns by key covariates. Results: There were 345,190 EMS incidents during the study period. Naloxone was administered during 2,428 incidents. Of those incidents 608 (25%) involved PEH, and 1,820 (75%) involved housed individuals. Naloxone administration occurred at a rate of 19 per 1,000 PEH, roughly 44 times the rate of housed individuals. A logistic regression model showed that PEH remained 2.38 times more likely to receive naloxone than their housed counterparts, after adjusting for gender, age, and respiratory depression (odds ratio 2.38, 95% confidence interval 2.15-2.64). The most common provider impressions recorded by the EMS responders who administered naloxone were the same for both groups: overdose; altered level of consciousness; and cardiac arrest. Persons experiencing homelessness who received naloxone were more likely to be male (82% vs 67%) and younger (41.4 vs 46.2 years) than housed individuals. Conclusion: In the City of Los Angeles, PEH are more likely to receive EMS-administered naloxone than their housed peers even after adjusting for other factors. Future research is needed to understand outcomes and improve care pathways for patients confronting homelessness and opioid use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany M. Abramson
- University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Divisions of Emergency Medical Services and Research, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Elizabeth Burner
- University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Divisions of Emergency Medical Services and Research, Los Angeles, California
| | - Marc Eckstein
- University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Divisions of Emergency Medical Services and Research, Los Angeles, California
| | - Stephen Sanko
- University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Divisions of Emergency Medical Services and Research, Los Angeles, California
| | - Suzanne Wenzel
- University of Southern California, Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, Los Angeles, California
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Wiessing L, Sypsa V, Abagiu AO, Arble A, Berndt N, Bosch A, Buskin S, Chemtob D, Combs B, Conyngham C, Feelemyer J, Fitzgerald M, Goldberg D, Hatzakis A, Patrascu RE, Keenan E, Khan I, Konrad S, Leahy J, McAuley A, Menza T, Merrick S, Metcalfe R, Rademaker T, Revivo S, Rosca P, Seguin-Devaux C, Skinner S, Smith C, Tinsley J, Wilberg M, Des Jarlais D. Impact of COVID-19 & Response Measures on HIV-HCV Prevention Services and Social Determinants in People Who Inject Drugs in 13 Sites with Recent HIV Outbreaks in Europe, North America and Israel. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:1140-1153. [PMID: 36367613 PMCID: PMC9651099 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03851-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
HIV/HCV prevention among people who inject drugs (PWID) is of key public health importance. We aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 and associated response measures on HIV/HCV prevention services and socio-economic status of PWID in high-HIV-risk sites. Sites with recent (2011-2019) HIV outbreaks among PWID in Europe North America and Israel, that had been previously identified, were contacted early May 2020. Out of 17 sites invited to participate, 13 accepted. Semi-structured qualitative site reports were prepared covering data from March to May 2020, analyzed/coded and confirmed with a structured questionnaire, in which all sites explicitly responded to all 103 issues reported in the qualitative reports. Opioid maintenance treatment, needle/syringe programs and antiretroviral treatment /hepatitis C treatment continued, but with important reductions and operational changes. Increases in overdoses, widespread difficulties with food and hygiene needs, disruptions in drug supply, and increased homelessness were reported. Service programs rapidly reformed long established, and politically entrenched, restrictive service delivery policies. Future epidemic control measures should include mitigation of negative side-effects on service provision and socio-economic determinants in PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Wiessing
- Public Health Unit, European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), Praça Europa 1, Cais do Sodré, 1249-289, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - V Sypsa
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - A O Abagiu
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Bucharest, Romania
| | - A Arble
- Hamilton County Public Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - N Berndt
- Luxembourg National Focal Point of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Directorate of Health, Luxembourg-Hamm, Luxembourg
| | - A Bosch
- STD, HIV, and TB Section - Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Prevention and Control, Minnesota Department of Health, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - S Buskin
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Public Health - Seattle & King County, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - D Chemtob
- Department of Tuberculosis and AIDS, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
- Braun School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - B Combs
- Scott County Health Department, Scottsburg, IN, USA
| | - C Conyngham
- Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J Feelemyer
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - M Fitzgerald
- National Social Inclusion Office, Health Services Executive, Dublin, Ireland
| | - D Goldberg
- Public Health Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - A Hatzakis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - R E Patrascu
- National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Bucharest, Romania
| | - E Keenan
- National Social Inclusion Office, Health Services Executive, Dublin, Ireland
| | - I Khan
- First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Indigenous Services Canada, Regina, Canada
| | - S Konrad
- First Nations and Inuit Health Branch, Indigenous Services Canada, Regina, Canada
| | - J Leahy
- Oregon Health Authority, Portland, OR, USA
| | - A McAuley
- Public Health Scotland, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - T Menza
- Oregon Health Authority, Portland, OR, USA
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - S Merrick
- Hamilton County Public Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - R Metcalfe
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Sandyford Sexual Health Service, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - T Rademaker
- Hamilton County Public Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - S Revivo
- Izhar Needle and Syringe Programme, Public Health Association, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - P Rosca
- Department for the Treatment of Substance Abuse, Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - C Seguin-Devaux
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - S Skinner
- University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - C Smith
- Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J Tinsley
- Public Health - Seattle & King County, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - M Wilberg
- Minnesota Department of Human Services, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
| | - D Des Jarlais
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
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Natal S, Young CC, Kaur K, Gebhardt ES, Perrone A, Morikawa H, Tirado C, Smits JAJ. Applications of isradipine in human addiction studies: A systematic literature review. Exp Clin Psychopharmacol 2023; 31:507-522. [PMID: 36595455 PMCID: PMC10152997 DOI: 10.1037/pha0000633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Given the personal and public health burden of addictive disorders, innovative approaches to treatment are sorely needed. This systematic review examined the use of the pharmacological agent isradipine in the context of potential applications for addiction treatment. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guided a comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, and PsycINFO between the years 1985 to July 2022. Studies were included if isradipine was administered to adults with a current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5th edition diagnosis of a substance use disorder and/or to healthy volunteers alone and in conjunction with a substance (i.e, cocaine, methamphetamine, alcohol). A total of 16 studies with 252 participants were included in this review. Substantial variability was identified with study designs, isradipine dosages/dosing, and addictive substance of interest. Outcomes clustered in four categories: (a) cerebral blood flow (CBF), (b) hemodynamic effects, (c) subjective effects, and (d) cognitive effects. Isradipine was found to improve CBF in individuals with cocaine-induced hypoperfusion and in several studies was found to reduce parameters of blood pressure elevation after stimulant use. There were no significant findings on isradipine's effect on subjective reporting (i.e., craving, mood, drug affect) or cognition/attention. Given the limited number of studies identified in this review, there is insufficient data to draw clear conclusions. The direct effects of isradipine as a pharmacologic agent for addictive disorder treatment appear minimal, however, future work may benefit from examining the impact of isradipine as an augmentative agent within existing cue exposure paradigms for preventing cue-induced drug relapse. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Natal
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin Texas
| | - Cara C. Young
- School of Nursing, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin Texas
| | - Karamveer Kaur
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin Texas
| | - Eli S. Gebhardt
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin Texas
| | - Alexander Perrone
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin Texas
| | - Hitoshi Morikawa
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin Texas
| | - Carlos Tirado
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin Texas
| | - Jasper A. J. Smits
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin Texas
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Brothers S, Palayew A, Simon C, Coulter A, Strichartz K, Voyles N, Vincent L. Patient experiences of methadone treatment changes during the first wave of COVID-19: a national community-driven survey. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:31. [PMID: 36894968 PMCID: PMC9996563 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00756-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During COVID-19, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) allowed Methadone Maintenance Treatment (MMT) programs to relax in-person MMT requirements to reduce COVID-19 exposure. This study examines patient-reported changes to in-person methadone clinic attendance requirements during COVID-19. METHODS From June 7, 2020, to July 15, 2020, a convenience sample of methadone patients (N = 392) were recruited in collaboration with National Survivors Union (NSU) in 43 states and Washington D.C. through social media (Facebook, Reddit, Twitter, and Web site pop-ups). The community-driven research (CDR) online survey collected information on how patient take-home methadone dosing and in-person drug testing, counseling, and clinic visit frequency changed prior to COVID-19 (before March 2020) to during COVID-19 (June and July 2020). RESULTS During the study time period, the percentage of respondents receiving at least 14 days of take-home doses increased from 22 to 53%, while the percentage receiving one or no take-home doses decreased from 22.4% before COVID-19 to 10.2% during COVID-19. In-person counseling attendance decreased from 82.9% to 19.4%. While only 3.3% of respondents accessed counseling through telehealth before COVID-19, this percentage increased to 61.7% during COVID-19. Many respondents (41.3%) reported visiting their clinics in person once a week or more during COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS During the first wave of COVID-19, methadone patients report decreased in-person clinic attendance and increased take-home doses and use of telehealth for counseling services. However, respondents reported considerable variations, and many were still required to make frequent in-person clinic visits, which put patients at risk of COVID-19 exposure. Relaxations of MMT in-person requirements during COVID-19 should be consistently implemented and made permanent, and patient experiences of these changes should be explored further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Brothers
- Department of Sociology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, USA.
| | - Adam Palayew
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Caty Simon
- Methadone Advocacy Working Group, National Survivors Union, Greensboro, NC, USA
- NC Survivors Union, Greensboro, NC, USA
- Whose Corner Is It Anyway, Holyoke, MA, USA
| | - Abby Coulter
- Methadone Advocacy Working Group, National Survivors Union, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Knina Strichartz
- Methadone Advocacy Working Group, National Survivors Union, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Nick Voyles
- Methadone Advocacy Working Group, National Survivors Union, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - Louise Vincent
- Methadone Advocacy Working Group, National Survivors Union, Greensboro, NC, USA
- NC Survivors Union, Greensboro, NC, USA
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J. Wesley Boyd
- Center for Bioethics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
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14
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Doshi S, Kingston H, Tseng AS, Chohan BH, Sambai B, Guthrie BL, Monroe-Wise A, Mbogo LW, Masyuko S, Tram KH, Sinkele W, Macharia P, Bukusi D, Herbeck JT, Farquhar C. SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence, correlates, and access to harm reduction services among people who inject drugs living with and without HIV and their partners in Kenya. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:21. [PMID: 36823596 PMCID: PMC9947430 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00754-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In sub-Saharan Africa many people who inject drugs (PWID) are living with undiagnosed or untreated HIV and experience high levels of poverty and conditions that can contribute to worse outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Identifying the burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection in marginalized populations like PWID may contribute to controlling the pandemic. METHODS This is a nested cross-sectional study within an ongoing cohort study that recruits PWID living with HIV and their injecting and/or sexual partners at needle and syringe program sites and methadone clinics in Kenya. Blood samples were collected from consenting participants at enrollment to determine SARS-CoV-2 antibodies using a Platellia BioRad SARS-CoV-2 total antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Baseline data were collected on HIV status, antiretroviral therapy and methadone adherence. We used logistic regression to identify factors associated with antibody positivity and descriptive statistics to report SARS-CoV-2 antibody prevalence. RESULTS One thousand participants were enrolled between April and July 2021, of whom 323 (32.3%) were women and 677 (67.7%) were men. Median age of participants was 36 years (interquartile range: 30, 42). SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity was found in 309 (30.9%) participants. Disruption in obtaining methadone service was reported by 106 (24.3%) of the participants. Men were significantly less likely than women to have SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51, 0.95; p < 0.01) Participants who reported a sexual or injecting partner diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 were twofold more likely to have SARS-CoV-2 antibodies detected (aOR = 2.21, 95% CI 1.06, 4.58; p < 0.032). Living with HIV was not associated with presence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. CONCLUSION The seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 of 30.9% in this cohort suggests high transmission rates within this population. SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was similar for people living with and without HIV. A large portion of this population was noted to have had disruption in access to harm reduction services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shradha Doshi
- Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya.
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Hanley Kingston
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ashley S Tseng
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Bhavna H Chohan
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Betsy Sambai
- University of Washington-Global Assistance Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Brandon L Guthrie
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Aliza Monroe-Wise
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Loice W Mbogo
- University of Washington-Global Assistance Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sarah Masyuko
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Khai Hoan Tram
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - William Sinkele
- Support for Addiction Prevention and Treatment in Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Paul Macharia
- University of Washington-Global Assistance Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | | - Joshua T Herbeck
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Carey Farquhar
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- University of Washington-Global Assistance Programme, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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15
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Simha S, Ahmed Y, Brummett CM, Waljee JF, Englesbe MJ, Bicket MC. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on opioid overdose and other adverse events in the USA and Canada: a systematic review. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2023; 48:37-43. [DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2022-103591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
ImportanceThe COVID-19 pandemic impacted healthcare beyond COVID-19 infections. A better understanding of how COVID-19 worsened the opioid crisis has potential to inform future response efforts.ObjectiveTo summarize changes from the COVID-19 pandemic on outcomes regarding opioid use and misuse in the USA and Canada.Evidence reviewWe searched MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL for peer-reviewed articles published between March 2020 and December 2021 that examined outcomes relevant to patients with opioid use, misuse, and opioid use disorder by comparing the period before vs after COVID-19 onset in the USA and Canada. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, assessed methodological quality and bias via Newcastle-Ottawa Scale, and synthesized results.FindingsAmong 20 included studies, 13 (65%) analyzed service utilization, 6 (30%) analyzed urine drug testing results, and 2 (10%) analyzed naloxone dispensation. Opioid-related emergency medicine utilization increased in most studies (85%, 11/13) for both service calls (17% to 61%) and emergency department visits (42% to 122%). Urine drug testing positivity results increased in all studies (100%, 6/6) for fentanyl (34% to 138%), most (80%, 4/5) studies for heroin (-12% to 62%), and most (75%, 3/4) studies for oxycodone (0% to 44%). Naloxone dispensation was unchanged and decreased in one study each.InterpretationSignificant increases in surrogate measures of the opioid crisis coincided with the onset of COVID-19. These findings serve as a call to action to redouble prevention, treatment, and harm reduction efforts for the opioid crisis as the pandemic evolves.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42021236464.
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Kabadayi Sahin E, Usul E. Prehospital Emergency Service Use for Substance-Related Issues before and during COVID-19. Emerg Med Int 2023; 2023:8886832. [PMID: 37101767 PMCID: PMC10125766 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8886832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the healthcare system and disproportionally affected individuals with substance use. This study aimed to evaluate the prehospital emergency medical service (EMS) use for substance-related health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic period and compare the changes with the pre-COVID-19 period. Methods The prehospital EMS calls due to substance-related problems in overall Turkiye were analyzed retrospectively. The applications were categorized into the pre-COVID-19 period (May 11, 2019, to March 11, 2020) and the COVID-19 period (March 11, 2020, to January 4, 2021). These two periods were compared to if there were any changes in sociodemographic features of the applicants, the reason for EMS calls, and the dispatch results of the calls. Results There were 6,191 calls in the pre-COVID-19 period and 4,758 calls in the COVID-19 period. According to the age groups, the number of applications of 18 years and under decreased, while the application of people 65 years and over increased during the COVID-19 period (p < 0.001). Considering the reasons for the EMS application, there was an increase in the calls due to suicide and transfers during the COVID-19 period. Besides, the EMS applications for court-ordered treatment decreased in the COVID-19 period (p < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of dispatch results (p = 0.081). Conclusions This study shows that the elderly group is at higher risk for substance-related medical problems. Suicide is an important risk among individuals with substance use. The increase in demand for ambulance transfer services can place a significant burden on prehospital emergency care. There is a need for measures to provide emergency and transport services, especially for the elderly and suicide attempts during any future case of emergency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esra Kabadayi Sahin
- Department of Psychiatry, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University Faculty of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Eren Usul
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ankara Etlik City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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17
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King B, Holmes LM, Rishworth A, Patel R. Geographic variations in opioid overdose patterns in Pennsylvania during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health Place 2023; 79:102938. [PMID: 36549235 PMCID: PMC9765327 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The convergence of the opioid epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic has created new health challenges throughout the United States. Since the onset of the pandemic, media attention and scholarly research have drawn attention to the intersections of addiction and COVID-19. However, there remain few empirical studies that examine the direct impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic for opioid overdose patterns. Even fewer have integrated quantitative and qualitative methods to detail the place-specific dynamics shaping opioid overdose and addiction treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. This article measures and maps change in the age-adjusted rate of opioid-related overdose incidents at the county level from 2018 to 2020. These analyses are combined with interviews conducted since December 2020 with public health providers in the state of Pennsylvania to identify the key factors influencing opioid misuse and transformations in addiction treatment practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian King
- Department of Geography, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, United States.
| | - Louisa M. Holmes
- Department of Geography, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, United States
| | | | - Ruchi Patel
- Department of Geography, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, 16802, United States.
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18
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Lee H, Singh GK. Estimating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on rising trends in drug overdose mortality in the United States, 2018-2021. Ann Epidemiol 2023; 77:85-89. [PMID: 36455852 PMCID: PMC9703855 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2022.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE During the COVID-19 pandemic, social and economic disruption such as social isolation, job and income losses, and increased psychological distress, may have contributed to the increase in drug-overdose mortality. This study aims to measure the impact of the pandemic on monthly trends in drug-overdose mortality in the United States. METHODS We used the 2018-2020 final and 2021 provisional monthly deaths from the National Vital Statistics System and monthly population estimates from the Census Bureau to compute monthly mortality rates by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. We use log-linear regression models to estimate monthly percent increases in mortality rates from January 2018 through November 2021. RESULTS The age-adjusted drug-overdose mortality rate among individuals aged older than or equal to 15 years increased by 30% between 2019 (70,459 deaths) and 2020 (91,536 deaths). During January 2018-November 2021, the monthly drug-overdose mortality rate increased by 2.05% per month for Blacks, 2.25% for American Indians/Alaska Natives, 1.96% for Hispanics, 1.33% for Asian/Pacific Islanders, and 0.96% for non-Hispanic Whites. Average monthly increases in mortality were most marked among those aged 15-24 and 35-44 years. CONCLUSIONS The COVID-19 pandemic had a substantial impact on the rising trends in drug-overdose mortality during the peak months in 2020 and 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunjung Lee
- Department of Public Policy and Public Affairs, John McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA.
| | - Gopal K Singh
- The Center for Global Health and Health Policy, Global Health and Education Projects, Inc., Riverdale, MD
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19
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Vivas-Valencia C, Adams N, Griffin P, Kong N. Assessing the Impact of Indiana Public Law 194 on Curbing the Concurrent Opioid Prescribing for Indiana Medicaid Enrollees. Subst Abuse 2023; 17:11782218231168722. [PMID: 37124581 PMCID: PMC10134119 DOI: 10.1177/11782218231168722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Background Several US states have introduced legislation to support the legitimate medical use of opioids while limiting misuse and diversion. One concern which has been addressed through legislation is preventing individuals from seeking opioid prescriptions concurrently from multiple providers. However, the impact of this legislation on the incidence of patients receiving concurrent prescriptions remains relatively unexplored. This study examines this phenomenon based on claims data from Medicaid enrollees and the enactment of legislation in Indiana. Methods Indiana Medicaid claims data over the period of January 2014 to December 2019 were used to determine the changes in the percentage of individuals receiving opioid prescriptions from multiple providers within a 30-day period, that is, concurrent opioid prescription (COP) individuals. Indiana Medicaid enrollees with a diagnosis of opioid use disorder (OUD) receiving opioid prescriptions, that is, the OUD-group, were identified and separated from the enrollees without a diagnosis but receiving opioid prescriptions, that is, the non-OUD group. The mean percentages of COP individuals (with or without an OUD diagnosis) within the subset of individuals that received opioid prescriptions were compared before and after the passage of Indiana Public Law 194. Results There were 5336 who met the criteria of COP individuals, and 2050 of those were in the OUD-group. In either group, there was a significant difference in the change in percentages (slope) before and after Indiana Public Law 194 passed. In addition, there was a significant decrease in the mean percentage of COP individuals in the non-OUD group, while the difference was not significant in the OUD group. Conclusion Our study suggests that Indiana Public Law 194 had a positive impact on curbing COP. This study is limited by the level of details available from claims data and suggests additional studies to evaluate prescription use and prescribing practices are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Vivas-Valencia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Chemical Engineering, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Nicole Adams
- School of Nursing, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Paul Griffin
- Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Consortium on Substance Use and Addiction, SSRI, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Nan Kong
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
- Nan Kong, Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, 206 S. Martin Jischke Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47906, USA.
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20
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Lee H, Singh GK. Monthly Trends in Drug Overdose Mortality among Youth Aged 15-34 Years in the United States, 2018-2021: Measuring the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Int J MCH AIDS 2022; 11:e583. [PMID: 36506108 PMCID: PMC9730739 DOI: 10.21106/ijma.583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adolescents and young adults in the United States (US) have experienced a significant increase in drug overdose mortality rates in the last two decades. During the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, they experienced a lack of access to substance use disorder treatment, stay-home orders, school closure, social isolation, increased psychological distress, and financial strain. Few studies have examined the impact of the pandemic on monthly trends in drug-overdose mortality among youth by race/ethnicity. This study estimates differential changes in monthly drug overdose mortality among youth in the US by age, sex, and race/ethnicity. Methods Monthly deaths from the final 2018-2020 national mortality data and the 2021 provisional mortality data were used, and monthly population estimates were obtained from the Census Bureau. We calculated age-specific monthly drug overdose deaths per one million population and used log-linear regression models to estimate monthly percent increases in mortality rates from January 2018 through October 2021. Results Drug-overdose deaths among individuals aged 15-34 increased by 36.5% from 2019 (21,152 deaths) to 2020 (28,879 deaths). From February 2020 to May 2020, the drug-overdose mortality rate increased by 62% for males, 53% for females, 79% for Blacks, 62% for American Indians/Alaska Natives (AIANs), 57% for Hispanics, 56% for non-Hispanic Whites, and 47% for Asians. From January 2018 to October 2021, the average monthly drug-overdose mortality rate increased by 2.69% per month for Blacks, 2.54% for AIANs, 2.27% for Hispanics, 1.37% for Asians, and 0.81% for non-Hispanic Whites. Increases in drug-overdose mortality were more rapid among males than females and among youth aged 15-24 than youth aged 25-34. Conclusion and Global Health Implications During the peak months in 2020 and 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic had a disproportionate impact by race/ethnicity on trends in drug overdose mortality among the youth. Drug overdose mortality rates increased faster among Blacks, Hispanics, AIANs, and Asians compared to non-Hispanic Whites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunjung Lee
- Department of Public Policy and Public Affairs, John McCormack Graduate School of Policy and Global Studies, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 William T. Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA 02125, USA
| | - Gopal K. Singh
- The Center for Global Health and Health Policy, Global Health and Education Projects, Inc., Riverdale, MD 20738, USA
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Pregnancy, Opioid Use Disorder and COVID-19: An Evaluation of Acute Care Presentations During a Pandemic. J Addict Med 2022:01271255-990000000-00120. [PMID: 36729932 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The opioid epidemic has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in increased acute care opioid-related and overdose visits. We sought to assess how the pandemic may have impacted an obstetric cohort impacted by opioid misuse in the acute care context. METHODS A retrospective review of acute care presentations of patients with concomitant pregnancy (Z33.1) and opioid-related diagnostic codes (T10 codes and/or F11) was conducted over a 24-month period (pre-COVID = March 2019 through February 2020, post-COVID = March 2020 through February 2021). Descriptive statistics and χ2 analysis of pre- versus post-COVID presentations were performed. RESULTS A total of 193 individuals, 104 (53.9%) pre- and 89 (46.1%) post-COVID, accounting for 292 total encounters, 160 (54.8%) pre- and 132 (45.2%) post-COVID, were seen for acute care visits (P = 0.84). Age (P = 0.15), race (P = 0.59), and insurance status (P = 0.17) were similar pre- versus post-COVID. The majority of presentations, pre- (40.4%) and post-COVID (44.9%), were for opioid withdrawal (P = 0.74). Although post-COVID individuals were more likely to lack prenatal care (48.3% versus 39.4% pre-COVID), this trend was not significant (P = 0.19). Similar proportions of individuals were affected by pregnancy complications (51.9% pre-, 44.9% post-COVID; P = 0.30). Similar proportions of individuals were affected by adverse pregnancy outcomes (44.2% pre-, 48.3% post-COVID; P = 0.64). CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic did not have a statistically significant effect on opioid-related acute care presentations or outcomes for obstetric patients. In this acute care cohort, however, opioid misuse had significant general impact on pregnancy complications and outcomes, suggesting unmet needs in this population.
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Moallef S, Genberg BL, Hayashi K, Mehta SH, Kirk GD, Choi J, DeBeck K, Kipke M, Moore RD, Baum MK, Shoptaw S, Gorbach PM, Mustanski B, Javanbakht M, Siminski S, Milloy MJ. Day-to-day impact of COVID-19 and other factors associated with risk of nonfatal overdose among people who use unregulated drugs in five cities in the United States and Canada. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 241:109633. [PMID: 36171158 PMCID: PMC9476331 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded the longstanding drug poisoning crisis in Canada and the United States (US). Research is needed to understand the contributions of COVID-19 and subsequent infection control measures. We sought to estimate the prevalence of and factors associated with nonfatal overdose among participants in nine prospective cohorts of people who use unregulated drugs (PWUD) in Canada and the US. METHODS Data were derived from nine cohorts of PWUD in urban centres in Canada (Vancouver, BC) and the US (Baltimore, MD; Miami, FL; Chicago, IL; Los Angeles, CA) between May, 2020 and April, 2021. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with nonfatal overdose among participants who used unregulated drugs in the past month. RESULTS Among 885 participants (including 253 females), 41 (4.6 %) experienced a non-fatal overdose in the past month, and 453 (51.2 %) reported being highly impacted day-to-day by the pandemic. In multivariable analyses, people who experienced a non-fatal overdose were more likely to be female (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]=2.18;95 % Confidence Interval [CI]=1.10-4.30); unstably housed/homeless (AOR=2.16;95 % CI=1.11-4.26); engaged in medications for opioid use disorder (AOR=2.45;95 % CI=1.19-4.97); and highly impacted day-to-day (AOR=2.42;95 % CI=1.22-5.10). CONCLUSION Our findings may reflect characteristics of participants who experienced a compounding of vulnerabilities during the pandemic and thus are vulnerable to overdose, including women, those unstably housed/homeless, and those who perceived their daily lives were highly impacted by the pandemic. Multi-level interventions are needed to remediate the vulnerabilities and address the main driver of poisoning crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soroush Moallef
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Becky L Genberg
- Department of Epidemiology, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kanna Hayashi
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Shruti H Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Gregory D Kirk
- Department of Epidemiology, John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - JinCheol Choi
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kora DeBeck
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; School of Public Policy, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Michele Kipke
- Division of Research on Children, Youth, and Families, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Richard D Moore
- Division of Infectious Diseases, John Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marianna K Baum
- Robert Stempel College of Public Health, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Steven Shoptaw
- Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Pamina M Gorbach
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Heath, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Brian Mustanski
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Medical Social Sciences, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Marjan Javanbakht
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Heath, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - M-J Milloy
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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23
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Garcia GGP, Stringfellow EJ, DiGennaro C, Poellinger N, Wood J, Wakeman S, Jalali MS. Opioid overdose decedent characteristics during COVID-19. Ann Med 2022; 54:1081-1088. [PMID: 35467475 PMCID: PMC9045762 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2022.2067350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alongside the emergence of COVID-19 in the United States, several reports highlighted increasing rates of opioid overdose from preliminary data. Yet, little is known about how state-level opioid overdose death trends and decedent characteristics have evolved using official death records. METHODS We requested vital statistics data from 2018-2020 from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, receiving data from 14 states. Accounting for COVID-19, we excluded states without data past March 2020, leaving 11 states for analysis. We defined state-specific analysis periods from March 13 until the latest reliable date in each state's data, then conducted retrospective year-over-year analyses comparing opioid-related overdose death rates, the presence of specific opioids and other psychoactive substances, and decedents' sex, race, and age from 2020 to 2019 and 2019 to 2018 within each state's analysis period. We assessed whether significant changes in 2020 vs. 2019 in opioid overdose deaths were new or continuing trends using joinpoint regression. RESULTS We found significant increases in opioid-related overdose death rates in Alaska (55.3%), Colorado (80.2%), Indiana (40.1%), Nevada (50.0%), North Carolina (30.5%), Rhode Island (29.6%), and Virginia (66.4%) - all continuing previous trends. Increases in synthetic opioid-involved overdose deaths were new in Alaska (136.5%), Indiana (27.6%), and Virginia (16.5%), whilst continuing in Colorado (44.4%), Connecticut (3.6%), Nevada (75.0%), and North Carolina (14.6%). We found new increases in male decedents in Indiana (12.0%), and continuing increases in Colorado (15.2%). We also found continuing increases in Black non-Hispanic decedents in Massachusetts (43.9%) and Virginia (33.7%). CONCLUSION This research analyzes vital statistics data from 11 states, highlighting new trends in opioid overdose deaths and decedent characteristics across 10 of these states. These findings can inform state-specific public health interventions and highlight the need for timely and comprehensive fatal opioid overdose data, especially amidst concurrent crises such as COVID-19. Key messages:Our results highlight shifts in opioid overdose trends during the COVID-19 pandemic that cannot otherwise be extracted from aggregated or provisional opioid overdose death data such as those published by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention.Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids continue to drive increases in fatal overdoses, making it difficult to separate these trends from any possible COVID-19-related factors.Black non-Hispanic people are making up an increasing proportion of opioid overdose deaths in some states.State-specific limitations and variations in data-reporting for vital statistics make it challenging to acquire and analyse up-to-date data on opioid-related overdose deaths. More timely and comprehensive data are needed to generate broader insights on the nature of the intersecting opioid and COVID-19 crises.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Nicole Poellinger
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jaden Wood
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sarah Wakeman
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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24
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Lalani K, Bakos-Block C, Cardenas-Turanzas M, Cohen S, Gopal B, Champagne-Langabeer T. The Impact of COVID-19 on Opioid-Related Overdose Deaths in Texas. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:13796. [PMID: 36360676 PMCID: PMC9657935 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192113796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States was facing an epidemic of opioid overdose deaths, clouding accurate inferences about the impact of the pandemic at the population level. We sought to determine the existence of increases in the trends of opioid-related overdose (ORO) deaths in the Greater Houston metropolitan area from January 2015 through December 2021, and to describe the social vulnerability present in the geographic location of these deaths. We merged records from the county medical examiner's office with social vulnerability indexes (SVIs) for the region and present geospatial locations of the aggregated ORO deaths. Time series analyses were conducted to determine trends in the deaths, with a specific focus on the years 2019 to 2021. A total of 2660 deaths were included in the study and the mean (standard deviation, SD) age at death was 41.04 (13.60) years. Heroin and fentanyl were the most frequent opioids detected, present in 1153 (43.35%) and 1023 (38.46%) ORO deaths. We found that ORO deaths increased during the years 2019 to 2021 (p-value ≤ 0.001) when compared with 2015. Compared to the year 2019, ORO deaths increased for the years 2020 and 2021 (p-value ≤ 0.001). The geographic locations of ORO deaths were not associated with differences in the SVI. The COVID-19 pandemic had an impact on increasing ORO deaths in the metropolitan Houston area; however, identifying the determinants to guide targeted interventions in the areas of greatest need may require other factors, in addition to community-level social vulnerability parameters.
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25
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Rahimi-Ardabili H, Feng X, Nguyen PY, Astell-Burt T. Have Deaths of Despair Risen during the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12835. [PMID: 36232135 PMCID: PMC9564909 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This systematic review synthesized literature on potential impacts of protracted isolation and other disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic on deaths of despair (suicide, overdoses, and drug-related liver diseases). Five electronic databases were searched yielding 70 eligible articles. Extant evidence mostly from high-income countries indicates COVID-19-related disruption may not have influenced suicide rates so far, but there have been reports of increased drug-related and liver disease mortality. Minority groups and women were more vulnerable, indicating the need for stronger equity focus on pandemic recovery and resilience strategies. Further high-quality studies with longer-term follow-up, especially from low-income countries, will inform these strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hania Rahimi-Ardabili
- Centre for Health Informatics, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney 2109, Australia
- Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), Wollongong 2522, Australia
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
| | - Xiaoqi Feng
- Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), Wollongong 2522, Australia
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, Australia
| | - Phi-Yen Nguyen
- Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), Wollongong 2522, Australia
- School of Population Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne 3800, Australia
| | - Thomas Astell-Burt
- Population Wellbeing and Environment Research Lab (PowerLab), Wollongong 2522, Australia
- School of Health and Society, Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, Wollongong 2522, Australia
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Barboza G, Angulski K, Hines L, Brown P. Variability in Opioid-Related Drug Overdoses, Social Distancing, and Area-Level Deprivation during the COVID-19 Pandemic: a Bayesian Spatiotemporal Analysis. J Urban Health 2022; 99:873-886. [PMID: 36068454 PMCID: PMC9447988 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-022-00675-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Monitoring the spatial and temporal course of opioid-related drug overdose mortality is a key public health determinant. Despite previous studies exploring the evolution of drug-related fatalities following the stay-at-home mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic, little is known about the spatiotemporal dynamics that mitigation efforts had on overdose deaths. The purpose of this study was to describe the spatial and temporal dynamics of overdose death relative risk using a 4-week interval over a span of 5 months following the implementation of the COVID-19 lockdown in the city of Chicago, IL. A Bayesian space-time model was used to produce posterior risk estimates and exceedance probabilities of opioid-related overdose deaths controlling for measures of area-level deprivation and stay-at-home mandates. We found that area-level temporal risk and inequalities in drug overdose mortality increased significantly in the initial months of the pandemic. We further found that a change in the area-level deprivation from the first to the fourth quintile increased the relative risk of a drug overdose risk by 44.5%. The social distancing index measuring the proportion of persons who stayed at home in each census block group was not associated with drug overdose mortality. We conclude by highlighting the importance of contextualizing the spatial and temporal risk in overdose mortality for implementing effective and safe harm reduction strategies during a global pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gia Barboza
- College of Public Health and the College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Kate Angulski
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | - Lisa Hines
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
| | - Philip Brown
- University of Colorado Colorado Springs, Colorado Springs, CO, USA
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27
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Caudillo ML, Villarreal A, Cohen PN. The Opioid Epidemic and Children's Living Arrangements in the United States, 2000-2018. THE ANNALS OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF POLITICAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCE 2022; 703:162-187. [PMID: 39036709 PMCID: PMC11259247 DOI: 10.1177/00027162221142648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Although the detrimental effects of the opioid epidemic on health and wellbeing have been well documented, we know little about how it has affected the family contexts in which children live. Using data from the 2000 Census, the 2005-2018 American Community Survey (ACS) and restricted Vital Statistics, we assess how the opioid epidemic, as measured by a rise in the opioid overdose death rate, affected the rates of children living in different family arrangements: two married parents, two cohabiting parents, single mother, single father, or another configuration. According to local fixed-effects models, a higher opioid overdose death rate is associated with fewer children living with two married parents and an increase in children living in family structures that tend to be less stable, such as those led by cohabiting parents or a single father. These changes in family arrangements have potential long-term implications for the wellbeing of future generations.
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28
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Smart R, Haffajee RL, Davis CS. Legal review of state emergency medical services policies and protocols for naloxone administration. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 238:109589. [PMID: 35932751 PMCID: PMC10395068 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the continued rise in opioid-related overdoses, many states have expanded access to the opioid antagonist naloxone. We sought to provide comprehensive data on one such strategy: the authority of providers at different emergency medical services (EMS) licensure levels to administer naloxone. METHODS We conducted a systematic legal review of state laws and protocols governing the authority of different EMS licensure levels to administer naloxone. We used Westlaw, state government websites and scope of practice protocols. We coded relevant policies regarding which, if any, administration routes and dosages of naloxone are permitted for each licensure level: emergency medical responder (EMR), emergency medical technician (EMT), advanced emergency medical technician (AEMT), and paramedic. RESULTS As of July 2020, all states with relevant laws or protocols authorize paramedics, AEMTs, and EMTs to administer naloxone. Thirty-nine states with an EMR licensure level and statewide protocol authorize naloxone administration by EMRs, up from only two in 2013. Permissible routes of administration have increased across all EMS provider levels, providing advanced life support providers (i.e., paramedics and AEMTs) with expanded discretion; however, authorization for intravenous and intramuscular administration remains relatively uncommon for basic life support (BLS) providers. When specified, maximum doses authorized ranged widely, from 2.0 to 12.0 milligrams. CONCLUSIONS Naloxone administration authority is now widely granted to EMS providers. Most states allow all licensed EMS provider levels to administer naloxone, a substantial increase for EMRs and EMTs since 2013. Paramedics and AEMTs have the greatest authority to select the dosage and route of administration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca L Haffajee
- Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, DC, United States.
| | - Corey S Davis
- Network for Public Health Law, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
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29
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Rezaeiahari M, Fairman BJ. Impact of COVID-19 on the characteristics of opioid overdose deaths in Arkansas. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 109:103836. [PMID: 36027767 PMCID: PMC9376304 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background In the US, spikes in drug overdose deaths overlapping with the COVID-19 pandemic create concern that persons who use drugs are especially vulnerable. This study aimed to compare the trends in opioid overdose deaths and characterize opioid overdose deaths by drug subtype and person characteristics pre-COVID (2017-2019) and one-year post-COVID-19 emergence (2020). Methods We obtained death certificates on drug overdose deaths in Arkansas from January 1, 2017, through December 31, 2020. Our analyses consisted of an interrupted time-series and segmented regression analysis to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the number of opioid overdose deaths. Results The proportion of opioid overdose deaths increased by 36% post-COVID emergence (95% CI: 14%, 59%). The trend in overdose deaths involving synthetic narcotics other than methadone, such as fentanyl and tramadol, has increased since 2018 (74 in 2018 vs 79 in 2019; p =0.02 and 79 in 2019 versus 158 in 2020; p = 0.03). Opioid overdose deaths involving methamphetamine have more than doubled (36 in 2019 vs 82 in 2020; p = 0.06) despite remaining steady from 2018 to 2019. Synthetic narcotics have surpassed methamphetamine (71% vs. 37%) as the leading cause of opioid overdose deaths in Arkansas during the pandemic. This study found that synthetic narcotics are the significant drivers of the increase in opioid overdose deaths in Arkansas during the pandemic. Conclusions The co-occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the drug abuse epidemic further highlights the increased need for expanding awareness and availability of resources for treating substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandana Rezaeiahari
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA.
| | - Brian J Fairman
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
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30
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May T, Dawes J, Fancourt D, Burton A. A qualitative study exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) and drug service provision in the UK: PWID and service provider perspectives. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 106:103752. [PMID: 35653821 PMCID: PMC9135844 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) are subject to distinct socio-structural inequalities that can expose them to high risks of COVID-19 transmission and related health and social complications. In response to COVID-19 mitigation strategies, these vulnerabilities are being experienced in the context of adapted drug treatment service provision, including reduced in-person support and increased regulatory flexibility in opioid substitution therapy (OST) guidelines. This study aimed to explore the longer-term impact of the pandemic on the health and wellbeing of PWID in the UK, including provider and client experiences of treatment changes. METHODS Interviews were conducted with 19 PWID and 17 drug treatment providers between May and September 2021, recruited from drug and homelessness charities providing treatment services and healthcare in the UK. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS Most participants expressed ongoing fears of COVID-19 transmission, although socio-structural inequalities limited the contexts in which physical distancing could be practised. In addition, virus mitigation strategies altered the risk environment for PWID, resulting in ongoing physical (e.g. changing drug use patterns, including transitions to crack cocaine, benzodiazepine and pregabalin use) and socio-economic harms (e.g. limited opportunities for sex work engagement and income generation). Finally, whilst clients reported some favourable experiences from service adaptations prompted by COVID-19, including increased regulatory flexibility in OST guidelines, there was continued scepticism and caution among providers toward sustaining any treatment changes beyond the pandemic period. CONCLUSIONS Whilst our findings emphasize the importance of accessible harm reduction measures attending to changing indices of drug-related harm during this period, there is a need for additional structural supports to ensure pre-existing disparities and harms impacting PWID are not exacerbated further by the conditions of the pandemic. In addition, any sustained policy and service delivery adaptations prompted by COVID-19 will require further attention if they are to be acceptable to both service users and providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom May
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Jo Dawes
- UCL Collaborative Centre for Inclusion Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Daisy Fancourt
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, University College London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra Burton
- Research Department of Behavioural Science and Health, Institute of Epidemiology & Health Care, University College London, United Kingdom.
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31
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Moran KM, Mullachery PH, Lankenau S, Bilal U. Changes in Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Opioid-Related Outcomes in Urban Areas during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Rapid Review of the Literature. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159283. [PMID: 35954640 PMCID: PMC9368442 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Opioid use disorders (OUDs) are increasingly common among minoritized populations, who have historically experienced limited access to healthcare, a situation that may have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a structured keyword search in Pubmed, we reviewed the literature to synthesize the evidence on changes in racial/ethnic disparities in OUD-related outcomes in urban areas during the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. Nine articles were included in the final analysis. Six found increases in OUD-related outcomes during the pandemic, with four showing a widening of disparities. Results also point to the worsening of opioid outcomes among Black and Latinx individuals related to shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders. Studies examining the use of telehealth and access to OUD treatment showed that minoritized groups have benefited from telehealth programs. The limited number of studies in a small number of jurisdictions indicate a gap in research examining the intersection between COVID-19 and OUD-related outcomes with a focus on disparities. More research is needed to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related policies on OUD outcomes among racial/ethnic minoritized groups, including examining the impact of service disruptions on vulnerable groups with OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara M. Moran
- College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, 1601 Cherry Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102, USA;
| | - Pricila H. Mullachery
- Urban Health Collaborative, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, 3600 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Stephen Lankenau
- Department of Community Health and Prevention, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Usama Bilal
- Urban Health Collaborative, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, 3600 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Maya S, Kahn JG, Lin TK, Jacobs LM, Schmidt LA, Burrough WB, Ghasemzadeh R, Mousli L, Allan M, Donovan M, Barker E, Horvath H, Spetz J, Brindis CD, Malekinejad M. Indirect COVID-19 health effects and potential mitigating interventions: Cost-effectiveness framework. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0271523. [PMID: 35849613 PMCID: PMC9292069 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0271523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic led to important indirect health and social harms in addition to deaths and morbidity due to SARS-CoV-2 infection. These indirect impacts, such as increased depression and substance abuse, can have persistent effects over the life course. Estimated health and cost outcomes of such conditions and mitigation strategies may guide public health responses. Methods We developed a cost-effectiveness framework to evaluate societal costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) lost due to six health-related indirect effects of COVID-19 in California. Short- and long-term outcomes were evaluated for the adult population. We identified one evidence-based mitigation strategy for each condition and estimated QALYs gained, intervention costs, and savings from averted health-related harms. Model data were derived from literature review, public data, and expert opinion. Results Pandemic-associated increases in prevalence across these six conditions were estimated to lead to over 192,000 QALYs lost and to approach $7 billion in societal costs per million population over the life course of adults. The greatest costs and QALYs lost per million adults were due to adult depression. All mitigation strategies assessed saved both QALYs and costs, with five strategies achieving savings within one year. The greatest net savings over 10 years would be achieved by addressing depression ($242 million) and excessive alcohol use ($107 million). Discussion The COVID-19 pandemic is leading to significant human suffering and societal costs due to its indirect effects. Policymakers have an opportunity to reduce societal costs and health harms by implementing mitigation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigal Maya
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - James G. Kahn
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Tracy K. Lin
- Institute for Health and Aging, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Laurie M. Jacobs
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Laura A. Schmidt
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - William B. Burrough
- University of California San Francisco Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, Oakland, CA, United States of America
| | - Rezvaneh Ghasemzadeh
- University of California San Francisco Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, Oakland, CA, United States of America
| | - Leyla Mousli
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Matthew Allan
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Maya Donovan
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Erin Barker
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Hacsi Horvath
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Joanne Spetz
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Claire D. Brindis
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Mohsen Malekinejad
- Philip R. Lee Institute for Health Policy Studies, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
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Magee LA, Ray B, Huynh P, O'Donnell D, Ranney ML. Dual public health crises: the overlap of drug overdose and firearm injury in Indianapolis, Indiana, 2018-2020. Inj Epidemiol 2022; 9:20. [PMID: 35781347 PMCID: PMC9252058 DOI: 10.1186/s40621-022-00383-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Drug overdose and firearm injury are two of the United States (US) most unrelenting public health crises, both of which have been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. Programs and policies typically focus on each epidemic, alone, which may produce less efficient interventions if overlap does exist. The objective is to examine whether drug overdose correlates with and is associated with firearm injury at the census tract level while controlling for neighborhood characteristics. Methods An ecological study of census tracts in Indianapolis, Indiana from 2018 to 2020. Population rates per 100,000 and census tracts with the highest overlap of overdose and firearm injury were identified based on spatial clusters. Bivariate association between census tract characteristic and drug overdose and firearm violence rate within spatial clusters. Zero-inflated negative binominal regression was used to estimate if the drug overdose activity is associated with higher future firearm injury. Results In high overdose—high firearm injury census tracts, rates of firearm injury and drug overdose are two times higher compared to city wide rates. Indicators of structural disadvantage and structural racism are higher in high overdose—high firearm injury census tracts compared to city-wide averages. Drug overdoses are associated with higher rates of firearm injury in the following year (IRR: 1.004, 95% CI 1.001, 1.007, p < 0.05), adjusting for census tract characteristics and spatial dependence. Conclusions Drug overdose and firearm injury co-spatially concentrate within census tracts. Moreover, drug overdoses are associated with future firearm injury. Interventions to reduce firearm injuries and drug overdoses should be a co-response in high drug overdose—high firearm injury communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren A Magee
- O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, 801 W Michigan St, Rm 4058, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Bradley Ray
- Division for Applied Justice Research, RTI International, 3040 Cornwallis Road, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Philip Huynh
- Center for Behavioral Health and Justice, Wayne State University School of Social Work, 5201 Cass Avenue, Prentis, Suite 226, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Daniel O'Donnell
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services, 3930 Georgetown Rd., Indianapolis, IN, 46254, USA
| | - Megan L Ranney
- School of Public Health and Alpert School of Medicine, Brown University, 121 S Main St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA
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Wenger LD, Doe-Simkins M, Wheeler E, Ongais L, Morris T, Bluthenthal RN, Kral AH, Lambdin BH. Best practices for community-based overdose education and naloxone distribution programs: results from using the Delphi approach. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:55. [PMID: 35643444 PMCID: PMC9145109 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00639-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid-related overdose deaths have surged in the USA over the last two decades. Overdose fatalities are preventable with the timely administration of naloxone. Syringe service programs (SSP) have pioneered community-based naloxone distribution through overdose prevention and naloxone distribution (OEND) programs. There is a dearth of information with regards to best practices for community-based OEND. METHODS We utilized a modified Delphi approach to develop a set of best practices for OEND delivery. Starting with an initial list of best practices, we engaged 27 experts, in the field of OEND programming who reviewed, made recommendations for changes, and assigned a priority to each best practice. RESULTS Two rounds of input resulted in a final list of 20 best practices organized into four categories. The mean priority scores ranged from 1.17 to 2.17 (range 1 to 3). The top 5 ranked best practices were ensuring that SSP participants have low barrier, consistent, needs-based access to naloxone and that there is ample naloxone available within communities. While the remaining fifteen best practices were deemed important, they had more to do with organizational culture and implementation climate. CONCLUSIONS Increasing community-based OEND delivery is essential to reduce opioid overdose deaths; however, it will be insufficient to add programs without an eye toward quality of implementation and fidelity to the model upon which the evidence is based. This list of best practices summarizes the consensus among OEND experts and can serve as a tool for SSPs providing OEND programming to improve services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn D Wenger
- RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Ave, #800, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA.
| | | | | | - Lee Ongais
- RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Ave, #800, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA
| | - Terry Morris
- RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Ave, #800, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA
| | - Ricky N Bluthenthal
- Keck Medicine, Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Alex H Kral
- RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Ave, #800, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA
| | - Barrot H Lambdin
- RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Ave, #800, Berkeley, CA, 94704, USA
- University of California, San Francisco, USA
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Abstract
This paper is the forty-third consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2020 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (1), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (2) and humans (3), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (4), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (5), stress and social status (6), learning and memory (7), eating and drinking (8), drug abuse and alcohol (9), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (10), mental illness and mood (11), seizures and neurologic disorders (12), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (13), general activity and locomotion (14), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (15), cardiovascular responses (16), respiration and thermoregulation (17), and immunological responses (18).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY, 11367, United States.
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Park SY, Kim SH. How Did the COVID-19 Pandemic Affect the Use of Emergency Medical Services by Patients Experiencing Mental Health Crises? Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10040716. [PMID: 35455893 PMCID: PMC9024638 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10040716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and its resulting social restrictions have significant implications for mental health. The objective of this study was to determine the monthly trends and types of patients experiencing a mental health crisis (MHC) who used emergency medical services (EMSs) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. A retrospective observational study was conducted using EMS data. During the study period, 8577 patients used EMSs for MHCs. EMS dispatches for MHCs and suicide completion after the COVID-19 pandemic were decreased by 12.4% and 12.7%, respectively, compared to those before the COVID-19 pandemic. Segmented regression analysis found that the number of patients per month was 6.79 before the COVID-19 pandemic. The number decreased to 4.52 patients per month during the COVID-19 pandemic, although the decrease was not statistically significant. The monthly number of patients experiencing an MHC decreased during strict social distancing measures but increased during relaxed social distancing measures. The percentage of hanging increased from 14.20% before the COVID-19 pandemic to 14.30% (p = 0.03) during the COVID-19 pandemic, whereas the percentages of jumping (from 15.55% to 15.28%, p = 0.01) and self-harm by smoke (from 4.59% to 3.84%, p < 0.001) during the COVID-19 pandemic were decreased compared to those before COVID-19. However, the effect size for the above findings was small (below 0.20). More than 25% of the patients experiencing an MHC who used EMSs refused to transfer to the ED over both study periods (26.49% in the pre-COVID-19 period and 28.53% in the COVID-19 period). The COVID-19 pandemic and social restrictions seemed to have some effects on the use of EMSs by MHC patients. Hanging is mainly performed indoors and is not found easily if social distancing persists, and a patient experiencing an MHC who refuses to be transferred could potentially attempt suicide. Subsequent studies should be performed to determine whether these findings are temporary during the COVID-19 pandemic or whether they will show different aspects after the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song-Yi Park
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Dong-A University College of Medicine, Dong-A University Hospital, Busan 48114, Korea;
| | - Sun-Hyu Kim
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Ulsan University Hospital, Ulsan 44033, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-52-250-8405; Fax: +82-52-250-8071
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Sirikarn P, Tiamkao S, Tiamkao S. The effects of COVID-19 measures on the hospitalization of patients with epilepsy and status epilepticus in Thailand: An interrupted time series analysis. Epilepsia Open 2022; 7:325-331. [PMID: 35403839 PMCID: PMC9110909 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effect of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) measures on the hospitalization of patients with epilepsy and status epilepticus (SE). Methods This interrupted time series design included data from the Thai Universal Coverage Scheme electronic database between January 2017 and September 2020. The monthly hospitalization rate of epilepsy and SE was calculated by the number of hospitalizations divided by the midyear population. Segmented regression fitted by ordinary least squares (OLS) was used to detect the immediate and overtime effects of COVID‐19 measures on the hospitalization rate. Results During January 2017 and September 2020, the numbers of epilepsy and SE patients admitted to the hospital were 129 402 and 15 547 episodes, respectively. The monthly trend of the hospitalization rate in epilepsy decreased immediately after the COVID‐19 measure (0.739 per 100 000 population [95% CI: 0.219 to 1.260]). In particular, the number of children declined to 1.178 per 100 000 population, and the number of elderly individuals dropped to 0.467 per 100 000 population, while there was a nonstatistically significant change in SE. Significance COVID‐19 measures reduced the hospital rate in epilepsy, particularly in children and adults. However, there was no change in SE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prapassara Sirikarn
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Faculty of Public Health, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,Integrated Epilepsy Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Siriporn Tiamkao
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,Integrated Epilepsy Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
| | - Somsak Tiamkao
- Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand.,Integrated Epilepsy Research Group, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
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Cash J, Rodd N, Kuan J, Graudins A, Zuker-Herman R, Wong A. Self-reported influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on poisoning presentations to an Australian toxicology service. Australas Psychiatry 2022; 30:271-272. [PMID: 34814764 PMCID: PMC8990581 DOI: 10.1177/10398562211045089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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McNeil R, Fleming T, Mayer S, Barker A, Mansoor M, Betsos A, Austin T, Parusel S, Ivsins A, Boyd J. Implementation of Safe Supply Alternatives During Intersecting COVID-19 and Overdose Health Emergencies in British Columbia, Canada, 2021. Am J Public Health 2022; 112:S151-S158. [PMID: 35262376 PMCID: PMC8965179 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2021.306692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. To explore the implementation and effectiveness of the British Columbia, Canada, risk mitigation guidelines among people who use drugs, focusing on how experiences with the illicit drug supply shaped motivations to seek prescription alternatives and the subsequent impacts on overdose vulnerability. Methods. From February to July 2021, we conducted qualitative interviews with 40 people who use drugs in British Columbia, Canada, and who accessed prescription opioids or stimulants under the risk mitigation guidelines. Results. COVID-19 disrupted British Columbia's illicit drug market. Concerns about overdose because of drug supply changes, and deepening socioeconomic marginalization, motivated participants to access no-cost prescription alternatives. Reliable access to prescription alternatives addressed overdose vulnerability by reducing engagement with the illicit drug market while allowing greater agency over drug use. Because prescriptions were primarily intended to manage withdrawal, participants supplemented with illicit drugs to experience enjoyment and manage pain. Conclusions. Providing prescription alternatives to illicit drugs is a critical harm reduction approach that reduces exposure to an increasingly toxic drug supply, yet further optimizations are needed. (Am J Public Health. 2022;112(S2):S151-S158. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306692).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan McNeil
- All authors are with the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver. Ryan McNeil is also with the Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Jade Boyd is also with the Division of Social Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Ryan McNeil is also a Guest Editor of this supplement issue
| | - Taylor Fleming
- All authors are with the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver. Ryan McNeil is also with the Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Jade Boyd is also with the Division of Social Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Ryan McNeil is also a Guest Editor of this supplement issue
| | - Samara Mayer
- All authors are with the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver. Ryan McNeil is also with the Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Jade Boyd is also with the Division of Social Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Ryan McNeil is also a Guest Editor of this supplement issue
| | - Allison Barker
- All authors are with the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver. Ryan McNeil is also with the Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Jade Boyd is also with the Division of Social Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Ryan McNeil is also a Guest Editor of this supplement issue
| | - Manal Mansoor
- All authors are with the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver. Ryan McNeil is also with the Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Jade Boyd is also with the Division of Social Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Ryan McNeil is also a Guest Editor of this supplement issue
| | - Alex Betsos
- All authors are with the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver. Ryan McNeil is also with the Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Jade Boyd is also with the Division of Social Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Ryan McNeil is also a Guest Editor of this supplement issue
| | - Tamar Austin
- All authors are with the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver. Ryan McNeil is also with the Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Jade Boyd is also with the Division of Social Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Ryan McNeil is also a Guest Editor of this supplement issue
| | - Sylvia Parusel
- All authors are with the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver. Ryan McNeil is also with the Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Jade Boyd is also with the Division of Social Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Ryan McNeil is also a Guest Editor of this supplement issue
| | - Andrew Ivsins
- All authors are with the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver. Ryan McNeil is also with the Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Jade Boyd is also with the Division of Social Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Ryan McNeil is also a Guest Editor of this supplement issue
| | - Jade Boyd
- All authors are with the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver. Ryan McNeil is also with the Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT. Jade Boyd is also with the Division of Social Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. Ryan McNeil is also a Guest Editor of this supplement issue
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Choi NG, Choi BY, DiNitto DM, Marti CN, Baker SD. Naloxone therapy for prescription and illicit opioid poisoning cases aged 50 + in the national poison data system, 2015-2020. Clin Toxicol (Phila) 2022; 60:499-506. [PMID: 34554013 PMCID: PMC9904880 DOI: 10.1080/15563650.2021.1981362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Older adults are less likely than younger adults to receive naloxone therapy. Given high rates of prescription opioid use/misuse and increasing illicit opioid use among older adults, factors associated with naloxone administration for older opioid poisoning cases need examination. METHODS We analyzed the 83,135 opioid-involved cases aged 50+ from the 2015-2020 National Poison Data System. Single-variable logistic regression was used to examine associations of naloxone administration with demographic factors, exposure site/reason, medical outcomes, management site/level of care, clinical effects, and other interventions. Multivariable logistic regression models were fit to examine associations of naloxone administration with different types of opioids. RESULTS Over the six years, the proportion of prescription opioid cases that received naloxone therapy increased steadily from 21.9% to 28.4%. The proportion of illicit opioid cases that received naloxone therapy was 51.9% in 2015 and 59.8% in 2020 with a high of 64.4% in 2019. In 2020, the death rate for illicit opioid cases without naloxone therapy was 31.4% compared to 2.3% for those with the therapy. Cases managed at healthcare facilities (HCF) had higher odds of receiving naloxone therapy. Among prescription opioid cases, naloxone therapy rates among older and female cases and those managed at non-HCF settings were especially low even for major medical outcomes. Cases involving oxycodone, morphine, methadone, prescription fentanyl, hydromorphone, oxymorphone, and other/unknown opioids had higher odds of naloxone administration. DISCUSSION Rates of naloxone therapy for older prescription opioid poisoning cases need improvement. While rates were higher among illicit opioid cases, the drop in 2020 and the sharp increase in deaths among illicit opioid cases without naloxone therapy confirm the importance of access to this life-saving intervention. CONCLUSIONS Increased naloxone co-prescribing and other means of facilitating access to naloxone are needed to prevent opioid poisoning deaths among older adults who use prescription opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namkee G. Choi
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Bryan Y. Choi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine & Bayhealth Medical Center, Dover, DE, USA
| | - Diana M. DiNitto
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - C. Nathan Marti
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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Ghose R, Forati AM, Mantsch JR. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Opioid Overdose Deaths: a Spatiotemporal Analysis. J Urban Health 2022; 99:316-327. [PMID: 35181834 PMCID: PMC8856931 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-022-00610-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The effects of the opioid crisis have varied across diverse and socioeconomically defined urban communities, due in part to widening health disparities. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has coincided with a spike in drug overdose deaths in the USA. However, the extent to which the impact of the pandemic on overdose deaths has varied across different demographics in urban neighborhoods is unclear. We examine the influence of COVID-19 pandemic on opioid overdose deaths through spatiotemporal analysis techniques. Using Milwaukee County, Wisconsin as a study site, we used georeferenced opioid overdose data to examine the locational and demographic differences in overdose deaths over time (2017-2020). We find that the pandemic significantly increased the monthly overdose deaths. The worst effects were seen in the poor, urban neighborhoods, affecting Black and Hispanic communities. However, more affluent, suburban White communities also experienced a rise in overdose deaths. A better understanding of contributing factors is needed to guide interventions at the local, regional, and national scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rina Ghose
- Department of Geography, University Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, USA
| | - Amir M Forati
- Department of Geography, University Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, WI, 53211, USA.
| | - John R Mantsch
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics and Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53206, USA
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Burgess-Hull AJ, Smith KE, Panlilio LV, Schriefer D, Preston KL, Alter A, Yeager C, Chizmar T, Delbridge T, Zamore K, Beeson J, Epstein DH. Nonfatal opioid overdoses before and after Covid-19: Regional variation in rates of change. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0263893. [PMID: 35263326 PMCID: PMC8906602 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Covid-19 pandemic and its accompanying public-health orders (PHOs) have led to (potentially countervailing) changes in various risk factors for overdose. To assess whether the net effects of these factors varied geographically, we examined regional variation in the impact of the PHOs on counts of nonfatal overdoses, which have received less attention than fatal overdoses, despite their public health significance. Methods Data were collected from the Overdose Detection Mapping Application Program (ODMAP), which recorded suspected overdoses between July 1, 2018 and October 25, 2020. We used segmented regression models to assess the impact of PHOs on nonfatal-overdose trends in Washington DC and the five geographical regions of Maryland, using a historical control time series to adjust for normative changes in overdoses that occurred around mid-March (when the PHOs were issued). Results The mean level change in nonfatal opioid overdoses immediately after mid-March was not reliably different in the Covid-19 year versus the preceding control time series for any region. However, the rate of increase in nonfatal overdose was steeper after mid-March in the Covid-19 year versus the preceding year for Maryland as a whole (B = 2.36; 95% CI, 0.65 to 4.06; p = .007) and for certain subregions. No differences were observed for Washington DC. Conclusions The pandemic and its accompanying PHOs were associated with steeper increases in nonfatal opioid overdoses in most but not all of the regions we assessed, with a net effect that was deleterious for the Maryland region as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert J. Burgess-Hull
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Kirsten E. Smith
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Leigh V. Panlilio
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Destiny Schriefer
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kenzie L. Preston
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Aliese Alter
- Office of National Drug Control Policy, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Christopher Yeager
- Office of National Drug Control Policy, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Timothy Chizmar
- Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS), Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ted Delbridge
- Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS), Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kenan Zamore
- District of Columbia Department of Health, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - Jeff Beeson
- Office of National Drug Control Policy, High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, Washington, DC, United States of America
| | - David H. Epstein
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
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Watson DP, Staton MD, Grella CE, Scott CK, Dennis ML. Navigating intersecting public health crises: a qualitative study of people with opioid use disorders' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2022; 17:22. [PMID: 35303913 PMCID: PMC8931576 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-022-00449-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The decades-long opioid epidemic and the more recent COVID-19 pandemic are two interacting events with significant public health impacts for people with opioid use disorder (OUD). Most published studies regarding the intersection of these two public health crises have focused on community, state, or national trends using pre-existing data. There is a need for complementary qualitative research aimed at identifying how people with opioid use disorder (OUD) are understanding, experiencing, and navigating this unprecedented time. The current study examines understandings and experiences of people with OUD while they have navigated these crises. METHODS The study was guided by a pragmatic lens. We conducted brief semi-structured qualitative interviews with 25 individuals in Chicago, the majority of which had received methadone treatment during the pandemic. Thematic inductive analysis was guided by primary interview questions. RESULTS The sample represents a high-risk group, being composed mostly of older non-Hispanic African American males and having considerable socioeconomic barriers. Themes demonstrate how individuals are keeping safe despite limited knowledge of COVID-19, how the pandemic has increased treatment motivation for some, how adaptations impacted treatment and recovery supports, how the availability social support had been reduced, and difficulties individuals had keeping or obtaining financial support. CONCLUSIONS The findings can be useful for informing future public health response to ensure appropriate treatment access and supports are available. In particular are the need for treatment providers to ensure people with OUD receive appropriate and understandable health crisis-related information and ensuring funds are appropriately allocated to address mental health impacts of social isolation. Finally, there is a need for appropriate financial and infrastructure supports to ensure health and treatment access disparities are not exacerbated for those in greatest need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis P. Watson
- grid.413870.90000 0004 0418 6295Chestnut Health Systems, 221 W. Walton St, Chicago, IL 60610 USA
| | - Monte D. Staton
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Medicine, Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, 818 S Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 USA
| | - Christine E. Grella
- grid.413870.90000 0004 0418 6295Chestnut Health Systems, 221 W. Walton St, Chicago, IL 60610 USA
| | - Christy K. Scott
- grid.413870.90000 0004 0418 6295Chestnut Health Systems, 221 W. Walton St, Chicago, IL 60610 USA
| | - Michael L. Dennis
- grid.413870.90000 0004 0418 6295Chestnut Health Systems, 448 Wylie Dr, Normal, IL 61761 USA
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Page TF, Chen W, Jacko JA, Sainfort F. Disparities in Emergency Department Visits for Opioid and Stimulant Overdoses in Florida During COVID-19. Popul Health Manag 2022; 25:480-486. [PMID: 35238629 DOI: 10.1089/pop.2021.0369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Emergency department (ED) visits for drug overdoses increased nationally during COVID-19 despite declines in all-cause ED visits. The study purpose was to compare characteristics of ED visits for opioid and stimulant overdoses before and during COVID-19 in Florida. This study tested for disparities in ED visits for opioid and stimulant overdoses by race/ethnicity, age, and insurance status. The study identified ED visits for opioid and stimulant overdose in Florida during quarters two and three of 2019 and compared them with quarters two and three of 2020. Overall, there was an increase in the number of opioid and stimulant overdoses during COVID-19. Combined with the decline in the number of all-cause ED visits, drug overdoses represented a larger share of ED visits during COVID-19 compared with before COVID-19. The study did not find evidence of disparities by race/ethnicity, as each group experienced similar increases in the likelihood of ED visits involving drug overdoses during COVID-19. Differences emerged according to age and insurance status. ED visits involving those under age 18 were more likely to involve opioid or stimulant overdose, and ED visits among those over age 65 were less likely to involve opioid overdose during COVID-19. ED visits among those with vulnerable insurance status were more likely to involve opioid overdose during COVID-19. Patterns of behavior change during periods of restricted activity due to a pandemic. These changes in behavior change the mix of risks that people face, suggesting the need for a reallocation of population health management resources during pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy F Page
- Department of Management, H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
| | - Weiwei Chen
- Department of Economics, Finance and Quantitative Analysis, Michael J. Coles College of Business, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia, USA
| | - Julie A Jacko
- Department of Management, H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
| | - François Sainfort
- Department of Management, H. Wayne Huizenga College of Business and Entrepreneurship, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA
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Khare A, Sidana A, Mohemmed A, Allicock DM, Waterstone A, Zimmer MA, Il'yasova D. Acceleration of opioid-related EMS runs in the spring of 2020: The National Emergency Medical Services Information System data for 2018-2020. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 232:109271. [PMID: 35051696 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND State- and county-level reports suggest that the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the opioid crisis. We examined US national trends of nonfatal opioid overdose in 2020 in comparison to pre-COVID years 2018-2019. METHODS We used National Emergency Medical Services Information System (NEMSIS) data to conduct a temporal analysis from 2018 to 2020. Opioid-related EMS run was defined using five scenarios of naloxone administration. To determine annual patterns and slope inflection points, we used the Prophet model of the time series analysis. Linear slopes and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for pre-stay-at-home (pre-SaH) and SaH periods in 2020 and compared to the slopes during the same time in 2018-2019. Three cut-points for SaH start were considered: March 19, 24, and 29. RESULTS We identified 91,065, 144,802, and 242,904 opioid-related EMS runs in 2018-2020, respectively. In 2020, opioid-related runs increased in January-June, with a pronounced acceleration in March, which coincides with the stay-at-home (SaH) orders. In both 2018 and 2019, opioid-related runs increased in January-August without the spring acceleration. In 2020, weekly increases (95% CI) during SaH for all examined cut-points were significantly greater than in pre-SaH: 18.09 (16.03-20.16) vs. 6.44 (3.42-9.47) for March 19, 17.77 (15.57-19.98) vs. 4.85 (2.07-7.64) for March 24, 18.03 (15.68-20.39) vs. 4.97(2.4-7.54) for March 29. No significant difference was found between these periods in 2018-2019. CONCLUSIONS The acceleration of opioid-related EMS runs during the SaH period of 2020 suggests that EMS data may serve as an early warning system for local health jurisdictions to deploy harm reduction/prevention resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshat Khare
- Maverick Quantum, Inc., Level 9, Unit-2A Octave, Knowledge City, Hitech City, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081, India
| | - Arsh Sidana
- Maverick Quantum, Inc., Level 9, Unit-2A Octave, Knowledge City, Hitech City, Hyderabad, Telangana 500081, India
| | - Ammar Mohemmed
- MTX Group Inc., 17 Eaglewood Gdns S, Beaumont Hills, NSW 2155, Australia
| | | | - Anna Waterstone
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University, 900 Welch Road - Suite 350, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
| | - Matthew Aaron Zimmer
- MTX Group Inc., 1450 Western Ave. STE 304, Albany, NY 12203, USA; Maverick Quantum, Inc., 6303 Cowboys Way STE 400, Frisco, TX 75034, USA
| | - Dora Il'yasova
- MTX Group Inc., 1450 Western Ave. STE 304, Albany, NY 12203, USA; Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Duke University School of Medicine, DUMC Box 2914, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Vieson J, Yeh AB, Lan Q, Sprague JE. During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Opioid Overdose Deaths Revert to Previous Record Levels in Ohio. J Addict Med 2022; 16:e118-e122. [PMID: 34172625 PMCID: PMC8919935 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000000874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE During the COVID-19 pandemic, states have had to confront a drug overdose problem associated with the pandemic. The objective of this study was to identify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the opioid epidemic in the state of Ohio by describing the changes in the quarterly opioid overdose deaths (OOD) over the last 10 years. METHODS This longitudinal study included OOD data from death records obtained through the Ohio Department of Health. Temporal trend analysis and visualizations were performed on the OOD death rate per 100,000 quarterly from 2010 to 2020. Age, sex, and ethnicity were also analyzed. RESULTS The OOD rate of 11.15 in Q2 of 2020 was statistically equivalent to the previous peak level of 10.87 in Q1 of 2017. There was a significant increase in the OOD rate from Q1 to Q2 of 2020 and a significant difference between the actual Q2 of 2020 OOD rate and the predicted OOD rate. The poisoning indicator fentanyl was present in 94% of OOD during Q2 of 2020. The total number of OOD remains highest in the White population. There was no significant difference between the actual and predicted OOD rates in the Black population of Q2 of 2020 based on the trend line. However, the OOD rate of 14.29 in Q2 of 2020 was significantly higher than the previous peak level of 8.34 in Q2 of 2017. The Q2 of 2020 OOD rates for 18 to 39 and 40+ age groups were significantly higher from what would be expected from the trend predictions. CONCLUSIONS Based on these findings, Ohio has entered a COVID-19 pandemic mediated fourth wave in the opioid epidemic. These findings further suggest that as efforts are made to address the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, states need to maintain their vigilance toward combating the local opioid epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Vieson
- The Ohio Attorney General's Office, Columbus, OH (JV, JES); Department of Applied Statistics and Operations Research, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH (ABY); Department of Computer Science, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH (QL); The Ohio Attorney General's Center for the Future of Forensic Science, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH (JES)
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Dmetrichuk JM, Rosenthal JS, Man J, Cullip M, Wells RA. Retrospective study of non-natural manners of death in Ontario: Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and related public health measures. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2022; 7:100130. [PMID: 34927128 PMCID: PMC8671724 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2021.100130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on non-natural manners of death in Ontario is not known. Understanding the indirect consequences of the pandemic and related public health measures (i.e. lockdown) fills a vital need to inform best practice in public health and guide policy decisions. METHODS The Office of the Chief Coroner and the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service (OCC-OFPS) investigate sudden and unexpected deaths in the province of Ontario. The number of homicides, suicides, and accidental deaths (non-natural deaths=77,655) were extracted from the centralized Coroner's Information System database (total deaths=197,966), across four provincially defined stages of lockdown related to the COVID-19 pandemic (March 17 to December 31, 2020), and crude rates (per 100,000 people) were compared to the previous eleven years. FINDINGS There was no major change to the rate of homicides during 2020 compared to 2009-2019 (RR 1⋅1, 95% CI 0⋅95-1⋅2; p=0⋅19; estimated annual effect=21 more deaths in 2020). The rate of suicides also did not show an overall major change in 2020 (RR 1⋅02, 95% CI 0⋅96-1⋅1; p=0⋅50; estimated annual effect=27 more deaths in 2020). However, during the first stage of lockdown (Stage 0), there was a decrease in the rate of suicides compared to all combinations of recent years from 2013 onwards (RRs 0⋅82-0⋅86, combined 95% CI 0⋅69-0⋅99; max p=0⋅039; estimated effect of 30 less deaths in Stage 0). There was an excess of over 1,500 accidental drug-related deaths that occurred during 2020 (RR 2⋅5, 95% CI 2⋅4-2⋅7; p<0⋅001). This finding held up to 'interrupted time series' robustness testing, indicating that 2020 had substantially more drug-related deaths, even when accounting for the linear increasing trend over time. Although motor vehicle collision associated fatalities appeared to decrease slightly in 2020 (RR 0⋅89, 95% CI 0⋅81-0⋅96; p=0⋅0039; estimated annual effect of 78 less deaths), we could not conclude any lockdown-associated effect, particularly when compared to 2019 (RR 0⋅26, 95% CI 0⋅75-1⋅1; p=0⋅26). INTERPRETATION In Ontario, the short-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic did not greatly increase homicide or suicide rates, nor decrease motor vehicle collision fatality rates; however, the longer-term impact of the pandemic remains to be elucidated and ongoing vigilance is warranted in the event that other trends emerge. Accidental drug-related fatalities substantially increased during all stages of the lockdown, marking an urgent need for consideration in policy. These results highlight the vital role of death investigation systems in providing high quality and timely data to inform public health recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Dmetrichuk
- Provincial Forensic Pathology Unit, Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, Forensic Services and Coroner's Complex, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeffrey S Rosenthal
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Julia Man
- Office of the Chief Coroner, Forensic Services and Coroner's Complex, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mackenzie Cullip
- Provincial Forensic Pathology Unit, Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, Forensic Services and Coroner's Complex, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Richard A Wells
- Office of the Chief Coroner, Forensic Services and Coroner's Complex, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Bogenschutz MP, McCormack R, Rapp R, Meyers-Ohki S, Mennenga SE, Regis A, Kolaric R, Glisker R, Greco PP. A randomized clinical trial of strengths-based case management to link emergency department patients to opioid use disorder treatment. J Subst Abuse Treat 2022; 138:108745. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2022.108745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Camilleri C, Fogle CS, O'Brien KG, Sammut S. The Impact of COVID-19 and Associated Interventions on Mental Health: A Cross-Sectional Study in a Sample of University Students. Front Psychiatry 2022; 12:801859. [PMID: 35153865 PMCID: PMC8825780 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.801859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mental health issues have continued to rise globally, including among university students. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the previously existing and concerning problem. Given that coping mechanisms have been proposed to mediate the relationship between stressors and mental health, the aim of our cross-sectional study was to investigate the mediation of coping mechanisms on the relationship between the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and mental health. METHODS University students (≥18 years old; N = 676; 31% male, 69% female) were administered an anonymous survey addressing current demographics, COVID-19 pandemic-related demographics, personal experiences, sources of stress and perceived effect on mental health, politics, sources of news/information, and various pre-validated scales addressing mental health (DASS-21), the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic (IES-R) and coping strategies utilized (Brief COPE). RESULTS Our results indicate a substantial proportion of our sample reporting scores in the severe and extremely severe DASS-21 categories, in addition to ~50% reporting a perceived deterioration in mental health relative to pre-COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, a substantial proportion of students reported IES-R scores at levels where PTSD is of clinical concern. Alarmingly, a significant proportion of females (~15%) reported scores reflecting potential long-term PTSD-related implications. Females tended to be more severely impacted in all mental health measures. Mediation analysis indicated that while dysfunctional coping mediated the relationship between the impact of the event (COVID-19 pandemic) and all three mental health outcomes, overall, this was not the case with the positive coping strategies. CONCLUSION Our study appears to indicate a reduced buffering influence on negative mental health outcomes by the positive coping mechanisms investigated in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and secondary interventions implemented. While the findings of this study pertain specifically to university students, they corroborate the existing extensive body of research (from physiological to behavioral, preclinical to clinical) pertaining to the response associated with major stressful events at every level of society. In this regard, the findings imply the necessity for health and other authorities, tasked with safeguarding public well-being, to avoid reactive interventions that do not appropriately balance the risks and benefits, potentially exacerbating pre-existing psychopathologies and compromising social order.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Stephen Sammut
- Department of Psychology, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Steubenville, OH, United States
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Ramdin C, Guo M, Fabricant S, Santos C, Nelson L. The Impact of a Peer-Navigator Program on Naloxone Distribution and Buprenorphine Utilization in the Emergency Department. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:581-587. [PMID: 34970942 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2021.2023187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: In recent years many emergency departments (EDs) have adopted interventions to help patients with opioid use disorder (OUD), particularly buprenorphine initiation and ED-based peer recovery support. There are limited data on the impact of peer navigators on provider naloxone kit distribution and buprenorphine utilization. We aimed to examine the impact of a peer recovery program on naloxone kit distribution and buprenorphine administration. Methods: This was a retrospective study analyzing the change in naloxone kits distributed as well as buprenorphine administrations. Data on naloxone kit and buprenorphine administrations was generated every month between November 2017 and February 2021. Time periods were as follows: implementation of guidelines for buprenorphine and naloxone kits, initiation of the navigator program, and first wave of COVID-19. Numbers of naloxone kits distributed and buprenorphine administrations per month were computed. Results: Between November 2017 and December 2020, there was a significant increase overtime among the 238 naloxone kits distributed (p < 0.0001). Between implementation of guidelines and introduction of peer navigators, there were 49 kits distributed, compared to an increase overtime among 235 kits when the navigator program began (p = 0.0001). There was also a significant increase overtime among 1797 administrations of buprenorphine (p < 0.0001). Administrations increased by 22.4% after implementation of the navigator program-a total of 787 compared to 643 post guideline (p = 0.007). Conclusion: Peer recovery support programs for patients with OUD can have an impact on administration of naloxone kits and buprenorphine. Future studies should determine whether these programs can cause a long-term culture change in the ED.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Ramdin
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Marshall Guo
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Scott Fabricant
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
| | - Cynthia Santos
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Lewis Nelson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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