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Menendez K, Curie R, Bales T, Greenfield K, Moore KA. EMS Paramedics and Law Enforcement Officers' Experiences with Joint-Response Efforts on Suspected Opioid Overdose Calls: A Qualitative Study. J Behav Health Serv Res 2024:10.1007/s11414-024-09895-2. [PMID: 39078563 DOI: 10.1007/s11414-024-09895-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
In the United States, the opioid crisis remains a nationwide public health emergency. Narcan laws have increased medical collaboration between emergency medical services (EMS) paramedics and law enforcement officers (LEOs), yet research on joint opioid-response efforts with these first responders remains underexplored. Using a phenomenological approach, this study explores EMS paramedics and LEOs' experiences with joint-response efforts on suspected opioid overdose calls amidst the ongoing opioid crisis. Researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 first responders (n = 8 EMS paramedics; n = 6 LEOs) from a large Central Florida emergency services district covering urban, suburban, and rural areas. Four major themes emerged: (1) facilitators to joint-response efforts; (2) barriers to joint-response efforts; (3) concerns for patient co-occurring behavioral health conditions; and (4) perceived solutions. Overall, participants described mutual respect, reliance, and communication as key facilitators, while barriers included conflicting on-scene priorities and differences in Narcan protocols. Concerns for co-occurring behavioral health (i.e., addiction and mental health) conditions among overdose patients included difficulties in assessing mental health and the availability of wraparound services, yet these concerns remained secondary to medical treatment during an opioid-related emergency. Key solutions included enhanced Narcan training for LEOs and increased availability of behavioral health services for long-term patient care. This research contributes to existing literature on opioid overdose response by specifically examining joint-response efforts between EMS paramedics and LEOs. These findings may be applicable to other partnering agencies such as mental health crisis teams and should be explored across behavioral health collaborations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Menendez
- Department of Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA.
| | - Riley Curie
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Tracy Bales
- Department of Child and Family Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Kelsey Greenfield
- Department of Mental Health Law and Policy, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Kathleen A Moore
- Department of Mental Health Law and Policy, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
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Tennakoon L, Ko A, Knight AW, Nassar AK, Wu R, Spain DA, Knowlton LM. Firearm-Related Injuries and the US Opioid and Other Substance Use Epidemic: A Nationwide Evaluation of Emergency Department Encounters. J Surg Res 2024; 298:128-136. [PMID: 38603943 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2024.02.007] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There has been a sharp climb in the Unites States' death rate among opioid and other substance abuse patients, as well as an increased prevalence in gun violence. We aimed to investigate the association between substance abuse and gun violence in a national sample of patients presenting to US emergency departments (EDs). METHODS We queried the 2018-2019 Nationwide Emergency Department Sample for patients ≥18 years with substance abuse disorders (opioid and other) using International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Within this sample, we analyzed characteristics and outcomes of patients with firearm-related injuries. The primary outcome was mortality; secondary outcomes were ED charges and length of stay. RESULTS Among the 25.2 million substance use disorder (SUD) patients in our analysis, 35,306 (0.14%) had a firearm-related diagnosis. Compared to other SUD patients, firearm-SUD patients were younger (33.3 versus 44.7 years, P < 0.001), primarily male (88.6% versus 54.2%, P < 0.001), of lower-income status (0-25th percentile income: 56.4% versus 40.5%, P < 0.001), and more likely to be insured by Medicaid or self-pay (71.6% versus 53.2%, P < 0.001). Firearm-SUD patients had higher mortality (1.4% versus 0.4%, P < 0.001), longer lengths of stay (6.5 versus 4.9 days, P < 0.001), and higher ED charges ($9269 versus $5,164, P < 0.001). Firearm-SUD patients had a 60.3% rate of psychiatric diagnoses. Firearm-SUD patients had 5.5 times greater odds of mortality in adjusted analyses (adjusted odds ratio: 5.5, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Opioid-substance abuse patients with firearm injuries have higher mortality rates and costs among these groups, with limited discharge to postacute care resources. All these factors together point to the urgent need for improved screening and treatment for this vulnerable group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshika Tennakoon
- Department of Surgery, Section of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Ara Ko
- Department of Surgery, Section of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Ariel W Knight
- Department of Surgery, Section of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Aussama K Nassar
- Department of Surgery, Section of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Ruoxue Wu
- Department of Surgery, Section of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - David A Spain
- Department of Surgery, Section of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Lisa M Knowlton
- Department of Surgery, Section of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
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Stewart SL, Kagawa RMC, Buggs SAL, Wright MA, Wintemute GJ. Drugs, guns, and violent crime in California. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 127:104413. [PMID: 38640707 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104413] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence linking use of controlled substances with perpetration of interpersonal violence. While the United States constitution protects the right to own a firearm, federal law prohibits firearm purchase and possession by persons believed to be at high risk for violence, including those who use controlled substances unlawfully. METHODS We report here the results of a 13-year prospective observational study on the risk of violent crime associated with a history of criminal drug charges in a cohort of 79,678 legal purchasers of handguns in California in 2001. The main outcomes were post-purchase charges for any violent crime, violent Crime Index crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault), and firearm-related violent crimes. The main exposure of interest was a history of pre-purchase charge(s) for drug-related offenses; we examined as a secondary exposure a history of marijuana-related charges. We estimated adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI) using Cox proportional hazards multiple events models. RESULTS We found that legal handgun purchasers in California with a history of drug-related charges, even those with marijuana charges only, had triple the risk of a post-purchase violent crime charge compared to purchasers with no criminal charges (drug charges only: aHR=2.9, 95 % CI 2.2-3.8; marijuana charges only: aHR=3.3, 95 % CI 1.8-6.0). In addition, a criminal history of drug charges only vs. no criminal history was associated with increased risk of one or more violent crime charges after the first post-purchase arrest event (aHR=1.6, 95 % CI 1.2-2.3). CONCLUSION It is incumbent on researchers and policy makers to understand the nature and causes of this risk in order to take effective steps towards mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Stewart
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, Medical Sciences 1-C, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Rose M C Kagawa
- Violence Prevention Research Program, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Davis, 2315 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Shani A L Buggs
- Violence Prevention Research Program, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Davis, 2315 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Mona A Wright
- Violence Prevention Research Program, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Davis, 2315 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Garen J Wintemute
- Violence Prevention Research Program, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of California, Davis, 2315 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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Seamans MJ, Mays VM, Arseniev-Koehler A, Cochran SD. Prevalence of prescription and illicit drugs in suicides by non-poisoning means in the National Violent Death Reporting System 2003-2017. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2022; 48:464-470. [PMID: 35579600 PMCID: PMC10919380 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2022.2053981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Background: Prescription and illicit drugs are important social environmental variables in many suicides regardless of their role as an immediate cause of death. Objectives: To investigate the presence of prescription and illicit drugs, either through mention in the death record or toxicology reports, among suicides attributed to nonpoisonous causes to identify patterns of risk. Methods: Using the 2003-2017 National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS), we examined the presence of prescription and illicit drugs among 143,175 suicides (119,563 males 23,612 females) due to firearms and suffocation/hanging. The presence of drugs (opioids, stimulants, benzodiazepines, muscle relaxants, and cannabis) was determined from toxicology reports and text searches of coroner/medical examiner and law enforcement summaries. We fit multivariable logistic regression models to estimate associations between drug class and suicide method adjusting for decedent characteristics. Results: Overall prescription and illicit drugs were present in 22% of firearm deaths and 28% of suffocation deaths. Among victims with toxicology reports, over 20% tested positive for benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines were mentioned in 4% of firearm and 5% of suffocation suicides without toxicology testing. Stimulants were more likely to occur in suffocation than firearm deaths among victims with toxicology testing (aOR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.33-1.56) and without toxicology testing (aOR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.31-1.98). Conclusions: Benzodiazepines were most frequently identified in both toxicology reports and narratives of suicides by firearms or suffocation. Better distinction of the presence of prescription and illicit drugs in the environment versus apparent ingestion among non-poisoning suicides are needed to inform prevention approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa J. Seamans
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Vickie M. Mays
- Department of Psychology, College of Letters and Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Health Policy & Management, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alina Arseniev-Koehler
- Department of Sociology, College of Social Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Susan D. Cochran
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Statistics, College of Physical Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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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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Reported firearm access among patients admitted to a dual diagnosis medically-assisted withdrawal unit over five years. DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE REPORTS 2022; 2:100034. [PMID: 36845895 PMCID: PMC9949337 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2022.100034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Up to one-third of firearm-related suicides were carried out by individuals who had consumed alcohol shortly before their death. Despite the critical role of firearm access screening in suicide risk assessment, few studies have examined firearm access among patients with substance use disorders. This study examines the rates of firearm access among those admitted to a co-occurring diagnosis unit over a five year period. Methods All patients admitted to a co-occurring disorders inpatient unit from 2014 to mid-2020 were included. An analysis contrasting the differences among patients reporting firearms was performed. A multivariable logistic regression model using factors from initial admission were chosen based on clinical relevance, past firearms research, and statistical significance on bivariate analysis was used. Results Over the study period there were 7332 admissions representing 4055 patients. Documentation of firearm access was completed in 83.6% of admissions. Firearm access was reported in 9.4% of admissions. Patients reporting firearm access were more likely to report never having suicidal ideation (p = 0.001), be married (p = <0.001), and report no past history of suicide attempts (p = <0.001). The full logistic regression model revealed that being married (OR: 2.29 and p < 0.0001) and employed (OR: 1.51 and p = 0.024) were factors associated with firearms access. Conclusions This is one of the largest reports assessing factors associated with firearm access among those admitted to a co-occurring disorders unit. Firearm access rates in this population appear lower than rates in the general population. The roles employment and marital status play in firearm access deserve future attention.
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Christopher PP, Stewart C, Manning W, Anderson BJ, Woodruff A, Monteiro J, Stein MD. Risk behaviors among persons civilly committed for opioid use. J Subst Abuse Treat 2022; 132:108493. [PMID: 34098213 PMCID: PMC8627518 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108493] [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: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Despite the growth in civil commitment for persons who use opioids, we know little about the kinds of risk behaviors among those committed. This study examined the behaviors that a judge might use to determine if there is sufficient evidence that an individual's opioid use poses a risk for serious harm. The study recruited participants (n = 121) from three Massachusetts Department of Public Health civil commitment facilities in 2018. We used a list of risk behaviors that courts consider supportive of opioid-related civil commitment. Participants averaged 28 years of age, 56% were male, and 91% met criteria for severe opioid use disorder. Participants endorsed an average of 9 of the 27 risk behaviors. On average, participants endorsed three of the six drug use behaviors representing a danger to themselves, four of eleven behaviors representing an inability to care for or protect themselves (home safety, weight loss), and two of ten behaviors representing a danger to others (driving high or drunk). Participants who reported they were "not at all pleased" to have been civilly committed endorsed significantly (p = .009) fewer behaviors representing a danger to themselves than those who said they were at least "a little pleased." We conclude that the majority of individuals civilly committed for opioid use are engaging in multiple high-risk behaviors that pose a serious risk of harm to themselves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul P Christopher
- Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, United States of America
| | - Catherine Stewart
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, United States of America
| | - William Manning
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, United States of America
| | - Bradley J Anderson
- Behavioral Medicine and Addiction Research Unit, Butler Hospital, Providence, RI, United States of America
| | - Alexander Woodruff
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, United States of America
| | - Jordanna Monteiro
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, United States of America
| | - Michael D Stein
- Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, School of Public Health, Boston University, United States of America.
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Alcohol and drug offenses and suicide risk among men who purchased a handgun in California: A cohort study. Prev Med 2021; 153:106821. [PMID: 34599927 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2021.106821] [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: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Firearm access is a risk factor for firearm suicide; substance use may confer additional risk. In this retrospective cohort study, we estimated the associations between prior alcohol and drug charges at the time of handgun purchase and subsequent suicide among men in California. The sample comprised all men who legally purchased a handgun in California in 2001 and who were age ≥ 21 at the time of acquisition (N = 101,377), identified in the California Department of Justice (CA DOJ) Dealer's Record of Sale database. Exposures included alcohol and drug criminal charges and convictions accrued January 1, 1990 until the first ('index') handgun acquisition in 2001, recorded in the CA DOJ Criminal History Information System. Outcomes included suicide and firearm suicide occurring after the index purchase and before January 1, 2016. A total of 1907 purchasers had alcohol charges, 1248 had drug charges, and 304 had both; 594 purchasers died by suicide (516 by firearm suicide). Compared with those with neither alcohol nor drug charges, those with alcohol charges had 2.20 times the hazard of suicide (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39-3.46) and 2.22 times the hazard of firearm suicide (95% CI, 1.36-3.62). Risk was most elevated among those with more recent charges and those with 2 or more charges, and in the time period closest to the purchase. The associations for drug charges and the combination of alcohol and drug charges were not distinguishable from the null. Firearm owners with alcohol offenses may benefit from intervention to reduce firearm access and alcohol use.
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Dittmer SJ, Davenport DL, Oyler DR, Bernard AC. The Influence of the Opioid Epidemic on Firearm Violence in Kentucky Counties. J Surg Res 2021; 264:186-193. [PMID: 33838402 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2021.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The opioid crisis is a major public health emergency. Current data likely underestimate the full impact on mortality due to limitations in reporting and toxicology screening. We explored the relationship between opioid overdose and firearm-associated emergency department visits (ODED & FAED, respectively). METHODS For the years 2010 to 2017, we analyzed county-level ODED and FAED visits in Kentucky using Office of Health Policy and US Census Bureau data. Firearm death certificate data were analyzed along with high-dose prescriptions from the Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting records. Socioeconomic variables analyzed included health insurance coverage, race, median household earnings, unemployment rate, and high-school graduation rate. RESULTS ODED and FAED visits were correlated (Rho = 0.29, P< 0.01) and both increased over the study period, remarkably so after 2013 (P < 0.001). FAED visits were higher in rural compared to metro counties (P < 0.001), while ODED visits were not. In multivariable analysis, FAED visits were associated with ODED visits (Std. B = 0.24, P= 0.001), high-dose prescriptions (0.21, P = 0.008), rural status (0.19, P = 0.012), percentage white race (-0.28, P = 0.012), and percentage high school graduates (-0.68, P < 0.001). Unemployment and earnings were bivariate correlates with FAED visits (Rho = 0.42, P < 0.001 and -0.32, P < 0.001, respectively) but were not significant in the multivariable model. CONCLUSIONS In addition to recognized nonfatal consequences of the opioid crisis, firearm violence appears to be a corollary impact, particularly in rural counties. Firearm injury prevention efforts should consider the contribution of opioid use and abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J Dittmer
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine; Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Daniel L Davenport
- Department of Surgery, Division of Healthcare Outcomes and Optimal Patient Services, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Douglas R Oyler
- University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Andrew C Bernard
- Department of Surgery, Division of Acute Care Surgery, Trauma and Surgical Critical Care, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky.
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Pontes NMH, Pontes M. Sex differences in the relationship between prescription opioid misuse and gun and other weapon-carrying behaviors. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 221:108596. [PMID: 33684773 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research shows that adolescent prescription opioid misuse is strongly associated with weapon carrying. METHOD For this research, data from the nationally representative 2017 Youth Risk Behavior Survey were analyzed. Average marginal predictions were estimated for gun and weapon carrying as a function of prescription opioid misuse and sex. As per STROBE guidelines, additive interactions with risk differences-in addition to multiplicative interactions with odds ratios and risk ratios-were estimated to investigate sex disparities in the effects of prescription opioid misuse on gun and other weapon-carrying. RESULTS Male US high school students who misused prescription opioids had an especially high prevalence of gun and other weapon carrying. Additive interactions show significantly greater risk differences associated with prescription opioid misuse among male students compared to female students for gun carrying, weapon carrying, and weapon carrying at school. In contrast, multiplicative interactions show lower odds ratios and risk ratios among male students for these same weapon-carrying variables. DISCUSSION Prescription opioid misuse is a significantly greater risk factor for gun and other weapon carrying among male US high school students, which disproportionately increases the risk for violence perpetration, including suicide among these students. Researchers should follow STROBE guidelines and report additive interactions and risk differences separately by sex when investigating risk factors associated with gun and other weapon carrying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy M H Pontes
- Rutgers Global Health Institute Faculty Affiliate, Center on Gun Violence Google Scholar, United States; Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, School of Nursing-Camden.
| | - Manuel Pontes
- Rutgers Global Health Institute Faculty Affiliate, Center on Gun Violence Google Scholar, United States; Rowan University, Rohrer College of Business.
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Peluso H, Cull JD, Abougergi MS. The Effect of Opioid Dependence on Firearm Injury Treatment Outcomes: A Nationwide Analysis. J Surg Res 2019; 247:241-250. [PMID: 31718813 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2019.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2019] [Revised: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both the opioid and gun violence epidemics are recurrent public health issues in the United States. We sought to determine the effect of opioid dependence on gunshot injury treatment outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS Using the 2016 National Readmission Database, patients were included if they had a principal diagnosis of firearm injury. Opioid dependence was identified using appropriate International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification codes. The primary outcome was 30-day all-cause readmission. Secondary outcomes were in-hospital and 1-year mortality, resource utilization, and most common reasons for admission and readmission. Confounders were adjusted for using multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS A total of 31,303 patients were included, 695 of whom were opioid dependent. Opioid-dependent patients were more likely to be young (35.1 y, range: 33.4-36.7 y) and male (89.9%) compared with patients without opioid dependence. Opioid dependence was associated with higher 30-day readmission rates (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.12-2.50, P = 0.01). However, opioid dependence was associated with lower in-hospital (aOR: 0.16, CI: 0.07-0.38, P < 0.01) and 1-year (aOR: 0.15, CI: 0.06-0.38, P < 0.01) mortality, longer mean length of stay (adjusted mean difference [aMD]: 2.09 d, CI: 0.43-3.76, P = 0.03), and total hospitalization costs (aMD: $6,318, CI: $ 257-$12,380, P = 0.04). Both groups had similar total hospitalization charges (aMD: $$10,491, CI: -$12,618-$33,600, P-value = 0.37). CONCLUSIONS Opioid dependence leads to higher rates of 30-day readmission and resource utilization among patients with firearm injuries. However, the in-hospital and 1-year mortality rates are lower among patients with opioid dependence secondary to lower injury acuity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John D Cull
- Department of surgery, Greenville, South Carolina
| | - Marwan S Abougergi
- Catalyst Medical Consulting, Simpsonville, South Carolina; Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, South Carolina.
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