Factors associated with naloxone administration in an opioid dependent sample

State program enables the identification of factors associated with naloxone awareness, self-efficacy, and use for overdose reversal: A cross-sectional, observational study in an urban emergency department population

INTRODUCTION

To assist the state of Ohio in addressing the opioid epidemic, the Ohio Attorney General appointed experts in a variety of academic disciplines to the Scientific Committee on Opioid Prevention and Education (SCOPE). The focus of SCOPE is the application of scientific principles to the development of prevention and educational strategies for reducing substance use disorder and related harms (e.g., promoting naloxone awareness). Naloxone awareness is a step in the naloxone cascade, which is a useful model for understanding the sequential steps laypeople must take to prepare themselves to intervene using naloxone; other steps include training and previous administration experience. Prior work has explored correlates of these steps among individuals with risky substance use, but fewer studies have focused on broader populations containing potential bystanders (e.g., family and community members).

METHODS

This study was a secondary data analysis of patients from three urban emergency departments. Subsamples differed across five models (n = 479-1208) and included opioid-exposed and -naïve participants. Logistic regression characterized clinically useful sociodemographic predictors (e.g., race, ethnicity, education, employment, housing status) of naloxone awareness, self-efficacy (which relates to training), and previous-overdose administration. Two additional logistic regressions tested associations between risk factors for witnessing an opioid overdose and two cascade steps (awareness and self-efficacy).

RESULTS

Non-White race, Hispanic ethnicity, and lower education predicted not being aware of naloxone; non-White race also predicted lower naloxone self-efficacy, and older age predicted lack of previous-overdose administration. Having family members with risky opioid use was heavily associated with awareness, while personal substance-use behaviors and previous overdose witnessing were associated with both awareness and higher naloxone self-efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS

Characteristics associated with lower likelihood of completing each cascade step highlight opportunities for targeted interventions. Specifically, findings indicated the importance of expanding naloxone education and training programs to more diverse populations and to family members of individuals with risky opioid use. Further, these findings demonstrate how a state-funded program such as SCOPE can have a positive impact on identifying strategies that may assist in reducing mortality associated with opioid overdose.

Harm Reduction and Treatment Among People at High Risk of Overdose

Importance

Rates of overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids remain high, increasingly involve stimulants combined with opioids, and are increasing rapidly in racially and ethnically minoritized communities, yet little is known about access to harm reduction and treatment services in these groups.

Objective

To characterize access and barriers to harm reduction and treatment in a racially and ethnically diverse population of people who use drugs.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A cross-sectional telephone survey of people recruited from 39 treatment, harm reduction, and social service organizations in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin; Flint and Detroit, Michigan; and statewide in New Jersey was conducted from January 30 to July 28, 2023. Adults who used cocaine, methamphetamine, or opioids in the past 30 days called a study hotline and completed an interview in English or Spanish.

Exposures

Overdose experience, drug types used (opioids only, stimulants only, and polysubstance), and social risk factors (eg, financial instability and criminal legal involvement).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Recent use of any harm reduction services, fentanyl test strips, naloxone possession, treatment, and self-reported barriers to services.

Results

Of the total sample of 1240 adults, 486 (39.2%) were Black non-Hispanic, 183 (14.8%) were Hispanic, and 464 (37.4%) were White non-Hispanic. In the past 30 days, 826 individuals (66.6%) were polysubstance users, 135 (10.9%) used only opioids, and 279 (22.5%) used only stimulants. A total of 349 respondents (28.1%) experienced a prior-year overdose. Compared with those without a prior-year overdose, people with overdose were more likely to possess naloxone (80.7% vs 68.2%; P < .001), possess fentanyl test strips (36.8% vs 23.5%; P < .001), and use harm reduction services (63.4% vs 53.0%; P = .003), while differences in treatment use were nonsignificant (52.0% vs 46.6%; P = .24). Among stimulant-only users, 51.4% possessed naloxone compared with 77.3% of opioid-only users (P < .001) and 77.6% of polysubstance users (P < .001), with similar disparities in fentanyl test strip possession.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cross-sectional study of people who used drugs in the past 30 days, findings highlighted low use of harm reduction and treatment services among people who use stimulants. Additional communication regarding their importance may help increase the use of the services amidst a rapidly changing drug supply.

Daily opioid and stimulant co-use and nonfatal overdoses in the context of social disadvantage: Findings on marginalized populations

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.

Sweden's first Take-Home Naloxone program: participant characteristics, dose endpoints and predictors for overdose reversals

BACKGROUND

Opioid overdoses are a growing concern, particularly among people who inject drugs. Sweden, with a comparatively high proportion of drug-related mortality, introduced its first Take-Home Naloxone (THN) program in 2018, at the Stockholm needle and syringe program (NSP). In this study we compare THN participant characteristics regarding refills and overdose reversals as well as investigate predictors associated with number of reversals. We also investigate interventions performed in overdose situations and endpoints for naloxone doses.

METHODS

This was a prospective open inclusion cohort study conducted between January 24^th 2018 and March 31^st 2022 at the Stockholm NSP. Participants received THN, free of charge, after a training session and provided data regarding drug use and overdose experiences. During refill visits, participants reported if the naloxone was used for overdose reversal and, if so, responded to a ten-item questionnaire which included stating whether the naloxone recipient was the participant themselves or somebody else. Questionnaire data was combined with NSP database demographic data. Zero-inflated Poisson regression was applied to analyse predictors for number of reported overdose reversals.

RESULTS

Among study participants (n = 1,295), 66.5% stated opioids as their primary drug, and 61.4% and 81.0% had previous experience of a personal or witnessed overdose, respectively. Overall, 44.0% of participants reported a total of 1,625 overdose reversals and the victim was known to have survived in 95.6% of cases. Stimulant use (aIRR 1.26; 95% CI 1.01, 1.58), benzodiazepine use (aIRR 1.75; 95% CI 1.1, 2.78) and homelessness (aIRR 1.35; 95% CI 1.06, 1.73) were predictors associated with an increased number of reported overdose reversals. Mortality was higher among those who reported at least one overdose reversal (HR 3.4; 95% CI 2.2, 5.2).

CONCLUSIONS

An NSP's existent framework can be utilised to effectively implement a THN program, provide basic training and reach numerous high-risk individuals. During the four-year study, THN participants reversed a sizeable number of potentially fatal overdoses, of which many were reported by participants whose primary drug was not opioids. Naloxone refill rate was high, indicating that participants were motivated to maintain a supply of naloxone in case of future overdose events.

Who is using take-home naloxone? An examination of supersavers

BACKGROUND

As the opioid overdose crisis persists and take-home naloxone (THN) programmes expand, it is important that the intervention is targeted towards those most likely to use it. We examined THN program participants to 1) describe those that return for refills, specifically those that reported multiple use (supersavers), and 2) to examine what rescuer characteristics were associated with higher rates of THN use.

METHODS

This study included a cohort of consenting THN recipients from June 2014-June 2021 who completed initial and refill questionnaires from a widespread program in Norway. Age, gender, number of witnessed and experienced overdoses were assessed for associations with higher reported rates of THN use. 'Supersavers' reported 3 or more THN uses.

RESULTS

A total of 1054 participants returned for a THN refill during the study period. Of these, 558 reported their last THN to have been used on an overdose. Supersavers (those that reported 3 or more THN uses) were younger, primarily reported current opioid use, and had witnessed higher rates of overdoses at the time of initial training when compared to non-supersavers (those that reported 0-2 THN uses).

CONCLUSIONS

THN programs should continue to emphasize and prioritize THN for people actively using drugs, particularly those who have witnessed overdoses previously.

Racial differences in overdose training, naloxone possession, and naloxone administration among clients and nonclients of a syringe services program

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate racial (Black/White) differences in overdose response training and take-home naloxone (THN) possession and administration among clients and nonclients of the Baltimore syringe service program (SSP).

METHODS

The study derived data from a cross-sectional survey of 263 (183 SSP clients, 80 nonclients) people who inject drugs (PWID). The study recruited SSP clients using targeted sampling and recruited nonclients through peer referral from April to November 2016.

RESULTS

In our sample, 61% of the participants were Black, 42% were between the ages of 18 and 44, and 70% were males. SSP clients, regardless of race, were more likely to have received overdose response training than Black nonclients (Black clients AOR: 3.85, 95% CI: 1.88, 7.92; White clients AOR: 2.73, 95% CI: 1.29, 5.75). The study found no significant differences in overdose response training between Black and White nonclients. SSP clients and White nonclients were more likely to possess THN than Black nonclients (Black clients: AOR: 4.21, 95% CI: 2.00, 8.87; White clients: AOR: 3.54, 95% CI: 1.56, 8.04; White nonclients AOR: 4.49, 95% CI: 1.50,13.47).

CONCLUSION

SSP clients were more likely to receive overdose response training than their nonclient peers who they referred to the study, illustrating the utility of SSPs in reaching PWID at high risk of overdose. We also observed that Black PWID, who did not access services at the SSP, were the least likely to possess THN, suggesting the need to employ outreach targeting Black PWID who do not access this central harm reduction intervention.

Predictors of having naloxone in urban and rural Oregon findings from NHBS and the OR-HOPE study

PURPOSE

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that can be effectively administered by bystanders to prevent overdose. We determined the proportion of people who had naloxone and identified predictors of naloxone ownership among two samples of people who inject drugs (PWID) who use opioids in Portland and rural Western Oregon.

BASIC PROCEDURES

We used data from participants in Portland's National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS, N = 477) and the Oregon HIV/Hepatitis and Opioid Prevention and Engagement Study (OR-HOPE, N = 133). For each sample, we determined the proportion of participants who had naloxone and estimated unadjusted and adjusted relative risk of having naloxone associated with participant characteristics.

MAIN FINDINGS

Sixty one percent of NHBS and 30 % of OR-HOPE participants had naloxone. In adjusted analysis, having naloxone was associated with female gender, injecting goofballs (compared to heroin alone), housing stability, and overdose training in the urban NHBS sample, and having naloxone was associated with drug of choice, frequency of injection, and race in the rural OR-HOPE sample. In both samples, having naloxone was crudely associated with SSP use, but this was attenuated after adjustment.

PRINCIPAL CONCLUSIONS

Naloxone ownership was insufficient and highly variable among two samples of PWID who use opioids in Oregon. People who use methamphetamine, males, and people experiencing homelessness may be at increased risk for not having naloxone and SSP may play a key role in improving access.

Endogenous Opiates and Behavior: 2018

This paper is the forty-first consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2018 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (2), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (3) and humans (4), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (5), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (6), stress and social status (7), learning and memory (8), eating and drinking (9), drug abuse and alcohol (10), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (11), mental illness and mood (12), seizures and neurologic disorders (13), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (14), general activity and locomotion (15), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (16), cardiovascular responses (17), respiration and thermoregulation (18), and immunological responses (19).

More than just availability: Who has access and who administers take-home naloxone in Baltimore, MD

Background

Fatal opioid overdose is a pressing public health concern in the United States. Addressing barriers and augmenting facilitators to take-home naloxone (THN) access and administration could expand program reach in preventing fatal overdoses.

Methods

THN access (i.e., being prescribed or receiving THN) was assessed in a Baltimore, Maryland-based sample of 577 people who use opioids (PWUO) and had a history of injecting drugs. A sub-analysis examined correlates of THN administration among those with THN access and who witnessed an overdose (N = 345). Logistic generalized estimating equations with robust standard errors were used to identify facilitators and barriers to accessing and using THN.

Results

The majority of PWUO (66%) reported THN access. In the multivariable model, decreased THN access was associated with the fear that a person may become aggressive after being revived with THN (aOR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.35–0.85), police threaten people at an overdose event (aOR: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.36–1.00), and insufficient overdose training (aOR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.28–0.68). Enrollment in medication-assisted treatment, personally experiencing an overdose, and graduating from high school were associated with higher access. About half (49%) of PWUO with THN access and who had witnessed an overdose reported having administered THN. THN use was positively associated with “often” or “always” carrying THN (aOR: 3.47, 95% CI: 1.99–6.06), witnessing more overdoses (aOR:5.18, 95% CI: 2.22–12.07), experiencing recent homelessness, and injecting in the past year. THN use was reduced among participants who did not feel that they had sufficient overdose training (aOR: 0.56, 95% CI: 0.32–0.96).

Conclusion

THN programs must bolster confidence in administering THN and address barriers to use, such as fear of a THN recipient becoming aggressive. Normative change around carrying THN is an important component in an overdose prevention strategy.

Perceptions about fentanyl-adulterated heroin and overdose risk reduction behaviors among persons seeking treatment for heroin use

BACKGROUND

Fentanyl-adulterated heroin supply chains are increasing risks for fatal overdose in the U.S.

OBJECTIVE

The current study examined the use of overdose risk reduction behaviors among persons seeking treatment for heroin use and whether perceptions about the presence of fentanyl in one's heroin are associated with overdose risk reduction behaviors.

METHOD

We recruited persons with opioid use disorder entering a managed withdrawal program. We used multiple linear regression to estimate the adjusted associations of participant characteristics and perception of fentanyl exposure with the frequency of engaging in each of five overdose reduction behaviors.

RESULTS

Participants (n = 239; 75.3% male, 81.2% White, 67% injectors) estimated that 69.2% of the heroin they use contains fentanyl, and 94.6% knew that fentanyl increases overdose risk. Approximately 30% of respondents reported usually or always making sure others are around when they use heroin, carrying naloxone, taking "tester" doses of heroin or intentionally using in reduced amounts. While a majority of the sample reported never carrying naloxone or taking tester doses, and 70.2% reported never making sure that others around them carry naloxone, 84.5% had implemented one or more behavior at least rarely. Past month injection drug use was associated with making sure others are around, but perceptions about fentanyl in one's heroin were not associated with use of harm reduction behaviors.

CONCLUSIONS

In this sample of people who use heroin, although overdose risk reduction behaviors were not usually used, a majority had tried at least one behavior. That perceived exposure to fentanyl-adulterated heroin was not associated with the use of such behaviors provides important implications for public health education and intervention programming.