Levamisole-Contaminated Cocaine Use in HIV-Infected and Uninfected Unstably Housed Women

Physical and Behavioral Health Characteristics of Aging Homeless Women in the United States: An Integrative Review

Background: The average age of the homeless population is and will continue to rise. Although women comprise a significant and growing percentage of this vulnerable population, their age- and sex-specific health characteristics are poorly understood. Materials and Methods: This integrative review appraises published research addressing the physical and behavioral health characteristics of aging homeless women (≥50 years) in the United States (2000-2019). The authors searched six electronic databases to identify eligible studies. Studies were screened for methodological quality by using the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice model. The review is reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Results: Ten primary studies met the review eligibility criteria. All were level III (non-experimental); nine appraised as "good" quality (level B), and one as "lower" quality (level C). Aging homeless women demonstrate elevated rates of physical health conditions, related to suboptimal nutrition, lower than expected preventive health screening uptake, and geriatric concerns. Disproportionate rates of mental health conditions are compounded by substance use and interpersonal trauma. Familial and social dynamics and socioeconomic disadvantage contribute to social health concerns. Spiritual health is a critically important yet underexplored protective factor. Conclusions: Studies are limited, though collective findings suggest that aging homeless women endure a disproportionate physical, behavioral, and social health burden compared with aging non-homeless women and aging homeless men. Implications for research on early aging, preventative health strategies, and homelessness among women, and clinical practice in the context of geriatric and women's health are described.

Associations between medical cannabis and other drug use among unstably housed women

BACKGROUND

Several studies suggest that U.S. state-level legalization of cannabis for medical purposes may be associated with reductions in opioid use; yet its relationship with stimulant use, particularly in high-risk populations like unstably housed women, has received less attention. The purpose of this study was to estimate independent associations between medical and non-medical use of cannabis and use of stimulants and opioids among unstably housed women.

METHODS

Cross-sectional data were analyzed from 245 women in the SHADOW study, a community based cohort in San Francisco, CA, in which HIV+ women were oversampled (126 HIV+ and 119 HIV-).

RESULTS

Compared to no cannabis use in the past 6 months (51%), non-medical cannabis use (28%) was associated with a higher adjusted odds of using stimulants (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]=4.34, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.17-8.70) and opioids (AOR=3.81, 95% CI: 1.78-8.15). Compared to no cannabis use, medical cannabis use (21%) was not significantly associated with stimulant or opioid use. Compared to non-medical cannabis use, however, medical cannabis use was associated with lower adjusted odds of using stimulants (AOR=0.42, 95% CI: 0.18-0.96). These associations were not modified by HIV status.

CONCLUSIONS

Associations between use of cannabis and "street drugs" depend on whether the cannabis is obtained through a medical context. Interventions, research, and policy considering the influence of cannabis on the use of other drugs may benefit by distinguishing between medical and non-medical cannabis use.