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Roberts E, Copeland C, Darke S, Farrell M. Characteristics of drug-related deaths where individuals are found submerged in a bath or hot tub in the United Kingdom, 1997-2023. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024. [PMID: 39256976 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent media reports highlight that drug-related fatalities can occur while individuals are immersed in water in domestic settings. We aimed to determine the case characteristics, circumstances of death and type of implicated drugs among individuals dying due to unintentional drug-related causes found immersed in a bath or hot tub. METHODS Retrospective cohort study in the United Kingdom using coronial records from the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths, 1997-2023. Information was available on decedent socio-demographics, characteristics of death and drugs implicated in death. RESULTS One hundred fifty-six decedents were found immersed in the bath and six in a hot tub, a mean of 6.4 deaths per year (SD 3.7; range 1-13). Overall decedents were predominantly male (n = 94, 58.0%), of White ethnicity (n = 98, 60.5%) with a mean age of 40 years (SD 13; range 19-74). Only 12 decedents had any physical contributory factor to death other than poisoning or drowning. The median number of drugs detected at post-mortem was 3 (interquartile range 2, 5) with multiple drug toxicity implicated in the majority of cases (n = 90, 55.6%). The most common implicated drugs were heroin (n = 53, 32.7%), alcohol (n = 46, 28.4%) and cocaine (n = 33, 20.4%). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Over the last two decades in the United Kingdom there have been consistent numbers of unintentional drug-related deaths each year where individuals were found in a bath or hot tub. Polysubstance, opioid and alcohol use are overrepresented. Targeted advice to avoid bathing while intoxicated would appear to be an appropriate harm reduction message.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmert Roberts
- National Addiction Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London and the South London and the Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Caroline Copeland
- Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Shane Darke
- National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael Farrell
- National Drug & Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Banks DE, Li X, Park B, Winograd RP, Cavazos-Rehg P. Naloxone Stigma Among People Who Use Drugs: Characteristics and Associations With Stigma Toward Medication for Opioid Use Disorder. J Addict Med 2024:01271255-990000000-00378. [PMID: 39235293 DOI: 10.1097/adm.0000000000001377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Widespread naloxone distribution is key to mitigating opioid-related morbidity, but stigma remains a barrier. Naloxone stigma among providers, emergency responders, and the public is well-documented and associated with treatment and policy preferences, but little is known about naloxone stigma among people who use drugs (PWUD), who may be overdose first responders. This study examines naloxone stigma, its correlates, and its association with stigma toward medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) among PWUD. METHODS We recruited 293 individuals with a history of substance misuse from facilities that provide substance use and/or health care services (retained n = 195, 54% women, 75% White). Participants completed self-report measures, including the 5-item Naloxone-Related Risk Compensation Beliefs scale. RESULTS One in 5 respondents agreed with beliefs that access to naloxone leads to more opioid use and less treatment seeking and is "enabling." Those with nonopioid drug misuse, without prior overdose, and with fewer recovery attempts endorsed more naloxone stigma. Opioid misuse, prior overdose, and MOUD utilization were also inversely associated with MOUD stigma. There were no demographic differences in either stigma type. Naloxone stigma was positively associated with MOUD stigma in adjusted models. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to quantitatively examine naloxone stigma among PWUD. Findings emphasize the potential role of overdose education and naloxone distribution among those earlier in the substance use disorder course and who use nonopioid drugs. They support integrating MOUD stigma interventions into current overdose education and naloxone distribution targeted at PWUD to increase the acceptance and uptake of both medications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin E Banks
- From the Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO (DEB, XL, PC-R); Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri-St Louis, St Louis, MO (BP, RPW); and Missouri Institute of Mental Health, University of Missouri-St Louis, St Louis, MO (RPW)
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Sibley AL, Noar SM, Muessig KE, O'Shea NG, Paquette CE, Spears AG, Miller WC, Go VF. An Automated Text Messaging Intervention to Reduce Substance Use Self-Stigma (Project RESTART): Protocol for a Feasibility and Acceptability Pilot Study. JMIR Res Protoc 2024; 13:e59224. [PMID: 39121478 PMCID: PMC11344186 DOI: 10.2196/59224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/11/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stigma is a barrier to treatment and harm reduction seeking in people who use drugs. Most stigma reduction interventions offer psychotherapy or psychoeducation in group-based clinical settings, failing to reach people who are not in treatment. SMS text messaging is an effective and acceptable modality for delivering health information to people who use drugs and may be a suitable conduit for providing information and advice to understand and cope with stigma. OBJECTIVE This paper presents the protocol for a study that aims to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a 4-week automated SMS text message intervention to increase stigma resistance and reduce self-stigma in people who use drugs. METHODS We designed a novel automated SMS text message intervention to address the four personal-level constructs of stigma resistance: (1) not believing stigma and catching and challenging stigmatizing thoughts, (2) empowering oneself through learning about substance use and one's recovery, (3) maintaining one's recovery and proving stigma wrong, and (4) developing a meaningful identity and purpose apart from one's substance use. Theory-based messages were developed and pilot-tested in qualitative elicitation interviews with 22 people who use drugs, resulting in a library of 56 messages. In a single-group, within-subjects, community-based pilot trial, we will enroll 30 participants in the Resisting Stigma and Revaluating Your Thoughts (RESTART) intervention. Participants will receive 2 daily SMS text messages for 4 weeks. Implementation feasibility will be assessed through recruitment, enrollment, retention, and message delivery statistics. User feasibility and acceptability will be assessed at follow-up using 23 survey items informed by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Primary effectiveness outcomes are changes in self-stigma (Substance Abuse Self-Stigma Scale) and stigma resistance (Stigma Resistance Scale) from baseline to follow-up measured via a self-administered survey. Secondary outcomes are changes in hope (Adult Dispositional Hope Scale) and self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale). Feasibility and acceptability will be assessed with descriptive statistics; effectiveness outcomes will be assessed with paired 2-tailed t tests, and group differences will be explored using ANOVA. Overall, 12 participants will also be selected to complete acceptability interviews. RESULTS This pilot study was funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse in April 2023 and received regulatory approval in January 2024 by the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill Institutional Review Board. Recruitment and enrollment began in March 2024. Follow-up visits are expected to conclude by May 2024. Results will be disseminated in relevant peer-reviewed journals. CONCLUSIONS To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to address substance use stigma via a self-help SMS text messaging program. Results will add to the nascent literature on stigma reduction in people who use drugs. This protocol may interest researchers who are considering text messaging to address psychosocial needs in hard-to-reach populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06281548; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06281548. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/59224.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adams L Sibley
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Seth M Noar
- Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Kathryn E Muessig
- Institute on Digital Health and Innovation, College of Nursing, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Nisha G O'Shea
- Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Catherine E Paquette
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | | | - William C Miller
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Vivian F Go
- Department of Health Behavior, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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Ma Q, Whipple CR, Kaynak Ö, Saylor E, Kensinger WS. Somebody to Lean on: Understanding Self-Stigma and Willingness to Disclose in the Context of Addiction. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:1044. [PMID: 39200654 PMCID: PMC11354585 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21081044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024]
Abstract
Substance use self-stigma is a barrier to treatment and can negatively impact individuals' well-being and treatment engagement. Given the mixed findings in previous research and the limited specific investigation into the concept of self-stigma within the context of opioid misuse, examining factors associated with self-stigma in the context of opioid use disorder (OUD) is warranted. The current study examines the influence of individual-level factors (race, sex, urban/rural status, support group attendance) on self-stigma and willingness to disclose opioid use. Data for this study were from a larger study of OUD-related stigma among adults in Pennsylvania, U.S. The current study included participants who indicated a personal past or current history with OUD were included (n = 84). Exploratory factor analysis and multiple indicators, multiple causes (MIMIC) model were used to explore the associations between demographic factors (i.e., sex, age, race/ethnicity, urban/rural status), attendance at mutual support groups, and self-stigma factors. Results indicated that sex and attendance at mutual support groups significantly predicted levels of self-stigma. Women and individuals with no previous experience attending mutual support groups endorsed lower levels of self-stigma. Additionally, attendance at mutual support groups predicted willingness to self-disclose past and present opioid use. Individuals who reported no history of attending mutual support groups demonstrated less willingness to disclose past and present OUD use compared to participants who were support group attendees. The current research findings enhance the understanding of OUD-related self-stigma by examining its relationship with individual-level factors, disclosure, and attendance to mutual support groups. The results offer insights into the influence of sex and support group attendance on self-stigma and disclosure. These findings have significant clinical implications for developing future interventions and promoting health policy changes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Övgü Kaynak
- School of Behavioral Sciences and Education, Penn State University, Harrisburg, Middletown, PA 17057, USA; (Q.M.); (C.R.W.); (E.S.); (W.S.K.)
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Roth AM, Ward KM, Hensel DJ, Elliott L, Bennett AS. Exploration of weekly variation in naloxone possession and carriage among people who use opioids in New York City before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0307151. [PMID: 39024257 PMCID: PMC11257247 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Naloxone is critical for reversing opioid-related overdoses. However, there is a dearth of research examining how naloxone possession and carriage are impacted by time-varying individual and social determinants, and if this differed during the height of the COVID-related mitigation measures (e.g., shutdowns). METHODS We utilized weekly ecological momentary assessments (EMA) to measure factors associated with naloxone possession and carriage among 40 people who use illicit opioids in New York City, for 24 months. Descriptive statistics were used to explore the frequency of weeks with consistent naloxone possession and carriage. Mixed effects binary and multivariable logistic regression was used to test for the impact of time-varying EMA- and baseline-level factors on each outcome. RESULTS Approximately 70% of weekly EMAs were associated with consistent naloxone possession or carriage. In multivariable models, compared to during the height of the COVID-related shutdowns (March 12, 2020-May 19, 2021), the time before was associated with lower odds of consistent possession (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.05, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.01-0.15) and consistent carriage (OR = 0.06, CI = 0.01-0.25). Additionally, being female (OR = 11.15, CI = 2.85-43.42), being White versus being Black or Hispanic/Latinx (OR = 8.05, CI = 1.96-33.06), and lifetime overdose (OR = 1.96, CI = 1.16-19.80) were associated with higher odds of consistent possession. Recent opioid injection (OR = 3.66, CI = 1.34-9.94), being female (OR = 7.91, CI = 3.91-8.23), and being White (OR = 5.77, CI = 1.35-24.55) were associated with higher odds of consistent carriage. Not wanting to be perceived as a drug user was reported in nearly one third (29.0%; 190/656) of EMAs where inconsistent possession was reported. CONCLUSIONS Our findings paint a relatively positive picture of possession and carriage during COVID-related shutdowns, particularly among white and female participants, and highlight the importance of capturing time-varying factors to understand naloxone-related behavior. To curb growing disparities, outreach to equip Black and Hispanic/Latinx people with naloxone is needed as well as interventions to reduce stigma as a barrier to naloxone engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis M. Roth
- Department of Community Health and Prevention, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Kathleen M. Ward
- Department of Community Health and Prevention, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | - Devon J. Hensel
- Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
- Department of Sociology, Indiana University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN, United States of America
| | - Luther Elliott
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Alex S. Bennett
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, United States of America
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Maurano M, Bukusi D, Masyuko S, Bosire R, Gitau E, Guthrie BL, Monroe-Wise A, Musyoki H, Owuor MA, Sambai B, Sinkele W, Kingston H, Farquhar C, Mbogo L, Ludwig-Barron NT. "We only trust each other": A qualitative study exploring the overdose risk environment among persons who inject drugs living with HIV in Nairobi, Kenya. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0003435. [PMID: 38954694 PMCID: PMC11218959 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
In Kenya, overdose remains a major public health concern with approximately 40% of persons who inject drugs (PWID) reporting personal overdoses. PWID living with HIV (PWID-LH) are particularly vulnerable to experiencing fatal and non-fatal overdoses because of the surrounding physical, social, economic, and political environments, which are not fully understood in Kenya. Through qualitative inquiry, this study characterizes Kenya's overdose risk environment. Participants were purposively recruited from a larger cohort study from September to December 2018 using the following inclusion criteria: HIV-positive, age ≥18 years, injected drugs in the last year, and completed cohort study visits. Semi-structured interviews explored experiences of personal and observed overdoses, including injection settings, sequence of events (e.g., pre-, during, and post-overdose), safety strategies, and treatment. Interviews were transcribed, translated (Swahili to English), reviewed, and analyzed thematically, applying a risk environment framework. Nearly all participants described personal and/or observed overdose experiences (96%) and heroin was the most frequently reported substance (79%). Overdose precursors included increased consumption, polysubstance use, recent incarceration, and rushed injections. There were also indications of female-specific precursors, including violence and accessing prefilled syringes within occupational settings. Overdose safety strategies included avoiding injecting alone, injecting drugs incrementally, assessing drug quality, and avoiding polysubstance use. Basic first-aid techniques and naloxone use were common treatment strategies; however, naloxone awareness was low (25%). Barriers to treatment included social network abandonment, police discrimination, medical stigma, fatalism/religiosity, medical and transportation costs, and limited access to treatment services. In Kenya, the overdose risk environment highlights the need for comprehensive overdose strategies that address the physical, social, economic, and political environments. Morbidity and mortality from overdose among PWID-LH could be reduced through overdose prevention initiatives that support harm reduction education, naloxone awareness, and access, destigmatization of PWID, and reforming punitive policies that criminalize PWID-LH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Maurano
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - David Bukusi
- VCT and HIV Care, Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sarah Masyuko
- National AIDS and STI Control Program (NASCOP), Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington School of Public Health and School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Rose Bosire
- Centre for Clinical Research, Kenya Medical Research Institute (KEMRI), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Esther Gitau
- Support for Addictions Prevention and Treatment in Africa (SAPTA), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Brandon L. Guthrie
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington School of Public Health and School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Aliza Monroe-Wise
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington School of Public Health and School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Helgar Musyoki
- National AIDS and STI Control Program (NASCOP), Ministry of Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Mercy Apiyo Owuor
- University of Washington Global Assistance Program-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Betsy Sambai
- University of Washington Global Assistance Program-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - William Sinkele
- Support for Addictions Prevention and Treatment in Africa (SAPTA), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Hanley Kingston
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington School of Public Health and School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Carey Farquhar
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington School of Public Health and School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Loice Mbogo
- University of Washington Global Assistance Program-Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Natasha T. Ludwig-Barron
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington School of Public Health and School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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Sutherland R, King C, Karlsson A, Treloar C, Broady T, Chandrasena U, Salom C, Dietze P, Peacock A. Stigma, and factors associated with experiencing stigma, while visiting health-care services among samples of people who use illegal drugs in Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024; 43:1264-1279. [PMID: 38644679 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13846] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People who inject drugs experience stigma across multiple settings, including when accessing health-care services, however, comparatively little is known about experiences of stigma towards other groups of people who use illegal drugs. This paper examines experience of, and factors associated with, stigma among two samples of people who use illegal drugs when visiting both specialist alcohol and other drug (AOD) and general health-care services. METHODS Australians who regularly (i.e., ≥monthly) inject drugs (n = 879; illicit drug reporting system [IDRS]) or use ecstasy and/or other illegal stimulants (n = 700; ecstasy and related drugs reporting system [EDRS]) were surveyed between April and July 2022 about past 6-month experience of stigma in the above services. Multi-variable regression analyses were performed to determine the socio-demographic, drug use and health factors associated with stigma. RESULTS Experiences of stigma in general health-care services were more common among IDRS (40%) than EDRS (24%; p < 0.001) participants, however, experiences were comparable in specialist AOD health-care settings (22% and 20%, respectively; p = 0.687). Gender identity and experiencing high psychological distress were associated with experiencing stigma across both samples. Past-year overdose was associated with experiencing stigma among the IDRS sample, while unstable housing and incomplete high school education were associated with experiencing stigma in the EDRS sample. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Experiences of stigma when accessing health-care services are relatively common across different populations of people who use illegal drugs. Our findings highlight the multiple and intersecting dimensions of stigma and provide further support for recent calls for a universal precautions approach to stigma in health care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Sutherland
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Cate King
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Antonia Karlsson
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Timothy Broady
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Udesha Chandrasena
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Caroline Salom
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Paul Dietze
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- National Drug Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Amy Peacock
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- School of Psychology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
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Holeksa J. "In Sweden you are worthless. In Denmark you get an identity again" - on being perceived and received as a person who uses drugs in different drug policy settings. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:117. [PMID: 38886692 PMCID: PMC11181536 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-01035-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Policies to address substance use differ greatly between settings, where goals may range from zero-tolerance to harm reduction. Different approaches impact formats of care, policing, and even interpersonal interactions, and may play a role in the labelling and stigmatization of people who use drugs (PWUD). Where Sweden has a more restrictive policy, aiming to have a society free from drugs, Denmark has embraced harm reduction principles. The aim of this study was to explore PWUDs' experiences of interpersonal interactions, policing, and service formats in the two countries. METHODS The data consists of 17 qualitative semi-structured interviews with Swedish PWUD who have been in both Sweden and Denmark. Recruitment took place at harm reduction sites in both countries, and through snowball sampling. RESULTS Participants reflected on how they were perceived by those in public spaces, and received by care systems and personnel. In public settings in Sweden, participants felt they were ignored, rendered invisible, and lost their humanity. In Denmark, they were perceived and acknowledged, valued as people. This was simultaneously linked to being embodied by the availability of differing service offerings and policing practices, which solidified their "right to be out" in public. Reflecting on their reception in the treatment system, strict formatting in Sweden caused participants to feel that an identity was projected upon them, limiting their opportunities or growth of new facets of identity. Care relations in Denmark fostered more opportunity for autonomy and trust. CONCLUSION A zero-tolerance policy and associated public discourses could solidify and universalize stigmatizing categorizations as a central feature of PWUD identity and reception from those around them, exacerbating social exclusion. Conversely, harm reduction-centered policies fostered positive interactions between individuals with care providers, public, and police, which may promote inclusion, empowerment, and wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Holeksa
- Department of Social Work, Faculty of Health and Society, Malmö University, Nordenskiöldsgatan 1, Malmö, 211 19, Sweden.
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Broady TR, Valerio H, Alavi M, Wheeler A, Silk D, Martinello M, Conway A, Milat A, Dunlop A, Murray C, Henderson C, Amin J, Read P, Marks P, Degenhardt L, Stevens A, Prain B, Hayllar J, Reid D, Montebello M, Wade A, Christmass M, Cock V, Dore GJ, Treloar C, Grebely J. Factors associated with experiencing stigma, discrimination, and negative health care treatment among people who inject drugs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 128:104468. [PMID: 38795465 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stigma has negative consequences for the health of people who inject drugs and people living with hepatitis C virus (HCV). This study evaluated factors associated with stigma related to injecting drug use (IDU) or HCV and those associated with being treated negatively by health workers. METHODS ETHOS Engage is an observational cohort study of people who inject drugs attending drug treatment clinics and needle and syringe programs in Australia. Participants completed a questionnaire including IDU- and HCV-related stigma, and negative treatment by health workers. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with experiencing stigma and negative treatment in a cross-sectional sample. RESULTS Of 1,211 participants, 31% were women, 64% had injected drugs in the previous month, and 65% had been diagnosed with HCV. IDU-related stigma was reported by 57% of participants and was associated with being a woman, higher than Year 10 education, homelessness, opioid agonist treatment, recent injecting, overdose history, hospitalisation for drug use, and unknown HCV status. HCV-related stigma was reported by 34% of participants diagnosed with HCV and was associated with being a woman, homelessness, receptive needle/syringe sharing, arrest for drug use/possession, and recent HCV testing. Negative treatment from health workers was reported by 45% of participants and was associated with being a woman, receptive needle/syringe sharing, hospitalisation for drug use, and arrest for drug use/possession. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Results highlight important intersections and disparities in stigmatising experiences among people who inject drugs. Considering these intersections can assist health services provide more inclusive care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy R Broady
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Heather Valerio
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Maryam Alavi
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alice Wheeler
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Silk
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Anna Conway
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Milat
- School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Adrian Dunlop
- Drug and Alcohol Clinical Services, Hunter New England Local Health District, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia; Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carolyn Murray
- Population Health Strategy & Performance, NSW Health, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Janaki Amin
- Department of Health Systems and Populations, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Phillip Read
- Kirketon Road Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Annabelle Stevens
- Centre for Population Health, NSW Health, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Bianca Prain
- Centre for Population Health, NSW Health, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jeremy Hayllar
- Alcohol and Drug Service, Metro North Mental Health, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David Reid
- Drug and Alcohol Service, Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mark Montebello
- North Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexandra Wade
- Mid North Coast Local Health District, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Michael Christmass
- Next Step Drug and Alcohol Service, Perth, Western Australia, Australia; National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Victoria Cock
- Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gregory J Dore
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Martin SI, Bennett AS, Elliott L, Gorgens KA. Overdose Risk and Brain Injury (Traumatic Brain Injury/Acquired Brain Injury), A Commentary. Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:1656-1659. [PMID: 38803022 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2024.2359722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This commentary seeks to evaluate existing knowledge about the relationship between brain injury (BI) and overdose (OD), to unify distant bodies of literature, and to enhance prevention and treatment for opioid OD among individuals with BI. BACKGROUND There is a hidden epidemic of undiagnosed BI in the United States. Due to lack of screening, the vast majority of BI sufferers do not know they have a BI. Not only are those with BI at elevated risk for opioid use, misuse, and opioid use disorder, but also they are at elevated risk for OD. Conversely, those with OUD and those who experienced an OD, are more likely to sustain BI. Key Findings/Conclusions: The existing literature suggests that primary strategies to reduce ABI (Acquired Brain Injury)/TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) harms involve addressing: screening, stigma, racial disparities, and popular misconceptions about OD. The association between TBI and OD is an underexamined public health issue, exacerbated by the bidirectional nature of the relationship. Not only is TBI a risk factor for opioid OD; opioid OD was also found to be a major cause of ABI, which can have lifelong effects similar to Alzheimer's disease. Screening tools for BI were underutilized and inconsistently implemented across reviewed studies. Enhanced screening population wide is a promising intervention, complemented with expanded treatment and research. Black individuals face worse outcomes in BI and treatment outcomes. Anti-racist strategies must fight inequity while addressing social and structural drivers of overdose and BI within the opioid and opioid overdose crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel I Martin
- Research Associate, School of Global Public Health, New York University, Doctoral Candidate, Graduate School of Professional Psychology, University of Denver
| | - Alex S Bennett
- Research Associate Professor, Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, School of Global Public Health, New York University
| | - Luther Elliott
- Associate Research Scientist, School of Global Public Health, New York University
| | - Kim A Gorgens
- Professor, Graduate School of Professional Psychology, University of Denver
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11
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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.
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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
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12
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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.
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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
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13
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Sibley AL, Colston DC, Go VF. Interventions to reduce self-stigma in people who use drugs: A systematic review. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2024; 159:209284. [PMID: 38159909 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.209284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use stigma is a key barrier to treatment and harm reduction engagement among people who use drugs (PWUD). Previous systematic reviews have focused on interventions to reduce stigma in healthcare providers and the public; less is known about interventions to address self-stigma among PWUD. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the evidence for substance use self-stigma reduction interventions. METHODS We reviewed English-language studies published between 2011 and 2023 using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (PROSPERO #CRD42022321305). We searched seven bibliographic databases (PubMed; SCOPUS; APA PsycInfo; CINAHL; Social Work Abstracts; Sociological Abstracts; ProQuest Dissertations & Theses). This review included studies if 1) they evaluated the effectiveness of a psychosocial intervention, 2) participants were PWUD, 3) authors reported self-stigma as a primary outcome, 4) the study design was experimental or quasi-experimental. We reviewed, interpreted and reported intervention characteristics and effectiveness using narrative synthesis. We assessed study quality with the Downs & Black checklist. RESULTS Among 1195 screened studies, 15 met the inclusion criteria (N = 2280 PWUD). We categorized the interventions according to three approaches: psychotherapeutic (n = 8), psychoeducational (n = 5), and multimodal (n = 2). Most interventions were delivered in clinical settings (n = 11) and in a group format (n = 13). Study quality was fair-to-good and included nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and six quasi-experiments. Measurement heterogeneity was high, with 11 different stigma-related scales used across the 15 studies. Eleven studies showed significant favorable effects in at least one stigma measure. Six of these demonstrated positive effects in all stigma measures. Evidence was mixed for all three intervention categories; however, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, a form of group psychotherapy, demonstrated effectiveness in four of five RCTs incorporating this approach. CONCLUSIONS Overall, there is promising evidence for the effectiveness of substance use self-stigma interventions, although more studies are needed to determine which approaches are most effective. Consistent conceptualization and measurement of self-stigma across studies will improve comparability in future intervention trials. Current offerings are largely limited to clinical settings and group-based formats; self-help interventions, available for other stigmatized conditions, could be developed to serve the majority of PWUD not engaged in treatment.
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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.
| | - David C Colston
- Department of Health Behavior, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, 170 Rosenau Hall CB #7400, 135 Dauer Dr., Chapel Hill, NC 27599, 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.
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14
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Eschliman EL, Patel EU, Murray SM, German D, Kirk GD, Mehta SH, Kaufman MR, Genberg BL. Drug Use-Related Discrimination in Healthcare Settings and Subsequent Emergency Department Utilization in a Prospective Cohort Study of People With a History of Injection Drug Use. Subst Use Misuse 2024; 59:1210-1220. [PMID: 38519443 PMCID: PMC11194036 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2024.2330906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with a history of injection drug use face discrimination in healthcare settings that may impede their use of routine care, leading to greater reliance on the emergency department (ED) for addressing health concerns. The relationship between discrimination in healthcare settings and subsequent ED utilization has not been established in this population. METHODS This analysis used longitudinal data collected between January 2014 and March 2020 from participants of the ALIVE (AIDS Linked to the IntraVenous Experience) study, a community-based observational cohort study of people with a history of injection drug use in Baltimore, Maryland. Logistic regressions with generalized estimating equations were used to estimate associations between drug use-related discrimination in healthcare settings and subsequent ED utilization for the sample overall and six subgroups based on race, sex, and HIV status. RESULTS 1,342 participants contributed data from 7,289 semiannual study visits. Participants were predominately Black (82%), mostly male (66%), and 33% were living with HIV. Drug use-related discrimination in healthcare settings (reported at 6% of study visits) was positively associated with any subsequent ED use (OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.15-1.72). Positive associations persisted after adjusting for covariates, including past sixth-month ED use and drug use, among the overall sample (aOR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.04-1.59) and among some subgroups. CONCLUSIONS Drug use-related discrimination in healthcare settings was associated with greater subsequent ED utilization in this sample. Further exploration of mechanisms driving this relationship may help improve care and optimize healthcare engagement for people with a history of injection drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evan L. Eschliman
- Department of Epidemiology, Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Eshan U. Patel
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Sarah M. Murray
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Danielle German
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Gregory D. Kirk
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
| | - Shruti H. Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Michelle R. Kaufman
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
| | - Becky L. Genberg
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
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15
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Nall SK, Jurecka C, Ammons A, Rodriguez A, Craft B, Waleed C, Dias D, Henderson J, Boyer J, Yamkovoy K, Swathi PA, Patil P, Behne F, LeMasters K, Brinkley-Rubinstein L, Barocas JA. Identifying structural risk factors for overdose following incarceration: a concept mapping study. HEALTH & JUSTICE 2024; 12:11. [PMID: 38472497 DOI: 10.1186/s40352-024-00265-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, there are more than two million people in prisons or jails, with nearly two-thirds meeting the criteria for a substance use disorder. Following these patterns, overdose is the leading cause of death following release from prison and the third leading cause of death during periods of incarceration in jails. Traditional quantitative methods analyzing the factors associated with overdose following incarceration may fail to capture structural and environmental factors present in specific communities. People with lived experiences in the criminal legal system and with substance use disorder hold unique perspectives and must be involved in the research process. OBJECTIVE To identify perceived factors that impact overdose following release from incarceration among people with direct criminal legal involvement and experience with substance use. METHODS Within a community-engaged approach to research, we used concept mapping to center the perspectives of people with personal experience with the carceral system. The following prompt guided our study: "What do you think are some of the main things that make people who have been in jail or prison more and less likely to overdose?" Individuals participated in three rounds of focus groups, which included brainstorming, sorting and rating, and community interpretation. We used the Concept Systems Inc. platform groupwisdom for our analyses and constructed cluster maps. RESULTS Eight individuals (ages 33 to 53) from four states participated. The brainstorming process resulted in 83 unique factors that impact overdose. The concept mapping process resulted in five clusters: (1) Community-Based Prevention, (2) Drug Use and Incarceration, (3) Resources for Treatment for Substance Use, (4) Carceral Factors, and (5) Stigma and Structural Barriers. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides critical insight into community-identified factors associated with overdose following incarceration. These factors should be accounted for during resource planning and decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha K Nall
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 8th Floor, Academic Office 1 Mailstop B180 12631 E 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Cole Jurecka
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 8th Floor, Academic Office 1 Mailstop B180 12631 E 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Anthony Ammons
- The Ahimsa Collective, Oakland, CA, USA
- Third City Community Advisory Board, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Avel Rodriguez
- WORTH CAB (Wellness, Opportunity, Resilience Through Health Community Advisory Board), Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Betsy Craft
- WORTH CAB (Wellness, Opportunity, Resilience Through Health Community Advisory Board), Aurora, CO, USA
- Colorado Drug Policy Coalition, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Craig Waleed
- Third City Community Advisory Board, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Disability Rights North Carolina (DRNC), Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Daniel Dias
- WORTH CAB (Wellness, Opportunity, Resilience Through Health Community Advisory Board), Aurora, CO, USA
- Denver Dream Center, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Jessie Henderson
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 8th Floor, Academic Office 1 Mailstop B180 12631 E 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- WORTH CAB (Wellness, Opportunity, Resilience Through Health Community Advisory Board), Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Joshua Boyer
- Third City Community Advisory Board, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Hopwood and Singhal PLLC, Alexandria, VA, USA
| | - Kristina Yamkovoy
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 8th Floor, Academic Office 1 Mailstop B180 12631 E 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Pallavi Aytha Swathi
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 8th Floor, Academic Office 1 Mailstop B180 12631 E 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Prasad Patil
- Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Joshua A Barocas
- School of Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, 8th Floor, Academic Office 1 Mailstop B180 12631 E 17th Ave, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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16
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Gentsch AT, Reed MK, Cunningham A, Chang AM, Kahn S, Kovalsky D, Doty AMB, Mills G, Hollander JE, Rising KL. "Once I take that one bite": the consideration of harm reduction as a strategy to support dietary change for patients with diabetes. BMC Endocr Disord 2024; 24:3. [PMID: 38166864 PMCID: PMC10759378 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-023-01529-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite well-established guidelines to treat diabetes, many people with diabetes struggle to manage their disease. For many, this struggle is related to challenges achieving nutrition-related lifestyle changes. We examined how people with diabetes describe barriers to maintaining a healthy diet and considered the benefits of using a harm reduction approach to assist patients to achieve nutrition-related goals. METHODS This is a secondary analysis of 89 interviews conducted with adults who had type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Interviews were analyzed using a content analysis approach. Themes regarding food or diet were initially captured in a "food" node. Data in the food node were then sub-coded for this analysis, again using a content analysis approach. RESULTS Participants frequently used addiction language to talk about their relationship with food, at times referring to themselves as "an addict" and describing food as "their drug." Participants perceived their unhealthy food choices either as a sign of weakness or as "cheating." They also identified food's ability to comfort them and an unwillingness to change as particular challenges to sustaining a healthier diet. CONCLUSION Participants often described their relationship with food through an addiction lens. A harm reduction approach has been associated with positive outcomes among those with substance abuse disorder. Patient-centered communication incorporating the harm reduction model may improve the patient-clinician relationship and thus improve patient outcomes and quality-of-life while reducing health-related stigma in diabetes care. Future work should explore the effectiveness of this approach in patients with diabetes. TRIAL REGISTRATION Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02792777. Registration information submitted 02/06/2016, with the registration first posted on the ClinicalTrials.gov website 08/06/2016. Data collection began on 29/04/2016.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexzandra T Gentsch
- Center for Connected Care, Thomas Jefferson University, 1015 Walnut Street, Suite 704, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA.
| | - Megan K Reed
- Center for Connected Care, Thomas Jefferson University, 1015 Walnut Street, Suite 704, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
- College of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amy Cunningham
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Anna Marie Chang
- Center for Connected Care, Thomas Jefferson University, 1015 Walnut Street, Suite 704, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Stephanie Kahn
- Center for Connected Care, Thomas Jefferson University, 1015 Walnut Street, Suite 704, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Danielle Kovalsky
- Center for Connected Care, Thomas Jefferson University, 1015 Walnut Street, Suite 704, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
- Present address: Department of Emergency Medicine, Tower Health Hospital, West Reading, USA
| | - Amanda M B Doty
- Center for Connected Care, Thomas Jefferson University, 1015 Walnut Street, Suite 704, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Geoffrey Mills
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Judd E Hollander
- Center for Connected Care, Thomas Jefferson University, 1015 Walnut Street, Suite 704, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Kristin L Rising
- Center for Connected Care, Thomas Jefferson University, 1015 Walnut Street, Suite 704, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
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17
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Seo DC, Satterfield N, Alba-Lopez L, Lee SH, Crabtree C, Cochran N. "That's why we're speaking up today": exploring barriers to overdose fatality prevention in Indianapolis' Black community with semi-structured interviews. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:159. [PMID: 37891632 PMCID: PMC10612233 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00894-8] [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: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid overdose deaths are of great concern to public health, with over one million lives lost since 1999. While many efforts have been made to mitigate these, Black communities continue to experience a greater burden of fatalities than their white counterparts. This study aims to explore why by working with Black community members in Indianapolis through semi-structured interviews. METHODS Semi-structured one-on-one in-depth interviews were conducted in spring and summer of 2023 with Black residents (N = 23) of zip codes 46202, 46205, 46208, and 46218 in Indianapolis. Ten interview questions were used to facilitate conversations about opioid overdoses, recovery, fatality prevention tools such as calling 911 and naloxone, law enforcement, and racism. Data were analyzed using grounded theory and thematic analysis. RESULTS Interviews revealed access barriers and intervention opportunities. Racism was present in both. Mental access barriers such as stigma, fear, and mistrust contributed to practical barriers such as knowledge of how to administer naloxone. Racism exacerbated mental barriers by adding the risk of race-based mistreatment to consequences related to association with substance use. Participants discussed the double stigma of substance use and being Black, fear of being searched in law enforcement encounters and what would happen if law enforcement found naloxone on them, and mistrust of law enforcement and institutions that provide medical intervention. Participants had favorable views of interventions that incorporated mutual aid and discussed ideas for future interventions that included this framework. CONCLUSIONS Racism exacerbates Blacks' mental access barriers (i.e., help-seeking barriers), which, in turn, contribute to practical barriers, such as calling 911 and administering naloxone. Information and resources coming from people within marginalized communities tend to be trusted. Leveraging inter-community relationships may increase engagement in opioid overdose fatality prevention. Interventions and resources directed toward addressing opioid overdose fatalities in Black communities should use mutual aid frameworks to increase the utilization of the tools they provide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Chul Seo
- School of Public Health, Indiana University Bloomington, IN, 1025 E 7th St., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
| | - Naomi Satterfield
- School of Public Health, Indiana University Bloomington, IN, 1025 E 7th St., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Leonardo Alba-Lopez
- School of Education, Indiana University Bloomington, IN, 201 N Rose Ave., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Shin Hyung Lee
- School of Public Health, Indiana University Bloomington, IN, 1025 E 7th St., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Charlotte Crabtree
- Overdose Lifeline, Inc., Indianapolis, IN, 1100 W 42Nd St., Suite 385, Indianapolis, IN, 46208, USA
| | - Nicki Cochran
- Overdose Lifeline, Inc., Indianapolis, IN, 1100 W 42Nd St., Suite 385, Indianapolis, IN, 46208, USA
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18
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Jones AA, Schneider KE, Tobin KE, O'Sullivan D, Latkin CA. Daily opioid and stimulant co-use and nonfatal overdoses in the context of social disadvantage: Findings on marginalized populations. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE AND ADDICTION TREATMENT 2023; 151:208986. [PMID: 36822268 PMCID: PMC10313799 DOI: 10.1016/j.josat.2023.208986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Opioids and stimulants are increasingly implicated in overdose deaths, particularly among minoritized groups. We examined daily opioid and cocaine co-use, nonfatal overdoses, and naloxone carrying among minoritized people who inject drugs (PWID). METHODS The study derived data from 499 PWID in Baltimore City, MD, recruited using street-based outreach between 2016 and 2019. Participants reported overdoses; sociodemographic characteristics; and use of nonmedical prescription opioids, heroin, cocaine, and naloxone. RESULTS Among the participants, the mean age was 46, 34 % were female, 64 % self-identified as Black, and 53 % experienced recent homelessness. Black PWID, compared to White PWID, were as likely to use opioids and cocaine daily but were 61 % less likely to have naloxone. After controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, women (aOR:1.88, 95%CI: 1.14, 3.11), persons experiencing homelessness (aOR:3.07, 95%CI: 1.79, 5.24), and those who experienced a recent overdose (aOR:2.14, 95%CI: 1.29, 3.58) were significantly more likely to use opioids and any form of cocaine every day. In a subanalysis of only female PWID, females engaged in sex work (aOR:2.27, 95%CI: 1.02, 5.07) and females experiencing recent homelessness (aOR:5.82, 95%CI: 2.50, 13.52) were significantly more likely to use opioids and cocaine daily. Furthermore, females (aOR:1.69, 95%CI:1.03, 2.77), persons experiencing homelessness (aOR:1.94, 95%CI:1.16, 3.24), and those with higher educational attainment (aOR:2.06, 95%CI:1.09, 3.91) were more likely to often/always carry naloxone, while Black PWID were less likely to have naloxone (aOR:0.39, 95%CI:0.22, 0.69). CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the need for targeted naloxone distribution and other harm-reduction interventions among minoritized groups in urban areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Jones
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University, USA.
| | - K E Schneider
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, John Hopkins University, USA
| | - K E Tobin
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, John Hopkins University, USA
| | - D O'Sullivan
- Department of Educational Psychology, Counseling, and Special Education, The Pennsylvania State University, USA
| | - C A Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, John Hopkins University, USA
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Walters SM, Kerr J, Cano M, Earnshaw V, Link B. Intersectional Stigma as a Fundamental Cause of Health Disparities: A case study of how drug use stigma intersecting with racism and xenophobia creates health inequities for Black and Hispanic persons who use drugs over time. STIGMA AND HEALTH 2023; 8:325-343. [PMID: 37744082 PMCID: PMC10516303 DOI: 10.1037/sah0000426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Recent evidence points to racial and ethnic disparities in drug-related deaths and health conditions. Informed by stigma, intersectionality, intersectional stigma, and fundamental cause theories, we aimed to explore whether intersectional stigma was a fundamental cause of health. We document key events and policies over time and find that when progress is made new mechanisms emerge that negatively affect health outcomes for Black and Hispanic persons. We then focus on intersectional stigma targeting Black and Hispanic persons who use drugs. We document that when a person, or group of people, occupy multiple stigmatized identities the processes of stigmatization and scapegoating are particularly persistent and pernicious since people and groups can be stigmatized and scapegoated on varying intersections. We propose that an intersectional stigma framework allows for a better understanding of observed patterns over time, thereby providing a better guide for policies and interventions designed to reduce disparities. As a framework, intersectional stigma aims to recognize that when different sources of stigma collide, a new set of circumstances is created for those who reside in the intersection. We conclude that intersectional stigma is a fundamental cause of health inequities and provide policy recommendations aimed at dismantling intersectional stigma processes and mitigating the effects of intersectional stigmas to ultimately promote better health outcomes for Black and Hispanic persons who use drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan M Walters
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY
| | - Jelani Kerr
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY
| | - Manuel Cano
- Department of Social Work, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
| | - Valerie Earnshaw
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE
| | - Bruce Link
- Department of Sociology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA
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20
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Stephenson A, Calvo-Friedman A, Altshuler L, Zabar S, Hanley K. Educational training to improve opioid overdose response among health center staff: a quality improvement initiative. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:83. [PMID: 37391790 PMCID: PMC10311901 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00803-z] [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: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There were seven opioid overdoses in this New York City (NYC) federally qualified health center from December 2018 through February 2019, reflecting the rising rate of overdose deaths in NYC overall at the time. In response to these overdoses, we sought to increase the readiness of health center staff to recognize and respond to opioid overdoses and decrease stigmatizing attitudes around opioid use disorder (OUD). METHODS An hour-long training focusing on opioid overdose response was administered to clinical and non-clinical staff of all levels at the health center. This training included didactic education on topics such as the overdose epidemic, stigma around OUD, and opioid overdose response, as well as discussion. A structured assessment was administered immediately before and following the training to evaluate change in knowledge and attitudes. Additionally, participants completed a feedback survey immediately after the training to assess acceptability. Paired t-tests and analysis of variance tests were used to assess changes in pre- and post-test scores. RESULTS Over 76% of the health center staff participated in the training (N = 310). There were large and significant increases in mean knowledge and attitudinal scores from pre- to post-test (p < .001 and p < .001, respectively). While there was no significant effect of profession on attitudinal change scores, profession did have a significant effect on knowledge change scores, with administrative staff, non-clinical support staff, other healthcare staff, and therapists learning significantly more than providers (p < .001). The training had high acceptability among participants from diverse departments and levels. CONCLUSIONS An interactive educational training increased staff's knowledge and readiness to respond to an overdose as well as improved attitudes toward individuals living with OUD. TRIAL REGISTRATION This project was undertaken as a quality improvement initiative at the health center and as such was not formally supervised by the Institutional Review Board per their policies. Further, per the guidelines of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors, registration is not necessary for clinical trials whose sole purpose is to assess an intervention's effect on providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Stephenson
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Gouverneur, 227 Madison St., New York, NY, 10002, USA
- West Chester University of Pennsylvania, West Chester, PA, USA
| | - Alessandra Calvo-Friedman
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Gouverneur, 227 Madison St., New York, NY, 10002, USA
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lisa Altshuler
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sondra Zabar
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Gouverneur, 227 Madison St., New York, NY, 10002, USA
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kathleen Hanley
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health, Gouverneur, 227 Madison St., New York, NY, 10002, USA.
- Department of Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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21
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Kristensen K, Williams LD, Kaplan C, Pineros J, Lee E, Kaufmann M, Mackesy-Amiti ME, Boodram B. A Novel Index Measure of Housing-related Risk as a Predictor of Overdose among Young People Who Inject Drugs and Injection Networks. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3083889. [PMID: 37461549 PMCID: PMC10350242 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3083889/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Background For people who inject drugs (PWID), housing instability due to decreasing housing affordability and other factors (e.g., loss of housing due to severed relational ties, evictions due to drug use) results in added pressure on an already vulnerable population. Research has shown that housing instability is associated with overdose risk among PWID. However, the construct of housing instability has often been operationalized as a single dimension (e.g., housing type, homelessness, transience). We propose a multi-dimensional measure of housing instability risk and examine its association with drug overdose to promote a more holistic examination of housing status as a predictor of overdose. Methods The baseline data from a network-based, longitudinal study of young PWID and their networks living in metropolitan Chicago, Illinois was analyzed to examine the relationship between a housing instability risk index-consisting of five dichotomous variables assessing housing instability-and lifetime overdose count using negative binomial regression. Results We found a significant positive association between the housing instability risk score and lifetime overdose count after adjusting for 12 variables. Conclusions Our results support the practical utility of a multi-dimensional measure of housing instability risk in predicting overdose and highlight the importance of taking a holistic approach to addressing housing instability when designing interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Eunhye Lee
- University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health
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22
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Judd H, Yaugher AC, O'Shay S, Meier CL. Understanding stigma through the lived experiences of people with opioid use disorder. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 249:110873. [PMID: 37390780 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stigma toward substance use disorders reduces treatment seeking and recovery efforts of persons who could most benefit from services. This is particularly true for opioid use disorder (OUD) stigma, which in recent years has likely fueled the overdose epidemic. Understanding the stigma surrounding OUD and stigma reduction efforts that can be implemented are needed to enhance treatment and recovery efforts. This project explores the lived experiences of persons who were in recovery from OUD or a family member of someone with OUD with a focus on stigma. METHODS We utilized a qualitative method to examine secondary data of published transcripts where people's (N = 30) experiences with stigma emerged through storytelling. RESULTS Thematic analysis found three overarching types of stigma that were described by participants, 1) Social stigma: misconceptions contributing to social stigma, labeling and associative stereotypes, persistence of stigma throughout recovery; 2) Self-stigma: internalized feelings due to stigma, concealing and continuing substance use, inadequacies of navigating recovery; and 3) Structural stigma: treatment and recovery resource barriers, challenges of reintegration. CONCLUSIONS The experiences described by participants highlight the multifaceted impact of stigma on the individual as well as society and add to our understanding of the lived experience of stigma. Future recommendations are discussed to improve the experience of individuals with lived experience of OUD; including implementing evidence-based strategies to reduce stigma such as using stigma-free or person first language, dispelling common myths, and supporting comprehensive recovery pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailey Judd
- Utah State University, 4900 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT84321, United States
| | - Ashley C Yaugher
- Utah State University, 4900 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT84321, United States.
| | - Sydney O'Shay
- Utah State University, 4900 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT84321, United States
| | - Cristian L Meier
- Utah State University, 4900 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT84321, United States
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23
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Bowles JM, Kolla G, Smith LR, Scheim A, Dodd Z, Werb D. Disease-related stigma among people who inject drugs in Toronto amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE REPORTS 2023; 7:100167. [PMID: 37273749 PMCID: PMC10199487 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2023.100167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Background Stigma overwhelmingly affects people who inject drugs. The COVID-19 pandemic posed unique challenges for people who inject drugs, who are already stigmatized as being "dangerous and spreading disease." The present study explored ways in which stigma was experienced by a sample of people who inject drugs in Toronto, Canada following COVID-related public health precaution measures. Methods Qualitative interviews were conducted with people who inject drugs (n = 24) recruited from supervised consumption sites in Toronto, Canada. The semi-structured interview guide focused on the impact of COVID-19 on participants' health and social well-being. Interviews took place six-months after initial COVID-19 precautions (September-October 2020). We used thematic analysis to examine findings, with stigma being an emergent theme. Results Participants described heightened acts of stigma after COVID-19 restrictions were implemented, including feeling treated as "diseased" and the cause of COVID-19's spread. They reported being less likely to receive emergency care during events such as overdoses. Participants perceived increased disease-related stigma evident through actions of stigma, including amplified dehumanization by the public, others avoiding all contact with them, and more discrimination by police and hospital systems. Conclusion Participants provided specific examples of how stigmatizing behaviors harmed them after COVID-19 precautions began. It is plausible that stigma contributed to the dramatic increase in fatal overdoses, difficulty accessing housing, and further difficulty accessing needed healthcare in our setting. Integrating evidence-based harm reduction approaches in areas where stigma is evident might offset harms stemming from disease-related stigma and mitigate these harms during future public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette M. Bowles
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9, Canada
- Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gillian Kolla
- Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- University of Victoria Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research: Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Laramie R. Smith
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Ayden Scheim
- Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Zoe Dodd
- MAP Centre for Urban Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dan Werb
- Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
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24
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Bhardwaj A, Comins CA, Guddera V, Mcingana M, Young K, Phetlhu R, Mulumba N, Mishra S, Hausler H, Baral S, Schwartz S. Prevalence of depression, syndemic factors and their impact on viral suppression among female sex workers living with HIV in eThekwini, South Africa. BMC Womens Health 2023; 23:232. [PMID: 37147708 PMCID: PMC10161481 DOI: 10.1186/s12905-023-02392-2] [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: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Over half of female sex workers (FSW) in South Africa are living with HIV and clinical depression has been frequently documented among FSW. Data characterizing structural determinants of depression and the role of syndemic theory, synergistically interacting disease states, on viral suppression among FSW in South Africa are limited. METHODS Between July 2018-March 2020, non-pregnant, cisgender women (≥ 18 years), reporting sex work as their primary income source, and diagnosed with HIV for ≥ 6 months were enrolled into the Siyaphambili trial in eThekwini, South Africa. Using baseline data, robust Poisson regression models were used to assess correlates of depression and associations between depression and syndemic factors on viral suppression. RESULTS Of 1,384 participants, 459 (33%) screened positive for depression, defined as a score of ≥ 10 on the PHQ-9. Physical and sexual violence, drug use, alcohol use, anticipated stigma and internalized stigma were univariately associated with depression (all p's < 0.05) and included the multivariate model. In the multivariate regression, prevalence of depression was higher among participants experiencing sexual violence (PR = 1.47 95% CI:1.24,1.73), physical violence 5 times or more in < 6 months (PR = 1.38 95% CI:1.07, 1.80), using illicit drugs in the last month (PR = 1.23 95%:CI 1.04, 1.48), and reporting higher levels of internalized stigma (PR = 1.11, 95% CI:1.04,1.18). Depression in the absence of the Substance Abuse, Violence and AIDS SAVA syndemic factors was associated with increased prevalence of unsuppressed viral load (aPR 1.24; 95% CI:1.08,1.43), and the SAVA substance use and violence syndemic was associated with an increase in unsuppressed viral load among non-depressed FSW (aPR 1.13; 95% CI:1.01, 1.26). Compared to those experiencing neither factors, those jointly experiencing depression and the SAVA syndemics were at increased risk for unsuppressed viral load (aPR 1.15; 95% CI:1.02,1.28). CONCLUSION Substance use, violence, and stigma were all associated with depression. Depression and syndemic factors (substance use + violence) were related to unsuppressed viral load; we did not observe higher unsuppressed viral load amongst those experiencing both depression and syndemic factors. Our findings point to the need to understand the unmet mental health needs of FSW living with HIV. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinical Trial Number: NCT03500172.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anvita Bhardwaj
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Carly A Comins
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | | | | | | | - Rene Phetlhu
- TB HIV Care, Café Town, South Africa
- University of Western Cape, Café Town, South Africa
| | | | - Sharmistha Mishra
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, USA
- MAP Centre for Urban Health Solutions, St. Michael's Hospital, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, ON, USA
- Institute of Medical Science and Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, USA
| | | | - Stefan Baral
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Sheree Schwartz
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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Sibley AL, Baker R, Levander XA, Rains A, Walters SM, Nolte K, Colston DC, Piscalko HM, Schalkoff CA, Bianchet E, Chen S, Dowd P, Jaeb M, Friedmann PD, Fredericksen RJ, Seal DW, Go VF. "I am not a junkie": Social categorization and differentiation among people who use drugs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 114:103999. [PMID: 36905779 PMCID: PMC10066877 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.103999] [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: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use stigma is a form of group-based exclusion, and delineating pathways from stigma to poor health requires a deeper understanding of the social dynamics of people who use drugs (PWUD). Outside of recovery, scant research has examined the role of social identity in addiction. Framed by Social Identity Theory/Self-Categorization Theory, this qualitative study investigated strategies of within-group categorization and differentiation among PWUD and the roles these social categories may play in shaping intragroup attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors. METHODS Data come from the Rural Opioid Initiative, a multi-site study of the overdose epidemic in rural United States. We conducted in-depth interviews with people who reported using opioids or injecting any drug (n=355) living in 65 counties across 10 states. Interviews focused on participants' biographical histories, past and current drug use, risk behaviors, and experiences with healthcare providers and law enforcement. Social categories and dimensions along which categories were evaluated were inductively identified using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS We identified seven social categories that were commonly appraised by participants along eight evaluative dimensions. Categories included drug of choice, route of administration, method of attainment, gender, age, genesis of use, and recovery approach. Categories were evaluated by participants based on ascribed characteristics of morality, destructiveness, aversiveness, control, functionality, victimhood, recklessness, and determination. Participants performed nuanced identity work during interviews, including reifying social categories, defining 'addict' prototypicality, reflexively comparing self to other, and disidentifying from the PWUD supra-category. CONCLUSION We identify several facets of identity, both behavioral and demographic, along which people who use drugs perceive salient social boundaries. Beyond an addiction-recovery binary, identity is shaped by multiple aspects of the social self in substance use. Patterns of categorization and differentiation revealed negative intragroup attitudes, including stigma, that may hinder solidary-building and collective action in this marginalized group.
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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.
| | - Robin Baker
- OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, 1805 SW 4th Ave, Suite 510, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Ximena A Levander
- Division of General Internal Medicine & Geriatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Alex Rains
- University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Suzan M Walters
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Global Public Health, New York University, 708 Broadway, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Kerry Nolte
- Department of Nursing, College of Health and Human Services, University of New Hampshire, Hewitt Hall, 4 Library Way, Durham, NH, 03824, USA
| | - David C Colston
- Department of Health Behavior, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, 170 Rosenau Hall CB #7400, 135 Dauer Dr., Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Hannah M Piscalko
- Division of Epidemiology, The Ohio State University College of Public Health, Cunz Hall 1841 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Christine A Schalkoff
- Department of Health Behavior, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, 170 Rosenau Hall CB #7400, 135 Dauer Dr., Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Elyse Bianchet
- Baystate Medical Center, University of Massachusetts, Office of Research, UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate, 3601 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Springfield, MA, 01199, USA
| | - Samuel Chen
- University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, 5841 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60637, USA
| | - Patrick Dowd
- Baystate Medical Center, University of Massachusetts, Office of Research, UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate, 3601 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Springfield, MA, 01199, USA
| | - Michael Jaeb
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 4244 #4 Signe Skott Cooper Hall, 701 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Peter D Friedmann
- Baystate Medical Center, University of Massachusetts, Office of Research, UMass Chan Medical School-Baystate, 3601 Main Street, 3rd Floor, Springfield, MA, 01199, USA
| | - Rob J Fredericksen
- University of Washington Harborview Medical Center, 325 9th Ave, Box 359931, Seattle, WA, 98106, USA
| | - David W Seal
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, 1440 Canal Street, Suite 2210, New Orleans, LA, 70112, 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
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van Draanen J, Jamula R, Karamouzian M, Mitra S, Richardson L. Pathways connecting socioeconomic marginalization and overdose: A qualitative narrative synthesis. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 113:103971. [PMID: 36822011 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.103971] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This qualitative narrative synthesis sought to identify pathways connecting socioeconomic marginalization (SEM) and overdose for people who use drugs. METHODS We included studies with qualitative examination of SEM and fatal and non-fatal overdose published in English between 2000 and 2021. Studies were systematically identified and screened by searching MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Google Scholar, Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Cochrane Drug and Alcohol Group (CDAG) Specialized Registry, citations, and contacting experts. Risk of bias and quality assessments were performed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist and the Confidence in the Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative Research approach. Data were synthesized using a thematic synthesis approach. RESULTS The primary search strategy found 5909 articles that met the initial screening criteria. The review and screening process led to a final dataset of 27 qualitative articles. The four key findings of this narrative synthesis revealed aspects of SEM which shaped drug poisoning risk for people who use drugs: (1) resource insufficiency, labor market exclusion and deindustrialization, (2) homelessness and housing, (3) policing, criminalization, and interactions with emergency services, and (4) gendered and racialized dimensions of inequality. Findings led to creating a typology that includes material, behavioral, psychological, social, and environmental pathways that contain multiple mechanisms connecting SEM to overdose. This review revealed reciprocal connections between overdose and SEM via institutional pathways with reinforcing mechanisms, and interrelationships present within and between pathways. Quality assessments indicated moderate confidence in three of four findings (Findings 2,3, and 4 above) and high confidence in one finding (Finding 1). CONCLUSION SEM is strongly linked to drug poisoning, and the mechanisms establishing these connections can be classified within four pathways. The interconnectedness of these mechanisms can lead to intensification of overdose risk and reinforcement of SEM itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenna van Draanen
- BC Centre on Substance Use, 400 - 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada; University of British Columbia, Faculty of Arts, Department of Sociology, 6303 NW Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada; Department of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing; School of Nursing; University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Health Systems and Population Health; School of Public Health; University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ryan Jamula
- BC Centre on Substance Use, 400 - 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada; University of British Columbia, Faculty of Arts, Department of Sociology, 6303 NW Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada
| | - Mohammad Karamouzian
- BC Centre on Substance Use, 400 - 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada; Brown School of Public Health, Brown University, 121 S Main St, Providence, RI, 02903, USA; HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, 7616913555, Iran; Centre On Drug Policy Evaluation, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sanjana Mitra
- BC Centre on Substance Use, 400 - 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada; University of British Columbia, Interdisciplinary Studies Graduate Program, 270, 2357 Main Mall, H. R. MacMillan Building, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada; Centre On Drug Policy Evaluation, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Lindsey Richardson
- BC Centre on Substance Use, 400 - 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada; University of British Columbia, Faculty of Arts, Department of Sociology, 6303 NW Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z1, Canada.
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Khan MR, Hoff L, Elliott L, Scheidell JD, Pamplin JR, Townsend TN, Irvine NM, Bennett AS. Racial/ethnic disparities in opioid overdose prevention: comparison of the naloxone care cascade in White, Latinx, and Black people who use opioids in New York City. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:24. [PMID: 36841763 PMCID: PMC9959933 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00736-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug overdose mortality is rising precipitously among Black people who use drugs. In NYC, the overdose mortality rate is now highest in Black (38.2 per 100,000) followed by the Latinx (33.6 per 100,000) and white (32.7 per 100,000) residents. Improved understanding of access to harm reduction including naloxone across racial/ethnic groups is warranted. METHODS Using data from an ongoing study of people who use illicit opioids in NYC (N = 575), we quantified racial/ethnic differences in the naloxone care cascade. RESULTS We observed gaps across the cascade overall in the cohort, including in naloxone training (66%), current possession (53%) daily access during using and non-using days (21%), 100% access during opioid use (20%), and complete protection (having naloxone and someone who could administer it present during 100% of opioid use events; 12%). Naloxone coverage was greater in white (training: 79%, possession: 62%, daily access: 33%, access during use: 27%, and complete protection: 13%, respectively) and Latinx (training: 67%, possession: 54%, daily access: 22%, access during use: 24%, and complete protection: 16%, respectively) versus Black (training: 59%, possession: 48%, daily access:13%, access during use: 12%, and complete protection: 8%, respectively) participants. Black participants, versus white participants, had disproportionately low odds of naloxone training (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.22-0.72). Among participants aged 51 years or older, Black race (versus white, the referent) was strongly associated with lower levels of being trained in naloxone use (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.07-0.63) and having 100% naloxone access during use (OR 0.34, 95% CI 0.13-0.91). Compared to white women, Black women had 0.27 times the odds of being trained in naloxone use (95% CI 0.10-0.72). CONCLUSIONS There is insufficient protection by naloxone during opioid use, with disproportionately low access among Black people who use drugs, and a heightened disparity among older Black people and Black women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria R. Khan
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY USA
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - Lee Hoff
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - Luther Elliott
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY USA
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY USA
| | - Joy D. Scheidell
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY USA
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - John R. Pamplin
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, New York, NY USA
| | - Tarlise N. Townsend
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - Natalia M. Irvine
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
| | - Alex S. Bennett
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY USA
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY USA
- Center for Anti-Racism, Social Justice, and Public Health, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY USA
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Thompson T, Rotondo J, Enns A, Leason J, Halverson J, Huyer D, Kuo M, Lapointe L, May-Hadford J, Orpana H. Exploring the contextual risk factors and characteristics of individuals who died from the acute toxic effects of opioids and other illegal substances: listening to the coroner and medical examiner voice. Health Promot Chronic Dis Prev Can 2023; 43:51-61. [PMID: 36794822 PMCID: PMC10026607 DOI: 10.24095/hpcdp.43.2.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Substance-related acute toxicity deaths continue to be a serious public health concern in Canada. This study explored coroner and medical examiner (C/ME)perspectives of contextual risk factors and characteristics associated with deaths from acute toxic effects of opioids and other illegal substances in Canada. METHODS In-depth interviews were conducted with 36 C/MEs in eight provinces and territories between December 2017 and February 2018. Interview audio recordings were transcribed and coded for key themes using thematic analysis. RESULTS Four themes described the perspectives of C/MEs: (1) Who is experiencing a substance-related acute toxicity death?; (2) Who is present at the time of death?; (3) Why are people experiencing an acute toxicity death?; (4) What are the social contextual factors contributing to deaths? Deaths crossed demographic and socioeconomic groups and included people who used substances on occasion, chronically, or for the first time. Using alone presents risk, while using in the presence of others can also contribute to risk if others are unable or unprepared to respond. People who died from a substance-related acute toxicity often had one or more contextual risk factors: contaminated substances, history of substance use, history of chronic pain and decreased tolerance. Social contextual factors contributing to deaths included diagnosed or undiagnosed mental illness, stigma, lack of support and lack of follow-up from health care. CONCLUSION Findings revealed contextual factors and characteristics associated with substance-related acute toxicity deaths that contribute to a better understanding of the circumstances surrounding these deaths across Canada and that can inform targeted prevention and intervention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Thompson
- School of Health Studies, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jenny Rotondo
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aganeta Enns
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jennifer Leason
- Department of Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | | | - Dirk Huyer
- Office of the Chief Coroner, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Margot Kuo
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lisa Lapointe
- Office of the Chief Coroner, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | | | - Heather Orpana
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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O'Loughlin CM, Park Y, Ammerman BA. Suicide Ideation, Distress, and Peer Perceptions as Predictors of Substance Use. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 58:560-569. [PMID: 36762468 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2177964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use and suicide ideation are common behaviors that often overlap among college students. However, clues about their temporal relationship, as well as moderating factors (e.g., distress, peer perceptions of substance use), are understudied. Indeed, those with a history of suicide ideation may use avoidance coping (including substance use) to manage distress, underscoring the possibility of substance use as a response to suicide ideation, an oft-stressful experience in and of itself. Further, as a low sense of belongingness confers risk for suicide ideation, distress may increase compliance with perceived cultural norms, thus increasing substance use behavior. This study examined the effect of the suicide ideation-distress-peer perception interaction on substance use. METHOD Participants were 3,608 undergraduate students across eleven college campuses. Measures of past month substance use frequency, general distress, peer perceptions of substance use, and past year suicide ideation were utilized. RESULTS Suicidal ideation was associated with e-cigarette, marijuana, and illicit drug use. There were main effects of suicide ideation (on e-cigarette and marijuana use) and peer perceptions of substance use (on tobacco, alcohol, e-cigarette, and marijuana use), but not distress, on past 30-day substance use. Further, the three-way interaction of suicide ideation, distress, and peer perceptions of substance use predicted frequency of past month tobacco and illicit drug use. CONCLUSIONS Suicide ideation may be temporally linked to use of specific substances. Peer perception and distress may strengthen the suicide ideation-substance use relationship. These factors should be carefully considered when treating individuals with substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yeonsoo Park
- Department of Psychology, Notre Dame, University of Notre Dame, IN, USA
| | - Brooke A Ammerman
- Department of Psychology, Notre Dame, University of Notre Dame, IN, USA
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Rosen JG, Glick JL, Zhang L, Cooper L, Olatunde PF, Pelaez D, Rouhani S, Sue KL, Park JN. Safety in solitude? Competing risks and drivers of solitary drug use among women who inject drugs and implications for overdose detection. Addiction 2022; 118:847-854. [PMID: 36468191 PMCID: PMC10073256 DOI: 10.1111/add.16103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Solitary drug use (SDU) can amplify risks of fatal overdose. We examined competing risks and drivers of SDU, as well as harm reduction strategies implemented during SDU episodes, among women who inject drugs (WWID). DESIGN A cross-sectional qualitative study, including telephone and face-to-face in-depth interviews. SETTING Baltimore City, MD, USA. PARTICIPANTS Twenty-seven WWID (mean age = 39 years, 67% white, 74% injected drugs daily) recruited via outreach and street intercept (April-September 2021). MEASUREMENTS Interviews explored the physical (i.e. indoor/private, outdoor/public) and social (i.e. alone, accompanied) risk environments in which drug use occurred. Guided by the principles of emergent design, we used thematic analysis to interrogate textual data, illuminating women's preferences/motivations for SDU and strategies for minimizing overdose risks when using alone. FINDINGS Many participants reported experiences with SDU, despite expressed preferences for accompanied drug use. SDU motivations clustered around three primary drivers: (1) avoiding opioid withdrawal, (2) preferences for privacy when using drugs and (3) safety concerns, including threats of violence. Participants nevertheless acknowledged the dangers of SDU and, at times, took steps to mitigate overdose risk, including naloxone possession, communicating to peers when using alone ('spotting') and using drugs in public spaces. CONCLUSIONS WWID appear to engage frequently in SDU due to constraints of the physical and social environments in which they use drugs. They express a preference for accompanied drug use in most cases and report implementing strategies to mitigate their overdose risk, especially when using drugs alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph G Rosen
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jennifer L Glick
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Leanne Zhang
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lyra Cooper
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Praise F Olatunde
- Department of International Health, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Danielle Pelaez
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Saba Rouhani
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kimberly L Sue
- National Harm Reduction Coalition, New York, New York, USA.,Department of General Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Ju Nyeong Park
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.,Department of General Internal Medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.,Center of Biomedical Research Excellent on Opioids and Overdose, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI, USA
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Gicquelais RE, Genberg BL, Maksut JL, Bohnert ASB, Fernandez AC. Prevalence and correlates of using opioids alone among individuals in a residential treatment program in Michigan: implications for overdose mortality prevention. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:135. [PMID: 36463189 PMCID: PMC9719663 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00723-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Avoiding use of opioids while alone reduces overdose fatality risk; however, drug use-related stigma may be a barrier to consistently using opioids in the presence of others. METHODS We described the frequency of using opioids while alone among 241 people reporting daily heroin use or non-prescribed use of opioid analgesic medications (OAMs) in the month before attending a substance use disorder treatment program in the Midwestern USA. We investigated drug use-related stigma as a correlate of using opioids while alone frequently (very often vs. less frequently or never) and examined overdose risk behaviors associated with using opioids while alone frequently, adjusted for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. RESULTS The sample was a median age of 30 years, 34% female, 79% white, and nearly all (91%) had experienced an overdose. Approximately 63% had used OAMs and 70% used heroin while alone very often in the month before treatment. High levels of anticipated stigma were associated with using either opioid while alone very often (adjusted PR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.04-1.38). Drinking alcohol and taking sedatives within two hours of OAMs very often (vs. less often or never) and using OAMs in a new setting very often (vs. less often or never) were associated with using OAMs while alone very often. Taking sedatives within two hours of using heroin and using heroin in a new setting very often (vs. less often or never) were associated with using heroin while alone very often. CONCLUSION Anticipated stigma, polysubstance use, and use in a new setting were associated with using opioids while alone. These findings highlight a need for enhanced overdose harm reduction options, such as overdose detection services that can initiate an overdose response if needed. Addressing stigmatizing behaviors in communities may reduce anticipated stigma and support engagement and trust in these services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Gicquelais
- grid.14003.360000 0001 2167 3675School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin–Madison, 4257 Signe Skott Cooper Hall, 701 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI 53705 USA
| | - Becky L. Genberg
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Jessica L. Maksut
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Amy S. B. Bohnert
- grid.214458.e0000000086837370Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA ,grid.497654.d0000 0000 8603 8958Veterans Affairs Center for Clinical Management Research, 2215 Fuller Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105 USA
| | - Anne C. Fernandez
- grid.214458.e0000000086837370Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, 2800 Plymouth Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
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Nguyen T, Applewhite D, Cheung F, Jacob S, Mitchell E. Implementation of a multidisciplinary inpatient opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution program at a large academic medical center. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2022; 79:2253-2260. [PMID: 36075057 DOI: 10.1093/ajhp/zxac252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
DISCLAIMER In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time. PURPOSE Opioid overdose-related deaths continue to rise. Despite public health efforts, there is still variability in obtainment of naloxone, a lifesaving antidote. We share our experience in the implementation of a novel opioid overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) program at a large academic medical center. METHODS Collaborative efforts by pharmacists, pharmacy students, physicians, nurses, and recovery coaches were employed in the design of the program. The service was available Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM, and primarily carried out by pharmacy students on a rotating basis. Services offered included bedside delivery of naloxone and education prior to the day of discharge. In preparation for their role, the pharmacy students were required to complete a series of trainings and competency assessments. RESULTS A total of 40 patients were included in the program evaluation. Of the completed consults 96.7% (n = 30) of patients received both counseling and naloxone delivery. Eighty percent of patients had a history of nonfatal opioid overdose, but only 37.5% had naloxone listed as a home medication. Fifteen percent of patients had patient-directed discharges but still received OEND services. CONCLUSION Implementation of an inpatient OEND program by mobilizing trained student pharmacists is feasible and expands naloxone access to patients during transitions of care. A similar model could be considered in the future for the delivery of harm reduction supplies to this patient population.
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Affiliation(s)
- TuTran Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacy, The Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Dinah Applewhite
- Division of General Internal Medicine, The Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Fiona Cheung
- Department of Pharmacy, The Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Susan Jacob
- Department of Pharmacy, The Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elisabeth Mitchell
- Department of Pharmacy, The Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.,Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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Macmadu A, Frueh L, Collins AB, Newman R, Barnett NP, Rich JD, Clark MA, Marshall BDL. Drug use behaviors, trauma, and emotional affect following the overdose of a social network member: A qualitative investigation. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 107:103792. [PMID: 35816791 PMCID: PMC9462427 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103792] [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: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Scant research has examined the influence of overdoses occurring in social networks (i.e., knowing someone who has overdosed) on individual overdose risk. We sought to characterize drug use behaviors of individuals following the overdose of someone in their social network. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with 25 people who use drugs and knew someone who overdosed in the prior 90 days. All interviews were conducted in person in Rhode Island from July to October 2021. Data were stratified by drug use behaviors following the overdose of a network member (i.e., risk behaviors, protective behaviors, no change; selected a priori) and analyzed using a thematic analysis variation to identify salient themes. RESULTS We identified variation in the effect of knowing someone who overdosed on subsequent drug use behaviors and emotional affect. Several participants described increasing their drug use or using more types of drugs than usual to manage feelings of bereavement and trauma, and a subset of these participants described increased drug use with suicidal intention and increased suicidal ideations following the overdose event. Other participants described reducing their drug use and engaging in protective behaviors in response to heightened perceived overdose risk, protection motivation (i.e., increased motivation to protect oneself), and concern for others. Additionally, some participants reported no change in drug use behaviors, and these participants described already engaging in harm reduction practices, feeling desensitized due to frequent or repeated exposure to overdose, and ambivalence about living. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest a need for enhanced investment in network-based overdose prevention interventions, as well as more robust integration of bereavement support and mental health services in settings that serve people who use drugs. The findings also suggest a need for future research to identify mediators of the effect of overdose occurring in social networks on individual overdose risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria Macmadu
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Lisa Frueh
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexandra B Collins
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Roxxanne Newman
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Nancy P Barnett
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Josiah D Rich
- The Center for Health + Justice Transformation, The Miriam Hospital, 1125 North Main Street, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Melissa A Clark
- Department of Health Services, Policy & Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Brandon D L Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, 121 South Main Street, Providence, RI, USA.
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Tempalski B, Williams LD, Kolak M, Ompad DC, Koschinsky J, McLafferty SL. Conceptualizing the Socio-Built Environment: An Expanded Theoretical Framework to Promote a Better Understanding of Risk for Nonmedical Opioid Overdose Outcomes in Urban and Non-Urban Settings. J Urban Health 2022; 99:701-716. [PMID: 35672547 PMCID: PMC9360264 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-022-00645-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Nonmedical opioid (NMO) use has been linked to significant increases in rates of NMO morbidity and mortality in non-urban areas. While there has been a great deal of empirical evidence suggesting that physical features of built environments represent strong predictors of drug use and mental health outcomes in urban settings, there is a dearth of research assessing the physical, built environment features of non-urban settings in order to predict risk for NMO overdose outcomes. Likewise, there is strong extant literature suggesting that social characteristics of environments also predict NMO overdoses and other NMO use outcomes, but limited research that considers the combined effects of both physical and social characteristics of environments on NMO outcomes. As a result, important gaps in the scientific literature currently limit our understanding of how both physical and social features of environments shape risk for NMO overdose in rural and suburban settings and therefore limit our ability to intervene effectively. In order to foster a more holistic understanding of environmental features predicting the emerging epidemic of NMO overdose, this article presents a novel, expanded theoretical framework that conceptualizes "socio-built environments" as comprised of (a) environmental characteristics that are applicable to both non-urban and urban settings and (b) not only traditional features of environments as conceptualized by the extant built environment framework, but also social features of environments. This novel framework can help improve our ability to identify settings at highest risk for high rates of NMO overdose, in order to improve resource allocation, targeting, and implementation for interventions such as opioid treatment services, mental health services, and care and harm reduction services for people who use drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Tempalski
- Center for Community-Based Population Health Research, NDRI-USA, Inc., 31 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001 USA
| | - Leslie D. Williams
- Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, 1603 W. Taylor Street, Chicago, IL 60607 USA
| | - Marynia Kolak
- Center for Spatial Data Science, University of Chicago, 1155 East 60th Street, Chicago, IL 60637 USA
| | - Danielle C. Ompad
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, and the Department of Epidemiology, New York University School of Global Public Health, 708 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 USA
| | - Julia Koschinsky
- Center for Spatial Data Science, University of Chicago, 1155 East 60th Street, Chicago, IL 60637 USA
| | - Sara L. McLafferty
- Department of Geography and Geographic Information Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1301 W Green Street, Urbana, IL 61801 USA
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Bustos-Gamiño M, Mora-Ríos J, Villatoro-Velázquez J, Fleiz-Bautista C, Molina-López A, Medina-Mora ME. Changes in Attitudes toward People with Substance Use Disorder: A Comparative Study of the General Population in Mexico. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:8538. [PMID: 35886390 PMCID: PMC9316581 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19148538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use disorders are among the most stigmatized conditions worldwide. People with substance use disorder (PWSUD) are often considered responsible for their use of drugs. The objectives are to analyze changes in Mexican attitudes toward PWSUD in the general population over the period 2011 to 2016 and to use the latest Mexican household survey to determine which segments of the population are most likely to have negative attitudes. METHODS Two representative national household surveys employing similar methodologies were conducted in Mexico in 2011 and 2016 with persons aged 12-65 years. Participants were asked about their attitudes toward PWSUD, and changes were compared across GLM. RESULTS The surveys found a decrease from 2011 to 2016 in the number of respondents who considered PWSUD "sick" or in "need of help" and an increase in the number who believed they were "selfish" or "criminal". The 2016 survey found that men, people 18 years of age or older, people who do not use drugs and people with lower educational levels were the groups with the most negative attitudes toward PWSUD. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that it may not be recognized that PWSUD may have a health problem and that this helps to increase stigmatization towards this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marycarmen Bustos-Gamiño
- Dirección de Investigaciones Epidemiológicas y Psicosociales, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz (INPRFM), Mexico City 14370, Mexico; (M.B.-G.); (J.V.-V.); (C.F.-B.); (M.E.M.-M.)
| | - Jazmín Mora-Ríos
- Dirección de Investigaciones Epidemiológicas y Psicosociales, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz (INPRFM), Mexico City 14370, Mexico; (M.B.-G.); (J.V.-V.); (C.F.-B.); (M.E.M.-M.)
| | - Jorge Villatoro-Velázquez
- Dirección de Investigaciones Epidemiológicas y Psicosociales, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz (INPRFM), Mexico City 14370, Mexico; (M.B.-G.); (J.V.-V.); (C.F.-B.); (M.E.M.-M.)
- Seminario de Estudios de la Globalidad, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, México
| | - Clara Fleiz-Bautista
- Dirección de Investigaciones Epidemiológicas y Psicosociales, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz (INPRFM), Mexico City 14370, Mexico; (M.B.-G.); (J.V.-V.); (C.F.-B.); (M.E.M.-M.)
- Seminario de Estudios de la Globalidad, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, México
| | - Alejandro Molina-López
- Sudirección de Servicios Clínicos, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz (INPRFM), Mexico City 14370, Mexico;
| | - María Elena Medina-Mora
- Dirección de Investigaciones Epidemiológicas y Psicosociales, Instituto Nacional de Psiquiatría Ramón de la Fuente Muñiz (INPRFM), Mexico City 14370, Mexico; (M.B.-G.); (J.V.-V.); (C.F.-B.); (M.E.M.-M.)
- Seminario de Estudios de la Globalidad, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, México
- Director of Faculty of Psychology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Mexico City 04510, Mexico
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Abdelal R, Banerjee AR, Carlberg-Racich S, Cebollero C, Darwaza N, Kim C, Ito D, Epstein J. Real-world study of multiple naloxone administrations for opioid overdose reversal among emergency medical service providers. Subst Abus 2022; 43:1075-1084. [PMID: 35442869 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2022.2060433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: The increasing rates of highly potent, illicit synthetic opioids (i.e., fentanyl) in the US is exacerbating the ongoing opioid epidemic. Multiple naloxone administrations (MNA) may be required to successfully reverse opioid overdoses. We conducted a real-world study to assess the rate of MNA for opioid overdose and identify factors associated with MNA. Methods: Data from the 2015-2020 National Emergency Medical Services Information System was examined to determine trends in events requiring MNA. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with MNA. Results: The percentage of individuals receiving MNA increased from 18.4% in 2015 to 28.4% in 2020. The odds of an event requiring MNA significantly increased by 11% annually. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for MNA were greatest among males, when advanced life support (ALS) was provided, and when the dispatch complaint indicated there was a drug poisoning event. Conclusions: The 54% increase in MNA since 2015 parallels the rise in overdose deaths attributable to synthetic opioids. This growth is visible in all regions of the country, including the West, where the prevalence of illicitly manufactured synthetic opioids is intensifying. Given this phenomenon, higher naloxone formulations may fulfill an unmet need in addressing the opioid overdose crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randa Abdelal
- Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc, Berkeley Heights, NJ, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Chong Kim
- Stratevi, LLC, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | - Diane Ito
- Stratevi, LLC, Santa Monica, CA, USA
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Bennett AS, Scheidell J, Bowles JM, Khan M, Roth A, Hoff L, Marini C, Elliott L. Naloxone protection, social support, network characteristics, and overdose experiences among a cohort of people who use illicit opioids in New York City. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:20. [PMID: 35246165 PMCID: PMC8894821 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00604-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite increased availability of take-home naloxone, many people who use opioids do so in unprotected contexts, with no other person who might administer naloxone present, increasing the likelihood that an overdose will result in death. Thus, there is a social nature to being "protected" from overdose mortality, which highlights the importance of identifying background factors that promote access to protective social networks among people who use opioids. METHODS We used respondent-driven sampling to recruit adults residing in New York City who reported recent (past 3-day) nonmedical opioid use (n = 575). Participants completed a baseline assessment that included past 30-day measures of substance use, overdose experiences, and number of "protected" opioid use events, defined as involving naloxone and the presence of another person who could administer it, as well as measures of network characteristics and social support. We used modified Poisson regression with robust variance to estimate unadjusted and adjusted prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS 66% of participants had ever been trained to administer naloxone, 18% had used it in the past three months, and 32% had experienced a recent overdose (past 30 days). During recent opioid use events, 64% reported never having naloxone and a person to administer present. This was more common among those: aged ≥ 50 years (PR: 1.18 (CI 1.03, 1.34); who identified as non-Hispanic Black (PR: 1.27 (CI 1.05, 1.53); experienced higher levels of stigma consciousness (PR: 1.13 (CI 1.00, 1.28); and with small social networks (< 5 persons) (APR: 1.14 (CI 0.98, 1.31). Having a recent overdose experience was associated with severe opioid use disorder (PR: 2.45 (CI 1.49, 4.04), suicidality (PR: 1.72 (CI 1.19, 2.49), depression (PR: 1.54 (CI 1.20, 1.98) and positive urinalysis result for benzodiazepines (PR: 1.56 (CI 1.23, 1.96), but not with network size. CONCLUSIONS Results show considerable gaps in naloxone protection among people who use opioids, with more vulnerable and historically disadvantaged subpopulations less likely to be protected. Larger social networks of people who use opioids may be an important resource to curtail overdose mortality, but more effort is needed to harness the protective aspects of social networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex S Bennett
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, USA.
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York University, New York, USA.
| | - Joy Scheidell
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York University, New York, USA
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, USA
| | - Jeanette M Bowles
- Centre for Drug Policy and Evaluation, Unity Health Toronto, 209 Victoria St, Toronto, ON, M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Maria Khan
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York University, New York, USA
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, USA
| | - Alexis Roth
- Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Lee Hoff
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, USA
| | - Christina Marini
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, USA
| | - Luther Elliott
- School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, USA
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York University, New York, USA
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Sivaraman JJ, Proescholdbell SK, Ezzell D, Shanahan ME. Characterizing Opioid Overdoses Using Emergency Medical Services Data : A Case Definition Algorithm Enhanced by Machine Learning. Public Health Rep 2021; 136:62S-71S. [PMID: 34726978 PMCID: PMC8573782 DOI: 10.1177/00333549211026802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Tracking nonfatal overdoses in the escalating opioid overdose epidemic is important but challenging. The objective of this study was to create an innovative case definition of opioid overdose in North Carolina emergency medical services (EMS) data, with flexible methodology for application to other states' data. METHODS This study used de-identified North Carolina EMS encounter data from 2010-2015 for patients aged >12 years to develop a case definition of opioid overdose using an expert knowledge, rule-based algorithm reflecting whether key variables identified drug use/poisoning or overdose or whether the patient received naloxone. We text mined EMS narratives and applied a machine-learning classification tree model to the text to predict cases of opioid overdose. We trained models on the basis of whether the chief concern identified opioid overdose. RESULTS Using a random sample from the data, we found the positive predictive value of this case definition to be 90.0%, as compared with 82.7% using a previously published case definition. Using our case definition, the number of unresponsive opioid overdoses increased from 3412 in 2010 to 7194 in 2015. The corresponding monthly rate increased by a factor of 1.7 from January 2010 (3.0 per 1000 encounters; n = 261 encounters) to December 2015 (5.1 per 1000 encounters; n = 622 encounters). Among EMS responses for unresponsive opioid overdose, the prevalence of naloxone use was 83%. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates the potential for using machine learning in combination with a more traditional substantive knowledge algorithm-based approach to create a case definition for opioid overdose in EMS data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josie J. Sivaraman
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Scott K. Proescholdbell
- Epidemiology, Surveillance and Informatics Unit, Injury and Violence Prevention Branch, Chronic Disease and Injury Section, Division of Public Health, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - David Ezzell
- Division of Health Service Regulation, Office of Emergency Medical Services, North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Meghan E. Shanahan
- Injury Prevention Research Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Hudgins A, Uzwiak B, Pizzicato L, Viner K. Barriers to effective care: Specialty drug treatment in Philadelphia. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 131:108639. [PMID: 34728133 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108639] [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: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In Philadelphia, the poorest big city in the United States, an estimated 60,000 people misuse opioids and more than 3500 have died of overdose in the past three years. In 2019, fentanyl was detected in 76% of drug-related deaths and 94% of opioid-involved deaths. While much attention has been directed at the public face of the city's drug problem, more than 75% of drug deaths in 2017 took place in a private residence. METHOD Based on qualitative research to understand the vulnerabilities of this hidden population of drug users, we interviewed kin of 35 people who had died of opioid overdose in 2017 to learn whether their loved one had interacted with any social services or harm-reduction interventions. RESULTS In our demographically and geographically representative sample of decedents, we found that while most had received treatment at least once, many faced barriers to getting treatment when they needed it, including barriers related to stigma, structural racism, gender inequities, bureaucracy, insurance requirements, and cost. CONCLUSION We argue that these barriers place an undue burden on people with substance use disorder and their kin during particularly fraught moments of heightened vulnerability. The failure of state and federal policies, practices, and infrastructure to address these barriers, and the failure to require that evidence-based care be provided during treatment have deleterious effects on people affected by the opioid epidemic in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beth Uzwiak
- Ethnologica, 4732 Stenton Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19144, USA
| | - Lia Pizzicato
- Division of Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, 123 S. Broad Street, Suite 1120, Philadelphia, PA 19109, USA
| | - Kendra Viner
- Division of Substance Use Prevention and Harm Reduction, Philadelphia Department of Public Health, 123 S. Broad Street, Suite 1120, Philadelphia, PA 19109, USA
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Investigating a bidirectional relationship between overdose and provision of injection initiation assistance among persons who inject drugs in Vancouver, Canada and Tijuana, Mexico. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 95:103398. [PMID: 34390966 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals who initiate injection drug use often receive assistance from an injection-knowledgeable peer. Persons who assist peers in injection initiation events often inject frequently, which heightens overdose risk. As such, overdose and injection initiation events may be correlated. To explore a potential relationship, we assessed temporal associations between experiencing a non-fatal overdose and assisting others in initiating injection drug use among persons who inject drugs in two North American cities - Vancouver, Canada and Tijuana, Mexico. METHODS From 2014 to 2018, this retrospective cohort study included people who inject drugs from Vancouver (n=1332) and Tijuana (n=666) who completed a baseline and six-month follow-up interview. Within each site, we assessed bidirectional temporal associations using two separate multivariable logistic regression models: for model 1, recent provision of injection initiation assistance (at six months) was the outcome and recent overdose (at baseline) was the exposure; for model 2, recent overdose (at six months) was the outcome and recent provision of injection initiation assistance (at baseline) was the exposure. Both models adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS Vancouver-based participants reporting overdose at baseline had 163% greater odds of reporting provision of injection initiation assistance at follow-up (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] 2.63; 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.41-4.90); while participants reporting provision of injection initiation assistance at baseline had 89% greater odds of reporting a non-fatal overdose at follow-up (aOR 1.89; 95% CI 1.00-3.57). Among Tijuana-based participants, we did not observe a statistically significant association in either direction. CONCLUSION Findings in Vancouver suggest that injection initiation assistance and overdose are bidirectionally-associated phenomena. The present findings highlight the need for interventions that ensure that persons who provide injection initiation assistance are given overdose prevention support, both for themselves and for those they assist to initiate injection drug use. While our Tijuana-based results did not suggest a bidirectional relationship, preventative approaches should nonetheless be undertaken.
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Bennett AS, Elliott L. Naloxone's role in the national opioid crisis-past struggles, current efforts, and future opportunities. Transl Res 2021; 234:43-57. [PMID: 33684591 PMCID: PMC8327685 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 25 years, naloxone has emerged as a critical lifesaving overdose antidote. Public health advocates and community activists established early methods for naloxone distribution to people who inject drugs, but a legacy of stigmatization and opposition to universal naloxone access continues to limit the drug's full potential to reduce opioid-related mortality. The establishment of naloxone distribution programs under the umbrella of syringe exchange programs faces the same practical, ideological and financial barriers to expansion similar to those faced by syringe exchange programs themselves. The expansion of naloxone from the confines of a few syringe exchange programs to what we see today represents an enormous triumph for the grass-roots activists, service providers, and public health professionals who have fought to guarantee lay access to naloxone. Despite the extensive efforts to expand access to naloxone, naloxone continues to remains a scarce resource in many US localities. Considerable naloxone "deserts" remain and even where there is naloxone access, it does not always reach those at risk. Promising areas for expansion include the development of more robust telehealth methods for naloxone distribution, including subsidized mail delivery programs; lowering barriers to pharmacy access; working with hospitals, ambulances, and law enforcement to expand naloxone "leave behind" programs; providing naloxone co-prescription with medications for opioid use disorder; and working with prisons, shelters, and networks of people who use drugs to increase access to the lifesaving medication. Efforts to ensure over-the-counter and low- or no-cost naloxone are ongoing and stand alongside medication-assisted treatments as efficacious, readily-actionable, and cost-efficient population-level interventions available for combatting opioid-related overdose in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex S Bennett
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York; Center for Drug Use and HIV Research (CDUHR), College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York.
| | - Luther Elliott
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York; Center for Drug Use and HIV Research (CDUHR), College of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, New York
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Patel EU, Solomon SS, Lucas GM, McFall AM, Tomori C, Srikrishnan AK, Kumar MS, Laeyendecker O, Celentano DD, Thomas DL, Quinn TC, Mehta SH. Drug use stigma and its association with active hepatitis C virus infection and injection drug use behaviors among community-based people who inject drugs in India. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 96:103354. [PMID: 34247900 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although drug use stigma is globally pervasive, quantitative evidence of its role in hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission is limited. We evaluated the psychometric properties of a drug use stigma scale and examined the association between drug use stigma and active HCV infection among a community-based sample of people who inject drugs (PWID) in India. METHODS Between 8/2016 and 5/2017, a cross-sectional sample of PWID was recruited from 12 Indian cities (~1000/city) using respondent-driven sampling. Participants were ≥18 years old and reported injection drug use (IDU) in the past 2 years. Multivariable logistic regression with a random-intercept for each city was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of active HCV infection (RNA>30 IU/mL). Analyses incorporated RDS-II weights. RESULTS Of 11,663 participants, 73.1% reported IDU in the past 6 months and 33.8% had active HCV infection. Exploratory factor analysis yielded a four-factor solution of enacted, vicarious, felt normative and internalized drug use stigma with high internal consistency (Cronbach's α: 0.85-0.92). In analyses adjusted for age, gender, northeast region, education, homelessness, incarceration, alcohol dependence, HIV status, frequency of IDU, and ever sharing needles/syringes, PWID reporting any enacted stigma had greater odds of active HCV infection (aOR = 1.27 [95% CI = 1.13-1.43]) as did PWID with internalized stigma scores in the highest quartile (vs. lowest quartile; aOR = 1.69 [95% CI = 1.11-2.56]). Among PWID who reported IDU in the past 6 months, multiple forms of stigma were associated with higher frequency of IDU, sharing needles/syringes, having multiple injection partners, and IDU in public spaces. CONCLUSION Using a multidimensional drug use stigma scale, various forms of stigma were significantly associated with active HCV infection and injection drug use-related risk behaviors. Collectively, these data suggest that drug use stigma may play a role in HCV transmission and impede efforts to achieve HCV elimination. Strategies to diminish drug use stigma are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshan U Patel
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sunil S Solomon
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; YR Gaitonde Centre for AIDS Research and Education, Chennai, India
| | - Gregory M Lucas
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Allison M McFall
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Cecília Tomori
- Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Oliver Laeyendecker
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - David D Celentano
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David L Thomas
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas C Quinn
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Division of Intramural Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Baltimore MD, USA
| | - Shruti H Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Pharmacy Technicians, Stigma, and Compassion Fatigue: Front-Line Perspectives of Pharmacy and the US Opioid Epidemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18126231. [PMID: 34207590 PMCID: PMC8296092 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18126231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The opioid epidemic in the United States has led to a quadrupling of opioid overdoses since the 1990s. Stigmas exist among healthcare professionals, and it is essential to educate the next generation of pharmacy technicians regarding opioid use disorder. The main objective of this study was to characterize the phenomenon of stigma through the pharmacy technician lens when taking care of patients who are using opioid medications. Grounded in Van Manen’s phenomenological approach and the Link and Phelan stigmatization model, a qualitative study was conducted from February to June 2020 to understand pharmacy technicians’ perceptions and attitudes towards patients using opioid medications. Focus groups (n = 46) with pharmacy technicians were conducted in-person and online over five months in 2020. Thematic analysis identified three themes that characterize the stigma and the relationship between pharmacy technicians and patients taking opioid medications: (1) pharmacy technician perspectives on stigma and patients with addictive opioid-use behavior; (2) current approaches of pharmacy technicians towards patients with addictive opioid-use behavior; (3) future approaches of pharmacy technicians towards patients with addictive opioid-use behavior. The findings highlight an “ever-present” negative connotation associated with the stigma that is formed from patient interaction. It is necessary to develop proper resources and educational materials to manage the stigma that exists in pharmacies throughout the nation. These resources will facilitate how to address and prevent the stigma among pharmacy technicians in the U.S.
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Cernasev A, Hohmeier KC, Frederick K, Jasmin H, Gatwood J. A systematic literature review of patient perspectives of barriers and facilitators to access, adherence, stigma, and persistence to treatment for substance use disorder. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH IN CLINICAL AND SOCIAL PHARMACY 2021; 2:100029. [PMID: 35481114 PMCID: PMC9029901 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcsop.2021.100029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The opioid crisis has left a devastating impact on the United States (U.S.) for over 20 years. The over-prescribing of opioid medications and availability of illicit opioids have contributed to the U.S. opioid epidemic. Given the complexity of the epidemic, substance use disorder, and its treatment, there is an urgent need for a thorough review of the qualitative literature which has captured the patient's experiences Such patient-derived qualitative data on lived experiences and perspectives may allow researchers, clinicians, and policy makers to glean new insights into addressing this epidemic. Objectives The objective of this paper is to present a systematic literature review of the existing U.S. qualitative research and provide a patient perspective on medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), including barriers and facilitators to MOUD use. Methods In November 2019, four electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched by a medical librarian using a combination of keywords, Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), and/or CINAHL subject headings. 8766 results were imported into EndNote, then duplicate records were removed, leaving a total of 4722 articles. The unique records were imported into Rayyan QCRI an online platform designed to expedite screening. Blinded screening was undertaken in duplicate by four reviewers. Two researchers abstracted all the articles and used thematic analysis. Results The screening in the abstract phase excluded 4681 results, leaving 41 studies for full-text screening to determine their eligibility for inclusion in the review. After screening, 21 articles were included in the study and the analysis is based on these articles Common themes across studies included stigmatization, perceived barriers to MOUD, and MOUD treatment deserts and provider shortages. Conclusions Qualitative research studies conducted to date have uncovered substantial MOUD treatment barriers which are both social and structural in nature. Such barriers to treatment may serve to exacerbate the current epidemic and must be taken into consideration in designing policy and treatment solutions for patients with OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Cernasev
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kenneth C. Hohmeier
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kelsey Frederick
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Hilary Jasmin
- Health Sciences Library, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Justin Gatwood
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Experiences of stigma among individuals in recovery from opioid use disorder in a rural setting: A qualitative analysis. J Subst Abuse Treat 2021; 130:108488. [PMID: 34118715 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2021.108488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stigma is a barrier to accessing treatment and support services for individuals with substance use disorder. Stigma is negatively associated with completion of treatment for substance use disorder and management of recovery. OBJECTIVE To learn from individuals in recovery from opioid use disorder in a largely rural area about how their personal experiences of stigma affected their ability to enter into treatment and stay in recovery. METHODS We conducted ten focus group sessions with established cohorts of individuals in recovery who met regularly as part of recovery programs in central Maine, including two cohorts of postpartum women. Focus groups included 58 participants (33 women and 25 men, age > 18). We conducted a content analysis of focus group transcripts. RESULTS Study participants identified hospitals, government agencies, and pharmacies as the primary locations where they had stigmatizing experiences. Participants identified pharmacists and pharmacy technicians as the most frequent perpetrators of stigma. Participants identified fear and secrecy as pathways through which stigma negatively affected their recovery. CONCLUSION Anti-stigma training programs and related efforts conducted in rural areas may benefit from including pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in training activities, and from considering hospital, government agency, and pharmacy settings as venues for anti-stigma interventions.
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Linton SL, Winiker A, Tormohlen KN, Schneider KE, McLain G, Sherman SG, Johnson RM. "People Don't Just Start Shooting Heroin on Their 18 th Birthday": A Qualitative Study of Community Stakeholders' Perspectives on Adolescent Opioid Use and Opportunities for Intervention in Baltimore, Maryland. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2021; 22:621-632. [PMID: 33826057 PMCID: PMC8024438 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-021-01226-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Initiation of non-medical prescription opioid use (NMPO) during early adolescence is tightly linked to heroin and other drug use disorders and related sequelae in later adolescence and young adulthood. Few studies explore stakeholders’ perspectives on the burden and determinants of youth opioid use and barriers and facilitators to engaging youth in opioid use prevention and treatment services in urban settings with longstanding opioid epidemics. In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 stakeholders representing health and social service agencies in Baltimore, Maryland from May 2018- February 2019, to examine their perspectives on the burden and context of adolescent opioid use and identify barriers and facilitators to preventing and responding to adolescent opioid use. Transcripts were analyzed using the constant comparison method to identify themes. Most respondents described a recent uptick in opioid use independently, and in combination with other substances. As compared to heroin, NMPO was perceived to be more frequently used and less stigmatized among youth. Stakeholders perceived the process of transitioning from using NMPO to heroin as more common among White vs. Black youth and was perceived as occurring faster among White vs. Black youth. Some stakeholders believed racial differences in internal stigma against heroin use, and differential health service use among Black youth and White youth may have influenced these differences. Trauma and poverty were noted determinants of youth opioid use. Barriers to service provision included youth cognitive development, stigma and structural factors (e.g., disinvestment, lack of youth-centered and integrated services). Stakeholders perceive prevalent NMPO among Baltimore youth and identify multilevel barriers to delivering prevention, treatment and harm reduction services to this population. These findings encourage further investigation of determinants and consequences of opioid use among diverse racial/ethnic groups of youth in urban settings, and development of multilevel, youth-driven and youth-centered approaches to prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabriya L Linton
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, US.
| | - Abigail Winiker
- Department of Health Behavior & Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, US
| | - Kayla N Tormohlen
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, US
| | - Kristin E Schneider
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, US
| | - Grace McLain
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD, 21205, US
| | - Susan G Sherman
- Department of Health Behavior & Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, US
| | - Renee M Johnson
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, US
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Walters SM, Kral AH, Lamb S, Goldshear JL, Wenger L, Bluthenthal RN. Correlates of Transactional Sex and Violent Victimization among Men Who Inject Drugs in Los Angeles and San Francisco, California. J Urban Health 2021; 98:70-82. [PMID: 33409836 PMCID: PMC7873178 DOI: 10.1007/s11524-020-00494-y] [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] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Men who inject drugs (MWID) and engage in transactional sex (i.e., receive money or drugs in exchange for sex) are vulnerable to HIV and violence. However, MWID who engage in transactional sex have been less studied than women. We examine factors associated with transactional sex among MWID in Los Angeles and San Francisco and whether transactional sex is associated with violent victimization. MWID were recruited using targeted sampling methods in 2011-2013 and completed surveys that covered demographics, drug use, HIV risk, violence, transactional sex, and other items. Multivariable logistic regression was used to (1) determine factors independently associated with transactional sex and (2) determine if transactional sex was independently associated with violence victimization in the last 6 months among MWID. An interaction term between income source and sexual identity was included in the transactional sex model. Of the 572 male PWID in the sample, 47 (8%) reported transactional sex in the past 6 months. Self-reported HIV infection was 7% for MWID who did not report transactional sex, 17% for MWID who reported transactional sex, and 24% for MWID who reported transactional sex and reported gay or bisexual identity. In multivariable analysis, transactional sex was positively associated with gay or bisexual identity (GB without illegal income adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 5.16; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.86-14.27; GB with illegal income AOR = 13.55, CI = 4.57-40.13), coerced sex in the last 12 months (AOR = 11.66, CI = 1.94-70.12), and violent victimization in the last 12 months (AOR = 2.31, CI = 1.13-4.75). Transactional sex was negatively associated with heroin injection (last 30 days) (AOR = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.18-0.78). Transactional sex was independently associated with violent victimization in the last 12 months (AOR = 2.04; 95% CI = 1.00-4.14) while controlling for confounders. MWID who engaged in transactional sex are at elevated risk for HIV and multiple forms of violent victimization. Interventions focused on this at-risk subpopulation are urgently needed and should include access to substance use disorder treatment, victimization services, and harm reduction services across the HIV care continuum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan M Walters
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, USA.
| | | | - Shona Lamb
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jesse L Goldshear
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Ricky N Bluthenthal
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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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.
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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.
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Kolak MA, Chen YT, Joyce S, Ellis K, Defever K, McLuckie C, Friedman S, Pho MT. Rural risk environments, opioid-related overdose, and infectious diseases: A multidimensional, spatial perspective. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 85:102727. [PMID: 32513621 PMCID: PMC10727138 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Much remains unknown in rural risk environments, despite a growing crisis in these areas. We adapt a risk environment framework to characterize rural southern Illinois and describe the relations of risk environments, opioid-related overdose, HIV, Hepatitis C, and sexually transmitted infection rates between 2015 and 2017. METHODS Over two dozen risk environment variables are summarized across zip-code (n = 128) or county levels (n = 16) based on availability and theoretical relevance. We calculate data attribute associations and characterize spatial and temporal dimensions of longitudinal health outcomes and the rural risk environment. We then use a "regional typology analysis" to generate data-driven risk regions and compare health outcomes. RESULTS Pervasive risk hotspots were identified in more populated locales with higher rates of overdose and HCV incidence, whereas emerging risk areas were isolated to more rural locales that had experienced an increase in analgesic opiate overdoses and generally lacked harm-reduction resources. At-risk areas were characterized with underlying socioeconomic vulnerability but in differing ways, reflecting a nuanced and shifting structural risk landscape. CONCLUSIONS Rural risk environment vulnerabilities and associated opioid-related health outcomes are multifaceted and spatially heterogeneous. More research is needed to better understand how refining geographies to more precisely define risk can support intervention efforts and further enrich investigations of the opioid epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marynia A Kolak
- Center for Spatial Data Science, University of Chicago, 1155 East 60th St, Rm 204, Chicago, IL 60637, United States.
| | - Yen-Tyng Chen
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases & Global Health, University of Chicago Medicine, 5841 South Maryland Ave., MC 5065, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
| | - Sam Joyce
- Center for Spatial Data Science, University of Chicago, 1155 East 60th St, Rm 204, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
| | - Kaitlin Ellis
- University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, 924 E 57th St Suite 104, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
| | - Kali Defever
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases & Global Health, University of Chicago Medicine, 5841 South Maryland Ave., MC 5065, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
| | - Colleen McLuckie
- University of Illinois at Chicago, School of Public Health, 1603 W. Taylor Street, (MC 923), Chicago, IL 60612, United States
| | - Sam Friedman
- National Development and Research Institutes, Inc., 71 W 23rd St, New York, NY 10010, United States
| | - Mai T Pho
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases & Global Health, University of Chicago Medicine, 5841 South Maryland Ave., MC 5065, Chicago, IL, 60637, United States
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Johnson LT, Shreve T. The ecology of overdose mortality in Philadelphia. Health Place 2020; 66:102430. [PMID: 32932005 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2020.102430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Fatal drug overdose represents a significant public health threat in Philadelphia, but substantial variation exists across its communities. This study uses negative binomial longitudinal regression to model ZIP code overdose fatalities over a seven-year period. Model covariates indicate that structural inequality, police arrest activity, and features of the built environment are associated with increased mortality across ZIP codes. Additionally, fatalities are spatially concentrated in select geographies of the city. These findings emphasize the pertinence of community ecological features in the production of stratified within-city health outcomes, and inform the geographic distribution of harm reduction interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lallen T Johnson
- Department of Justice, Law & Criminology, American University, Kerwin 270, 4400 Massachusetts Av., NW, Washington, DC, 20016, USA.
| | - Tayler Shreve
- Department of Justice, Law & Criminology, American University, Kerwin 270, 4400 Massachusetts Av., NW, Washington, DC, 20016, USA.
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