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Batchelder AW, Claire Greene M, Scheer JR, Foley J, Jenny Shin HJ, Koehn KM, Kelly JF. Sexual minority disparities in psychosocial functioning following substance use recovery among a representative sample of US adults. Addict Behav Rep 2024; 19:100527. [PMID: 38226009 PMCID: PMC10788780 DOI: 10.1016/j.abrep.2024.100527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Sexual minority (SM; e.g., gay, lesbian, bisexual) individuals are disproportionately impacted by alcohol and other drug (AOD) use disorders and psychosocial factors that can exacerbate AOD use disorders and hinder recovery. This study examines SM sub-group differences (monosexual [gay/lesbian] versus bisexual) regarding adaptation to recovery measured by indices of psychosocial functioning. Identifying differential needs of gay/lesbian versus bisexual individuals could improve services to better meet the needs of SM individuals in recovery. Methods Using data from the National Recovery Study, a nationally representative cross-sectional sample of US adults who reported resolving an AOD problem (N = 2,002), we compared heterosexual to monosexual and bisexual SM individuals on socio-demographic characteristics, AOD use and treatment, and psychosocial variables. Results Bisexual individuals were significantly younger than heterosexual individuals (p = .002 and p ≤ 0.001 among men and women, respectively) and reported significantly fewer years since AOD problem resolution compared to heterosexual individuals (p = .004 and p = .003 among men and women, respectively). Most notably, bisexual individuals, but not gay/lesbian individuals, reported significantly lower quality of life (QOL), happiness, self-esteem, and significantly higher distress compared to heterosexual individuals. Conclusion Bisexual, but not monosexual, SM individuals in recovery from an AOD use disorder, were younger and reported worse psychosocial functioning than heterosexual individuals. Findings highlight significant differences between monosexual versus bisexual identified individuals with a notable disadvantage experienced by bisexual individuals. More needs to be learned about the challenges faced by bisexual individuals in recovery to better address their needs and support long-term AOD recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail W. Batchelder
- Psychiatry Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M. Claire Greene
- Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Jacklyn Foley
- Psychiatry Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Kyrié M. Koehn
- Psychiatry Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - John F. Kelly
- Psychiatry Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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2
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Gatanaga O, Palamar JJ, Lim S. Prevalence of Substance Use Among Asian Sexual Minority Individuals in the United States, 2015-2020. J Psychoactive Drugs 2024; 56:257-263. [PMID: 36849255 PMCID: PMC10460460 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2023.2181242] [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: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Asian sexual minorities (SMs) are an under-researched population. SMs are at higher risk for substance use problems than heterosexuals, but little research exists specifically on Asians who are SM. This study compared the prevalence of substance use among Asian SMs and among adults by race/ethnicity and sexual identity in the US. Data were analyzed from participants in the 2015-2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, a nationally representative cross-sectional survey of non-institutionalized adults. Controlling for demographic characteristics, logistic regression models were used to estimate odds of substance use 1) among Asian adults by sexual identity (N = 11,079) and 2) all adults by race/ethnicity and sexual minority status (N = 223,971). Among Asians, compared to heterosexuals, identifying as gay/lesbian was associated with higher odds of past-month use of marijuana. Bisexual Asians were at higher odds of engaging in past-year prescription opioid misuse and having past-year alcohol use disorder (AUD). Compared to White heterosexuals, Asian SMs were at lower odds for past-month binge drinking and cocaine use, but not for past-month marijuana use and past-year AUD, marijuana use disorder, and prescription opioid misuse. More research is needed to understand these disparities and address sexual identity's role in substance use among Asians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ohshue Gatanaga
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joseph J. Palamar
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sahnah Lim
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Haider MR, Jayawardhana J. Opioid and benzodiazepine misuse in the United States: The impact of socio-demographic characteristics. Am J Addict 2024; 33:71-82. [PMID: 37689992 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.13481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In 2021, drug overdose deaths in the United States reached a new record of 107,622. Misuse of opioids and benzodiazepines accounts for a large portion of drug overdose deaths. However, the effects of socio-demographic characteristics on misuse of opioids and benzodiazepines are not evident. Thus, this study examines the socio-demographic characteristics associated with misuse of opioids and benzodiazepines among adults in the United States. METHODS Data from 2015-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health was utilized in the multinomial logistic regression analysis and included 202,935 adults ages ≥18 years. RESULTS During 2015-2019, 3.3% of the adults misused opioids, 1.2% misused benzodiazepines, and 0.9% misused both drugs in the preceding year of the survey. Those who were younger, bisexual, non-Hispanic White, had a history of delinquency in the past year, had alcohol dependence/abuse, marijuana dependence/abuse, nicotine dependence and use, and experienced major depressive episodes were more likely to misuse opioids, benzodiazepines, or both. CONCLUSION AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE A large portion of US adults are misusing opioids, benzodiazepines, and both drugs. Specifically, bisexual individuals experience higher odds of opioid misuse, benzodiazepine misuse and misuse of both drugs compared with heterosexuals, while males are experiencing lower odds of benzodiazepine misuse compared with females. Individuals aged 26-49 experience the highest odds of opioid misuse, though misuse of both drugs was higher among the 18-25 age group. Findings underscore the use of targeted preventive measures to reduce misuse of these drugs among at-risk populations identified in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rifat Haider
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, USA
| | - Jayani Jayawardhana
- College of Public Health & College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Ezell JM. Opioid and polydrug use among rural sexual and gender minorities: Current knowledge and future directions. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 121:104211. [PMID: 37801911 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jerel M Ezell
- Community Health Sciences, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA; Center for Cultural Humility, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, USA.
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5
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Rosenthal SR, Gately KA, Archibald N, Baker AB, Dawes MP, Swanberg JE. Substance Misuse among Sexual and Gender Minorities: The Role of Everyday Discrimination and Identity. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 58:1874-1882. [PMID: 37707795 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2257309] [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] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) often deal with discrimination which can result in maladaptive coping like substance misuse, yet few studies have examined the association between everyday discrimination and various types of substance misuse among SGMs or whether there is heterogeneity in substance misuse or this relationship by SGM identity. METHODS Data from 1316 adult SGMs in the United States were recruited from Reddit between February and March 2022. SGM identities (sexual minorities assigned male at birth (AMAB), sexual minorities assigned female at birth (AFAB), gender minorities AMAB, gender minorities AFAB), everyday discrimination, depressive symptoms, marijuana and alcohol misuse, over-the-counter drug misuse, prescription drug misuse, and heroin use were measured, along with demographics. Multivariable logistic regressions examined relationships between everyday discrimination and each substance misuse outcome, adjusting for SGM identity, race/ethnicity, age, income, and depressive symptoms. Interaction terms between everyday discrimination and SGM identities were added to each model to test for moderation. RESULTS In fully adjusted models, with each additional unit of everyday discrimination score, there were significantly increased odds of substance misuse for all outcomes. SGM by everyday discrimination interactions was significant for alcohol misuse, over-the-counter drug misuse, and heroin use, with the association between everyday discrimination and substance misuse stronger among gender minorities. CONCLUSIONS Substance misuse varied by SGM identity. Everyday discrimination was associated with substance misuse, but there was heterogeneity in this relationship between SGM identity and substance. Substance use disorder treatment and prevention among SGMs should consider heterogeneity by SGM identity and substance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha R Rosenthal
- Department of Health Science, College of Health & Wellness, Johnson & Wales UniversityProvidence, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown School of Public Health, Brown University, Providence, USA
| | - Kelsey A Gately
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health and Wellness, Johnson & Wales University, Providence,USA
| | - Natalya Archibald
- Department of Health Science, College of Health & Wellness, Johnson & Wales UniversityProvidence, USA
| | - Allyson B Baker
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health and Wellness, Johnson & Wales University, Providence,USA
| | - Monique P Dawes
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health and Wellness, Johnson & Wales University, Providence,USA
| | - Jennifer E Swanberg
- Department of Health Science, College of Health & Wellness, Johnson & Wales UniversityProvidence, USA
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Magee T, Peters C, Jacobsen SM, Nees D, Dunford B, Ford AI, Vassar M. Inequities in the treatment of opioid use disorder: A scoping review. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2023; 152:209082. [PMID: 37271346 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the lack of access to evidenced-based OUD treatment and the corresponding overdose crisis, researchers must evaluate and report health care inequities involving the treatment of OUD. Additionally, clinicians should be aware of these inequities in the treatment of patients. METHODS We carried out a scoping review of the literature regarding health inequities in treatment for OUD in July 2022. The study team retrieved articles published between 2016 and 2021 from MEDLINE and Ovid Embase. After authors received training, screening and data extraction were performed in masked, duplicate fashion. The team screened a total of 3673 titles and abstracts, followed by 172 articles for full-text review. The inequities that we examined were race/ethnicity, sex or gender, income, under-resourced/rural, occupational status, education level, and LGBTQ+. We used Stata 17.0 (StataCorp, LLC, College Station, TX) to summarize data and statistics of the studies within our sample. RESULTS A total of 44 studies evaluating inequities in OUD treatment met inclusion criteria. The most common inequity that studies examined was race/ethnicity (34/44 [77.27 %] studies), followed by under-resourced/rural (19/44 [43.18 %] studies), and sex or gender (18/44 [40.91 %] studies). LGBTQ+ (0/44 [0.0 %] studies) was not reported in the included studies. Our results indicate that many historically marginalized populations experience inequities related to access and outcomes in OUD treatment. The included studies in our scoping review occasionally demonstrated inconsistent findings. CONCLUSIONS Gaps exist within the literature on health inequities in treatment for OUD. The most examined inequities were race/ethnicity, under-resourced/rural and sex or gender, while studies did not examine LGBTQ+ status. Future research should aim to advance and supplement literature investigating health inequities in OUD treatment to ensure inclusive, patient-centered care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor Magee
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States.
| | - Caleb Peters
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Samuel M Jacobsen
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Danya Nees
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Bryan Dunford
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Alicia Ito Ford
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Matt Vassar
- Office of Medical Student Research, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, United States
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Matouk KM, Schulman JK, Case JAC. Mental Health Disparities in Sexual Minority and Transgender Women: Implications and Considerations for Treatment. Psychiatr Clin North Am 2023; 46:583-595. [PMID: 37500252 DOI: 10.1016/j.psc.2023.04.012] [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] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Minority stress theory offers an explanation of how discrimination, marginalization, harassment, and violence against sexual minority and transgender women are connected to mental health disparities. Particularly, these groups are vulnerable to body image issues, disordered eating, higher rates of mood and anxiety disorders, suicide and nonsuicidal self-injury, and substance use. Discrimination is also experienced within clinical settings, which may lead this population to postpone or avoid treatment. Clinicians play a crucial role in reducing barriers to health care by developing cultural competency and ensuring safe and affirming spaces within their practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kareen M Matouk
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 710 West 168th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Julie K Schulman
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 5141 Broadway, 3 River East, New York, NY 10034, USA
| | - Julia A C Case
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 710 West 168th Street, 12th Floor, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Scheer JR, Helminen EC, Cascalheira CJ, Jaipuriyar V, Shaw TJ, Zabelski S, Behari K, Pirog S, Batchelder AW, Possemato K, Hughes TL, Sullivan TP. Probable PTSD, PTSD symptom severity, and comorbid PTSD and hazardous drinking among sexual minority women compared to heterosexual women: A meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Rev 2023; 102:102283. [PMID: 37150043 PMCID: PMC10205673 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2023.102283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is more prevalent among sexual minority women (SMW) than among heterosexual women. PTSD risk varies among SMW, but no meta-analysis has clarified sexual identity-related disparities in probable PTSD among women or SMW's heterogeneity in PTSD risk. SMW are also at pronounced risk of comorbid PTSD and hazardous drinking (HD). However, the difference in comorbid PTSD/HD between SMW and heterosexual women is understudied. This meta-analysis aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of differences between SMW and heterosexual women and among SMW across demographic characteristics. Peer-reviewed publications that were written in English and reported quantitative data on PTSD specific to SMW were included. Eligible publications (n = 45) were identified through a systematic search of 11 electronic databases, supplemented by a search of reference lists of relevant papers. We found that probable PTSD, PTSD symptom severity, and probable comorbid PTSD/HD are highly prevalent among SMW, with SMW of color, transgender and gender diverse people, and bi+ women (e.g., bisexual, pansexual, queer) being at greatest risk. These results emphasize the need to improve accurate assessment of trauma-related sequelae among SMW and to develop, disseminate, and implement culturally sensitive treatments to reduce PTSD and comorbid PTSD/HD among at-risk SMW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jillian R Scheer
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 414 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA.
| | - Emily C Helminen
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 414 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; College of Health Science and Technology, Rochester Institute of Technology, USA
| | - Cory J Cascalheira
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 414 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA; Department of Counseling & Educational Psychology, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM, USA
| | - Virinca Jaipuriyar
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 414 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Thomas J Shaw
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Sasha Zabelski
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA
| | - Kriti Behari
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 414 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Sophia Pirog
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, 414 Huntington Hall, Syracuse, NY 13244, USA
| | - Abigail W Batchelder
- Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA; Behavioral Medicine Program, Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kyle Possemato
- VA Center for Integrated Healthcare, Syracuse Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Syracuse, NY, USA
| | - Tonda L Hughes
- School of Nursing and Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA; Columbia University School of Nursing Center for Sexual and Gender Minority Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Tami P Sullivan
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
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Paschen-Wolff MM, Kidd JD, Paine EA. The State of the Research on Opioid Outcomes Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and Other Sexuality- and Gender-Diverse Populations: A Scoping Review. LGBT Health 2023; 10:1-17. [PMID: 36318023 PMCID: PMC10081720 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2022.0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Research on opioid misuse, opioid use disorder (OUD), and overdose (i.e., opioid outcomes) among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and other populations within the LGBTQ umbrella (LGBTQ+) remains sparse. The purpose of this scoping review was to characterize the state of the research on opioid outcomes among LGBTQ+ populations, and identify gaps in the extant literature and areas for future research. Methods: We conducted a scoping review of peer-reviewed, English language articles published between 2011 and 2020 that examined opioid outcomes among LGBTQ+ populations in the CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, and PsycINFO databases. We extracted data from articles that focused on opioid outcomes within their specific aims or purpose. We include a general summary for articles that secondarily described opioid outcomes among LGBTQ+ populations. Results: Of 113 published studies that examined opioid outcomes among LGBTQ+ populations, 10% (n = 11) were specifically designed to focus on this topic. Across studies, bisexual populations, particularly women, were at highest risk for opioid misuse and OUD. Few studies examined opioid outcomes by more than one dimension of sexual orientation (n = 3, 27%), race and/or ethnicity (n = 3, 27%), or age (n = 5, 45%). Only two included transgender or gender diverse samples; only one explicitly measured gender identity. Conclusions: Future research is needed to understand the impact of the opioid epidemic on LGBTQ+ people, particularly transgender and other gender diverse individuals, and the intersectional role of race, ethnicity, and age in opioid disparities among LGBTQ+ individuals. Additional research could contribute to the development of much-needed affirming OUD treatment and other services for LGBTQ+ people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret M Paschen-Wolff
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center at New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jeremy D Kidd
- Division on Substance Use Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center at New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Emily Allen Paine
- HIV Center for Clinical and Behavioral Studies, Division of Gender, Sexuality, and Health, Department of Psychiatry, New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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Xin Y, Schwarting CM, Wasef MR, Davis AK. Exploring the intersectionality of stigma and substance use help-seeking behaviours among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning or otherwise gender or sexuality minority (LGBTQ+) individuals in the United States: A scoping review. Glob Public Health 2023; 18:2277854. [PMID: 37939481 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2023.2277854] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Problematic substance use (SU) is a significant issue among LGBTQ+ individuals, but rates of treatment/help-seeking in this population remain low. This review aimed to investigate literature about intersectional stigma of SU and LGBTQ+ identity and its impact on SU help-seeking behaviours in the U.S. Eligible studies from eight-database were included if peer-reviewed, in English, from the U.S., published between 2000 and 2022, focused on SU, stigma, SU help-seeking behaviours, among LGBTQ+ adults. Of 458 search results, 50 underwent full-text review, 12 were included in the final sample. Minority Stress Theory emerged as a relevant theoretical framework. Findings revealed that increased SU as a coping strategy was associated with minority stress. Intersectional stigma negatively impacted SU treatment experience among LGBTQ+ individuals, leading to avoidance of help-seeking or poor treatment outcomes. Patterns of SU and impact of stigma among LGBTQ+ individuals differ, wherein bisexual and transgender individuals reported significantly more treatment barriers and unique stressors. LGBTQ+ individuals reported earlier age of SU onset and were more likely to encounter opportunities for SU. This review highlights the impact of intersectional stigma on SU help-seeking behaviour among LGBTQ+ individuals in the U.S. Recommendations are provided for future clinical practice, research, and policy to better support LGBTQ+ individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yitong Xin
- Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Corrine M Schwarting
- Department of Psychology, Psychology Department, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, USA
| | - Mary R Wasef
- Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Alan K Davis
- Center for Psychedelic Drug Research and Education, College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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11
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Schuler MS, Evans-Polce RJ. Perceived Substance Use Risks Among Never Users: Sexual Identity Differences in a Sample of U.S. Young Adults. Am J Prev Med 2022; 63:987-996. [PMID: 36115799 PMCID: PMC10198135 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2022.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lower perceived risk is a well-established risk factor for initiating substance use behaviors and an integral component of many health behavior theories. Established literature has shown that many substance use behaviors are more prevalent among individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual than among those who identify as heterosexual. However, potential differences in perceived risk by sexual identity among individuals with no lifetime use have not been well characterized to date. METHODS Data on 111,785 adults aged 18-34 years (including 11,377 lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults) were from the 2015-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Perceived risks (classified as great risk versus less than great risk) were assessed with 11 National Survey on Drug Use and Health survey items regarding 6 different substances (alcohol, cigarettes, marijuana, cocaine, lysergic acid diethylamide, and heroin). Survey-weighted and sex-stratified logistic regression models were used to estimate sexual identity differences regarding perceived great risk among those reporting no lifetime use. Analyses were conducted in 2021-2022. RESULTS Gay men, bisexual men, lesbian/gay women, and bisexual women were all significantly less likely than heterosexual peers to perceive great risk associated with specific marijuana, cocaine, lysergic acid diethylamide, and heroin use behaviors. Bisexual men and women were also significantly less likely than heterosexual peers to perceive great risk associated with binge drinking behaviors and smoking ≥1 packs of cigarettes daily. CONCLUSIONS This novel investigation among never users provides evidence that lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults perceive significantly lower risks associated with multiple substance use behaviors than heterosexual adults, which may indicate important sexual identity differences in susceptibility to substance use initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca J Evans-Polce
- Department of Health Behavior and Biological Sciences, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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12
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Simulating the experience of searching for LGBTQ-specific opioid use disorder treatment in the United States. J Subst Abuse Treat 2022; 140:108828. [PMID: 35749919 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2022.108828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) populations experience opioid-related disparities compared to heterosexual and cisgender populations. LGBTQ-specific services are needed within opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment settings to minimize treatment barriers; research on the availability and accessibility of such services is limited. The purpose of the current study was to mimic the experience of an LGBTQ-identified individual searching for LGBTQ-specific OUD treatment services, using the SAMHSA National Directory of Drug and Alcohol Abuse Treatment Facilities - 2018 (Treatment Directory). METHODS We contacted treatment facilities listed in the Treatment Directory as providing both medications for OUD (MOUD) and "special programs/groups" for LGBTQ clients within states with the top 20 highest national opioid overdose rates. We used descriptive statistics to characterize the outcome of calls; and the overall number of facilities offering LGBTQ-specific services, MOUD, and both LGBTQ-specific services and MOUD in each state by 100,000 state population and in relation to opioid overdose mortality rates (programs-per-death rate). RESULTS Of the N = 570 treatment facilities contacted, n = 446 (78.25 %) were reached and answered our questions. Of n = 446 reached (all of which advertised both MOUD and LGBTQ-specific services), n = 366 (82.06 %) reported offering MOUD, n = 125 (28.03 %) reported offering special programs or groups for LGBTQ clients, and n = 107 (23.99 %) reported offering both MOUD and LGBTQ-specific services. Apart from Washington, DC, New Mexico, South Carolina, and West Virginia, which did not have any facilities that reported offering both MOUD and LGBTQ-specific services, Illinois had the lowest, and Michigan had the highest programs-per-death rate. Most of the northeastern states on our list (all but New Hampshire) clustered in the top two quarters of programs-per-death rates, while most of southeastern states (all but North Carolina) clustered in the bottom two quarters of programs-per-death rates. CONCLUSIONS The lack of LGBTQ-specific OUD treatment services may lead to missed opportunities for supporting LGBTQ people most in need of treatment; such treatment is especially crucial to prevent overdose mortality and improve the health of LGBTQ populations across the United States, particularly in the southeast.
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Huynh KD, Murgo MAJ, Lee DL. Internalized Heterosexism and Substance Use: A Meta-Analysis. COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGIST 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/00110000221086910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Sexual minority individuals report greater rates of substance use compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Internalized heterosexism (IH) is one critical factor underlying this disparity. There has been a proliferation of studies examining IH as a correlate of substance use; however, results of these studies have been mixed. The purpose of the current multilevel meta-analysis was to explain these mixed findings by identifying factors that moderate the overall relationship between IH and substance use. Results from the analysis of 49 studies (209 effect sizes and 162,674 participants) demonstrated a positive overall relationship between IH and substance use ( r = .065). This relationship was significantly moderated by sexual orientation, gender, and type of substance. Increased IH was linked to increased use of heroin ( r = .173), cocaine ( r = .135), tobacco ( r = .100), and alcohol ( r = .070). Implications for research, practice, and policy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiet D. Huynh
- Educational and Psychological Studies Department, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Michael A. J. Murgo
- Educational and Psychological Studies Department, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
| | - Debbiesiu L. Lee
- Educational and Psychological Studies Department, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, USA
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14
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Abrahão ABB, Kortas GT, Blaas IK, Koch Gimenes G, Leopoldo K, Malbergier A, Torales J, Ventriglio A, Castaldelli-Maia JM. The impact of discrimination on substance use disorders among sexual minorities. Int Rev Psychiatry 2022; 34:423-431. [PMID: 36151837 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2022.2094223] [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] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
This paper aimed to review the literature regarding the impact of discrimination on substance use disorders among Sexual Minorities (SM), with a focus on alcohol, opioids, stimulants, polydrug use, chemsex, cannabis and tobacco, as well as inequalities in the access to health care services. It is alarmingly clear that SM report higher rates of morbidity if compared to the general population. Health care delivery inequalities have also been reported in this special population. Also, the lack of data from low- and middle-income countries on substance use among SM is a major concern. Certainly, discrimination play a key-role among leading factors to substance abuse, continued use, disorders, and lower levels of preventive and treatment interventions. However, it may be difficult to estimate the impact of discrimination because of the lack of research data and different methodologies of literature studies. Moreover, SM are differently categorized and defined and evidences may be not comparable between studies. There is an urgent need of strategic guidelines and research investments aimed at prioritizing these populations disproportionately impacted by substance use. Equity-oriented policies and programs can facilitate opportunities and decrease substance use in these vulnerable subgroups, including community- and peer-led initiatives and nonjudgmental and inclusive health services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Israel Kanaan Blaas
- Department and Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, FMABC University Center, Santo André, Brazil
| | | | - Kae Leopoldo
- Institute of Psychology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - André Malbergier
- Department and Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Julio Torales
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medical Sciences, National University of Asunción, Asunción, Paraguay
| | - Antonio Ventriglio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - João Mauricio Castaldelli-Maia
- Department and Institute of Psychiatry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Neuroscience, Medical School, FMABC University Center, Santo André, Brazil
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15
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Silveri G, Schimmenti S, Prina E, Gios L, Mirandola M, Converti M, Fiorillo A, Pinna F, Ventriglio A, Galeazzi GM, Sherriff N, Zeeman L, Amaddeo F, Paribello P, Pinna F, Giallanella D, Gaggiano C, Ventriglio A, Converti M, Fiorillo A, Galeazzi GM, Marchi M, Arcolin E, Fiore G, Mirandola M, Schimmenti S, Silveri G, Prina E, Amaddeo F, Bragazzi NL. Barriers in care pathways and unmet mental health needs in LGBTIQ + communities. Int Rev Psychiatry 2022; 34:215-229. [PMID: 36151825 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2022.2075256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer people and minority gender identities and sexualities (LGBTIQ+) are often stigmatized and experience discrimination in health care settings, leading to poorer mental health outcomes and unmet needs compared to heterosexual and cisgendered peers. It is thus imperative that mental health providers consider and address structural challenges in order to reduce mental health inequalities of this population. This narrative review assessed the barriers that may prevent access to care and the pathways for care in LGBTIQ + communities. PubMed, PsycInfo, Embase, and Scopus were searched for papers published between December 2021 and February 2022. A total of 107 papers were included with studies reflecting five themes: (1) Unmet mental health needs; (2) Young people; (3) Substance abuse and addiction; (4) Barriers and pathways to care; and (5) Interventions. Findings demonstrate that LGBTIQ + people experience stigmatization and higher rates of substance misuse and mental ill health, which may lead to barriers in accessing health care services, and fewer tailored interventions being provided. These findings have implications for policy, health care screening, and how specialist services are structured. Substantial gaps in the evidence-base exist, and future research should examine how mental health care providers can challenge social issues that maintain discriminatory and stigmatizing practices, and support LGBTIQ + individuals to sustain their resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giada Silveri
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Simone Schimmenti
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Eleonora Prina
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Massimo Mirandola
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Infectious Diseases Section, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | | | - Andrea Fiorillo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Pinna
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio Ventriglio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Galeazzi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.,Department of integrated activity of Mental Health and Pathological Dependencies, USL-IRCSS company of Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Nigel Sherriff
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK.,Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Laetitia Zeeman
- School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK.,Centre for Transforming Sexuality and Gender, University of Brighton, Brighton, UK
| | - Francesco Amaddeo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Pasquale Paribello
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Federica Pinna
- Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Daniela Giallanella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental, University di Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Costanza Gaggiano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental, University di Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Antonio Ventriglio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental, University di Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Fiorillo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Gian Maria Galeazzi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Mattia Marchi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Elisa Arcolin
- Department of Mental Health and Drug Abuse, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Gianluca Fiore
- Department of Mental Health and Drug Abuse, Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Massimo Mirandola
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Simone Schimmenti
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Giada Silveri
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Eleonora Prina
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Francesco Amaddeo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- Laboratory for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (LIAM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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16
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Struble CA, Thomas K, Stenersen MR, Moore KE, Burke C, Pittman B, McKee SA. Sexual minority disparities in opioid and benzodiazepine misuse among adults with opioid use disorder. Am J Addict 2022; 31:200-209. [PMID: 35243706 PMCID: PMC9117396 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.13258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Sexual minority individuals demonstrate disparate rates of substance use. Research suggests that bisexual women are vulnerable to substance use disorders when compared to other sexual minority groups. This study explored differences in prevalence of past-year alcohol use disorder (AUD) with and without concurrent past-year opioid and/or benzodiazepine misuse. METHODS The present study utilized responses from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) public dataset between the years 2015-2019 (N = 16,002) to examine the association between sexual orientation and concurrent misuse of opioids and/or benzodiazepines among individuals with past-year AUD, stratified by sex. RESULTS Bisexual females demonstrated higher rates of concurrent opioid and benzodiazepine use compared to all other groups. Although there was no association between sexual orientation and concurrent substance use patterns among males, female respondents with past-year AUD endorsing past-year misuse of opioids and benzodiazepines, both alone and in combination, were more likely to be bisexual compared to heterosexual. Lesbians were less likely to endorse concurrent misuse of opioids and benzodiazepines compared to bisexual females. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS In a national sample, bisexual females demonstrated higher odds of risky concurrent substance use patterns. Identifying sexual minority individuals who exhibit elevated risk of co-occurring alcohol, opioid, and/or benzodiazepine misuse is an important step to targeted prevention efforts and allocation of resources to combat rising overdose deaths. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE For the first time, this study explored risky concurrent alcohol, opioid, and benzodiazepine misuse patterns among individuals of different sexual orientations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cara A Struble
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Kathryn Thomas
- Justice Collaboratory, Yale Law School, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,SEICHE Center for Health and Justice, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | | | - Kelly E Moore
- Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Catherine Burke
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Brian Pittman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sherry A McKee
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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17
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Kidd JD, Paschen-Wolff MM, Mericle AA, Caceres BA, Drabble LA, Hughes TL. A scoping review of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use treatment interventions for sexual and gender minority populations. J Subst Abuse Treat 2022; 133:108539. [PMID: 34175174 PMCID: PMC8674383 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use are among the most prevalent and important health disparities affecting sexual and gender minority (SGM; e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) populations. Although numerous government agencies and health experts have called for substance use intervention studies to address these disparities, such studies continue to be relatively rare. METHOD We conducted a scoping review of prevention and drug treatment intervention studies for alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use that were conducted with SGM adults. We searched three databases to identify pertinent English-language, peer-reviewed articles published between 1985 and 2019. RESULTS Our search yielded 71 articles. The majority focused on sexual minority men and studied individual or group psychotherapies for alcohol, tobacco, or methamphetamine use. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the need for intervention research focused on sexual minority women and gender minority individuals and on cannabis and opioid use. There is also a need for more research that evaluates dyadic, population-level, and medication interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy D Kidd
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 622 W. 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Margaret M Paschen-Wolff
- Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 622 W. 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA; New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Amy A Mericle
- Alcohol Research Group at the Public Health Institute, 6001 Shellmound Street, Suite 450, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA.
| | - Billy A Caceres
- Columbia University School of Nursing, 560 W. 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Laurie A Drabble
- San Jose State University, College of Health and Human Sciences, One Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95191, USA.
| | - Tonda L Hughes
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA; Columbia University School of Nursing, 560 W. 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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18
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Schuler MS, Collins RL, Ramchand R. Disparities in Use/Misuse of Specific Illicit and Prescription Drugs among Sexual Minority Adults in a National Sample. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:461-471. [PMID: 35067155 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2021.2019776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Background: Compared to heterosexual adults, lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) adults have higher rates of any illicit drug use and any prescription drug misuse, yet disparities regarding specific drugs remain poorly characterized. Methods: We examined disparities by sexual identity and sex for 8 illicit and prescription drugs using 2015-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data. Outcomes included past-year use/misuse of cocaine/crack, hallucinogens, inhalants, methamphetamine, heroin, prescription opioids, prescription stimulants, prescription tranquilizers/sedatives, and level of polydrug use/misuse (2 substances; 3+ substances). For each outcome, odds ratios relative to heterosexual adults of same sex were estimated using logistic regression controlling for demographics; significant estimates were interpreted as a disparity. Results: Among gay men, significant disparities were present for all drugs except prescription stimulants and heroin; inhalant use was particularly elevated. Bisexual women exhibited significant disparities for every drug examined, as did bisexual men (except heroin). Among lesbian/gay women, disparities were only present for prescription opioids and stimulants. Relative to heterosexual peers, use of 3+ substances was 3 times higher among gay men and bisexual women and 2 times higher among bisexual men. Conclusions: Consistent with minority stress theory, prevalences of illicit and prescription drug use/misuse were 2-3 times higher among LGB adults than heterosexual adults. Illicit drug use should not be perceived as only impacting gay/bisexual men - bisexual women had similar - or higher - prevalences of hallucinogen, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin use. Yet, in contrast to bisexual women, lesbian/gay women did not exhibit disparities for any illicit drugs.
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19
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Young WJ, Bover Manderski MT, Ganz O, Delnevo CD, Hrywna M. Examining the Impact of Question Construction on Reporting of Sexual Identity: Survey Experiment Among Young Adults. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2021; 7:e32294. [PMID: 34898444 PMCID: PMC8713107 DOI: 10.2196/32294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Compared with heterosexuals, sexual minorities in the United States experience a higher incidence of negative physical and mental health outcomes. However, a variety of measurement challenges limit researchers’ ability to conduct meaningful survey research to understand these disparities. Despite the prevalence of additional identities, many national health surveys only offer respondents 3 substantive options for reporting their sexual identities (straight/heterosexual, gay or lesbian, and bisexual), which could lead to measurement error via misreporting and item nonresponse. Objective This study compared the traditional 3-option approach to measuring sexual identity with an expanded approach that offered respondents 5 additional options. Methods An online survey experiment conducted among New Jersey residents between March and June 2021 randomly assigned 1254 young adults (ages 18-21) to answer either the 3-response measure of sexual identity or the expanded item. Response distributions for each measure were compared as were the odds of item nonresponse. Results The expanded version of the question appeared to result in more accurate reporting among some subgroups and induced less item nonresponse; 12% (77/642) of respondents in the expanded version selected a response that was not available in the shorter version. Females answering the expanded item were less likely to identify as gay or lesbian (2.1% [10/467] vs. 6.6% [30/457]). Females and Non-Hispanic Whites were slightly more likely to skip the shorter version than the longer version (1.1% [5/457 for females and 3/264 for Non-Hispanic Whites] vs. 0% [0/467 for females and 0/277 for Non-Hispanic Whites]). About 5% (32/642) of respondents answering the longer item were unsure of their sexual identity (a similar option was not available in the shorter version). Compared with respondents answering the longer version of the question, those answering the shorter version had substantially greater odds of skipping the question altogether (odds ratio 9.57, 95% CI 1.21-75.74; P=.03). Conclusions Results favor the use of a longer, more detailed approach to measuring sexual identity in epidemiological research. Such a measure will likely allow researchers to produce more accurate estimates of health behaviors and outcomes among sexual minorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Young
- Center for Tobacco Studies, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | - Michelle T Bover Manderski
- Center for Tobacco Studies, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States.,Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Ollie Ganz
- Center for Tobacco Studies, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States.,Department of Health Behavior, Society and Policy, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Cristine D Delnevo
- Center for Tobacco Studies, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States.,Department of Health Behavior, Society and Policy, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Mary Hrywna
- Center for Tobacco Studies, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States.,Department of Health Behavior, Society and Policy, Rutgers School of Public Health, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
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20
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Mauro PM, Philbin MM, Greene ER, Askari MS, Martins SS. Medical and Non-Medical Opioid Use at the Intersection of Gender and Sexual Identity: Associations with State Medical Cannabis Law Status in a U.S. National Sample of Adults. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2021; 50:3551-3561. [PMID: 34751862 PMCID: PMC8729119 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02128-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
At the structural level, medical cannabis laws (MCLs) have been negatively associated with opioid prescribing practices, and sexual minority adults report disproportionately high non-medical prescription opioid use. We examined medical/non-medical prescription opioid use by intersecting sexual identity and gender and explored associations with MCLs using the 2015-2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, which captured sexual identity and MCL state residence for adults 18 + years (N = 126,463). Survey-weighted gender-stratified multinomial logistic models estimated adjusted relative risk ratios (aRRR) of medical vs. no prescription opioid use, and any non-medical vs. no prescription opioid use, by sexual identity and MCL, and tested moderation by MCL. Past-year medical prescription opioid use was higher among women than men across sexual identities (e.g., bisexual: 38.5% women vs. 30.2% men). Non-medical prescription opioid use was lower among women than men, except for bisexual adults (12.4% women vs. 7.6% men). MCL was associated with lower medical prescription opioid vs. no use among heterosexual women (aRRR = 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.81-0.91), bisexual women (aRRR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.62-0.89), and heterosexual men (aRRR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.85-0.97). Living in an MCL state was associated with lower non-medical vs. no use among heterosexual and bisexual women, but not among men or lesbian/gay women. MCL status did not moderate associations between sexual identity and prescription opioid outcomes. Future studies should assess whether implementing MCLs could particularly affect bisexual women who reported the highest prescription opioid use and may need targeted services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia M Mauro
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Morgan M Philbin
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Emily R Greene
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Melanie S Askari
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Silvia S Martins
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
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21
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Krasnova A, Diaz JE, Philbin MM, Mauro PM. Disparities in substance use disorder treatment use and perceived need by sexual identity and gender among adults in the United States. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 226:108828. [PMID: 34325282 PMCID: PMC8477369 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use disorder (SUD) treatment use is low in the United States. We assessed differences in treatment use and perceived need by sexual identity (i.e., lesbian, gay, bisexual, heterosexual) and gender among adults with a past-year SUD. METHODS We pooled data from the 2015-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health for adults (18+) who met past-year DSM-IV SUD criteria and self-reported sexual identity (n = 21,926). Weighted multivariable logistic regressions estimated odds of past-year: 1) any SUD treatment; 2) specialty SUD treatment; 3) perceived SUD treatment need by sexual identity, stratified by gender and adjusted for socio-demographics. RESULTS Any past-year SUD treatment use was low among adult men (heterosexual [10.4 %], gay [15.5 %], and bisexual [7.1 %]) and women (heterosexual [9.9 %], gay/lesbian [11.9 %], and bisexual [13.2 %]). Patterns were similar for specialty SUD treatment and perceived treatment need. Adjusted odds of any SUD treatment use were higher among gay men (aOR = 1.65 [95 % Confidence Interval 1.10-2.46]) and bisexual women (aOR = 1.31 [1.01-1.69]) than their heterosexual peers. Compared to their heterosexual counterparts, adjusted odds of perceived SUD treatment need were higher among bisexual women (aOR = 1.65 [1.22-2.25]), gay men (aOR = 1.76 [1.09-2.84]), and bisexual men (aOR = 2.39 [1.35-4.24]). CONCLUSIONS Most adults with SUD did not receive treatment. Gay men and bisexual women were more likely to receive treatment and reported higher perceived SUD treatment need than heterosexual peers. Facilitating treatment access and engagement is needed to reduce unmet needs among marginalized people who perceive SUD treatment need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Krasnova
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.
| | - José E Diaz
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Morgan M Philbin
- Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Pia M Mauro
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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22
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Strathdee SA, Bristow CC, Gaines T, Shoptaw S. Collateral Damage: A Narrative Review on Epidemics of Substance Use Disorders and Their Relationships to Sexually Transmitted Infections in the United States. Sex Transm Dis 2021; 48:466-473. [PMID: 33315749 PMCID: PMC8184578 DOI: 10.1097/olq.0000000000001341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Associations between substance use disorders and outbreaks of HIV and acute viral hepatitis have received considerable attention, but less research has focused on links between substance use disorders and sexually transmitted infections, apart from alcohol misuse. This narrative review describes the history of this public health crisis in the United States and direct and indirect effects opioids and specific stimulants have on high-risk sexual behaviors. We also review the epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections associated with opioids and stimulants in the United States and discuss opportunities for integrated interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffanie Ann Strathdee
- From the Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Claire C Bristow
- From the Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Tommi Gaines
- From the Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla
| | - Steven Shoptaw
- Department of Family Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
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23
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Rosner B, Neicun J, Yang JC, Roman-Urrestarazu A. Substance use among sexual minorities in the US - Linked to inequalities and unmet need for mental health treatment? Results from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH). J Psychiatr Res 2021; 135:107-118. [PMID: 33472121 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2020.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual minorities (SM) have specific substance use patterns and show elevated rates of substance use and substance use disorders. We investigated the potential association between substance use - including chemsex drug use - among SM adults in the United States (US) and social inequality, with an additional focus on disparities in unmet need for mental health treatment. METHODS A secondary cross-sectional data analysis was performed using National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data from 2015 to 2017 and including 126,463 individuals with 8241 identifying as SM. Multivariable logistic regression models were implemented to quantify disparities in substance use, to calculate the effect of sociodemographic variables on substance use, and to examine associations with socioeconomic vulnerability. FINDINGS SM showed higher odds of past-year substance use and lifetime chemsex drug use. All SM except for bisexual men exhibited higher odds of past-month binge drinking relative to heterosexuals. Bisexual women had higher odds for use of all analysed substances relative to heterosexual women. Being older and being a woman were shown to be protective factors. Urbanity, being uninsured, and unmet need for mental health treatment were associated with significantly higher odds of substance use, chemsex drug use and binge drinking. A link was established between drug use and health indicators, with higher odds of drug use for lower health ratings. SM experienced significantly higher levels of socioeconomic vulnerability. Higher vulnerability indices were associated with increased odds for drug use. INTERPRETATION This study is among the first nationally representative samples that analysed the link between sociodemographic factors and unmet need for mental health treatment and substance use in SM. It emphasises the multifactorial aetiology of substance use exposure, highlights the underlying mechanisms for substance use among SM while underscoring disparities among them. Approaches tailored to SM subgroups may be needed to address comorbidities and negative health outcomes of substance use in the long-term. However, critical gaps in the literature remain and large-scale studies inclusive of SM individuals are needed to present causal links. FUNDING Gillings Fellowship SYOG054 to ARU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Rosner
- Department of Anaesthesia/Intensive Care/Emergency Medicine/Pain Medicine, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg, Oldenburg, Germany; Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Forvie Site, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica Neicun
- Department of International Health, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Justin Christopher Yang
- Division of Psychiatry, Faculty of Brain Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom; Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Forvie Site, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Andres Roman-Urrestarazu
- Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Forvie Site, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Department of International Health, Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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Diaz M, Tenney C, Boyd KE, Ford JA. Sexual Identity and Motivations for Prescription Drug Misuse Among U.S. Adults. LGBT Health 2021; 8:107-115. [PMID: 33566728 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2020.0294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Although we know that sexual minority populations, particularly bisexual individuals, tend to be at increased risk for substance use, less research has focused on prescription drug misuse (PDM). The current study is the first to assess differences in motivations for PDM by sexual identity and sex. This is important as research has established a link between certain motivations and adverse outcomes. Methods: This study used data from multiple years of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (2015-2018). Respondents who reported past-year PDM were asked follow-up questions to identify motivations for PDM. We ran several weighted cross-tabulations to estimate the prevalence and 95% confidence intervals for motivations for PDM by sexual identity (i.e., heterosexual, lesbian or gay, and bisexual) for males and females separately. When chi-square tests were significant, post hoc comparisons using design-based multivariable regressions were conducted. Results: Prevalence rates for both PDM and substance use disorder associated with prescription drugs were higher among sexual minority adults than heterosexual adults. With regard to motives, bisexual females were more likely to endorse recreational motives (i.e., to get high) for prescription opioids, tranquilizers, and stimulants than heterosexual females. Gay males were more likely to endorse self-treatment motives (e.g., to relax, to lose weight) than both bisexual and heterosexual males. Conclusion: High prevalence rates and endorsement of recreational motives identify bisexual females as an important at-risk population. It is important for clinicians to consider how prevention, treatment, and intervention strategies focused on PDM may be improved to best target this unique population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelyn Diaz
- Department of Sociology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Caralyn Tenney
- Department of Sociology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Kelsey E Boyd
- Department of Sociology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Jason A Ford
- Department of Sociology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
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25
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Hoetger C, Rabinovitch AE, Henry RS, Aguayo Arelis A, Rabago Barajas BV, Perrin PB. Characterizing substance use in a sample of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender adults in Mexico. J Addict Dis 2020; 39:96-104. [PMID: 33118855 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2020.1826102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Background: Research from high-income countries on substance use among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adults is growing; however, limited empirical research exists on LGBT adults in Mexico. Filling this gap is critical as LGBT adults experience unique stressors that may place them at risk for substance use-related health outcomes. Objectives: This study sought to characterize substance use prevalence and magnitude among a convenience sample of Mexican LGBT adults. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted using a sample of Spanish-speaking, self-identified LGBT adults (n = 92) residing in Mexico who were recruited through online forums of LGBT-focused organizations. Descriptive and frequency analyses were conducted. Results: Participants predominantly identified as cisgender men (n = 44) and gay/lesbian (n = 68). Participants reported high rates of past 90-day legal substance use (>93% for alcohol and >57% for tobacco). The most commonly reported illicit drug used in the past 90 days was marijuana (>29%). Conclusions: While the sample reported lower prevalence and magnitude of substance use relative to other Mexican or United States LGBT samples, the findings highlight that legal and illicit substance use presents health risks for Mexican LGBT individuals. LGBT identity-affirming substance use treatment may reduce substance use-related health burden among this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosima Hoetger
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Annie E Rabinovitch
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Richard S Henry
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Adriana Aguayo Arelis
- Department of Neurosciences, CUCS, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara, JAL, Mexico.,Department of Psychology, Enrique Diaz de Leon University, Guadalajara, JAL, Mexico
| | | | - Paul B Perrin
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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26
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Morgan E, Feinstein BA, Dyar C. Disparities in Prescription Opioid Misuse Affecting Sexual Minority Adults Are Attenuated by Depression and Suicidal Ideation. LGBT Health 2020; 7:431-438. [PMID: 33112701 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2020.0220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Heightened rates of prescription opioid misuse have been observed among sexual minority (SM) compared with heterosexual populations. In addition, depression and suicidal ideation are risk factors for misuse, and they are also elevated among SM populations. The purpose of this analysis was to examine whether depression and suicidal ideation attenuate disparities in prescription opioid misuse among SM adults. Methods: Data came from a publicly available, nationally representative data set, the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2015-2018. Among adults, survey-weighted logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between sexual orientation and past-year opioid misuse adjusting for demographics and either past-year major depressive episode or suicidal ideation. Probabilities of prescription opioid misuse were also assessed under counterfactual rates of depression and suicidal ideation. Analyses were stratified by sex. Results: Among participants in the analytic sample (N = 169,759; SM = 11,268), 9254 (5.5%) reported past-year prescription opioid misuse. The overall rate of opioid misuse decreased from 6.2% in 2015 to 4.6% in 2018. The association between sexual orientation and opioid misuse was attenuated downward for gay men, lesbian women, and bisexual individuals (men and women) after adjusting for either major depressive episode or suicidal ideation, but opioid misuse remained higher among most SM groups. In addition, rates of opioid misuse were found to be lower in counterfactual analyses with a nearly 2.5- and 4-fold decrease in depression and suicidal ideation among gay men and bisexual women, respectively. Conclusion: Efforts to reduce disparities in depression and suicidal ideation affecting SM individuals may reduce disparities in prescription opioid misuse affecting this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan Morgan
- Infectious Disease Institute, College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Brian A Feinstein
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Christina Dyar
- Institute for Sexual and Gender Minority Health and Wellbeing, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Klare DL, McCabe SE, Ford JA, Schepis TS. Prescription drug misuse, other substance use, and sexual identity: The significance of educational status and psychological distress in US young adults. Subst Abus 2020; 42:377-387. [PMID: 32692942 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2020.1784358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim was to examine the effects of sexual identity, educational status, and their interaction on the past-year prevalence of controlled prescription use and prescription drug misuse (PDM) in U.S. young adults, 18-25 years. Methods: Data were from the 2015-2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (young adult N = 38,298). Past-year prescription opioid, stimulant and benzodiazepine use and PDM were outcomes, with PDM defined as use without a prescription or in ways not intended by the prescriber. Separate regressions by sex evaluated the relationship between prescription medication use or PDM prevalence and sexual identity, educational status/attainment (college student/graduate versus non-college), their interaction and past-year psychological distress. Results: Sexual identity minority young adults had higher rates of prescription use and PDM than heterosexual young adults. After accounting for educational status, though, bisexual men rarely differed from heterosexual men; after including psychological distress, gay men rarely differed from heterosexual men. Versus heterosexual women, lesbian (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.33, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 1.47-2.30) and bisexual (AOR= 1.78, 95% CI = 1.27-2.50) young adult women had higher rates of prescription opioid misuse, after adjusting for educational status, psychological distress and sociodemographics. Versus heterosexual men, benzodiazepine PDM was elevated in gay men (AOR = 1.91, 95% CI= 1.02-3.58). Educational status was generally associated with lower rates of prescription use and PDM, except for stimulant PDM. Conclusions: Screening for psychological distress and PDM is needed in sexual identity minority young adults, especially for prescription opioid misuse among sexual identity minority women. Culturally-sensitive intervention should be considered for those with elevated psychological distress or signs of PDM. Further research on the sex differences found in the link between psychological distress and sexual identity minority opioid and stimulant PDM is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalton L Klare
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
| | - Sean Esteban McCabe
- Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking and Health, School of Nursing, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Institute for Research on Women and Gender, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Jason A Ford
- Department of Sociology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Ty S Schepis
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas, USA
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Schuler MS, Prince DM, Breslau J, Collins RL. Substance Use Disparities at the Intersection of Sexual Identity and Race/Ethnicity: Results from the 2015-2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. LGBT Health 2020; 7:283-291. [PMID: 32543315 DOI: 10.1089/lgbt.2019.0352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) racial/ethnic minority individuals experience minority stress due to both their sexual identity and race/ethnicity and may be at elevated substance use risk (relative to heterosexuals) compared with their White LGB peers. We examined differences in the presence and magnitude of substance use disparities among LGB adults across race/ethnicity. Methods: Using data on 168,560 adults (including 11,389 LGB adults) from the 2015-2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, we examined disparities in cigarette smoking, heavy episodic drinking (HED), and marijuana use by race/ethnicity (White, Black, Hispanic, and other race/multiracial). Analyses compared lesbian/gay and bisexual adults, respectively, with heterosexual adults of the same gender and race/ethnicity. We also tested the magnitude of racial/ethnic minority disparities relative to the corresponding White disparity. Results: Significant disparities in smoking, HED, and marijuana use were observed for lesbian/gay and bisexual women across nearly all racial/ethnic groups. Disparities were consistently greater in magnitude for Black and Hispanic LGB women compared with White LGB women. Few disparities were observed among men; the magnitude of observed disparities did not differ by race/ethnicity. Conclusion: Disparities were most pronounced among racial/ethnic minority LGB women, which may reflect their unique experiences of discrimination at the intersection of multiple minority idenities. However, racial/ethnic minority gay and bisexual men were not at elevated risk relative to their White counterparts. Future research on substance use disparities among LGB individuals using an intersectional framework is warranted to elucidate differential minority stress processes that contribute to the observed heterogeneity across race/ethnicity, sexual identity, and gender.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dana M Prince
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Schepis TS, Klare DL, Ford JA, McCabe SE. Prescription Drug Misuse: Taking a Lifespan Perspective. SUBSTANCE ABUSE-RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2020; 14:1178221820909352. [PMID: 32214819 PMCID: PMC7065295 DOI: 10.1177/1178221820909352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Prescription drug misuse (PDM), or medication use without a prescription or in ways not intended by the prescriber, is a notable public health concern, especially in the United States. Accumulating research has characterized PDM prevalence and processes, but age-based or lifespan changes in PDM are understudied. Given age-based differences in the medical or developmental concerns that often underlie PDM, it is likely that PDM varies by age. This review summarizes the literature on PDM across the lifespan, examining lifespan changes in prevalence, sources, motives and correlates for opioid, stimulant, and tranquilizer/sedative (or benzodiazepine) PDM. In all, prevalence rates, sources and motives vary considerably by age group, with fewer age-based differences in correlates or risk factors. PDM prevalence rates tend to decline with aging, with greater use of physician sources and greater endorsement of self-treatment motives in older groups. Recreational motives (such as to get high) tend to peak in young adulthood, with greater use of peer sources or purchases to obtain medication for PDM in younger groups. PDM co-occurs with other substance use and psychopathology, including suicidality, across age groups. The evidence for lifespan variation in PDM is strongest for opioid PDM, with a need for more research on tranquilizer/sedative and stimulant PDM. The current literature is limited by the few studies of lifespan changes in PDM within a single sample, a lack of longitudinal research, little research addressing PDM in the context of polysubstance use, and little research on minority groups, such as sexual and gender minorities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ty S Schepis
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
| | - Dalton L Klare
- Department of Psychology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
| | - Jason A Ford
- Department of Sociology, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Sean Esteban McCabe
- Center for the Study of Drugs, Alcohol, Smoking and Health, School of Nursing, University of MI, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Institute for Research on Women and Gender, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Center for Human Growth and Development, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Pitzer L, Bennett M, Simard B, Schillo BA, Vallone DM, Hair EC. Prescription Opioid Misuse: Examining the Role of Opioid-Related Attitudes among Youth and Young Adults by Sexual Orientation. Subst Use Misuse 2020; 55:1601-1609. [PMID: 32326803 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2020.1753774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: High prevalence of opioid misuse has been noted among youth and young adults-particularly among those who identify as lesbian/gay or bisexual (LGB). Yet, little is known about the relationship between opioid-related attitudes and misuse among those who identify as LGB. Objectives: This study examined the role of opioid-related attitudes (i.e. acceptance of misuse and risk perception) in relation to ever and past 6-month prescription opioid misuse, stratified by sexual orientation. Methods: This study used a nationally representative, probability-based sample of youth and young adults aged 15-34 (N = 12,745; lesbian/gay = 398, bisexual = 857, heterosexual = 11,490). Data were collected via online surveys in Spring 2018. Wald chi-square tests assessed differences in ever and past 6-month opioid misuse by sexual orientation identity. Weighted adjusted logistic regression models estimated the influence of opioid-related attitudes (acceptance of misuse and risk perceptions) in relation to ever and past 6-month opioid misuse, controlling for demographic characteristics, other past drug use, and psychosocial variables. Results: Logistic regression models indicated that attitudes related to the acceptance of opioid misuse was predictive of (a) higher odds of ever misuse among heterosexual and bisexual individuals and (b) higher odds of past 6-month misuse regardless of sexual orientation. Conclusions: Prescription opioid misuse among LGB youth and young adults may be addressed by shifting key attitudes surrounding opioids. To help stem this deadly epidemic, prevention efforts should be guided by the unique stressors facing the LGB community and focus on reducing the acceptability of misusing opioids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Pitzer
- Schroeder Institute at Truth Initiative, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Morgane Bennett
- Schroeder Institute at Truth Initiative, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Prevention and Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Bethany Simard
- Schroeder Institute at Truth Initiative, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Donna M Vallone
- Schroeder Institute at Truth Initiative, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elizabeth C Hair
- Schroeder Institute at Truth Initiative, Washington, DC, USA.,Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Schuler MS, Collins RL. Sexual minority substance use disparities: Bisexual women at elevated risk relative to other sexual minority groups. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 206:107755. [PMID: 31810051 PMCID: PMC6980764 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 11/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies characterizing sexual minority substance use disparities have primarily compared lesbian/gay and bisexual individuals, respectively or in combination, to heterosexual individuals. In light of emerging evidence that bisexual individuals may have particularly elevated substance use risk, we examine differences in recent substance use between bisexual and lesbian/gay individuals using national survey data. METHODS Data on 126,463 adults (including 8241 LGB adults) were from the 2015-2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Substance use outcomes included binge drinking, cigarette smoking, cigar smoking, marijuana use, illicit drug use, opioid misuse, alcohol use disorder, nicotine dependence, and substance use disorder. Logistic regression was used to estimate sexual identity- and gender-specific odds ratios, controlling for demographic characteristics. Of particular interest were estimates comparing bisexual and lesbian/gay individuals of the same gender. RESULTS Both male and female sexual minority adults had significantly elevated rates of substance use compared to heterosexual adults. Furthermore, relative to lesbian/gay women, bisexual women had significantly elevated odds of binge drinking (aOR = 1.29), marijuana use (aOR = 1.42), illicit drug use (aOR = 1.55), opioid misuse (aOR = 1.53), and alcohol use disorder (aOR = 1.48). Relative to gay men, bisexual men had significantly elevated cigar use (aOR = 1.64). CONCLUSIONS Bisexual women were at significantly greater risk for multiple substance use behaviors relative to lesbian/gay women. We did not observe any substance use behaviors for which bisexual individuals had significantly lower risk than their lesbian/gay peers. These disparities may be explained, in part, by unique risk factors for substance use experienced by bisexual individuals, particularly bisexual women.
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