1
|
Goldshear JL, Corsi KF, Ceasar RC, Ganesh SS, Simpson KA, Kral AH, Bluthenthal RN. Housing and Displacement as Risk Factors for Negative Health Outcomes Among People Who Inject Drugs in Los Angeles, CA, and Denver, CO, USA. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4758949. [PMID: 39184086 PMCID: PMC11343175 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4758949/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Background The United States is currently experiencing a housing and homelessness crisis. In response, many cities have adopted policies of displacement that move unhoused people from place to place. Recent research indicates that these policies may have negative health impacts on unhoused people who use drugs. We sought to examine health risks associated with government-enforced displacement among unhoused people who inject drugs (PWID). Methods We interviewed a community-recruited sample of opioid-using PWID in Los Angeles, CA and Denver, CO between April 2021 and November 2022 (N = 472) about their demographic/socioeconomic characteristics, drug use patterns, housing status, government-enforced displacement including items discarded during displacements, and health risks. We constructed binomial generalized linear regression to examine the risk ratio of non-fatal overdose, and syringe and cooker/cotton sharing between four groups of participants: housed, unhoused and not displaced, unhoused and relocated voluntarily, and unhoused and displaced in the last three months. Results In the last 3 months, 52% of participants were unhoused and displaced by the government. Among those who were displaced, median number of government-enforced displacements was 3 with 69% reporting loss of syringes, 56% loss of naloxone, and 22% loss of buprenorphine medicine. In multivariate models, risk ratios for unhoused and displaced participants were higher for nonfatal overdose and cooker/cotton sharing as compared to housed participants. Risk ratios for syringe sharing amongst unhoused participants did not differ significantly. Conclusions Unhoused and displaced PWID experience elevated health risks. Ending the use of government-enforced displacement of unhoused PWID is essential to reducing health risk in this population.
Collapse
|
2
|
Byrne CJ, Sani F, Thain D, Fletcher EH, Malaguti A. Psychosocial factors associated with overdose subsequent to Illicit Drug use: a systematic review and narrative synthesis. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:81. [PMID: 38622647 PMCID: PMC11017611 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-00999-8] [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: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Psychological and social status, and environmental context, may mediate the likelihood of experiencing overdose subsequent to illicit drug use. The aim of this systematic review was to identify and synthesise psychosocial factors associated with overdose among people who use drugs. METHODS This review was registered on Prospero (CRD42021242495). Systematic record searches were undertaken in databases of peer-reviewed literature (Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cinahl) and grey literature sources (Google Scholar) for work published up to and including 14 February 2023. Reference lists of selected full-text papers were searched for additional records. Studies were eligible if they included people who use drugs with a focus on relationships between psychosocial factors and overdose subsequent to illicit drug use. Results were tabulated and narratively synthesised. RESULTS Twenty-six studies were included in the review, with 150,625 participants: of those 3,383-4072 (3%) experienced overdose. Twenty-one (81%) studies were conducted in North America and 23 (89%) reported polydrug use. Psychosocial factors associated with risk of overdose (n = 103) were identified and thematically organised into ten groups. These were: income; housing instability; incarceration; traumatic experiences; overdose risk perception and past experience; healthcare experiences; perception of own drug use and injecting skills; injecting setting; conditions with physical environment; and social network traits. CONCLUSIONS Global rates of overdose continue to increase, and many guidelines recommend psychosocial interventions for dependent drug use. The factors identified here provide useful targets for practitioners to focus on at the individual level, but many identified will require wider policy changes to affect positive change. Future research should seek to develop and trial interventions targeting factors identified, whilst advocacy for key policy reforms to reduce harm must continue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Byrne
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.
- Directorate of Public Health, NHS Tayside, Kings Cross Hospital, Dundee, UK.
| | - Fabio Sani
- Division of Psychology, School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law, University of Dundee, Scrymgeour Building, Dundee, UK
| | - Donna Thain
- Directorate of Public Health, NHS Tayside, Kings Cross Hospital, Dundee, UK
| | - Emma H Fletcher
- Directorate of Public Health, NHS Tayside, Kings Cross Hospital, Dundee, UK
| | - Amy Malaguti
- Division of Psychology, School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law, University of Dundee, Scrymgeour Building, Dundee, UK
- Tayside Drug and Alcohol Recovery Psychology Service, NHS Tayside, Dundee, UK
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Sibley AL, Klein E, Cooper HLF, Livingston MD, Baker R, Walters SM, Gicquelais RE, Ruderman SA, Friedmann PD, Jenkins WD, Go VF, Miller WC, Westergaard RP, Crane HM. The relationship between felt stigma and non-fatal overdose among rural people who use drugs. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:77. [PMID: 38582851 PMCID: PMC10998326 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-00988-x] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug overdose deaths in the United States exceeded 100,000 in 2021 and 2022. Substance use stigma is a major barrier to treatment and harm reduction utilization and is a priority target in ending the overdose epidemic. However, little is known about the relationship between stigma and overdose, especially in rural areas. We aimed to characterize the association between felt stigma and non-fatal overdose in a multi-state sample of rural-dwelling people who use drugs. METHODS Between January 2018 and March 2020, 2,608 people reporting past 30-day opioid use were recruited via modified chain-referral sampling in rural areas across 10 states. Participants completed a computer-assisted survey of substance use and substance-related attitudes, behaviors, and experiences. We used multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equations to test the association between felt stigma and recent non-fatal overdose. RESULTS 6.6% of participants (n = 173) reported an overdose in the past 30 days. Recent non-fatal overdose was significantly associated with felt stigma after adjusting for demographic and substance use-related covariates (aOR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.20-1.81). The association remained significant in sensitivity analyses on component fear of enacted stigma items (aOR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.20-1.83) and an internalized stigma item (aOR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.07-2.14). CONCLUSIONS Felt stigma related to substance use is associated with higher risk of non-fatal overdose in rural-dwelling people who use drugs. Stigma reduction interventions and tailored services for those experiencing high stigma are underutilized approaches that may mitigate overdose risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adams L Sibley
- Department of Health Behavior, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, 170 Rosenau Hall CB #7400, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Emma Klein
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Hannah L F Cooper
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Melvin D Livingston
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Robin Baker
- OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, 1810 SW 5th Ave, Suite 510, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Suzan M Walters
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, 180 Madison, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Rachel E Gicquelais
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 4257 Signe Skott Cooper Hall, 701 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Stephanie A Ruderman
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Harborview Medical Center, 325 9th Ave, Box 359931, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Peter D Friedmann
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate and Baystate Health, 3601 Main St, Springfield, MA, 01199, USA
| | - Wiley D Jenkins
- Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 201 E Madison Street, Springfield, IL, 62702, USA
| | - Vivian F Go
- Department of Health Behavior, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, 170 Rosenau Hall CB #7400, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - William C Miller
- Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, CB#8050, 3rd Floor Carolina Square, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516, USA
| | - Ryan P Westergaard
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1685 Highland Avenue, 5th Floor, Madison, WI, 53705-2281, USA
| | - Heidi M Crane
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Mail Stop 359931, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Megerian CE, Bair L, Smith J, Browne EN, Wenger LD, Guzman L, Kral AH, Lambdin BH. Health risks associated with smoking versus injecting fentanyl among people who use drugs in California. Drug Alcohol Depend 2024; 255:111053. [PMID: 38128362 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.111053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the attention, funding, and services that seek to reduce overdose mortality from fentanyl, it is important to understand whether a potential solution is for more people to switch from injecting to smoking fentanyl. As such, we set out to conduct a study to compare health and healthcare utilization outcomes associated with different modes of illicit fentanyl administration. METHODS From January to February 2023, we recruited people who use drugs from 34 syringe services programs across California, USA (N=999) and surveyed their substance use, health outcomes, and healthcare utilization. We compared health risks among people who injected fentanyl (78% of whom also smoked) to people who solely smoked fentanyl (n=563). RESULTS Of the 563 participants, forty-one percent injected fentanyl and 59% only smoked fentanyl. People who injected fentanyl were 40% more likely to have experienced a non-fatal overdose in the past 3 months (27% vs. 19%; aRR=1.40; 95% CI=1.03, 1.93) and 253% more likely to have had a skin and soft tissue infection in the past 3 months (39% vs. 15%; aRR=2.53; 95% CI=1.74, 3.67), compared to people who only smoked fentanyl. The average number of nights spent in the hospital was higher among people who injected fentanyl (average 1.2 nights vs. 0.7 nights; aIRR=1.78; 95% CI=1.02, 3.09; p=0.04).There were non-significant associations between mode of fentanyl administration and number of emergency department visits and probability of hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggested that people who injected fentanyl were at higher risk for overdose and skin and soft tissue infections than people who only smoked fentanyl. Distribution of safe smoking supplies may facilitate transitions from injecting to smoking fentanyl, thereby reducing health risks associated with fentanyl use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cariné E Megerian
- RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, 8th Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
| | - Luka Bair
- National Harm Reduction Coalition, 243 5th Ave #529, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jessica Smith
- RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, 8th Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
| | - Erica N Browne
- RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, 8th Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
| | - Lynn D Wenger
- RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, 8th Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
| | - Laura Guzman
- National Harm Reduction Coalition, 243 5th Ave #529, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Alex H Kral
- RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, 8th Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA
| | - Barrot H Lambdin
- RTI International, 2150 Shattuck Avenue, 8th Floor, Berkeley, CA 94704, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Byrne CJ, Radley A, Fletcher E, Thain D, Stephens BP, Dillon JF. A multicomponent holistic care pathway for people who use drugs in Tayside, Scotland. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 120:104159. [PMID: 37574644 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) are at high risk of non-fatal overdose and other drug-related harms. The United Kingdom drugs policy landscape makes it challenging to support those at risk. Tayside, in East Scotland, has a sizeable population at risk of drug-related harms. In 2021, the National Health Service implemented a care pathway for PWUD to provide multidimensional healthcare interventions. We aimed to quantify drug-related harms; assess wider health and well-being; and understand substance use trends and behaviours, among those engaged in the pathway. METHODS Existing community-embedded blood-borne virus pathways were adapted to provide multiple healthcare assessments over three visits. We undertook an observational cohort study to analyse uptake and outcomes for the initial cohort of PWUD engaged at appointment one. RESULTS From August 2021-September 2022, 150 PWUD engaged with the pathway. Median age was 39 (34-42) years, 108 (72%) were male, and 124 (83%) lived in deprived areas. Seventy (47%) had been disengaged from healthcare for over a year. Polysubstance use was reported by 124 (83%), 42 (28%) disclosed injecting daily, and 54 (36%) shared equipment. Fifty-four (36%) experienced recent non-fatal overdose, and there were six overdose fatalities (4.1 [1.5-9.0] per 100PY). The offer of take-home naloxone was accepted by 108 (72%). Fourteen (9%) were diagnosed with Hepatitis C and two (1%) with HIV. Renal, hepatological, and endocrine impairment were observed among 30 (20%), 23 (15%), and 11 (7%), people respectively. Ninety-six (65%) had high risk of clinical depression. Forty-eight (32%) declined Covid-19 vaccination. CONCLUSION The pathway engaged PWUD with high exposure to recent non-fatal overdose and other drug-related harms, alongside co-morbid health issues. Our results suggest multi-dimensional health assessments coupled with harm reduction in community settings, with appropriate linkage to care, are warranted for PWUD. Service commissioners should seek to integrate these assessments where possible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Byrne
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland; Directorate of Public Health, Kings Cross Hospital, NHS Tayside, Dundee, Scotland.
| | - Andrew Radley
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland; Directorate of Public Health, Kings Cross Hospital, NHS Tayside, Dundee, Scotland
| | - Emma Fletcher
- Directorate of Public Health, Kings Cross Hospital, NHS Tayside, Dundee, Scotland
| | - Donna Thain
- Directorate of Public Health, Kings Cross Hospital, NHS Tayside, Dundee, Scotland
| | - Brian P Stephens
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, NHS Tayside, Dundee, Scotland
| | - John F Dillon
- Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland; Department of Gastroenterology, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, NHS Tayside, Dundee, Scotland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bazazi AR, Culbert GJ, Wegman MP, Heimer R, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. Impact of prerelease methadone on mortality among people with HIV and opioid use disorder after prison release: results from a randomized and participant choice open-label trial in Malaysia. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:837. [PMID: 36368939 PMCID: PMC9652918 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07804-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Mortality is elevated after prison release and may be higher in people with HIV and opioid use disorder (OUD). Maintenance with opioid agonist therapy (OAT) like methadone or buprenorphine reduces mortality in people with OUD and may confer benefits to people with OUD and HIV leaving prison. Survival benefits of OAT, however, have not been evaluated prospectively in people with OUD and HIV leaving prison. METHODS This study prospectively evaluated mortality after prison release and whether methadone initiated before release increased survival after release in a sample of men with HIV and OUD (n = 291). We linked national death records to data from a controlled trial of prerelease methadone initiation conducted from 2010 to 2014 with men with HIV and OUD imprisoned in Malaysia. Vital statistics were collected through 2015. Allocation to prerelease methadone was by randomization (n = 64) and participant choice (n = 246). Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate treatment effects of prerelease methadone on postrelease survival. RESULTS Overall, 62 deaths occurred over 872.5 person-years (PY) of postrelease follow-up, a crude mortality rate of 71.1 deaths per 1000 PY (95% confidence interval [CI] 54.5-89.4). Most deaths were of infectious etiology, mostly related to HIV. In a modified intention-to-treat analysis, the impact of prerelease methadone on postrelease mortality was consistent with a null effect in unadjusted (hazard ratio [HR] 1.3, 95% CI 0.6-3.1) and covariate-adjusted (HR 1.2, 95% CI 0.5-2.8) models. Predictors of mortality were educational level (HR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0-1.8), pre-incarceration alcohol use (HR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1-3.9), and lower CD4+ T-lymphocyte count (HR 0.8 per 100-cell/mL increase, 95% CI 0.7-1.0). CONCLUSIONS Postrelease mortality in this sample of men with HIV and OUD was extraordinarily high, and most deaths were likely of infectious etiology. No effect of prerelease methadone on postrelease mortality was observed, which may be due to study limitations or an epidemiological context in which inadequately treated HIV, and not inadequately treated OUD, is the main cause of death after prison release. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT02396979. Retrospectively registered 24/03/2015.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander R. Bazazi
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, 135 College Street, Suite 323, New Haven, CT 06510-228 USA
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Gabriel J. Culbert
- Population Health Nursing Science, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Martin P. Wegman
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, 135 College Street, Suite 323, New Haven, CT 06510-228 USA
| | - Robert Heimer
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Adeeba Kamarulzaman
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, 135 College Street, Suite 323, New Haven, CT 06510-228 USA
- Faculty of Medicine, Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Frederick L. Altice
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, 135 College Street, Suite 323, New Haven, CT 06510-228 USA
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT USA
- Faculty of Medicine, Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sajwani HS, Williams AV. A systematic review of the distribution of take-home naloxone in low- and middle-income countries and barriers to the implementation of take-home naloxone programs. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:117. [PMID: 36266701 PMCID: PMC9585764 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00700-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid overdose epidemic is hitting record highs worldwide, accounting for 76% of mortality related to substance use. Take-home naloxone (THN) strategies are being implemented in many developed countries that suffer from high opioid overdose death rates. They aim to provide overdose identification and naloxone administration training, along with THN delivery to opioid users and others likely to witness an overdose incident such as family members and peers. However, little is known about such measures in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), where opioid use and opioid-related deaths are reportedly high. This systematic literature review aims to examine the distribution of THN in LMIC, review studies identifying barriers to the implementation of THN programs worldwide, and assess their applicability to LMIC. METHODS The literature was searched and analyzed for eligible studies with quality assessment. RESULTS Two studies were found from LMIC on THN programs with promising results, and 13 studies were found on the barriers identified in implementing THN programs worldwide. The main barriers to THN strategies were the lack of training of healthcare providers, lack of privileges, time constraints, cost, legislative/policy restrictions, stigma, fear of litigation, and some misperceptions around THN. CONCLUSIONS The barriers outlined in this paper are probably applicable to LMIC, but more difficult to overcome considering the differences in their response to opioid overdose, their cultural attitudes and norms, the high cost, the waivers required, the legislative differences and the severe penalties for drug-related offenses in some of these countries. The solutions suggested to counter-act these obstacles can also be more difficult to achieve in LMIC. Further research is required in this area with larger sample sizes to provide a better understanding of the obstacles to the implementation, feasibility, accessibility, and utilization of THN programs in LMIC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hawraa Sameer Sajwani
- Department of Addictions, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
- University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA US
- University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA US
- Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Anna V Williams
- Department of Addictions, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Young AM, Brown JL, Hunt T, Sprague Martinez LS, Chandler R, Oga E, Winhusen TJ, Baker T, Battaglia T, Bowers-Sword R, Button A, Fallin-Bennett A, Fanucchi L, Freeman P, Glasgow LM, Gulley J, Kendell C, Lofwall M, Lyons MS, Quinn M, Rapkin BD, Surratt HL, Walsh SL. Protocol for community-driven selection of strategies to implement evidence-based practices to reduce opioid overdoses in the HEALing Communities Study: a trial to evaluate a community-engaged intervention in Kentucky, Massachusetts, New York and Ohio. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e059328. [PMID: 36123106 PMCID: PMC9486330 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-059328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Opioid-involved overdose deaths continue to surge in many communities, despite numerous evidence-based practices (EBPs) that exist to prevent them. The HEALing Communities Study (HCS) was launched to develop and test an intervention (ie, Communities That HEAL (CTH)) that supports communities in expanding uptake of EBPs to reduce opioid-involved overdose deaths. This paper describes a protocol for a process foundational to the CTH intervention through which community coalitions select strategies to implement EBPs locally. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The CTH is being implemented in 67 communities (randomised to receive the intervention) in four states in partnership with coalitions (one per community). Coalitions must select at least five strategies, including one to implement each of the following EBPs: (a) overdose education and naloxone distribution; expanded (b) access to medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), (c) linkage to MOUD, (d) retention in MOUD and (e) safer opioid prescribing/dispensing. Facilitated by decision aid tools, the community action planning process includes (1) data-driven goal setting, (2) discussion and prioritisation of EBP strategies, (3) selection of EBP strategies and (4) identification of next steps. Following review of epidemiologic data and information on existing local services, coalitions set goals and discuss, score and/or rank EBP strategies based on feasibility, appropriateness within the community context and potential impact on reducing opioid-involved overdose deaths with a focus on three key sectors (healthcare, behavioural health and criminal justice) and high-risk/vulnerable populations. Coalitions then select EBP strategies through consensus or majority vote and, subsequently, suggest or choose agencies with which to partner for implementation. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The HCS protocol was approved by a central Institutional Review Board (Advarra). Results of the action planning process will be disseminated in academic conferences and peer-reviewed journals, online and print media, and in meetings with community stakeholders. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT04111939.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- April M Young
- College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Jennifer L Brown
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Timothy Hunt
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Redonna Chandler
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Emmanuel Oga
- Center for Applied Public Health Research, Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | - T John Winhusen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- Center for Addiction Research, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Trevor Baker
- General Internal Medicine-CARE Unit, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tracy Battaglia
- Evans Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel Bowers-Sword
- General Internal Medicine-CARE Unit, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amy Button
- Montefiore Hudson Valley Collaborative, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | | | - Laura Fanucchi
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Patricia Freeman
- College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - LaShawn M Glasgow
- Community & Workplace Health, Research Triangle International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Charles Kendell
- Franklin County Agency for Substance Abuse Policy Board, Frankfort, Kentucky, USA
| | - Michelle Lofwall
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Michael S Lyons
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Maria Quinn
- Center for Behavioral Health, Holyoke Medical Center, Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bruce David Rapkin
- Epiemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Hilary L Surratt
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Sharon L Walsh
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Armoon B, Griffiths MD, Bayani A, Mohammadi R, Ahounbar E. Prevalence and associates of non-fatal overdose among people who inject drugs in Saveh, Iran. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2022; 17:42. [PMID: 35927753 PMCID: PMC9351099 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-022-00325-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As a public health issue, non-fatal overdose (NFOD) is highly prevalent among people who inject drugs (PWID). This can lead to an elevated risk of future overdose, causing various harms including possible death. It is essential to improve knowledge concerning this problem and its associated risk factors to inform overdose prevention and assistance programs. The primary aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of NFOD and associated risk factors among PWID in Saveh, Iran. Methods In the present cross-sectional study, 272 PWID living in Saveh, Iran were interviewed face-to-face using a structured survey. Data concerning socio-demographics, substance use, risky behaviors, and services utilization data were collected. The outcome variable (i.e., NFOD) was assessed by answering “Yes” to the question: “In the past three months, have you ever overdosed (at least once) by accident?” Results The prevalence of NFOD among PWID in the past three months was 54%. The characteristics and behaviors that were associated with an increased risk of experiencing NFOD in the past three months were being of older age (AOR = 5.2, p < 0.05), drug use initiation under the age of 22 years (AOR = 7.8, p < 0.05), being an alcohol user (AOR = 3.0, p < 0.05), and being a simultaneous multiple drug user (AOR = 5.8, p < 0.05). Also, more recent initiates to injecting (< 2 years) had an increased risk of experiencing a non-fatal overdose in the past three months. Findings also indicated that those who (i) attended a needle and syringe program (AOR: 0.3, p < 0.05), (ii) were visited by a general practitioner (AOR: 0.03, p < 0.05), and (iii) received a psychosocial intervention (AOR: 0.1, p < 0.05) were 0.3, 0.03 and 0.1 times less likely to report non-fatal overdosing than other participants, respectively. Conclusions The results indicate that intervention and prevention initiatives seeking to reduce NFOD among PWID should not only be focused on the primary drug used but also the use of alcohol and polysubstance use. Specific and tailored psychological interventions combined with pharmacotherapy may be highly beneficial for PWID who experience more severe types of substance use, including alcohol use disorders and/or polysubstance abuse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bahram Armoon
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran. .,School of Nursing and Midwifery, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti Blvd, Shahid Fahmideh Blvd, 4th floor, Saveh, Markazi Province, Iran.
| | - Mark D Griffiths
- International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Azadeh Bayani
- Student Research Committee, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rasool Mohammadi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Nutrition, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Elaheh Ahounbar
- Orygen, The National Center of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.,Center for Youth Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Allen ST, Schneider KE, Mazhnaya A, White RH, O’Rourke A, Kral AH, Bluthenthal RN, Kilkenny ME, Sherman SG. Factors Associated with Likelihood of Initiating Others into Injection Drug Use Among People Who Inject Drugs in West Virginia. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:47-56. [PMID: 34076812 PMCID: PMC8170059 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03325-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
People who inject drugs (PWID) play a critical role in injection-naïve individuals transitioning to injection drug use. We investigated factors associated with future likelihood of initiating injection-naïve individuals using multivariable logistic regression among 418 PWID in rural Appalachia (Cabell County, West Virginia). Less than 10% reported they were likely to initiate someone in the future. Acquiring syringes from a syringe services program was associated with decreased odds of being likely to initiate someone in the future (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.46, 95% CI 0.23, 0.95), while having previously initiated someone into injection drug use was associated with increased odds (aOR 8.65, 95% CI 4.07, 18.41). Among our sample of PWID in Appalachia, a small proportion reported that they would be likely to initiate an injection-naïve individual in the future. Efforts to reduce injection initiation assistance should focus on this subpopulation of PWID who indicate a willingness to engage in this behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sean T. Allen
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway #184, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Kristin E. Schneider
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Alyona Mazhnaya
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway #184, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Rebecca Hamilton White
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway #184, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Allison O’Rourke
- DC Center for AIDS Research, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC USA
| | | | - Ricky N. Bluthenthal
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Institute for Health Promotion & Disease Prevention, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | | | - Susan G. Sherman
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway #184, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Armoon B, Higgs P, Mohammadi R. Mental health status, health service utilization, drug use behaviors associated with non-fatal overdose among people who use illicit drugs: A meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2021.2019331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bahram Armoon
- Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Peter Higgs
- Department of Public Health, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Rasool Mohammadi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Nutrition, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Armoon B, Bayani A, Griffiths MD, Bayat AH, Mohammadi R, Fattah Moghaddam L, Ahounbar E. Prevalence and high-risk behaviors associated with non-fatal overdose among people who use illicit opioids: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2021.1978112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bahram Armoon
- Research Center, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Qc, Canada
| | - Azadeh Bayani
- Student Research Committee, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mark D. Griffiths
- International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Amir-Hossein Bayat
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran
| | - Rasool Mohammadi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Nutrition, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Ladan Fattah Moghaddam
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elahe Ahounbar
- Substance Abuse and Dependence Research Center, The University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Armoon B, SoleimanvandiAzar N, Rostami M, Higgs P, Bayani A, Bayat AH, Mohammadi R, Ahounbar E, Fattah Moghaddam L. Drug type and risk behaviors associated with non-fatal overdose among people who use drugs: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Addict Dis 2021; 40:114-125. [PMID: 34286664 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2021.1950262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to determine the association between drug type, risk behaviors and non-fatal overdose among people who use drugs (PWUD). We searched for studies in English published before February 1, 2021, on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science to identify primary studies on the factors associated with non-fatal overdose among PWUD. After reviewing for study duplicates, the full-text of selected articles were assessed for eligibility using Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes (PICO) criteria. After a detailed assessment of over 13,845 articles, a total of 49 studies met the eligibility criteria. We found that non-injection opioid use, heroin injection, cocaine use, concurrent use of buprenorphine and benzodiazepines, benzodiazepine use, incarceration, injecting drugs, and duration of injecting were associated with greater odds of non-fatal overdose among PWUD. The findings of the current meta-analysis support the requirement to improve suitable harm reduction strategies for drug users, such as peer-based overdose management, and further focusing on the need to balance the current emphasis on enforcement-based responses to illegal drug use with health-related interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bahram Armoon
- Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Neda SoleimanvandiAzar
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rostami
- Department of Counseling, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Kurdistan, Kurdistan, Iran
| | - Peter Higgs
- Department of Public Health, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Azadeh Bayani
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran
| | - Amir-Hossein Bayat
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran
| | - Rasool Mohammadi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Nutrition, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Elahe Ahounbar
- Substance Abuse and Dependence Research Center, The University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ladan Fattah Moghaddam
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Past 12-month nonfatal overdose among people who inject drugs in Ukraine: City-level estimates and risk factors from a cross-sectional study. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 220:108513. [PMID: 33556695 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonfatal overdose contributes to high morbidity and is among the strongest proxies for the occurrence of overdose fatality - the leading cause of death among those who use opioids. In Ukraine, a majority of people who inject drugs (PWID) use opioids, but little is known about the relationship between drug market characteristics, nonfatal overdose (NFOD) prevalence, and risk factors for NFOD. METHODS We used cross-sectional respondent-driven sampling (RDS) data to explore the variability of recent (past 12 months) NFOD among PWID across Ukrainian cities and associations with individual factors. The population-averaged -cross-sectional associations were estimated and compared using generalized linear models for the binary outcome (NFOD vs. not) with robust variance estimates. RESULTS Recent self-reported NFOD varied between 1% and 14 % across Ukrainian cities. In adjusted analyses, overdose was associated with fewer years of injecting drugs; a higher number of types of drugs used in the past 12 months; using desomorphine, methadone, tramadol, heroin, amphetamine-type drugs or cocaine within past 12 months; using alcohol daily or weekly; recent drug treatment; and history of incarceration. Buying drugs or their ingredients through "stashes" (i.e., drugs secretly hidden in various places) and the perception of drug price increase were associated with higher odds of reporting NFOD. CONCLUSION The identified risk factors underscore the importance of evidence-based prevention efforts, such as scaling-up opioid agonist therapy, providing naloxone in the community and upon prison release, targeting those most likely to witness overdose and sharing overdose prevention strategies with them, and continuous monitoring of trends and contributing factors.
Collapse
|
15
|
Saleem HT, Likindikoki S, Nonyane BAS, Haruna Nkya I, Zhang L, Mbwambo J, Latkin C. Correlates of Non-fatal, Opioid Overdose among Women Who Use Opioids in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 218:108419. [PMID: 33296857 PMCID: PMC7759029 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As opioid overdoses and deaths increase globally, little is known about these dimensions in Sub-Saharan Africa. In this paper, we explore factors associated with opioid overdose experiences among a sample of women who use opioids in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey with 200 women who use opioids in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, recruited via respondent-driven sampling. We fitted unadjusted and adjusted log-binomial regression models with robust standard errors to examine associations between participant characteristics and reporting ever had an opioid overdose in terms of prevalence ratios. RESULTS Thirty-four percent (n = 68) of participants reported having ever had an opioid overdose. In the final adjusted model, having ever attempted to stop using heroin (adj. PR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.01-2.12), sleeping outside in the past 6 months (adj. PR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.29-2.91), injecting drugs (adj. PR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.19-2.66), alcohol use (adj. PR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.09-2.23), and having moderately severe to severe depression (adj. PR = 3.10, 95% CI: 1.07-8.97) were all found to be significantly associated with having ever had an opioid overdose. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate factors associated with opioid overdose among women who use drugs in Tanzania that may not be addressed with injection-focused harm reduction efforts. Our findings suggest the need for overdose surveillance efforts and further work to characterize overdose risks in this context in order to design relevant, targeted interventions to prevent opioid overdose in sub-Saharan Africa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haneefa T Saleem
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Samuel Likindikoki
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health and Social Sciences, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65015, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania; Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Bareng A S Nonyane
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Iddi Haruna Nkya
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Leanne Zhang
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Jessie Mbwambo
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, P.O. Box 65001, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
| | - Carl Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 624 North Broadway Avenue, Hampton House, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Winhusen T, Walley A, Fanucchi LC, Hunt T, Lyons M, Lofwall M, Brown JL, Freeman PR, Nunes E, Beers D, Saitz R, Stambaugh L, Oga EA, Herron N, Baker T, Cook CD, Roberts MF, Alford DP, Starrels JL, Chandler RK. The Opioid-overdose Reduction Continuum of Care Approach (ORCCA): Evidence-based practices in the HEALing Communities Study. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 217:108325. [PMID: 33091842 PMCID: PMC7533113 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The number of opioid-involved overdose deaths in the United States remains a national crisis. The HEALing Communities Study (HCS) will test whether Communities That HEAL (CTH), a community-engaged intervention, can decrease opioid-involved deaths in intervention communities (n = 33), relative to wait-list communities (n = 34), from four states. The CTH intervention seeks to facilitate widespread implementation of three evidence-based practices (EBPs) with the potential to reduce opioid-involved overdose fatalities: overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND), effective delivery of medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), and safer opioid analgesic prescribing. A key challenge was delineating an EBP implementation approach useful for all HCS communities. METHODS A workgroup composed of EBP experts from HCS research sites used literature reviews and expert consensus to: 1) compile strategies and associated resources for implementing EBPs primarily targeting individuals 18 and older; and 2) determine allowable community flexibility in EBP implementation. The workgroup developed the Opioid-overdose Reduction Continuum of Care Approach (ORCCA) to organize EBP strategies and resources to facilitate EBP implementation. CONCLUSIONS The ORCCA includes required and recommended EBP strategies, priority populations, and community settings. Each EBP has a "menu" of strategies from which communities can select and implement with a minimum of five strategies required: one for OEND, three for MOUD, and one for prescription opioid safety. Identification and engagement of high-risk populations in OEND and MOUD is an ORCCArequirement. To ensure CTH has community-wide impact, implementation of at least one EBP strategy is required in healthcare, behavioral health, and criminal justice settings, with communities identifying particular organizations to engage in HCS-facilitated EBP implementation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Winhusen
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3131 Harvey Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Center for Addiction Research, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
| | - Alexander Walley
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Laura C Fanucchi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
| | - Tim Hunt
- Columbia University, School of Social Work, Center for Healing of Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders (CHOSEN), 1255 Amsterdam, Avenue, Rm 806, New York, NY 10027, USA
| | - Mike Lyons
- Center for Addiction Research, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Michelle Lofwall
- Departments of Behavioral Science and Psychiatry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
| | - Jennifer L Brown
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3131 Harvey Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Center for Addiction Research, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Patricia R Freeman
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy, 789 S Limestone St, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Edward Nunes
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Division on Substance Use, 1051 Riverside Drive, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Donna Beers
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Richard Saitz
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue 4th Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Leyla Stambaugh
- Center for Applied Public Health Research, Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International, 6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 902, Rockville. MD 20852, USA
| | - Emmanuel A Oga
- Center for Applied Public Health Research, Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International, 6110 Executive Boulevard, Suite 902, Rockville. MD 20852, USA
| | - Nicole Herron
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3131 Harvey Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Center for Addiction Research, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 3230 Eden Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Trevor Baker
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Christopher D Cook
- Opioid/Substance Use Priority Research Area, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Ave Lexington, KY 40508, USA
| | - Monica F Roberts
- Opioid/Substance Use Priority Research Area, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Ave Lexington, KY 40508, USA
| | - Daniel P Alford
- Grayken Center for Addiction, Clinical Addiction Research and Education Unit, Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Joanna L Starrels
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine and Montefiore Medical Center, 111 E. 210th Street, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
| | - Redonna K Chandler
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, 6001 Executive Boulevard, Rockville, MD 20892, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Noroozi M, Higgs P, Bayani A, Armoon B, Astaneh AN, Moghaddam LF, Askari M. Non -fatal overdose among people who inject drugs in Tehran, Iran. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PREVENTION AND POLICY 2020; 15:80. [PMID: 33054806 PMCID: PMC7559998 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-020-00323-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND With increasing frequencies of non-fatal overdose in people who inject drugs (PWID), it is essential to improve our knowledge about associated risk factors for overdose to inform overdose prevention and assistance programs. The aim of present study was to determine the prevalence of non-fatal overdose and the associated risk factors among PWID in Tehran, Iran. METHODS Snowball sampling was used to collect data from 465 participants in Tehran using a cross-sectional survey. Consenting participants who reported drug injecting in the past month and were able to speak and comprehend Farsi enough to respond to survey questions were interviewed. The endpoint of interest was non-fatal overdose in the previous 6 months, or answering "Yes" to the question: "In the last six months, have you ever overdosed by accident? (at least once)". We used STATA v. 14 for this analysis. Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05 for all analyses. RESULTS Of 465 PWIDs who participated in this study, all were male, and about half had less than a high school education. The prevalence of self-reported non-fatal overdose in the past 6 months was 38% (CI95%: 34, 43%). Our findings indicate that characteristics and behaviors that were associated with an increased risk of experiencing an overdose in the past 6 months were drug use initiation under 22 years (AOR =2.2, P < 0.05), using methamphetamine (AOR =2.8, P < 0.05), and using multiple drugs at the same time (AOR =2.1, P < 0.05). Also, more recent initiates to injecting (< 2 years) had an increased risk of experiencing an overdose in the past 6 months. The odds of experiencing a non-fatal overdose among PWIDs who regularly attended NSP were 0.6 times less than for those who did not attend regularly (OR = 0.6,95% CI: 0.2-0.9). CONCLUSION Methamphetamine and alcohol use were the most significant association for non-fatal overdose among PWIDs. Our results indicate that intervention and prevention initiatives seeking to reduce overdoses among PWIDs should not only be focused on the primary drug used but also the use of alcohol and poly-drug use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Noroozi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Peter Higgs
- Department of Public Health, School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Azadeh Bayani
- Student Research Committee, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahram Armoon
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran.
| | - Ali Nazeri Astaneh
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ladan Fattah Moghaddam
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Bach P, Hayashi K, Milloy MJ, Nosova E, Kerr T, Wood E, Fairbairn N. Characterising the increasing prevalence of crystal methamphetamine use in Vancouver, Canada, from 2006-2017: A gender-based analysis. Drug Alcohol Rev 2020; 39:932-940. [PMID: 32666650 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Methamphetamine use is increasing in North America and is associated with numerous negative health effects and social harms. As drug-related harms are often gendered, this study sought to examine the differential impacts of gender on the trends, risk factors and health implications of crystal methamphetamine use among a Canadian cohort of people with high rates of injection polysubstance use. METHODS Data were collected from two prospective cohorts of people who inject drugs in Vancouver, Canada. We examined trends in reported crystal methamphetamine use from 2006-2017 using the Cochrane-Armitage test for trend. We used multivariable generalised estimating equations, stratified by gender, to determine independent risk factors and health outcomes associated with crystal methamphetamine use. RESULTS In total, 1984 participants were included in the study, including 694 (35%) women. The prevalence of reported crystal methamphetamine use within the previous 6 months rose from 19% in 2006 to 36% in 2017, with a rise seen in both genders (P < 0.001). Reported crystal methamphetamine use was associated with numerous risk behaviours and drug-related harms in both genders, and in women it was associated with an increase in experiences of sexual violence (adjusted odds ratio 1.64, 95% confidence interval 1.18, 2.27). CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate the rising prevalence of reported crystal methamphetamine use in Vancouver in a cohort with high rates of polysubstance use. This work highlights drug and sex-related risk behaviours associated with crystal methamphetamine use for both genders, and underscores the need to develop strategies to address the growing use of crystal methamphetamine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paxton Bach
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Kanna Hayashi
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - M-J Milloy
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Ekaterina Nosova
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Thomas Kerr
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Evan Wood
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Nadia Fairbairn
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Saini R, Rao R, Parmar A, Mishra AK, Ambekar A, Agrawal A, Dhingra N. Rates, knowledge and risk factors of non-fatal opioid overdose among people who inject drugs in India: A community-based study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2019; 39:93-97. [PMID: 31769134 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Non-fatal opioid overdose (NFOO) predicts future fatal opioid overdose and is associated with significant morbidity. There is limited literature on the rates and risk factors for NFOO in people who inject drugs (PWID) from India. We aimed to study the rates of NFOO and documented risk factors for NFOO, as well as knowledge-level of NFOO among PWID from India. DESIGN AND METHODS Community-based, cross-sectional and observational study. We interviewed 104 adult male participants receiving HIV prevention services. Drug use patterns, rates of NFOO and opioid overdose risk factors, knowledge about opioid overdose and its management were assessed. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 27.9 years. The most common opioid used for injecting was heroin followed by buprenorphine. About 45% (n = 47) participants had experienced an opioid overdose at least once in their lifetime. Around 25% (n = 26) participants had overdosed in the past year, while 21% (n = 22) participants had overdosed within the past 3 months. The majority had risk factors that could predispose them to NFOO. No participant was aware of the use of naloxone for opioid overdose. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The rates of NFOO as well as risk factors for overdose among PWID from India are high, with poor knowledge on overdose management. There is urgent need for a program to prevent and manage opioid overdose among PWID in India.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Romil Saini
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ravindra Rao
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Arpit Parmar
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ashwani K Mishra
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Atul Ambekar
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Alok Agrawal
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Patterson TL, Semple SJ, Abramovitz D, Harvey-Vera A, Pines HA, Verdugo S, Depp C, Moore DJ, Martinez G, Rangel MG, Strathdee SA. Impact of time perspectives on texting intervention to reduce HIV/STI transmission among female sex workers in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. J Behav Med 2019; 42:111-127. [PMID: 29987740 PMCID: PMC6326895 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-018-9948-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Text messages may sustain post-counseling gains in behavioral improvements and reduce HIV/STI incidence. However, their effectiveness may depend on the messages' time perspective and characteristics of the individual. We evaluated the impact of time perspective on a text messaging intervention designed to maintain improvements in safer sex practices among drug-using and non-drug-using female sex workers (FSWs) in Tijuana (n = 141) and Cd. Juarez (n = 129), Mexico. FSWs received the efficacious Mujer Segura intervention, and were randomized to receive safer sex maintenance text messages with either a short-term or future-oriented time perspective. The outcome was HIV/STI incidence rate over 6-month follow-up. In Tijuana, combined HIV/STI incidence density was lower among FSWs in the FUTURE group (31.67 per 100 py) compared to women in the SHORT-TERM group (62.40 per 100 py). Conversely, in Cd. Juarez, HIV/STI incidence density was lower (although non-significant) among FSWs in the SHORT-TERM group (19.80 per 100 py) compared to those in the FUTURE group (35.05 per 100 py). These findings suggest that future-oriented text messages may sustain post-counseling improvements in sexual risk behavior among FSWs, but findings may vary by FSWs' characteristics (e.g., drug use), and by region and context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas L Patterson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0680, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Shirley J Semple
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0680, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Daniela Abramovitz
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alicia Harvey-Vera
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Heather A Pines
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Silvia Verdugo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0680, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Colin Depp
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0680, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - David J Moore
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code 0680, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Gustavo Martinez
- Federación Méxicana de Asociaciones Privadas, A.C. (FEMAP), Ciudad Juarez, Mexico
| | | | - Steffanie A Strathdee
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Daly C, Griffin E, Ashcroft DM, Webb RT, Perry IJ, Arensman E. Intentional Drug Overdose Involving Pregabalin and Gabapentin: Findings from the National Self-Harm Registry Ireland, 2007-2015. Clin Drug Investig 2018; 38:373-380. [PMID: 29264838 DOI: 10.1007/s40261-017-0616-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intentional drug overdose (IDO) is a significant public health problem. Concerns about the misuse of gabapentinoids, i.e. pregabalin and gabapentin, including their consumption in IDO have grown in recent years. This paper examines the trends in the prevalence of gabapentinoids taken in IDO, the profile of individuals taking them, and associated overdose characteristics. METHODS Presentations to emergency departments involving IDO, recorded by the National Self-Harm Registry Ireland between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2015 were examined. Data items included patient demographics, drug names, total tablet quantity consumed and alcohol involvement. RESULTS Gabapentinoids were involved in 2115 (2.9%) of the 72,391 IDOs recorded. Presentations involving a gabapentinoid increased proportionally from 0.5% in 2007 to 5.5% in 2015. The majority of IDOs involving a gabapentinoid were made by females (59.9%), with over one-third (37.2%) involving alcohol. Compared with IDOs involving other drugs, presentations with a gabapentinoid were made by persons who were older (median 37 vs. 32 years) and involved a significantly greater median quantity of tablets (30 vs. 21, p ≤ 0.001), with over one-quarter (27.4%) of these involving the ingestion of 50 tablets or more. Admission to hospital was significantly more common following IDOs with a gabapentinoid compared with those without (49.4% vs. 41.4%, p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study identified the increasing use of gabapentinoids in IDO, describing the profile and overdose characteristics of presentations. It is important for clinicians to exercise vigilance while prescribing gabapentinoids, including being aware of other medications that their patients may have access to. Our findings support the need for routine monitoring for signs of misuse among those prescribed gabapentinoids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Daly
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Room 4.28, Fourth Floor, Western Gateway Building, Western Road, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Eve Griffin
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Room 4.28, Fourth Floor, Western Gateway Building, Western Road, Cork, Ireland
| | - Darren M Ashcroft
- Centre for Pharmacoepidemiology and Drug Safety, Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC), Manchester, UK.,NIHR Greater Manchester Patient Safety Translational Research Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC), Manchester, UK
| | - Roger T Webb
- Centre for Mental Health and Safety, Division of Psychology and Mental Health, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC), Manchester, UK
| | - Ivan J Perry
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Room 4.28, Fourth Floor, Western Gateway Building, Western Road, Cork, Ireland.,School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ella Arensman
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Room 4.28, Fourth Floor, Western Gateway Building, Western Road, Cork, Ireland.,School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Yule AM, Carrellas NW, Fitzgerald M, McKowen JW, Nargiso JE, Bergman BG, Kelly JF, Wilens TE. Risk Factors for Overdose in Treatment-Seeking Youth With Substance Use Disorders. J Clin Psychiatry 2018; 79:17m11678. [PMID: 29701935 PMCID: PMC6043357 DOI: 10.4088/jcp.17m11678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Overdoses (ODs) are among the leading causes of death in youth with substance use disorders (SUDs). Our aim was to identify the prevalence of OD and characteristics associated with a history of OD in youth presenting for SUD outpatient care. METHODS A systematic retrospective medical record review was conducted of consecutive psychiatric and SUD evaluations for patients aged 16 to 26 years with DSM-IV-TR criteria SUD at entry into an outpatient SUD treatment program for youth between January 2012 and June 2013. Unintentional OD was defined as substance use without intention of self-harm that was associated with a significant impairment in level of consciousness. Intentional OD was defined as ingestion of a substance that was reported as a suicide attempt. T tests, Pearson χ² tests, and Fisher exact tests were performed to evaluate characteristics associated with a history of OD. RESULTS We examined the medical records of 200 patients (157 males and 43 females) with a mean ± SD age of 20.2 ± 2.8 years. At intake, 58 patients (29%) had a history of OD, and 62% of those patients had a history of unintentional OD only (n = 36). Youth with ≥ 2 SUDs were 3 times more likely to have a history of OD compared to youth with 1 SUD (all P < .05). Compared to those without a history of OD, those with an OD were more likely to be female and have lifetime histories of alcohol, cocaine, amphetamine, anxiety, depressive, and/or eating disorders (all P < .05). CONCLUSIONS High rates of OD exist in treatment-seeking youth with SUD. OD was associated with more SUDs and psychiatric comorbidity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amy M. Yule
- Pediatric Psychopharmacology Program, Division of Child Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114,Addiction Recovery Management Service, Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114,Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Nicholas W. Carrellas
- Pediatric Psychopharmacology Program, Division of Child Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Maura Fitzgerald
- Pediatric Psychopharmacology Program, Division of Child Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114
| | - James W. McKowen
- Addiction Recovery Management Service, Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114,Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Jessica E. Nargiso
- Addiction Recovery Management Service, Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114,Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Brandon G. Bergman
- Addiction Recovery Management Service, Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114,Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114
| | - John F. Kelly
- Addiction Recovery Management Service, Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114,Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Timothy E. Wilens
- Pediatric Psychopharmacology Program, Division of Child Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114,Addiction Recovery Management Service, Center for Addiction Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114,Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Molist G, Brugal MT, Barrio G, Mesías B, Bosque-Prous M, Parés-Badell O, de la Fuente L. Effect of ageing and time since first heroin and cocaine use on mortality from external and natural causes in a Spanish cohort of drug users. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017; 53:8-16. [PMID: 29268239 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We aimed to assess the effect of ageing and time since first heroin/cocaine use on cause-specific mortality risk and age disparities in excess mortality among heroin (HUs) and cocaine users (CUs) in Spain. METHODS A cohort of 15,305 HUs and 11,905 CUs aged 15-49 starting drug treatment during 1997-2007 in Madrid and Barcelona was followed until December 2008. Effects of ageing and time since first heroin/cocaine use were estimated using a competing risk Cox model and the relative and absolute excess mortality compared to the general population through directly age-sex standardized rate ratios (SRRs) and differences (SRDs), respectively. RESULTS Mortality risk from natural causes increased with time since first heroin use, whereas that from overdose declined after having peaked in the first quinquennium. Significant effects of time since first cocaine use were not identified, although fatal overdose risk seemed higher in CUs after five years. Mortality risk from natural causes (HUs and CUs), injuries (HUs), and overdoses (CUs) increased with age, the latter without reaching statistical significance. Crude mortality rates from overdoses and injuries remained very high at age 40-59 among both HUs (595 and 217 deaths/100,000 person-years, respectively) and CUs (191 and 88 deaths/100,000 person-years). SRDs from all and natural causes were much higher at age 40-59 than 15-29 in both HUs (2134 vs. 834 deaths/100,000 person-years) and CUs (927 vs. 221 deaths/100,000 person-years), while the opposite occurred with SRRs. CONCLUSION The high mortality risk among HUs and CUs at all ages from both external and natural causes, and increased SRDs with ageing, suggest that high-level healthcare and harm reduction services should be established early and maintained throughout the lifetime of these populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Molist
- Área de Recerca i Innovació, Hospital General de Granollers, Barcelona, Spain, Spain; Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain.
| | - M Teresa Brugal
- Public Health Agency of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Gregorio Barrio
- National School of Public Health, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Marina Bosque-Prous
- Public Health Agency of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Oleguer Parés-Badell
- Public Health Agency of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Luis de la Fuente
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology & Public Health (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain; National Epidemiology Center, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.
| | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Marotta PL, McCullagh CA. A cross-national analysis of the association between years of implementation of opioid substitution treatments and drug-related deaths in Europe from 1995 to 2013. Eur J Epidemiol 2017; 33:679-688. [PMID: 29234968 DOI: 10.1007/s10654-017-0342-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Data at the individual-level provide evidence that opioid substitution treatment (OST) programs protect against mortality for opioid dependent populations. Prior research has not examined the merits of national implementation of opioid substitution programs for reducing mortality at the country-level. This study elucidates longitudinal associations between country-level implementation of opioid substitution treatment programs on mortality rates of drug related deaths (DRD) from 1995 to 2013 in 30 European nations. Cases of DRD were measured using National Definitions for each country from official sources of data. Preliminary analysis of dispersion of cases of DRD using means and variances justified use of the negative binomial regression model with a population offset. Year and country-level fixed effects negative binomial regression models investigated the association between years of implementation of methadone maintenance therapy (MMT), OST in prison, and high dose buprenorphine treatment (HDBT) implementation and mortality rates from drug related deaths after adjusting for unemployment rates, heroin seizures and per capita expenditures on health. Beta coefficients were converted to Incidence Rate Ratios (IRR) and standard errors bootstrapped using non-parametric methods to adjust for bias (SDbs). The mean mortality rate of DRD was 1.81 from 1995 to 2013. In adjusted models, each additional year of MMT (IRR = .61, SD = .04, p < .001; SDbs = .08, p < .001), prison OST (IRR = .90, SD = .01, p < .001; SDbs = .02, p < .001), and HDBT (IRR = .09, SD = .02, p < .001; SDbs = .02, p < .01) was significantly associated with lower rates of DRDs after adjusting for country and year fixed effects. Implementation of OST programs in the general population and in prison settings may have protected against mortality from drug use at the country-level in Europe from 1995 to 2013.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Phillip L Marotta
- School of Social Work, New York, NY, USA.
- Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Bazazi AR, Vijay A, Crawford FW, Heimer R, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. HIV Testing and awareness of HIV status among people who inject drugs in greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. AIDS Care 2017; 30:59-64. [PMID: 28803503 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2017.1363852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
HIV testing services are the gateway into HIV treatment and are critical for monitoring the epidemic. HIV testing is recommended at least annually in high-risk populations, including people who inject drugs (PWID). In Malaysia, the HIV epidemic is concentrated among PWID, but their adherence to testing recommendations and the proportion of HIV-positive PWID who are aware of their status remain unknown. We recruited 460 PWID in Greater Kuala Lumpur using respondent-driven sampling and conducted HIV testing. We examined past testing behaviors, estimating testing frequency, correlates of testing in the past 12 months, and the proportion of those living with HIV who were aware of their status. Results showed that most PWID living with HIV (90.4%, 95% CI: 83.6%-95.9%) were aware of their status. Among those never previously diagnosed with HIV, few had accessed HIV testing in the past 12 months (14.3%, 95% CI: 11.1%-18.0%). Prison (57.0%) and compulsory drug detention centers (36.1%) were the primary locations where PWID reported ever being HIV tested, and the main correlate of recent testing in regression was recent criminal justice involvement. Although awareness of HIV status may be high among PWID living with HIV in Kuala Lumpur, testing occurs primarily in prisons and compulsory drug detention centers, where it is involuntary and linkage to care is limited. A shift in HIV testing policy is needed to align health and human rights objectives, replacing mandatory testing with voluntary testing in settings where individuals can be rapidly linked to HIV care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander R Bazazi
- a Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program , Yale School of Medicine , New Haven , CT , USA.,b Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases , Yale School of Public Health , New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Aishwarya Vijay
- a Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program , Yale School of Medicine , New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Forrest W Crawford
- c Department of Biostatistics , Yale School of Public Health , New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Robert Heimer
- b Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases , Yale School of Public Health , New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Adeeba Kamarulzaman
- a Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program , Yale School of Medicine , New Haven , CT , USA.,d Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA) , University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Frederick L Altice
- a Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program , Yale School of Medicine , New Haven , CT , USA.,b Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases , Yale School of Public Health , New Haven , CT , USA.,d Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA) , University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
O'Halloran C, Cullen K, Njoroge J, Jessop L, Smith J, Hope V, Ncube F. The extent of and factors associated with self-reported overdose and self-reported receipt of naloxone among people who inject drugs (PWID) in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017; 46:34-40. [PMID: 28586701 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2016] [Revised: 03/11/2017] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overdose is a major cause of death among PWID, and for opioid overdoses naloxone administration can reduce harm. However, globally there is limited national level data on the extent of non-fatal overdose and naloxone uptake. The first national level data on the extent of self-reported overdose and self-reported receipt of naloxone among UK PWID, providing a baseline to monitor the impact of the recent policy change regarding naloxone availability, is presented. METHODS Data on self-reported overdose and receipt of naloxone during the preceding year for 2013-2014 from a national survey of PWID was analysed. Participants who reported injecting during the preceding year were included. RESULTS Participants (3850) were predominantly male (75%); mean age was 36 years. The most commonly injected drugs were: heroin (91%), crack (45%) and amphetamine (29%). 15% (591) reported overdosing during the preceding year. There were no differences in the proportion reporting overdose by age or gender, but overdose was more common among those who: injected multiple drugs; recently ceased addiction treatment; injected with used needles/syringes; ever had transactional sex; had used a sexual health clinic or emergency department and lived in Wales or Northern Ireland. Among those reporting an overdose during the preceding year, a third reported two to four overdoses and 7.5% five or more overdoses; half reported receiving naloxone. Those reporting naloxone receipt in the preceding year were more likely to: live in Wales or Northern Ireland; ever received used needles/syringes; ever been imprisoned; and less likely to have injected two drug types. CONCLUSION These data provide a baseline for monitoring the impact of the 2015 UK policy change to improve take-home naloxone access. Interventions tackling overdose should promote naloxone awareness and access, and target those who; are poly-drug injectors, have ceased treatment, share needles/syringes and whose drug use links to sexual activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte O'Halloran
- HIV & STI Department, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK.
| | - Katelyn Cullen
- HIV & STI Department, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Jaquelyn Njoroge
- HIV & STI Department, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Lucy Jessop
- Public Health Agency, Health Protection Service, 12-22 Linenhall Street, Belfast BT2 8BS, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Josie Smith
- Public Health Wales, Temple of Peace & Health, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NW, UK
| | - Vivian Hope
- HIV & STI Department, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| | - Fortune Ncube
- HIV & STI Department, Public Health England, 61 Colindale Avenue, London NW9 5EQ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abstract
This paper is the thirty-eighth consecutive installment of the annual review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system. It summarizes papers published during 2015 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides, opioid receptors, opioid agonists and opioid antagonists. The particular topics that continue to be covered include the molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors related to behavior, and the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia, stress and social status, tolerance and dependence, learning and memory, eating and drinking, drug abuse and alcohol, sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology, mental illness and mood, seizures and neurologic disorders, electrical-related activity and neurophysiology, general activity and locomotion, gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions, cardiovascular responses, respiration and thermoregulation, and immunological responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, Flushing, NY 11367, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Zelenev A, Long E, Bazazi AR, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. The complex interplay of social networks, geography and HIV risk among Malaysian Drug Injectors: Results from respondent-driven sampling. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2016; 37:98-106. [PMID: 27639995 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV is primarily concentrated among people who inject drugs (PWID) in Malaysia, where currently HIV prevention and treatment coverage is inadequate. To improve the targeting of interventions, we examined HIV clustering and the role that social networks and geographical distance play in influencing HIV transmission among PWID. METHODS Data were derived from a respondent-driven survey sample (RDS) collected during 2010 of 460 PWID in greater Kuala Lumpur. Analysis focused on socio-demographic, clinical, behavioural, and network information. Spatial probit models were developed based on a distinction between the influence of peers (individuals nominated through a recruitment network) and neighbours (residing a close distance to the individual). The models were expanded to account for the potential influence of the network formation. RESULTS Recruitment patterns of HIV-infected PWID clustered both spatially and across the recruitment networks. In addition, HIV-infected PWID were more likely to have peers and neighbours who inject with clean needles were HIV-infected and lived nearby (<5km), more likely to have been previously incarcerated, less likely to use clean needles (26.8% vs 53.0% of the reported injections, p<0.01), and have fewer recent injection partners (2.4 vs 5.4, p<0.01). The association between the HIV status of peers and neighbours remained significantly correlated even after controlling for unobserved variation related to network formation and sero-sorting. CONCLUSION The relationship between HIV status across networks and space in Kuala Lumpur underscores the importance of these factors for surveillance and prevention strategies, and this needs to be more closely integrated. RDS can be applied to identify injection network structures, and this provides an important mechanism for improving public health surveillance, accessing high-risk populations, and implementing risk-reduction interventions to slow HIV transmission.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Zelenev
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, 135 College St., Suite 323, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
| | - Elisa Long
- UCLA Anderson School of Management, Decisions, Operations & Technology Management Department, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alexander R Bazazi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, 135 College St., Suite 323, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Adeeba Kamarulzaman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, 135 College St., Suite 323, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, 135 College St., Suite 323, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA; Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Culbert GJ, Pillai V, Bick J, Al-Darraji HA, Wickersham JA, Wegman MP, Bazazi AR, Ferro E, Copenhaver M, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. Confronting the HIV, Tuberculosis, Addiction, and Incarceration Syndemic in Southeast Asia: Lessons Learned from Malaysia. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2016; 11:446-55. [PMID: 27216260 PMCID: PMC5118227 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-016-9676-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Throughout Southeast Asia, repressive drug laws have resulted in high rates of imprisonment in people who inject drugs (PWID) and people living with HIV (PLH), greatly magnifying the harm associated with HIV, tuberculosis, and addiction. We review findings from Malaysia's largest prison to describe the negative synergistic effects of HIV, tuberculosis, addiction, and incarceration that contribute to a 'perfect storm' of events challenging public and personal health and offer insights into innovative strategies to control these converging epidemics. The majority of PLH who are imprisoned in Malaysia are opioid dependent PWID. Although promoted by official policy, evidence-based addiction treatment is largely unavailable, contributing to rapid relapse and/or overdose after release. Similarly, HIV treatment in prisons and compulsory drug treatment centers is sometimes inadequate or absent. The prevalence of active tuberculosis is high, particularly in PLH, and over 80 % of prisoners and prison personnel are latently infected. Mandatory HIV testing and subsequent segregation of HIV-infected prisoners increases the likelihood of tuberculosis acquisition and progression to active disease, amplifying the reservoir of infection for other prisoners. We discuss strategies to control these intersecting epidemics including screening linked to standardized treatment protocols for all three conditions, and effective transitional programs for released prisoners. For example, recently introduced evidence-based interventions in prisons like antiretroviral therapy (ART) to treat HIV, isoniazid preventive therapy to treat latent tuberculosis infection, and methadone maintenance to treat opioid dependence, have markedly improved clinical care and reduced morbidity and mortality. Since introduction of these interventions in September 2012, all-cause and HIV-related mortality have decreased by 50.0 % and 75.7 %, respectively. We discuss the further deployment of these interventions in Malaysian prisons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel J Culbert
- Department of Health Systems Science, College of Nursing, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Veena Pillai
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Joseph Bick
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Haider A Al-Darraji
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Centre for International Health, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Jeffrey A Wickersham
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, 135 College Street, Suite 323, New Haven, CT, 06510-2283, USA
| | - Martin P Wegman
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Alexander R Bazazi
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Yale University School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Enrico Ferro
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, 135 College Street, Suite 323, New Haven, CT, 06510-2283, USA
| | - Michael Copenhaver
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Adeeba Kamarulzaman
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, 135 College Street, Suite 323, New Haven, CT, 06510-2283, USA.
- Yale University School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, New Haven, CT, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Pre-incarceration police harassment, drug addiction and HIV risk behaviours among prisoners in Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan: results from a nationally representative cross-sectional study. J Int AIDS Soc 2016; 19:20880. [PMID: 27435715 PMCID: PMC4951538 DOI: 10.7448/ias.19.4.20880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The expanding HIV epidemic in Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan is concentrated among people who inject drugs (PWID), who comprise a third of prisoners there. Detention of PWID is common but its impact on health has not been previously studied in the region. We aimed to understand the relationship between official and unofficial (police harassment) detention of PWID and HIV risk behaviours. Methods In a nationally representative cross-sectional study, soon-to-be released prisoners in Kyrgyzstan (N=368) and Azerbaijan (N=510) completed standardized health assessment surveys. After identifying correlated variables through bivariate testing, we built multi-group path models with pre-incarceration official and unofficial detention as exogenous variables and pre-incarceration composite HIV risk as an endogenous variable, controlling for potential confounders and estimating indirect effects. Results Overall, 463 (51%) prisoners reported at least one detention in the year before incarceration with an average of 1.3 detentions in that period. Unofficial detentions (13%) were less common than official detentions (41%). Optimal model fit was achieved (X2=5.83, p=0.44; Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) GFI=0.99; Comparative Fit Index (CFI) CFI=1.00; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) RMSEA=0.00; PCLOSE=0.98) when unofficial detention had an indirect effect on HIV risk, mediated by drug addiction severity, with more detentions associated with higher addiction severity, which in turn correlated with increased HIV risk. The final model explained 35% of the variance in the outcome. The effect was maintained for both countries, but stronger for Kyrgyzstan. The model also holds for Kyrgyzstan using unique data on within-prison drug injection as the outcome, which was frequent in prisoners there. Conclusions Detention by police is a strong correlate of addiction severity, which mediates its effect on HIV risk behaviour. This pattern suggests that police may target drug users and that such harassment may result in an increase in HIV risk-taking behaviours, primarily because of the continued drug use within prisons. These findings highlight the important negative role that police play in the HIV epidemic response and point to the urgent need for interventions to reduce police harassment, in parallel with interventions to reduce HIV transmission within and outside of prison.
Collapse
|
31
|
Police, Law Enforcement and HIV. J Int AIDS Soc 2016. [DOI: 10.7448/ias.19.4.21260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
|
32
|
Mukherjee TI, Wickersham JA, Desai MM, Pillai V, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. Factors associated with interest in receiving prison-based methadone maintenance therapy in Malaysia. Drug Alcohol Depend 2016; 164:120-127. [PMID: 27207155 PMCID: PMC5592792 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.04.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Methadone maintenance therapy (MMT) is crucial for HIV prevention and treatment in people who inject opioids. In Malaysia, a large proportion of the prison population is affected by both HIV and opioid use disorders. This study assessed individual preferences and factors associated with interest in receiving MMT among male prisoners meeting criteria for opioid dependence in Malaysia. METHODS A convenience sample of 96 HIV-positive and 104 HIV-negative incarcerated men who met pre-incarceration criteria for opioid dependence was interviewed using a structured questionnaire to examine participant characteristics and attitudes toward MMT. Factors associated with interest in prison-based MMT initiation were identified using logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Among all participants, 85 (42.5%) were interested in receiving MMT within prison. Independent correlates of interest in prison-based MMT were being previously married (AOR=4.15, 95% CI: 1.15, 15.02), previously incarcerated (AOR=5.68, 95% CI: 1.54, 21.02), depression (AOR=3.66, 95% CI: 1.68, 7.98), daily heroin use in the 30days prior to incarceration (AOR=5.53, 95% CI: 1.65, 18.58), and more favorable attitudes toward MMT (AOR=19.82, 95% CI: 6.07, 64.74). CONCLUSIONS Overall, interest in receiving prison-based MMT was low, and was associated with adverse social, mental health, and drug use consequences. Incarceration provides a unique opportunity to initiate MMT for those who need it, however, optimal scale-up efforts must be systemic and address modifiable factors like improving attitudes toward and motivation for MMT. Informed or shared decision-making tools may be useful in improving expectations and acceptability of MMT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trena I. Mukherjee
- Yale School of Public Health, Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jeffrey A. Wickersham
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA,Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Mayur M. Desai
- Yale School of Public Health, Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Veena Pillai
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Adeeba Kamarulzaman
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA,Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Frederick L. Altice
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA,Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,Yale School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, New Haven, CT, USA,Corresponding author at: Yale School of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, 135 College St., Suite 323, New Haven, CT, USA., (F.L. Altice)
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Csete J, Kamarulzaman A, Kazatchkine M, Altice F, Balicki M, Buxton J, Cepeda J, Comfort M, Goosby E, Goulão J, Hart C, Kerr T, Lajous AM, Lewis S, Martin N, Mejía D, Camacho A, Mathieson D, Obot I, Ogunrombi A, Sherman S, Stone J, Vallath N, Vickerman P, Zábranský T, Beyrer C. Public health and international drug policy. Lancet 2016; 387:1427-1480. [PMID: 27021149 PMCID: PMC5042332 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(16)00619-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 307] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In September 2015, the member states of the United Nations endorsed sustainable development goals (SDG) for 2030 that aspire to human rights-centered approaches to ensuring the health and well-being of all people. The SDGs embody both the UN Charter values of rights and justice for all and the responsibility of states to rely on the best scientific evidence as they seek to better humankind. In April 2016, these same states will consider control of illicit drugs, an area of social policy that has been fraught with controversy, seen as inconsistent with human rights norms, and for which scientific evidence and public health approaches have arguably played too limited a role. The previous UN General Assembly Special Session (UNGASS) on drugs in 1998 – convened under the theme “a drug-free world, we can do it!” – endorsed drug control policies based on the goal of prohibiting all use, possession, production, and trafficking of illicit drugs. This goal is enshrined in national law in many countries. In pronouncing drugs a “grave threat to the health and well-being of all mankind,” the 1998 UNGASS echoed the foundational 1961 convention of the international drug control regime, which justified eliminating the “evil” of drugs in the name of “the health and welfare of mankind.” But neither of these international agreements refers to the ways in which pursuing drug prohibition itself might affect public health. The “war on drugs” and “zero-tolerance” policies that grew out of the prohibitionist consensus are now being challenged on multiple fronts, including their health, human rights, and development impact. The Johns Hopkins – Lancet Commission on Drug Policy and Health has sought to examine the emerging scientific evidence on public health issues arising from drug control policy and to inform and encourage a central focus on public health evidence and outcomes in drug policy debates, such as the important deliberations of the 2016 UNGASS on drugs. The Johns Hopkins-Lancet Commission is concerned that drug policies are often colored by ideas about drug use and drug dependence that are not scientifically grounded. The 1998 UNGASS declaration, for example, like the UN drug conventions and many national drug laws, does not distinguish between drug use and drug abuse. A 2015 report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, by contrast, found it important to emphasize that “[d]rug use is neither a medical condition nor does it necessarily lead to drug dependence.” The idea that all drug use is dangerous and evil has led to enforcement-heavy policies and has made it difficult to see potentially dangerous drugs in the same light as potentially dangerous foods, tobacco, alcohol for which the goal of social policy is to reduce potential harms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michel Kazatchkine
- UN Special Envoy, HIV in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Javier Cepeda
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Eric Goosby
- University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Carl Hart
- Columbia University, New York City, NY, USA
| | - Thomas Kerr
- University of British Columbia, Center of Excellence in HIV/AIDS, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Susan Sherman
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Nandini Vallath
- Trivandrum Institute of Palliative Sciences, Trivandrum, India
| | | | | | - Chris Beyrer
- Center for Public Health and Human Rights, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Hser YI, Liang D, Lan YC, Vicknasingam BK, Chakrabarti A. Drug Abuse, HIV, and HCV in Asian Countries. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2016; 11:383-93. [PMID: 27000123 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-016-9665-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Drug abuse and co-occurring infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Asian countries are particularly vulnerable to the deleterious consequences of these risks/problems, as they have some of the highest rates of these diseases. This review describes drug abuse, HIV, and hepatitis C (HCV) in Asian countries. The most commonly used illicit drugs include opioids, amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), cannabis, and ketamine. Among people who inject drugs, HIV rates range from 6.3 % in China to 19 % in Malaysia, and HCV ranges from 41 % in India and Taiwan to 74 % in Vietnam. In the face of the HIV epidemics, drug policies in these countries are slowly changing from the traditional punitive approach (e.g., incarcerating drug users or requiring registration as a drug user) to embrace public health approaches, including, for example, community-based treatment options as well as harm reduction approaches to reduce needle sharing and thus HIV transmission. HIV and HCV molecular epidemiology indicates limited geographic diffusion. While the HIV prevalence is declining in all five countries, use of new drugs (e.g., ATS, ketamine) continues to increase, as well as high-risk sexual behaviors associated with drug use-increasing the risk of sexual transmission of HIV, particularly among men who have sex with men. Screening, early intervention, and continued scaling up of therapeutic options (drug treatment and recovery support, ART, long-term HIV and HCV care for drug users) are critical for effective control or continued reduction of drug abuse and co-infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yih-Ing Hser
- University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA. .,China Medical University, Taichung City, Taiwan.
| | - Di Liang
- University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Amit Chakrabarti
- Regional Occupational Health Centre (ROHC), Eastern, National Institute of Occupational Health, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Loeliger KB, Marcus R, Wickersham JA, Pillai V, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. The syndemic of HIV, HIV-related risk and multiple co-morbidities among women who use drugs in Malaysia: Important targets for intervention. Addict Behav 2016; 53:31-9. [PMID: 26436520 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2015.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use and HIV are syndemic public health problems in Malaysia. Harm reduction efforts to reduce HIV transmission have primarily focused on men with substance use disorders. OBJECTIVES To explore HIV risk behaviors, substance use, and social factors associated with poor health outcomes among women who use drugs in Malaysia. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of 103 drug-using women in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia were recruited to assess their medical, psychiatric and social comorbidity as well as their engagement in nationally recommended HIV testing and monitoring activities. RESULTS One-third reported having ever injected drugs, with most (68.2%) having recently shared injection paraphernalia. Sex work (44.7%) and infrequent condom use (42.4%) were common as was underlying psychiatric illness and physical and sexual violence during childhood and adulthood. Most women (62.1%) had unstable living situations and suffered from an unmet need for social support and health services. HIV prevalence was high (20%) with only two thirds of women eligible for antiretroviral therapy having received it. Suboptimal HIV testing and/or monitoring was positively associated with interpersonal violence (AOR 2.73; 95% CI 1.04-7.14) and negatively associated with drug injection (AOR 0.28; 95% CI 0.10-0.77). CONCLUSIONS/IMPORTANCE Women who use drugs in Malaysia demonstrate considerable medical, psychiatric and social co-morbidity, which negatively contributes to optimal and crucial engagement in HIV treatment-as-prevention strategies. Mental health and social support may be key targets for future public health interventions aimed at drug-using women in Malaysia.
Collapse
|
36
|
Bazzi AR, Syvertsen JL, Rolón ML, Martinez G, Rangel G, Vera A, Amaro H, Ulibarri MD, Hernandez DO, Strathdee SA. Social and Structural Challenges to Drug Cessation Among Couples in Northern Mexico: Implications for Drug Treatment in Underserved Communities. J Subst Abuse Treat 2016; 61:26-33. [PMID: 26470596 PMCID: PMC4695257 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2015.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Available drug treatment modalities may inadequately address social and structural contexts surrounding recovery efforts. METHODS This mixed methods analysis drew on (1) surveys with female sex workers and their intimate male partners and (2) semi-structured interviews with a subsample of 41 couples (n=82 individuals, 123 total interviews) in Northern Mexico. Descriptive and content analyses examined drug cessation and treatment experiences. RESULTS Perceived need for drug treatment was high, yet only 35% had ever accessed services. Financial and institutional barriers (childcare needs, sex-segregated facilities) prevented partners from enrolling in residential programs together or simultaneously, leading to self-treatment attempts. Outpatient methadone was experienced more positively, yet financial constraints limited access and treatment duration. Relapse was common, particularly when one partner enrolled alone while the other continued using drugs. CONCLUSIONS Affordable, accessible, evidence-based drug treatment and recovery services that acknowledge social and structural contexts surrounding recovery are urgently needed for drug-involved couples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela R Bazzi
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, 4th floor, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
| | - Jennifer L Syvertsen
- Department of Anthropology, The Ohio State University, 4046 Smith Laboratory, 174W. 18th Avenue, Columbus OH 43210, USA
| | - María Luisa Rolón
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla CA 92093-0507, USA; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Xochicalco, Rampa Yumalinda 4850, Colonia Chapultepec Alamar C.P. 22540, Tijuana, Baja California, México
| | - Gustavo Martinez
- Federación Mexicana de Asociaciones Privadas, Plutarco Elías Calles No. 744 Norte, Col. Progresista, C.P. 32310, Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, México
| | - Gudelia Rangel
- Comisión de Salud Fronteriza México-Estados Unidos, Sección México, Paseo del Centenario #10851, Zona Río. C.P. 22010, Tijuana, Baja California, México; Secretaría de Salud, Homero 213, piso 19, Col. Chapultepec Morales, Delegación Miguel Hidalgo C.P. 11570, México, D.F
| | - Alicia Vera
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla CA 92093-0507, USA; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Xochicalco, Rampa Yumalinda 4850, Colonia Chapultepec Alamar C.P. 22540, Tijuana, Baja California, México
| | - Hortensia Amaro
- School of Social Work and Department of Preventive Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Montgomery Ross Fisher Building, Room 221 669W. 34th St., Los Angeles, CA 90089
| | - Monica D Ulibarri
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla CA 92093-0849, USA; California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University-San Diego, San Diego, CA
| | - Daniel O Hernandez
- School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, 4610 X Street, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Steffanie A Strathdee
- Division of Global Public Health, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla CA 92093-0507, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
McLean K. "There's nothing here": Deindustrialization as risk environment for overdose. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2016; 29:19-26. [PMID: 26868674 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2016.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Revised: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Applying the "risk environment" approach proposed by Rhodes (2002, 2009), this study considers the diverse contextual factors contributing to drug overdose in a deindustrialized region of the United States. The Monongahela Valley of Pennsylvania, once a global center of steel production, has suffered a mass exodus of jobs, residents, and businesses since a national manufacturing crisis erupted in the early 1980s; more recently, it has seen a dramatic uptick in accidental drug poisoning deaths. Where recent local and national media attention to overdose has focused on suburban areas and middle class victims, this study concentrates instead on the deteriorating mill city of McKeesport, Pennsylvania. METHODS Eighteen clients of the city's sole drug treatment facility participated in in-depth interviews concerning their direct experience with accidental overdose. Specifically, participants were asked to describe their own most recent overdose event and/or the last overdose they had personally witnessed. They were also asked to speculate upon the roots of the local overdose epidemic, while venturing possible remedies. RESULTS In relating their overdose experiences, participants characterized a micro-level risk environment that was hidden behind closed doors, and populated by unprepared, ambivalent overdose "assistants." Tasked with explaining a geographic concentration of overdose in and around McKeesport, interviewees referenced the hopelessness of the area and its lack of opportunity as driving the use of heroin, with many explicitly suggesting the need for jobs and community reinvestment to reduce fatalities. CONCLUSION While state and county efforts to ameliorate overdose mortality have focused upon creating an open market in naloxone, this study suggests the need for interventions that address the poverty and social isolation of opiate users in the post-industrial periphery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine McLean
- The Pennsylvania State University - Greater Allegheny, 4000 University Drive, McKeesport, PA 15131, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Uusküla A, Raag M, Vorobjov S, Rüütel K, Lyubimova A, Levina OS, Heimer R. Non-fatal overdoses and related risk factors among people who inject drugs in St. Petersburg, Russia and Kohtla-Järve, Estonia. BMC Public Health 2015; 15:1255. [PMID: 26684815 PMCID: PMC4683801 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-015-2604-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study seeks to identify the prevalence of, and risk factors associated with, non-fatal overdose among people currently injecting drugs (PWID) in St. Petersburg (Russia) and in Kohtla-Järve (Estonia). Methods Five hundred eighty-eight study participants in Kohtla-Järve (in 2012) and 811 in St. Petersburg (in 2012–2013) were recruited using respondent driven sampling for interviewing and HIV testing. Results Three-quarters (76 %) of the current PWID were male. Participants from St. Petersburg were older (mean age 32.1 vs. 29.6 years, p < 0.0001) and reported a longer average duration of injecting drugs (mean duration: 13.3 vs. 10.9 years, p < 0.0001). Main drugs injected were opioids (fentanyl in Kohtla-Järve, heroin in St Petersburg). HIV prevalence was 63 % (95 % CI 59–67 %) in Kohtla-Järve and 56 % (95 % CI 52–59 %) in St. Petersburg. Two thirds of the PWID in Kohtla-Järve and St. Petersburg reported ever having experienced a drug overdose involving loss of consciousness or stopping breathing. In Kohtla-Järve, 28 % (95 % CI 24–31 %) of participants and, in St Petersburg, 16 % (95 % CI 14–19 %) of participants reported an overdose within the previous 12 months. Characteristics of injection drug use practice (longer duration of injection drug use, main drug injected), correlates of high-risk injection behaviour (higher injecting frequency, sharing), and problem alcohol use were associated with the risk of overdose within the previous 12 months. The significant factors effects did not differ between the sites. Conclusions PWID are at high risk for overdose. Effective overdose prevention efforts at the public health scale are therefore warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anneli Uusküla
- Department of Public Health, University of Tartu, Ravila st 19, 50409, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Mait Raag
- Department of Public Health, University of Tartu, Ravila st 19, 50409, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Sigrid Vorobjov
- Infectious Diseases and Drug Monitoring Department, National Institute for Health Development, Hiiu 42, 11619, Tallinn, Estonia.
| | - Kristi Rüütel
- Infectious Diseases and Drug Monitoring Department, National Institute for Health Development, Hiiu 42, 11619, Tallinn, Estonia.
| | | | | | - Robert Heimer
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases and the Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale University School of Public Health, 60 College St, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Wickersham JA, Loeliger KB, Marcus R, Pillai V, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. Patterns of substance use and correlates of lifetime and active injection drug use among women in Malaysia. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2015; 42:98-110. [PMID: 26636885 DOI: 10.3109/00952990.2015.1101467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While drug use is associated with HIV risk in Southeast Asia, little is known about substance use behaviors among women, including drug injection. OBJECTIVES To describe patterns of substance use among women using alcohol and drugs in Malaysia and identify correlates of lifetime and active drug injection, a risk factor for HIV transmission. METHODS A survey of 103 women who used drugs in the last 12 months assessed drug use history and frequency, including drug injection and drug use during pregnancy, self-reported HIV-status, childhood and adulthood physical and sexual abuse, and access to and utilization of harm reduction services, including needle-syringe exchange programs (NSEP) and opioid agonist maintenance therapy (OAT). Principal component analyses (PCA) were conducted to assess drug use grouping. RESULTS Amphetamine-type substances (ATS; 82.5%), alcohol (75.7%) and heroin (71.8%) were the most commonly used drugs across the lifetime. Drug injection was reported by 32.0% (n = 33) of participants with 21.4% (n = 22) having injected in the last 30 days. PCA identified two groups of drug users: opioids/benzodiazepines and club drugs. Lifetime drug injection was significantly associated with lower education, homelessness, prior criminal justice involvement, opioid use, polysubstance use, childhood physical and sexual abuse, and being HIV-infected, but not with prior OAT. CONCLUSION Women who use drugs in Malaysia report high levels of polysubstance use and injection-related risk behaviors, including sharing of injection equipment and being injected by others. Low OAT utilization suggests the need for improved access to OAT services and other harm reduction measures that prioritize women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Wickersham
- a Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases , AIDS Program, New Haven , CT , USA.,c Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Kelsey B Loeliger
- a Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases , AIDS Program, New Haven , CT , USA.,b Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health , New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Ruthanne Marcus
- a Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases , AIDS Program, New Haven , CT , USA
| | - Veena Pillai
- c Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Adeeba Kamarulzaman
- a Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases , AIDS Program, New Haven , CT , USA.,c Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| | - Frederick L Altice
- a Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases , AIDS Program, New Haven , CT , USA.,b Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale University School of Public Health , New Haven , CT , USA.,c Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS, University of Malaya , Kuala Lumpur , Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Bazazi AR, Crawford F, Zelenev A, Heimer R, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. HIV Prevalence Among People Who Inject Drugs in Greater Kuala Lumpur Recruited Using Respondent-Driven Sampling. AIDS Behav 2015; 19:2347-57. [PMID: 26358544 PMCID: PMC4743744 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-015-1191-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The HIV epidemic in Malaysia is concentrated among people who inject drugs (PWID). Accurate estimates of HIV prevalence are critical for developing appropriate treatment and prevention interventions for PWID in Malaysia. In 2010, 461 PWID were recruited using respondent-driven sampling in Greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Participants completed rapid HIV testing and behavioral assessments. Estimates of HIV prevalence were computed for each of the three recruitment sites and the overall sample. HIV prevalence was 15.8 % (95 % CI 12.5-19.2 %) overall but varied widely by location: 37.0 % (28.6-45.4 %) in Kampung Baru, 10.3 % (5.0-15.6 %) in Kajang, and 6.3 % (3.0-9.5 %) in Shah Alam. Recruitment extended to locations far from initial interview sites but was concentrated around discrete geographic regions. We document the high prevalence of HIV among PWID in Greater Kuala Lumpur. Sustained support for community surveillance and HIV prevention interventions is needed to stem the HIV epidemic among PWID in Malaysia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander R Bazazi
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, 135 College St., Suite 323, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
| | - Forrest Crawford
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Alexei Zelenev
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, 135 College St., Suite 323, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Robert Heimer
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Adeeba Kamarulzaman
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, 135 College St., Suite 323, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Lembah Pantai, 50603, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, 135 College St., Suite 323, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Vijay A, Bazazi AR, Yee I, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. Treatment readiness, attitudes toward, and experiences with methadone and buprenorphine maintenance therapy among people who inject drugs in Malaysia. J Subst Abuse Treat 2015; 54:29-36. [PMID: 25841703 PMCID: PMC4758679 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2015.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2014] [Revised: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about attitudes toward and experiences with opioid maintenance therapy (OMT) among people who inject drugs in Malaysia, a country where people who inject drugs comprise 1.3% of the adult population. METHODS In 2010, 460 people who inject drugs in Greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia were surveyed to evaluate attitudes toward and experiences with OMT and treatment readiness. Attitudes towards OMT with both methadone and buprenorphine were assessed using an opinions scale. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess correlates of treatment readiness, measured with the 19-item Stages of Change Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES). RESULTS All 460 participants used opioids and nearly all (99.1%) met criteria for opioid dependence. Few had had previous experience with methadone (9.3%) or buprenorphine (12.6%) maintenance therapy, yet many had used methadone (55.2%) or buprenorphine (51.7%) outside of treatment settings. Fifteen percent had injected buprenorphine in the past month, and of the few that were currently receiving buprenorphine maintenance therapy, almost all were injecting it. The majority of subjects exhibited a moderate level of treatment readiness and a preference for methadone over buprenorphine. Those with low treatment readiness scores were more likely to have previous experience with compulsory drug detention centers (p<0.01), needle/syringe exchange programs (p<0.005), or be of Indian ethnicity (p<0.001). Past use of methadone (p<0.01), older age (p<0.001), higher stress symptom severity (p<0.001), and sharing of needles or syringes (p<0.05) were associated with higher treatment readiness scores. CONCLUSION There are suboptimal levels of OMT experience among people who inject drugs that may be improved by addressing factors that influence patient attitudes. Those individuals with moderate treatment readiness may be targeted by brief motivational and cognitive interventions in primary care, prisons or OMT clinics aimed at improving entry into and retention in treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Vijay
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, 135 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Alexander R Bazazi
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, 135 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Yale University School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ilias Yee
- Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Adeeba Kamarulzaman
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, 135 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, 135 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Yale University School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases, New Haven, CT, USA; Centre of Excellence for Research in AIDS (CERiA), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Springer SA, Larney S, Alam-mehrjerdi Z, Altice FL, Metzger D, Shoptaw S. Drug Treatment as HIV Prevention Among Women and Girls Who Inject Drugs From a Global Perspective: Progress, Gaps, and Future Directions. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2015; 69 Suppl 2:S155-61. [PMID: 25978482 PMCID: PMC4443704 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000000637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Although there have been significant reductions in the number of new HIV infections globally from 2009 to 2013, incidence remains unacceptably high for persons who use drugs. In many settings, women and girls who inject drugs (WWID) with HIV/AIDS experience poor treatment access, including evidence-based practices like antiretroviral therapy and drug treatment. Medication-assisted therapies (MAT) for substance use disorders are especially inaccessible, which in their absence, increases HIV transmission risk. Irrespective of setting or culture, drug treatment using MAT is not only effective but also cost-effective at reducing opioid use and linked injection and sexual risks. Data presented here for WWID address their access to MAT for opioid addiction and to treatments being developed that address the relationship, family, and vocational needs of this group. The most glaring finding is that globally, WWID frequently are excluded in surveys or studies with an impressive lack of disaggregated data by gender when surveying access to MAT—even in wealthy countries. Despite this, there have been some striking improvements in implementing drug treatment as prevention, notably in Iran and China. Still, real barriers remain for women and girls to accessing drug treatment, other harm reduction services, and antiretroviral therapy. Development and/or implementation of interventions that facilitate women and girls engaging in drug treatment that address their roles within society, work, and family/relationships, and outcome evaluation of these interventions are crucial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra A. Springer
- Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Sarah Larney
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Zahra Alam-mehrjerdi
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), Faculty of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Frederick L. Altice
- Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - David Metzger
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- Treatment Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Steven Shoptaw
- Department of Family Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA
| |
Collapse
|