1
|
Jawa R, Ismail S, Shang M, Murray S, Murray-Krezan C, Zheng Y, Mackin S, Washington K, Alvarez P, Dillon J, McMurtrie G, Stein M, Walley A, Liebschutz JM. Drug use practices and wound care experiences in the age of xylazine adulteration. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 263:112390. [PMID: 39173221 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2024.112390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Exposure to xylazine has been associated with wounds distinct from typical injection-related skin and soft tissue infections. We sought to understand drug use and wound care practices, and treatment experiences of people who use drugs (PWUD) in a high-prevalence area of xylazine adulteration. METHODS In August 2023, we surveyed adult PWUD reporting at least one past-year drug use-related wound across three Massachusetts syringe service programs. Using a representative illustration, participants indicated if they had experienced a xylazine wound in the past 90 days. We compared demographic, drug use factors, wound care, and medical treatment experiences among those with and without xylazine wounds. We also conducted additional content analysis of open-ended responses. RESULTS Of the 171 respondents, 87 % (n=148) had a xylazine wound in the past 90 days. There were no statistically significant demographic differences between those with and without xylazine wounds. Among those primarily injecting (n=155), subcutaneous injection was nearly ten times more likely among people with xylazine wounds. For those with xylazine wounds (n=148), many engaged in heterogeneous wound self-treatment practices, and when seeking medical care, 74 % experienced healthcare stigma and 58 % had inadequate pain and withdrawal management. CONCLUSION People with self-identified xylazine wounds were more likely to engage in subcutaneous injection and faced several barriers seeking medical wound treatment. Programs serving people exposed to xylazine should work to support safer injection practices, including alternatives to injecting and improving access to high-quality, effective wound care. Further study is warranted to understand the causes, promoters, and prevention of xylazine-related wounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raagini Jawa
- Center for Research on Healthcare, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3609 Forbes Ave, 2nd floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
| | - Samia Ismail
- Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Margaret Shang
- Center for Research on Healthcare, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3609 Forbes Ave, 2nd floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Stephen Murray
- Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Second Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Cristina Murray-Krezan
- Center for Research on Healthcare, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3609 Forbes Ave, 2nd floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Yihao Zheng
- Center for Research on Healthcare, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3609 Forbes Ave, 2nd floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Sarah Mackin
- AHOPE, Boston Public Health Commission, 774 Albany St, 1st Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Kenny Washington
- AHOPE, Boston Public Health Commission, 774 Albany St, 1st Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Pedro Alvarez
- Tapestry, 1985 Main Street, Suite G, Springfield, MA 01103, USA
| | - Jaime Dillon
- Life Connection Center, 192 Appleton St, Lowell, MA 01852, USA
| | - Gary McMurtrie
- Center for Research on Healthcare, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3609 Forbes Ave, 2nd floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Michael Stein
- Boston University School of Public Health, 715 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Alexander Walley
- Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, General Internal Medicine, Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Second Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Jane M Liebschutz
- Center for Research on Healthcare, Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, 3609 Forbes Ave, 2nd floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Retrouvey H, Meyer MA, Ipaktchi K, Maertens A, Folchert M, Lauder A. Management of Xylazine-Induced Soft-Tissue Necrosis: A Review of 20 Cases. J Am Acad Orthop Surg 2024:00124635-990000000-01078. [PMID: 39197079 DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-24-00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/30/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The illicit injection of xylazine has recently been designated as an emerging public health threat. The use of this drug is associated with devastating soft-tissue necrosis that may lead to limb amputation. This study aimed to (1) report cases of soft-tissue injury from xylazine and (2) describe a staging and management algorithm for wounds related to xylazine use. METHODS A retrospective review was conducted to identify patients treated for xylazine-related soft-tissue necrosis at a trauma center. Clinical cases, treatment strategy, and available outcomes were presented. In addition, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using the keywords "xylazine" and "soft tissue." RESULTS The management of seven patients with xylazine-related upper extremity soft-tissue necrosis was included, in addition to summarizing findings of five studies reporting on 13 additional cases. These cases were managed with local wound care (2 patients), soft-tissue reconstruction (4 patient), osseous reconstruction (1 patient), and limb amputation (10 patients). DISCUSSION Acute treatment of xylazine-related soft-tissue necrosis is ideal to minimize morbidity and prevent limb loss. Management strategies of these wounds should be based on the depth of tissue involvement. Superficial ulceration involving the skin and subcutaneous tissue (Stage 1) should be managed with local wound care. Deeper ulceration involving tendons and/or muscle (Stage 2) requires surgical débridement and soft-tissue reconstruction. Deeper ulceration involving bone (Stage 3) requires osseous débridement and reconstruction. Finally, when all tissues in the extremity are involved (Stage 4), amputation is often necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Helene Retrouvey
- From the Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hand & Upper Extremity Service, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, CO
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Allcroft H, Heiman E, Butner JL. Clinical progress note: Xylazine use and its sequelae. J Hosp Med 2024; 19:713-715. [PMID: 38561251 DOI: 10.1002/jhm.13338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Haley Allcroft
- Yale Physician Associate Program, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Erica Heiman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Jenna L Butner
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Morgan B, Lancaster R, Boyagoda B, Ananda R, Attwood LO, Jacka D, Woolley I. The burden of skin and soft tissue, bone and joint infections in an Australian cohort of people who inject drugs. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:299. [PMID: 38454356 PMCID: PMC10918955 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09143-0] [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: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There are currently limited data regarding the clinical and economic significance of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) and bone and joint infections in Australian people who inject drugs (PWID). METHODS Retrospective cohort study in adult PWID admitted to Monash Health, a large heath care network with six hospitals in Victoria, Australia. Inpatients were identified using administrative datasets and International Classification of Disease (ICD-10) coding for specific infection-related conditions. Cost analysis was based on mean ward, intensive care and hospital-in-the-home (HITH) lengths of stay. Spinal infections and endocarditis were excluded as part of previous studies. RESULTS A total of 185 PWID (61 female, 124 male, median age 37) meeting the study criteria were admitted to Monash Health between January 2010 and January 2021. Admitting diagnoses included 78 skin abscesses, 80 cellulitis, 17 septic arthritis, 4 osteomyelitis, 3 thrombophlebitis and 1 each of necrotising fasciitis, vasculitis and myositis. Pain (87.5%) and swelling (75.1%) were the most common presenting complaints. Opioids (67.4%) and methamphetamine (37.5%) were the most common primary drugs injected. Almost half (46.5%) of patients had concurrent active hepatitis C (HCV) infection on admission. Hepatitis B (HBV) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) were uncommon. The most significant causative organism was methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (24.9%). In 40.0% (74/185) no organism was identified. Patients required a median acute hospital stay of 5 days (2-51 days). There were 15 patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with median duration 2 days. PICC line insertion for antibiotics was required in 16.8% of patients, while 51.4% required surgical intervention. Median duration of both oral and IV antibiotic therapy was 11 days. Almost half (48.6%) of patients were enrolled in an opioid maintenance program on discharge. Average estimated expenditure was AUD $16, 528 per admission. CONCLUSION Skin and soft tissue and joint infections are a major cause of morbidity for PWID. Admission to hospital provides opportunistic involvement of addiction specialty services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Morgan
- Department of Medicine, Monash Health, Clayton, Australia.
| | - R Lancaster
- Addiction Medicine Unit, Monash Health, Clayton, Australia
| | - B Boyagoda
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - R Ananda
- Department of Medicine, Monash Health, Clayton, Australia
| | - L O Attwood
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health, Clayton, Australia
- Monash Infectious Diseases, Monash Health, Clayton, Australia
| | - D Jacka
- Addiction Medicine Unit, Monash Health, Clayton, Australia
| | - I Woolley
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health, Clayton, Australia.
- Monash Infectious Diseases, Monash Health, Clayton, Australia.
- School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Brothers TD, Bonn M, Lewer D, Comeau E, Kim I, Webster D, Hayward A, Harris M. Social and structural determinants of injection drug use-associated bacterial and fungal infections: A qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis. Addiction 2023; 118:1853-1877. [PMID: 37170877 DOI: 10.1111/add.16257] [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] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Injection drug use-associated bacterial and fungal infections are increasingly common, and social contexts shape individuals' injecting practices and treatment experiences. We sought to synthesize qualitative studies of social-structural factors influencing incidence and treatment of injecting-related infections. METHODS We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL and PsycINFO from 1 January 2000 to 18 February 2021. Informed by Rhodes' 'risk environment' framework, we performed thematic synthesis in three stages: (1) line-by-line coding; (2) organizing codes into descriptive themes, reflecting interpretations of study authors; and (3) consolidating descriptive themes into conceptual categories to identify higher-order analytical themes. RESULTS We screened 4841 abstracts and included 26 qualitative studies on experiences of injecting-related bacterial and fungal infections. We identified six descriptive themes organized into two analytical themes. The first analytical theme, social production of risk, considered macro-environmental influences. Four descriptive themes highlighted pathways through which this occurs: (1) unregulated drug supply, leading to poor drug quality and solubility; (2) unsafe spaces, influenced by policing practices and insecure housing; (3) health-care policies and practices, leading to negative experiences that discourage access to care; and (4) restrictions on harm reduction programmes, including structural barriers to effective service provision. The second analytical theme, practices of care among people who use drugs, addressed protective strategies that people employ within infection risk environments. Associated descriptive themes were: (5) mutual care, including assisted-injecting and sharing sterile equipment; and (6) self-care, including vein health and self-treatment. Within constraining risk environments, some protective strategies for bacterial infections precipitated other health risks (e.g. HIV transmission). CONCLUSIONS Injecting-related bacterial and fungal infections are shaped by modifiable social-structural factors, including poor quality unregulated drugs, criminalization and policing enforcement, insufficient housing, limited harm reduction services and harmful health-care practices. People who inject drugs navigate these barriers while attempting to protect themselves and their community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D Brothers
- UCL Collaborative Centre for Inclusion Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Matthew Bonn
- Canadian Association of People who Use Drugs (CAPUD), Dartmouth, Canada
| | - Dan Lewer
- UCL Collaborative Centre for Inclusion Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - Emilie Comeau
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Inhwa Kim
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Duncan Webster
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, Canada
| | - Andrew Hayward
- UCL Collaborative Centre for Inclusion Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - Magdalena Harris
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Grigoryan L, Paasche-Orlow MK, Alquicira O, Laytner L, Schlueter M, Street RL, Salinas J, Barning K, Mahmood H, Porter TW, Khan F, Raphael JL, Faustinella F, Trautner BW. Antibiotic Use Without a Prescription: A Multisite Survey of Patient, Health System, and Encounter Characteristics. Clin Infect Dis 2023; 77:510-517. [PMID: 37094252 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciad241] [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: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Using antibiotics without a prescription is potentially unsafe and may increase the risk of antimicrobial resistance. We evaluated the effect of patient, health system, and clinical encounter factors on intention to use antibiotics without a prescription that were (1) purchased in the United States, (2) obtained from friends or relatives, (3) purchased abroad, or (4) from any of these sources. METHODS The survey was performed January 2020-June 2021 in 6 publicly funded primary care clinics and 2 private emergency departments in Texas, United States. Participants included adult patients visiting 1 of the clinical settings. Nonprescription use was defined as use of antibiotics without a prescription; intended use was professed intention for future nonprescription antibiotic use. RESULTS Of 564 survey respondents (33% Black and 47% Hispanic or Latino), 246 (43.6%) reported prior use of antibiotics without a prescription, and 177 (31.4%) reported intent to use antibiotics without a prescription. If feeling sick, respondents endorsed that they would take antibiotics obtained from friends/relatives (22.3% of 564), purchased in the United States without a prescription (19.1%), or purchased abroad without a prescription (17.9%). Younger age, lack of health insurance, and a perceived high cost of doctor visits were predictors of intended use of nonprescription antibiotics from any of the sources. Other predictors of intended use were lack of transportation for medical appointments, language barrier to medical care, Hispanic or Latino ethnicity, and being interviewed in Spanish. CONCLUSIONS Patients without health insurance who report a financial barrier to care are likely to pursue more dangerous nonprescription antimicrobials. This is a harm of the US fragmented, expensive healthcare system that may drive increasing antimicrobial resistance and patient harm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Grigoryan
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety (IQuESt) (152), Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Osvaldo Alquicira
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lindsey Laytner
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Richard L Street
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety (IQuESt) (152), Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Juanita Salinas
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Kenneth Barning
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hammad Mahmood
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Thomas W Porter
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Fareed Khan
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jean L Raphael
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety (IQuESt) (152), Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Fabrizia Faustinella
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Barbara W Trautner
- Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety (IQuESt) (152), Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Medicine, Section of Health Services Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Rich KM, Solomon DA. Medical Complications of Injection Drug Use - Part II. NEJM EVIDENCE 2023; 2:EVIDra2300019. [PMID: 38320028 DOI: 10.1056/evidra2300019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Medical Complications of Injection Drug Use - Part IIDuring the past 2 decades, the risk of death, as well as the prevalence of hospitalizations in the United States, has increased substantially among people who inject drugs, mainly because of the opioid epidemic. In Part Two of this two-part review, the authors review complications observed in people who inject drugs and strategies to reduce harm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel A Solomon
- Harvard Medical School, Boston
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ozga JE, Syvertsen JL, Zweifler JA, Pollini RA. A community-based study of abscess self-treatment and barriers to medical care among people who inject drugs in the United States. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:1798-1808. [PMID: 34469034 PMCID: PMC8885857 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are the most common medical complication of injection drug use in the United States, though little work has been done assessing SSTI treatment among people who inject drugs (PWID). We examined past-3-month abscess characteristics, treatment utilization, and barriers to medical treatment among N = 494 community-recruited PWID. We used descriptive statistics to determine the frequencies of self-treatment and medical treatment for their most recent past-3-month abscess as well as barriers to seeking medical treatment. We then used bivariate and multivariate logistic regression to identify factors associated with having an abscess in the past 3 months. Overall, 67% of participating PWID ever had an abscess and 23% had one in the past 3 months. Only 29% got medical treatment for their most recent abscess whereas 79% self-treated. Methods for self-treatment included pressing the pus out (81%), applying a hot compress (79%), and applying hydrogen peroxide (67%). Most (91%) self-treated abscesses healed without further intervention. Barriers to medical treatment included long wait times (56%), being afraid to go (49%), and not wanting to be identified as a PWID (46%). Factors associated independently with having an abscess in the past 3 months were injecting purposely into muscle tissue (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.64), having difficulty finding a vein (AOR = 2.08), and sharing injection preparation equipment (AOR = 1.74). Our findings emphasize the importance of expanding community-based access to SSTI education and treatment services, particularly at syringe service programs where PWID may be more comfortable seeking resources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny E. Ozga
- Department of Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | | | - John A. Zweifler
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California San Francisco-Fresno, Fresno, CA, USA
| | - Robin A. Pollini
- Department of Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Calverton, MD, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Brothers TD, Lewer D, Jones N, Colledge-Frisby S, Farrell M, Hickman M, Webster D, Hayward A, Degenhardt L. Opioid agonist treatment and risk of death or rehospitalization following injection drug use-associated bacterial and fungal infections: A cohort study in New South Wales, Australia. PLoS Med 2022; 19:e1004049. [PMID: 35853024 PMCID: PMC9295981 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injecting-related bacterial and fungal infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality among people who inject drugs (PWID), and they are increasing in incidence. Following hospitalization with an injecting-related infection, use of opioid agonist treatment (OAT; methadone or buprenorphine) may be associated with reduced risk of death or rehospitalization with an injecting-related infection. METHODS AND FINDINGS Data came from the Opioid Agonist Treatment Safety (OATS) study, an administrative linkage cohort including all people in New South Wales, Australia, who accessed OAT between July 1, 2001 and June 28, 2018. Included participants survived a hospitalization with injecting-related infections (i.e., skin and soft-tissue infection, sepsis/bacteremia, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis, or epidural/brain abscess). Outcomes were all-cause death and rehospitalization for injecting-related infections. OAT exposure was classified as time varying by days on or off treatment, following hospital discharge. We used separate Cox proportional hazards models to assess associations between each outcome and OAT exposure. The study included 8,943 participants (mean age 39 years, standard deviation [SD] 11 years; 34% women). The most common infections during participants' index hospitalizations were skin and soft tissue (7,021; 79%), sepsis/bacteremia (1,207; 14%), and endocarditis (431; 5%). During median 6.56 years follow-up, 1,481 (17%) participants died; use of OAT was associated with lower hazard of death (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57 to 0.70). During median 3.41 years follow-up, 3,653 (41%) were rehospitalized for injecting-related infections; use of OAT was associated with lower hazard of these rehospitalizations (aHR 0.89, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.96). Study limitations include the use of routinely collected administrative data, which lacks information on other risk factors for injecting-related infections including injecting practices, injection stimulant use, housing status, and access to harm reduction services (e.g., needle exchange and supervised injecting sites); we also lacked information on OAT medication dosages. CONCLUSIONS Following hospitalizations with injection drug use-associated bacterial and fungal infections, use of OAT is associated with lower risks of death and recurrent injecting-related infections among people with opioid use disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D. Brothers
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- UCL Collaborative Centre for Inclusion Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Dan Lewer
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- UCL Collaborative Centre for Inclusion Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Jones
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Michael Farrell
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Duncan Webster
- Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, Canada
| | - Andrew Hayward
- UCL Collaborative Centre for Inclusion Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Roux P, Jauffret-Roustide M, Donadille C, Briand Madrid L, Denis C, Célérier I, Chauvin C, Hamelin N, Maradan G, Carrieri MP, Protopopescu C, Lalanne L, Auriacombe M. Impact of drug consumption rooms on non-fatal overdoses, abscesses and emergency department visits in people who inject drugs in France: results from the COSINUS cohort. Int J Epidemiol 2022; 52:562-576. [PMID: 35690956 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyac120] [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: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effectiveness of drug consumption rooms (DCRs) for people who inject drugs (PWID) has been demonstrated for HIV and hepatitis C virus risk practices, and access to care for substance use disorders. However, data on other health-related complications are scarce. Using data from the French COSINUS cohort, we investigated the impact of DCR exposure on non-fatal overdoses, abscesses and emergency department (ED) visits, all in the previous 6 months. METHODS COSINUS is a 12-month prospective cohort study of 665 PWID in France studying DCR effectiveness on health. We collected data from face-to-face interviews at enrolment, and at 6 and 12 months of follow-up. After adjusting for other correlates (P-value < 0.05), the impact of DCR exposure on each outcome was assessed using a two-step Heckman mixed-effects probit model, allowing us to adjust for potential non-randomization bias due to differences between DCR-exposed and DCR-unexposed participants, while taking into account the correlation between repeated measures. RESULTS At enrolment, 21%, 6% and 38% of the 665 participants reported overdoses, abscesses and ED visits, respectively. Multivariable models found that DCR-exposed participants were less likely to report overdoses [adjusted coefficient (95% CI): -0.47 (-0.88; -0.07), P = 0.023], abscesses [-0.74 (-1.11; -0.37), P < 0.001] and ED visits [-0.74 (-1.27; -0.20), P = 0.007]. CONCLUSION This is the first study to show the positive impact of DCR exposure on abscesses and ED visits, and confirms DCR effectiveness in reducing overdoses, when adjusting for potential non-randomization bias. Our findings strengthen the argument to expand DCR implementation to improve PWID injection environment and health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Roux
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - M Jauffret-Roustide
- Cermes3, Inserm U988/CNRS UMR 8211/EHESS/Université de Paris, Paris, France
- British Columbia Center on Substance Use, Vancouver, Canada
- Baldy Center on Law and Social Policy, Buffalo University, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - C Donadille
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - L Briand Madrid
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - C Denis
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Sleep, Addiction and Neuropsychiatry research laboratory (SANPSY), CNRS UMR 6033, Bordeaux, France
- Pôle Addictologie, CH Charles Perrens and CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - I Célérier
- ORS PACA, Observatoire régional de la santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
| | - C Chauvin
- Cermes3, Inserm U988/CNRS UMR 8211/EHESS/Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - N Hamelin
- INSERM 1114, Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
| | - G Maradan
- ORS PACA, Observatoire régional de la santé Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Marseille, France
| | - M P Carrieri
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - C Protopopescu
- Aix Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Sciences Economiques & Sociales de la Santé & Traitement de l'Information Médicale, ISSPAM, Marseille, France
| | - L Lalanne
- INSERM 1114, Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
- Department of Psychiatry and Addictology, University Hospital of Strasbourg, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
| | - M Auriacombe
- Univ. Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Sleep, Addiction and Neuropsychiatry research laboratory (SANPSY), CNRS UMR 6033, Bordeaux, France
- Pôle Addictologie, CH Charles Perrens and CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Self and professional treatment of skin and soft tissue infections among women who inject drugs: Implications for wound care provision to prevent endocarditis. DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE REPORTS 2022; 3. [PMID: 35813351 PMCID: PMC9262139 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2022.100057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) are common among people who inject drugs and can result in severe health consequences, including infective endocarditis. Numerous barriers to accessing care often prevent people who inject drugs from seeking healthcare including past negative healthcare experiences, transportation, and shame around drug use. These barriers can lead some people who inject drugs to self-care instead of seeking formal treatment. Methods: We explored the prevalence of SSTIs and associated treatment behaviors among women who inject drugs and sell sex (N = 114). Women reported their drug use and SSTI histories. Those who experienced an SSTI reported if they self-treated their SSTIs and/or sought formal treatment. Results: Half (50.0%) experienced at least one SSTI in the past 6 months. SSTIs were more common among those who injected painkillers (24.6% vs 8.8%, p = 0.02) and who had ever been treated for endocarditis (28.1% vs 10.5%, p = 0.02). SSTIs were less common among those who injected multiple times per day (17.9% vs 38.6%, p = 0.01) and always injected with a sterile syringe (19.3% vs 42.1%, p = 0.01). Among those who experienced an SSTI, most (85.7%) reported self-treating, and half (52.6%) sought formal care. The emergency room was the most common source of care (73.3%). Conclusions: When experiencing SSTIs, women often opted to self-treat rather than seek formal healthcare. A lack of formal care can lead to infections progressing to serious conditions, like endocarditis. Self-treatment with non-prescribed antibiotics may further result in antibiotic-resistant infections. Low threshold, stigma free, community-based wound care programs are warranted.
Collapse
|
12
|
Moran GJ, Chitra S, McGovern PC. Efficacy and Safety of Omadacycline Versus Linezolid in Acute Bacterial Skin and Skin Structure Infections in Persons Who Inject Drugs. Infect Dis Ther 2022; 11:517-531. [PMID: 35015255 PMCID: PMC8847501 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-021-00587-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSI) represent one of the most common reasons for emergency department visits, and are frequent complications of intravenous drug use in persons who inject drugs (PWID). This study examined the efficacy and safety of omadacycline, versus linezolid, in PWID and persons who do not inject drugs, in the Phase 3 Omadacycline in Acute Skin and Skin Structure Infection (OASIS-1, OASIS-2) studies. Methods Eligible participants were aged ≥ 18 years with qualifying skin infections: wound infection, cellulitis, erysipelas, or major abscess. The primary efficacy endpoint was early clinical response (ECR) in the modified intent-to-treat (mITT) population, defined as survival with ≥ 20% reduction in lesion size at 48–72 h after the first dose of omadacycline or linezolid. Key secondary endpoints included investigator-assessed clinical response at the post-treatment evaluation (PTE) in the mITT and clinical per-protocol populations, and clinical response at PTE in the micro-mITT population. Safety was assessed based on adverse events (AEs) and standard clinical laboratory tests. Efficacy endpoints of clinical response at ECR and PTE were analyzed for the mITT and clinically evaluable (CE) PTE populations. Results In total, 1380 patients (822 PWID, 558 non-PWID) were included in this secondary analysis. Wound infections were reported more frequently in the PWID subgroup (72.8%) at baseline; cellulitis or erysipelas (43.9%) and major abscess (37.4%) were the most frequently reported baseline infections in the non-PWID subgroup. Clinical success rates at ECR and PTE in the mITT population, and at PTE in the CE population, were high for patients receiving omadacycline or linezolid. Severe or serious treatment-emergent AEs (TEAEs), and TEAEs leading to discontinuation, were infrequent. Conclusion This subgroup analysis showed that omadacycline was effective and well tolerated, regardless of PWID status.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory J Moran
- Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, 14445 Olive View Dr, Sylmar, CA, 91342, USA.
| | - Surya Chitra
- Paratek Pharmaceuticals, Inc., King of Prussia, PA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Pichlinski E, Hoff E, Epperson LC, Morley E, Cao JD, Thoppil J, Field S, Mehta P, Good D, Nijhawan A. Tetanus: A Rare Complication of Black Tar Heroin Use. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 9:ofab613. [PMID: 35146041 PMCID: PMC8826085 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Tetanus is associated with high morbidity and mortality, although this is rarely encountered in high-income countries. We present a case of tetanus in an unvaccinated patient secondary to black tar heroin use that highlights the importance of considering tetanus in appropriate clinical contexts, harm reduction interventions, and universal tetanus vaccination campaigns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Pichlinski
- Parkland Health and Hospital Systems, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Emily Hoff
- Parkland Health and Hospital Systems, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Lindsey Claire Epperson
- Parkland Health and Hospital Systems, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Medical Toxicology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Elizabeth Morley
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - James Dazhe Cao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Division of Medical Toxicology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Joby Thoppil
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Steven Field
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Prayag Mehta
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Daniel Good
- Parkland Health and Hospital Systems, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Ank Nijhawan
- Parkland Health and Hospital Systems, Dallas, Texas, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Compton P, Aronowitz SV, Klusaritz H, Anderson E. Acute pain and self-directed discharge among hospitalized patients with opioid-related diagnoses: a cohort study. Harm Reduct J 2021; 18:131. [PMID: 34915913 PMCID: PMC8679978 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-021-00581-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients with substance use disorders are more likely than those without to have a self-directed hospital discharge, putting them at risk for poor health outcomes including progressing illness, readmissions, and death. Inadequate pain management has been identified as a potential motivator of self-directed discharge in this patient population. The objective of this study was to describe the association between acute pain and self-directed discharges among persons with opioid-related conditions; the presence of chronic pain in self-directed discharges was likewise considered. Methods We employed a large database of all hospitalizations at acute care hospitals during 2017 in the city of Philadelphia to identify adults with opioid-related conditions and compare the characteristics of admissions ending with routine discharge versus those ending in self-directed discharge. We examined all adult discharges with an ICD-10 diagnoses related to opioid use or poisoning and inspected the diagnostic data to systematically identify acute pain for the listed primary diagnosis and explore patterning in chronic pain diagnoses with respect to discharge outcomes. Results Sixteen percent of the 7972 admissions involving opioid-related conditions culminated in self-directed discharge, which was more than five times higher than in the general population. Self-directed discharge rates were positively associated with polysubstance use, nicotine dependence, depression, and homelessness. Among the 955 patients with at least one self-directed discharge, 15.4% had up to 16 additional self-directed discharges during the 12-month observation period. Those admitted with an acutely painful diagnosis were almost twice as likely to complete a self-directed discharge, and for patients with multiple admissions, rates of acutely painful diagnoses increased with each admission coinciding with a cascading pattern of worsening infectious morbidity over time. Chronic pain diagnoses were inconsistent for those patients with multiple admissions, appearing, for the same patient, in one admission but not others; those with inconsistent documentation of chronic pain were substantially more likely to self-discharge. Conclusions These findings underscore the importance of pain care in disrupting a process of self-directed discharge, intensifying harm, and preventable financial cost and suffering. Each admission represents a potential opportunity to provide harm reduction and treatment interventions addressing both substance use and pain. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12954-021-00581-6.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peggy Compton
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Claire Fagin Hall, Room 402, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Shoshana V Aronowitz
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Claire Fagin Hall, Room 402, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Heather Klusaritz
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Evan Anderson
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Claire Fagin Hall, Room 402, 418 Curie Blvd, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Figgatt MC, Salazar ZR, Vincent L, Carden-Glenn D, Link K, Kestner L, Yates T, Schranz A, Joniak-Grant E, Dasgupta N. Treatment experiences for skin and soft tissue infections among participants of syringe service programs in North Carolina. Harm Reduct J 2021; 18:80. [PMID: 34330297 PMCID: PMC8324443 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-021-00528-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bacterial and fungal infections, such as skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) and infective endocarditis (IE), are increasing among people who use drugs in the United States. Traditional healthcare settings can be inaccessible and unwelcoming to people who use drugs, leading to delays in getting necessary care. The objective of this study was to examine SSTI treatment experiences among people utilizing services from syringe services programs. This study was initiated by people with lived experience of drug use to improve quality of care. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey among participants of five syringe services programs in North Carolina from July through September 2020. Surveys collected information on each participant's history of SSTIs and IE, drug use and healthcare access characteristics, and SSTI treatment experiences. We examined participant characteristics using counts and percentages. We also examined associations between participant characteristics and SSTI history using binomial linear regression models. RESULTS Overall, 46% of participants reported an SSTI in the previous 12 months and 10% reported having IE in the previous 12 months. Those with a doctor they trusted with drug use-related concerns had 27 fewer (95% confidence interval = - 51.8, - 2.1) SSTIs per every 100 participants compared to those without a trusted doctor. Most participants with a SSTI history reported delaying (98%) or not seeking treatment (72%) for their infections. Concerns surrounding judgment or mistreatment by medical staff and self-treating the infection were common reasons for delaying or not seeking care. 13% of participants used antibiotics obtained from sources other than a medical provider to treat their most recent SSTI. Many participants suggested increased access to free antibiotics and on-site clinical care based at syringe service programs to improve treatment for SSTIs. CONCLUSIONS Many participants had delayed or not received care for SSTIs due to poor healthcare experiences. However, having a trusted doctor was associated with fewer people with SSTIs. Improved access to non-judgmental healthcare for people who use drugs with SSTIs is needed. Expansion of syringe services program-based SSTI prevention and treatment programs is likely a necessary approach to improve outcomes among those with SSTI and IE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Figgatt
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill, 725 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, CB #7505, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill, 170 Rosenau Hall, CB #740, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Zach R Salazar
- North Carolina Survivors Union, 1116 Grove Street, Greensboro, NC, 27403, USA
| | - Louise Vincent
- North Carolina Survivors Union, 1116 Grove Street, Greensboro, NC, 27403, USA
| | | | - Kelly Link
- Community Hope Alliance, 2012 N Fayetteville St, Asheboro, NC, 27203, USA
| | - Lauren Kestner
- Center for Prevention Services, 1117 E Morehead St #200, Charlotte, NC, 28204, USA
| | - Tyler Yates
- Guilford County Solution To the Opioid Problem, 1601 Walker Ave, Greensboro, NC, 27403, USA
| | - Asher Schranz
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Elizabeth Joniak-Grant
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill, 725 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, CB #7505, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Nabarun Dasgupta
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina At Chapel Hill, 170 Rosenau Hall, CB #740, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Saldana CS, Vyas DA, Wurcel AG. Soft Tissue, Bone, and Joint Infections in People Who Inject Drugs. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2021; 34:495-509. [PMID: 32782098 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2020.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Infections are a common complication among people who inject drugs (PWID). Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) as well as bone and joint infections comprise a significant source of morbidity and mortality among this population. The appropriate recognition and management of these infections are critical for providers, as is familiarity with harm-reduction strategies. This review provides an overview of the presentation and management of SSTI and bone and joint infections among PWID, as well as key prevention measures that providers can take.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos S Saldana
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Darshali A Vyas
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Alysse G Wurcel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Geographic Medicine and Infectious Diseases, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Cahn BA, Bartholomew TS, Patel HP, Pastar I, Tookes HE, Lev-Tov H. Correlates of injection-related wounds and skin infections amongst persons who inject drugs and use a syringe service programme: A single center study. Int Wound J 2021; 18:701-707. [PMID: 33586860 PMCID: PMC8450795 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.13572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Risk factors associated with wounds and skin infections amongst persons who inject drugs may have changed in the era of fentanyl and now stimulant coinjection. We assessed the number of injection site wounds and skin infections and associated factors amongst 675 persons who inject drugs in a syringe services programme. Of this sample, 173 participants reported a total of 307 wounds and skin infections. Significant factors associated with increased number of wounds and skin infections were age 30 or older, female gender, ever experiencing homelessness, cocaine injection, and injecting between 5 and 10 years. Wounds and skin infections were common amongst syringe services programme clients and are associated with certain risk factors that may help to design effective interventions. Given the high prevalence of wounds in syringe services programme clients, wound care clinicians can make a significant difference and improve outcomes. We also shed light on correlates of wounds and skin infections in persons who inject drugs in order to spur further research to devise efficacious interventions for this underserved group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brian A Cahn
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tyler S Bartholomew
- Department of Public Health Services, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Hardik P Patel
- Department of Medical Education, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Irena Pastar
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Wound Healing and Regenerative Medicine Research Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Hansel E Tookes
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Hadar Lev-Tov
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Wound Healing and Regenerative Medicine Research Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Johnson J, Pizzicato L, Johnson C, Viner K. Increasing presence of xylazine in heroin and/or fentanyl deaths, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2010-2019. Inj Prev 2021; 27:395-398. [PMID: 33536231 DOI: 10.1136/injuryprev-2020-043968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Reports from active drug users state that xylazine, the veterinary tranquilliser, has been increasing in the illicit drug supply in Philadelphia. To describe trends and characteristics of unintentional deaths from heroin and/or fentanyl overdose with xylazine detections occurring in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Philadelphia Department of Public Health analysed data on deaths from unintentional heroin and/or fentanyl overdose from the Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office over a 10-year period (2010-2019). Xylazine went from being detected in less than 2% cases of fatal heroin and/or fentanyl overdose between 2010 and 2015 to 262 (31%) of the 858 fatal heroin and/or fentanyl overdose cases in 2019. Currently, information is limited on the presence of xylazine in continental United States. Xylazine's association with adverse outcomes in other locations indicates that potential health consequences should also be monitored in the USA. Whenever possible, jurisdictions should consistently test for xylazine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jewell Johnson
- Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lia Pizzicato
- Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Caroline Johnson
- Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kendra Viner
- Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Kimmel SD, Gaeta JM, Hadland SE, Hallett E, Marshall BDL. Principles of Harm Reduction for Young People Who Use Drugs. Pediatrics 2021; 147:S240-S248. [PMID: 33386326 PMCID: PMC7907587 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-023523g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In summarizing the proceedings of a longitudinal meeting of experts on substance use disorders among adolescents and young adults, we review 2 principles of care related to harm reduction for young adults with substance use disorders. The first is that harm reduction services are critical to keeping young adults alive and healthy and can offer opportunities for future engagement in treatment. Such services therefore should be offered at every opportunity, regardless of an individual's interest or ability to minimize use of substances. The second is that all evidence-based harm reduction strategies available to older adults should be available to young adults and that whenever possible, harm reduction programs should be tailored to young adults and be developmentally appropriate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simeon D Kimmel
- Clinical Addition Research and Education Unit,
- Sections of General Internal Medicine and
- Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jessie M Gaeta
- Sections of General Internal Medicine and
- Institute for Research, Quality, and Policy in Homeless Health Care, Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Scott E Hadland
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Boston University and Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Eliza Hallett
- Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Boston University and Grayken Center for Addiction, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts; and
| | - Brandon D L Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Access to adequate health care in the United States is often hindered by an individual's location, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle. Among those underserved are people who inject drugs (PWID), who are affected by stigma and discrimination. The purpose of this study was to describe the utilization of preventative health care services obtained by PWID. METHODS A survey querying participants about their utilization of preventative health care services and health education over the past year was administered to PWID at 2 syringe access programs. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. CONCLUSION Of the 141 participants surveyed, 60.6% saw a provider within the past year and 62.1% indicated that their provider was aware of their drug use. Data analysis revealed that providers counseled PWID on three of nine drug-related harm reduction items. Only 30% of PWID talked with their provider about five or more items. Mean number of items discussed was significantly different between PWID whose provider was aware of their drug use and PWID whose provider was unaware of drug use (t = 10.7, p < 0.001). IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Results indicated that PWID are not receiving adequate preventative services or harm reduction education from their primary care provider. A need for assessment of substance use, preventative vaccinations, counseling and testing for infectious diseases, and harm reduction education is essential during health care visits. Nurse practitioners and nurses have a role in screening for and educating PWID in a variety of health care settings.
Collapse
|
21
|
See I, Gokhale RH, Geller A, Lovegrove M, Schranz A, Fleischauer A, McCarthy N, Baggs J, Fiore A. National Public Health Burden Estimates of Endocarditis and Skin and Soft-Tissue Infections Related to Injection Drug Use: A Review. J Infect Dis 2020; 222:S429-S436. [PMID: 32877563 PMCID: PMC8112118 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite concerns about the burden of the bacterial and fungal infection syndromes related to injection drug use (IDU), robust estimates of the public health burden of these conditions are lacking. The current article reviews and compares data sources and national burden estimates for infective endocarditis (IE) and skin and soft-tissue infections related to IDU in the United States. METHODS A literature review was conducted for estimates of skin and soft-tissue infection and endocarditis disease burden with related IDU or substance use disorder terms since 2011. A range of the burden is presented, based on different methods of obtaining national projections from available data sources or published data. RESULTS Estimates using available data suggest the number of hospital admissions for IE related to IDU ranged from 2900 admissions in 2013 to more than 20 000 in 2017. The only source of data available to estimate the annual number of hospitalizations and emergency department visits for skin and soft-tissue infections related to IDU yielded a crude estimate of 98 000 such visits. Including people who are not hospitalized, a crude calculation suggests that 155 000-540 000 skin infections related to IDU occur annually. DISCUSSION These estimates carry significant limitations. However, regardless of the source or method, the burden of disease appears substantial, with estimates of thousands of episodes of IE among persons with IDU and at least 100 000 persons who inject drugs (PWID) with skin and soft-tissue infections annually in the United States. Given the importance of these types of infections, more robust and reliable estimates are needed to better quantitate the occurrence and understand the impact of interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isaac See
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Runa H Gokhale
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Andrew Geller
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Maribeth Lovegrove
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Asher Schranz
- Institute for Global Health and Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Aaron Fleischauer
- North Carolina Department of Health, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
- Career Epidemiology Field Officer, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, UA
| | - Natalie McCarthy
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - James Baggs
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Anthony Fiore
- Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Marks LR, Munigala S, Warren DK, Liss DB, Liang SY, Schwarz ES, Durkin MJ. A Comparison of Medication for Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Strategies for Persons Who Inject Drugs With Invasive Bacterial and Fungal Infections. J Infect Dis 2020; 222:S513-S520. [PMID: 32877547 PMCID: PMC7566615 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) are frequently admitted for invasive infections. Medications for OUD (MOUD) may improve outcomes in hospitalized patients. METHODS In this retrospective cohort of 220 admissions to a tertiary care center for invasive infections due to OUD, we compared 4 MOUD treatment strategies: methadone, buprenorphine, methadone taper for detoxification, and no medication to determine whether there were differences in parenteral antibiotic completion and readmission rates. RESULTS The MOUDs were associated with increased completion of parenteral antimicrobial therapy (64.08% vs 46.15%; odds ratio [OR] = 2.08; 95% CI, 1.23-3.61). On multivariate analysis, use of MOUD maintenance with either buprenorphine (OR = 0.38; 95% CI, .17-.85) or methadone maintenance (OR = 0.43; 95% CI, .20-.94) and continuation of MOUD on discharge (OR = 0.35; 95% CI, .18-.67) was associated with lower 90-day readmissions. In contrast, use of methadone for detoxification followed by tapering of the medication without continuation on discharge was not associated with decreased readmissions (OR = 1.87; 95% CI, .62-5.10). CONCLUSIONS Long-term MOUDs, regardless of selection, are an integral component of care in patients hospitalized with OUD-related infections. Patients with OUD should have arrangements made for MOUDs to be continued after discharge, and MOUDs should not be discontinued before discharge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura R Marks
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Satish Munigala
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - David K Warren
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - David B Liss
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Section of Medical Toxicology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Stephen Y Liang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Evan S Schwarz
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Section of Medical Toxicology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Michael J Durkin
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wright T, Hope V, Ciccarone D, Lewer D, Scott J, Harris M. Prevalence and severity of abscesses and cellulitis, and their associations with other health outcomes, in a community-based study of people who inject drugs in London, UK. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0235350. [PMID: 32663203 PMCID: PMC7360031 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0235350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) are a common but preventable cause of morbidity and mortality among people who inject drugs (PWID). They can be severe, and hospitalisations of PWID with SSTI are rising. The most common SSTI presentations are abscesses and cellulitis. METHODS We used data from Care & Prevent, a cross-sectional community survey of PWID in London. We reported the lifetime prevalence of SSTI, severity of infections, key risk factors, and associated sequelae. Pictorial questions were used to assess SSTI severity. RESULTS We recruited 455 PWID. SSTI lifetime prevalence was high: 64% reported an abscess and/or cellulitis. Over one-third (37%) reported a severe infection, 137 (47%) reported hospitalisation. SSTIrisk factors were: aged 35+ years, injecting once or more times a day, subcutaneous or intra-muscular injections, and making four or more attempts to achieve an injection. Those who reported having other health conditions were at higher odds of having an abscess or cellulitis, with risk tending to increase with number of reported conditions. Half (46%) employed self-care for their worst SSTI, and 43% waited for ten or more days before seeking medical care or not seeking medical care at all. CONCLUSIONS Abscess and cellulitis are very common among PWID in London. We corroborate findings indicating SSTIs are associated with risks, e.g. venous access problems, as well as other co-morbid conditions: septicaemia, endocarditis, DVT, and kidney disease. These co-morbidities may impact SSTIs severity and outcomes. Delayed healthcare seeking potentially exacerbates infection severity, which in turn increases poorer health outcomes and complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Talen Wright
- Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vivian Hope
- Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Ciccarone
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Dan Lewer
- Institute of Epidemiology and Healthcare, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jenny Scott
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Magdalena Harris
- Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Harris M. Normalised pain and severe health care delay among people who inject drugs in London: Adapting cultural safety principles to promote care. Soc Sci Med 2020; 260:113183. [PMID: 32682207 PMCID: PMC7441308 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In the United Kingdom, increases in premature mortality among the intersecting populations of people made homeless and people who inject drugs map onto the implementation and solidification of fiscal austerity policies over the past decade, rather than drug market fluctuations and trends as in North America. In this context, it is crucial to explore how poverty, multi-morbidity and care delay interplay in exacerbating vulnerability to mortality among an aging population of people who use illicit drugs. The mixed methods Care & Prevent study generated survey data with 455 PWID and in-depth qualitative interviews with a subsample (n = 36). Participants were recruited though drug treatment services and homeless hostels in London from October 2017-June 2019. This paper focuses on qualitative findings, analysed thematically and contextualised in relation to the broader survey sample. Survey participants report an extensive history of rough sleeping (78%); injecting-related bacterial infections (65%) and related hospitalisation (30%). Qualitative accounts emphasise engagement with the medical system as a 'last resort', with admission to hospital in a critical or a "near death" condition common. For many severe physical pain and debility were normalised, incorporated into the day to day. In a context of everyday violence and marginalisation, avoidance of medical care can have a protective impetus. Translation of cultural safety principles to care for people who inject drugs in hospital settings offers transformative potential to reduce serious health harms among this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Harris
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, 15-17 Tavistock Place, WC1H 9SH, London, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Association of Self-Reported Abscess With High-Risk Injection-Related Behaviors Among Young Persons Who Inject Drugs. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 2020; 30:142-150. [PMID: 30822287 DOI: 10.1097/jnc.0000000000000016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Abscess is a common source of morbidity for people who inject drugs. We used data from the Study to Assess Hepatitis C Risk to measure prevalence of abscess and identify factors associated with the history of abscess. Of 541 participants, 388 (72%) were male and 149 (28%) were female. Almost half (n = 258, 48%) reported ever having an abscess. Persons who inject drugs with an abscess history were significantly more likely to have more injection partners (p = .01), inject heroin daily (p < .05), and share cookers (p = .001) and less likely to report using new syringes with each injection (p = .02). Most reported self-treating their last abscess and increasing drug use when having an abscess. High-risk injection-related activity was associated not only with infections such as HIV and hepatitis C virus but also with abscess. Nurses should screen patients presenting with abscess for high-risk practices and provide prevention education.
Collapse
|
26
|
Orchard T, Murie A, Salter K, Elash HL, Bunch M, Middleton C, Benoit C. Balance, Capacity, and the Contingencies of Everyday Life: Narrative Etiologies of Health Among Women in Street-Based Sex Work. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2020; 30:518-529. [PMID: 31216937 DOI: 10.1177/1049732319855967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
There is an abundance of health research with women in street-based sex work, but few studies examine what health means and how it is practiced by participants. We embrace these tasks by exploring how a convenience sample of sex workers (n = 33) think about and enact health in their lives. Findings reveal pluralistic notions of health that include neoliberal, biomedical, and lay knowledge. Health is operationalized through clinic/hospital visits and self-care practices, which emerge as pragmatic behaviors and ways to resist or compensate for exclusionary treatment in health care systems. Participants also use symbols of biomedical authority to substantiate their lay interpretations of certain conditions, revealing complex forms of moral reasoning in their health etiologies. We conclude that doing health and constructing rich narratives about it are constituent elements of the women's everyday praxis and subjectivities in relation to the broader socioeconomic and political worlds of which they are a part.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mary Bunch
- York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Cecilia Benoit
- University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Monteiro J, Phillips KT, Herman DS, Stewart C, Keosaian J, Anderson BJ, Stein MD. Self-treatment of skin infections by people who inject drugs. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 206:107695. [PMID: 31786397 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 10/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Persons who inject drugs (PWID) experience high rates of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) and often access emergency or inpatient treatment. However, many PWID do not seek care and self-treat some or all of their infections. The goal of the current study was to examine predictors of self-treatment of SSTI in a sample of hospitalized PWID, and describe methods of and reasons for self-treatment. METHODS PWID (N = 252) were recruited from inpatient medical units at an urban safety-net hospital to join a behavioral intervention trial. The baseline interview focused on past-year SSTI incidence and related treatment, including reasons for not accessing medical care and methods of self-treatment. RESULTS Of study participants, 162 (64%) reported having at least one SSTI in the past year. This subset was 59.9% White/Caucasian with a mean age of 38.0 (SD + 10.5). One-third of these participants (32.3%) reported ever self-treating SSTI in the past year. In a logistic regression model, number of past-year infections (OR = 1.81, p < .001) and positive outlook (OR = 2.46, p < .001) were associated with self-treatment of SSTI. Common methods of self-treatment included mechanically draining sores, applying heat/warm compress, and cleaning affected areas. Continued drug use and belief that infections were not serious and could be self-treated were two main reasons for not seeking professional medical care. CONCLUSIONS Interventions targeting SSTI among PWID should include education on when to seek medical care and the risks of serious infection, and could be implemented at local clinics or harm reduction programs to increase access.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordanna Monteiro
- Boston University School of Public Health and Boston Medical Center, 715 Albany Street, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Kristina T Phillips
- Center for Integrated Health Care Research (CIHR), Kaiser Permanente 501 Alakawa Street, Suite 201, Honolulu, Hawaii 96817 USA.
| | - Debra S Herman
- Butler Hospital, 345 Blackstone Blvd., Providence, RI 02906 USA; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| | - Catherine Stewart
- Boston University School of Public Health and Boston Medical Center, 715 Albany Street, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Julia Keosaian
- Boston University School of Public Health and Boston Medical Center, 715 Albany Street, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | | | - Michael D Stein
- Boston University School of Public Health and Boston Medical Center, 715 Albany Street, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Butler Hospital, 345 Blackstone Blvd., Providence, RI 02906 USA.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Syvertsen JL, Pollini RA. Syringe access and health harms: Characterizing "landscapes of antagonism" in California's Central Valley. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 75:102594. [PMID: 31775079 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sterile syringe access reduces injection-related health harms, yet access in the U.S. remains grossly inadequate. In California, syringe services programs (SSPs) are authorized mainly at the local level, and many communities remain underserved. State law also allows, but does not require, non-prescription syringe sales at pharmacies, but participation is low. We draw on the theoretical concept of "landscapes of antagonism" to examine how discordance between state and local decision-making contributes to uneven syringe access and health harms in California's Central Valley, where injection rates are high. METHODS Our study took place in Fresno and Kern counties. We draw on participant observation and qualitative interviews with individuals who inject drugs and key informants to examine issues around syringe access. RESULTS Overall, 8 key informants represented harm reduction, medical, and faith-based organizations. Among 46 people who inject drugs, mean age was 39 (range: 20-65), 37% were female, and 37% self-identified as Latino. About half of individuals at each site had ever successfully purchased from pharmacies, but limited locations and perceived judgement from pharmacy staff posed common barriers. There was no SSP in Kern County due to political opposition; Fresno's SSP has been run by volunteers for more than 20 years despite opposition, and recently gained authorization. Reflecting this disparity, all but two individuals in Fresno accessed syringes from the SSP, whereas only one person in Kern had ever been to an SSP. To fill gaps in access in both sites, individuals obtained syringes that were often already used from diabetics, friends, and people on the street, sharing and reusing syringes at dangerously high rates. CONCLUSION Landscapes of antagonism create syringe access inequities that threaten to exacerbate disease transmission and other health harms. Our study raises questions about accountability for the health of people who use drugs and suggests a need for political action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Syvertsen
- Department of Anthropology, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, 1320B Watkins Hall, Riverside, CA 92521, United States.
| | - Robin A Pollini
- School of Medicine, Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, West Virginia University, PO Box 9151, 3606 Collins Ferry Road, Suite 201, Morgantown, WV 26506, United States; Pacific Institute of Research and Evaluation, 11720 Beltsville Dr #900, Beltsville, MD 20705, United States
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Pizzicato LN, Johnson CC, Viner KM. Correlates of experiencing and witnessing non-fatal opioid overdoses among individuals accessing harm reduction services in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Subst Abus 2019; 41:301-306. [DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2019.1675115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lia N. Pizzicato
- Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Office of the Health Commissioner, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Applied Epidemiology Fellowship, CSTE, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Caroline C. Johnson
- Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Office of the Health Commissioner, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kendra M. Viner
- Philadelphia Department of Public Health, Office of the Health Commissioner, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Grigoryan L, Germanos G, Zoorob R, Juneja S, Raphael JL, Paasche-Orlow MK, Trautner BW. Use of Antibiotics Without a Prescription in the U.S. Population: A Scoping Review. Ann Intern Med 2019; 171:257-263. [PMID: 31330541 DOI: 10.7326/m19-0505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Use of antibiotics without a prescription may increase unnecessary and inappropriate drug use or doses as well as global risk for antimicrobial resistance. PURPOSE To perform a scoping review of research on the prevalence of nonprescription antibiotic use in the United States and to examine the factors that influence it. DATA SOURCES Searches of PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Scopus, and relevant Web sites without language restrictions from January 2000 to March 2019. STUDY SELECTION Studies reporting nonprescription use of antibiotics, storage of antibiotics, intention to use antibiotics without a prescription, and factors influencing nonprescription use. DATA EXTRACTION Two reviewers independently screened citations and full texts and performed data abstraction. DATA SYNTHESIS Of 17 422 screened articles, 31 met inclusion criteria. Depending on population characteristics, prevalence of nonprescription antibiotic use varied from 1% to 66%, storage of antibiotics for future use varied from 14% to 48%, and prevalence of intention to use antibiotics without a prescription was 25%. Antibiotics were obtained without a prescription from various sources, including previously prescribed courses, local markets or stores, and family or friends. Reported factors contributing to nonprescription use included easy access through markets or stores that obtain antibiotics internationally for under-the-counter sales, difficulty accessing the health care system, costs of physician visits, long waiting periods in clinics, and transportation problems. LIMITATION Scarce evidence and heterogeneous methods and outcomes. CONCLUSION Nonprescription antibiotic use is a seemingly prevalent and understudied public health problem in the United States. An increased understanding of risk factors and pathways that are amenable to intervention is essential to decrease this unsafe practice. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE None.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - George Germanos
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas (L.G., G.G., R.Z.)
| | - Roger Zoorob
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas (L.G., G.G., R.Z.)
| | - Shivanki Juneja
- University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (S.J.)
| | - Jean L Raphael
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas (J.L.R., B.W.T.)
| | | | - Barbara W Trautner
- Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas (J.L.R., B.W.T.)
| |
Collapse
|