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Upton EM, LaRocca J, Rudolph AE, Young AM, Havens JR. Examining the social and behavioral dynamics of substance use in a longitudinal network study in rural Appalachia. Addict Behav 2024; 156:108060. [PMID: 38735160 PMCID: PMC11181469 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.108060] [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: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies have shown that individuals and their peers often have similar substance use behaviors, but the mechanisms driving these similarities - particularly in rural settings, are not well understood. The primary objectives of this analysis are to (1) identify factors that contribute to relationship turnover and maintenance within a rural network of persons who use drugs (PWUD), (2) determine whether assimilation and/or homophily shape participants use of injection drugs, heroin, and stimulants (methamphetamine and cocaine), and (3) assess the extent that these mechanisms influence networks ties and/or behaviors and whether these effects vary across time. METHODS Sociometric network data were collected from a cohort of PWUD in rural Eastern Kentucky at baseline (2008-2010) and at four follow-up visits conducted approximately semiannually. Stochastic actor-oriented models (SAOMS) were used to model network structure and participant behaviors as jointly dependent variables and to identify characteristics associated with the maintenance, dissolution, and formation of network ties and changes in drug use behaviors. RESULTS Findings suggest (1) greater network stability over time for reciprocal and transitive relationships, (2) both homophily and assimilation played a greater role in shaping injection drug use (IDU) initiation and cessation than they did in shaping heroin and stimulant use, and (3) the importance of these mechanisms appeared consistent over time. CONCLUSION Given the stability of particular network structures and evidence of both homophily and assimilation with respect to drug-use behaviors, interventions that leverage social networks could be used to motivate health-promoting behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Upton
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Williams College, Williamstown, MA, USA.
| | - Joseph LaRocca
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Williams College, Williamstown, MA, USA
| | - Abby E Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, USA; Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
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2
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Zhu L, Thompson WW, Hagan L, Randall LM, Rudolph AE, Young AM, Havens JR, Salomon JA, Linas BP. Potential impact of curative and preventive interventions toward hepatitis C elimination in people who inject drugs-A network modeling study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 130:104539. [PMID: 39033645 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104539] [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: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injection-equipment-sharing networks play an important role in hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission among people who inject drugs (PWID). Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) treatments for HCV infection and interventions to prevent HCV transmission are critical components of an overall hepatitis C elimination strategy, but how they contribute to the elimination outcomes in different PWID network settings are unclear. METHODS We developed an agent-based network model of HCV transmission through the sharing of injection equipment among PWID and parameterized and calibrated the model with rural PWID data in the United States. We modeled curative and preventive interventions at annual coverage levels of 12.5 %, 25 %, or 37.5 % (cumulative percentage of eligible individuals engaged), and two allocation approaches: random vs targeting PWID with more injection partners (hereafter 'degree-based'). We compared the impact of these intervention strategies on prevalence and incidence of HCV infections. We conducted sensitivity analysis on key parameters governing the effects of curative and preventive interventions and PWID network characteristics. RESULTS Combining curative and preventive interventions at 37.5 % annual coverage with degree-based allocation decreased prevalence and incidence of HCV infection by 67 % and 70 % over two years, respectively. Curative interventions decreased prevalence by six to 12 times more than preventive interventions, while curative and preventive interventions had comparable effectiveness on reducing incidence. Intervention impact increased with coverage almost linearly across all intervention strategies, and degree-based allocation was always more effective than random allocation, especially for preventive interventions. Results were sensitive to parameter values defining intervention effects and network mean degree. CONCLUSION DAA treatments are effective in reducing both prevalence and incidence of HCV infection in PWID, but preventive interventions play a significant role in reducing incidence when intervention coverage is low. Increasing coverage, including efforts in reaching individuals with the most injection partners, preventing reinfection, and improving compliance and retention in preventive services can substantially improve the outcomes. PWID network characteristics should be considered when designing hepatitis C elimination programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhu
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Health Policy, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - William W Thompson
- Prevention Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, GA, USA
| | - Liesl Hagan
- Prevention Branch, Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, GA, USA
| | - Liisa M Randall
- Bureau of Infectious Disease and Laboratory Sciences, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Abby E Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - April M Young
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA; Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Joshua A Salomon
- Department of Health Policy, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Benjamin P Linas
- Section of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
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Havens JR, Lofwall MR, Young AM, Staton M, Schaninger T, Fraser H, Vickerman P, Walsh SL. Predictors of engagement in screening for a hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment trial in a rural Appalachian community. J Viral Hepat 2024; 31:293-299. [PMID: 38436098 PMCID: PMC11102319 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13933] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
An HCV treatment trial was initiated in September 2019 to address the opioid/hepatitis C virus (HCV) syndemic in rural Kentucky. The focus of the current analysis is on participation in diagnostic screening for the trial. Initial eligibility (≥18 years of age, county resident) was established by phone followed by in-person HCV viremia testing. 900 rural residents met the inclusion criteria and comprised the analytic sample. Generalized linear models were specified to estimate the relative risk of non-attendance at the in-person visit determining HCV eligibility. Approximately one-quarter (22.1%) of scheduled participants were no-shows. People who inject drugs were no more likely than people not injecting drugs to be a no-show; however, participants ≤35 years of age were significantly less likely to attend. While the median time between phone screening and scheduled in-person screening was only 2 days, each additional day increased the odds of no-show by 3% (95% confidence interval: 2%-3%). Finally, unknown HCV status predicted no-show even after adjustment for age, gender, days between screenings and injection status. We found that drug injection did not predict no-show, further justifying expanded access to HCV treatment among people who inject drugs. Those 35 years and younger were more likely to no-show, suggesting that younger individuals may require targeted strategies for increasing testing and treatment uptake. Finally, streamlining the treatment cascade may also improve outcomes, as participants in the current study were more likely to attend if there were fewer days between phone screening and scheduled in-person screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R. Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
| | - Michelle R. Lofwall
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
| | - April M. Young
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY USA
| | - Michele Staton
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
| | - Takako Schaninger
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
| | - Hannah Fraser
- Bristol Population Health Sciences Institute, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Bristol Population Health Sciences Institute, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon L. Walsh
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
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Young AM, Havens JR, Cooper HLF, Fallin-Bennett A, Fanucchi L, Freeman PR, Knudsen H, Livingston MD, McCollister KE, Stone J, Vickerman P, Freeman E, Jahangir T, Larimore E, White CR, Cheatom C, Community Staff K, Design Team K. Kentucky Outreach Service Kiosk (KyOSK) Study protocol: a community-level, controlled quasi-experimental, type 1 hybrid effectiveness study to assess implementation, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a community-tailored harm reduction kiosk on HIV, HCV and overdose risk in rural Appalachia. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e083983. [PMID: 38431295 PMCID: PMC10910671 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-083983] [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: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many rural communities bear a disproportionate share of drug-related harms. Innovative harm reduction service models, such as vending machines or kiosks, can expand access to services that reduce drug-related harms. However, few kiosks operate in the USA, and their implementation, impact and cost-effectiveness have not been adequately evaluated in rural settings. This paper describes the Kentucky Outreach Service Kiosk (KyOSK) Study protocol to test the effectiveness, implementation outcomes and cost-effectiveness of a community-tailored, harm reduction kiosk in reducing HIV, hepatitis C and overdose risk in rural Appalachia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS KyOSK is a community-level, controlled quasi-experimental, non-randomised trial. KyOSK involves two cohorts of people who use drugs, one in an intervention county (n=425) and one in a control county (n=325). People who are 18 years or older, are community-dwelling residents in the target counties and have used drugs to get high in the past 6 months are eligible. The trial compares the effectiveness of a fixed-site, staffed syringe service programme (standard of care) with the standard of care supplemented with a kiosk. The kiosk will contain various harm reduction supplies accessible to participants upon valid code entry, allowing dispensing data to be linked to participant survey data. The kiosk will include a call-back feature that allows participants to select needed services and receive linkage-to-care services from a peer recovery coach. The cohorts complete follow-up surveys every 6 months for 36 months (three preceding kiosk implementation and four post-implementation). The study will test the effectiveness of the kiosk on reducing risk behaviours associated with overdose, HIV and hepatitis C, as well as implementation outcomes and cost-effectiveness. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The University of Kentucky Institutional Review Board approved the protocol. Results will be disseminated in academic conferences and peer-reviewed journals, online and print media, and community meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05657106.
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Affiliation(s)
- April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Hannah L F Cooper
- Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Laura Fanucchi
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Patricia R Freeman
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Hannah Knudsen
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Melvin D Livingston
- Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kathryn E McCollister
- Division of Health Services Research and Policy, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Jack Stone
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Edward Freeman
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Tasfia Jahangir
- Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Elizabeth Larimore
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Carol R White
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | | | - KyOSK Community Staff
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Egan KL, Gurka K, Macmadu A, Linn H. Changes in Perceptions of First Responders After Witnessing a Drug Overdose: Individual and Contextual Variations Among People Who Use Opioids in West Virginia. JOURNAL OF APPALACHIAN HEALTH 2023; 5:22-37. [PMID: 38784147 PMCID: PMC11110897 DOI: 10.13023/jah.0503.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Success of opioid overdose interventions involving first responders is dependent on the comfort level that bystanders have with first responders and their willingness to call for assistance. Positive or negative experiences with first responders following witnessing an overdose may influence a person's willingness to call a first responder for assistance in the future. Purpose The objective of this study was to examine changes in bystanders' perceptions of first responders following witnessing an overdose attended by emergency medical services or a law enforcement official. It specifically explored perception changes among a sample of individuals residing in Appalachia who use prescription opioids nonmedically. Methods Individuals from West Virginia who used prescription opioids nonmedically were interviewed to examine changes in perceptions of first responders following witnessing an overdose. The analytic sample (N = 50) consisted of participants who witnessed an overdose for which 911 was called and stayed until a first responder arrived. Chi-square contingency tables and ANOVA were conducted to assess relationships between individual and contextual characteristics with changes in perceptions. Results Findings indicate that the majority (63%) had improved perceptions of first responders, 6% had diminished perceptions, and 24% were unchanged. Changes in perceptions varied by income, presence during substance use, and prior concerns about first responders. Implications Individuals who reported experiencing a positive interaction with first a responder after witnessing an overdose may be more likely to call 911 during an overdose and support other interventions by first responders (e.g., referral to syringe service programs or treatment with medications for opioid use disorder).
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Lee Y, Buchanan AL, Ogburn EL, Friedman SR, Halloran ME, Katenka NV, Wu J, Nikolopoulos G. Finding influential subjects in a network using a causal framework. Biometrics 2023; 79:3715-3727. [PMID: 36788358 PMCID: PMC10423748 DOI: 10.1111/biom.13841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Researchers across a wide array of disciplines are interested in finding the most influential subjects in a network. In a network setting, intervention effects and health outcomes can spill over from one node to another through network ties, and influential subjects are expected to have a greater impact than others. For this reason, network research in public health has attempted to maximize health and behavioral changes by intervening on a subset of influential subjects. Although influence is often defined only implicitly in most of the literature, the operative notion of influence is inherently causal in many cases: influential subjects are those we should intervene on to achieve the greatest overall effect across the entire network. In this work, we define a causal notion of influence using potential outcomes. We review existing influence measures, such as node centrality, that largely rely on the particular features of the network structure and/or on certain diffusion models that predict the pattern of information or diseases spreads through network ties. We provide simulation studies to demonstrate when popular centrality measures can agree with our causal measure of influence. As an illustrative example, we apply several popular centrality measures to the HIV risk network in the Transmission Reduction Intervention Project and demonstrate the assumptions under which each centrality can represent the causal influence of each participant in the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youjin Lee
- Department of Biostatistics, Brown University, USA
| | | | | | | | - M. Elizabeth Halloran
- Biostatistics, Bioinformatics, and Epidemiology Program, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, USA
| | - Natallia V. Katenka
- Department of Computer Science and Statistics, University of Rhode Island, USA
| | - Jing Wu
- Department of Computer Science and Statistics, University of Rhode Island, USA
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Artenie A, Stone J, Fraser H, Stewart D, Arum C, Lim AG, McNaughton AL, Trickey A, Ward Z, Abramovitz D, Alary M, Astemborski J, Bruneau J, Clipman SJ, Coffin CS, Croxford S, DeBeck K, Emanuel E, Hayashi K, Hermez JG, Low-Beer D, Luhmann N, Macphail G, Maher L, Palmateer NE, Patel EU, Sacks-Davis R, Van Den Boom W, van Santen DK, Walker JG, Hickman M, Vickerman P. Incidence of HIV and hepatitis C virus among people who inject drugs, and associations with age and sex or gender: a global systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 8:533-552. [PMID: 36996853 PMCID: PMC10817215 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(23)00018-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Measuring the incidence of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among people who inject drugs (PWID) is key to track progress towards elimination. We aimed to summarise global data on HIV and primary HCV incidence among PWID and associations with age and sex or gender. METHODS In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we updated an existing database of HIV and HCV incidence studies among PWID by searching MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO, capturing studies published between Jan 1, 2000, and Dec 12, 2022, with no language or study design restrictions. We contacted authors of identified studies for unpublished or updated data. We included studies that estimated incidence by longitudinally re-testing people at risk of infection or by using assays for recent infection. We pooled incidence and relative risk (RR; young [generally defined as ≤25 years] vs older PWID; women vs men) estimates using random-effects meta-analysis and assessed risk of bias with a modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale. This study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020220884. FINDINGS Our updated search identified 9493 publications, of which 211 were eligible for full-text review. An additional 377 full-text records from our existing database and five records identified through cross-referencing were assessed. Including 28 unpublished records, 125 records met the inclusion criteria. We identified 64 estimates of HIV incidence (30 from high-income countries [HICs] and 34 from low-income or middle-income countries [LMICs]) and 66 estimates of HCV incidence (52 from HICs and 14 from LMICs). 41 (64%) of 64 HIV and 42 (64%) of 66 HCV estimates were from single cities rather than being multi-city or nationwide. Estimates were measured over 1987-2021 for HIV and 1992-2021 for HCV. Pooled HIV incidence was 1·7 per 100 person-years (95% CI 1·3-2·3; I2=98·4%) and pooled HCV incidence was 12·1 per 100 person-years (10·0-14·6; I2=97·2%). Young PWID had a greater risk of HIV (RR 1·5, 95% CI 1·2-1·8; I2=66·9%) and HCV (1·5, 1·3-1·8; I2=70·6%) acquisition than older PWID. Women had a greater risk of HIV (RR 1·4, 95% CI 1·1-1·6; I2=55·3%) and HCV (1·2, 1·1-1·3; I2=43·3%) acquisition than men. For both HIV and HCV, the median risk-of-bias score was 6 (IQR 6-7), indicating moderate risk. INTERPRETATION Although sparse, available HIV and HCV incidence estimates offer insights into global levels of HIV and HCV transmission among PWID. Intensified efforts are needed to keep track of the HIV and HCV epidemics among PWID and to expand access to age-appropriate and gender-appropriate prevention services that serve young PWID and women who inject drugs. FUNDING Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Fonds de recherche du Québec-Santé, Canadian Network on Hepatitis C, UK National Institute for Health and Care Research, and WHO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adelina Artenie
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Jack Stone
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Hannah Fraser
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Daniel Stewart
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; National Public Health Speciality Training Programme, South West, Bristol, UK
| | - Chiedozie Arum
- Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Aaron G Lim
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Anna L McNaughton
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Adam Trickey
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Zoe Ward
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Michel Alary
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada; Département de médecine sociale et préventive, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada; Institut national de santé publique du Québec, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jacquie Astemborski
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Département de Médecine Familiale et Médecine d'Urgence, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Research Center, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Steven J Clipman
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Carla S Coffin
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sara Croxford
- Public Health and Clinical Directorate, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Kora DeBeck
- School of Public Policy, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, BC, Canada; BC Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Eva Emanuel
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, STI and HIV Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Kanna Hayashi
- BC Centre on Substance Use, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Joumana G Hermez
- Department of Communicable Diseases, World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Daniel Low-Beer
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Niklas Luhmann
- Global HIV, Hepatitis and Sexually Transmitted Infections Programmes, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Gisela Macphail
- Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Infectious Diseases, CUPS Liver Clinic, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Lisa Maher
- Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Norah E Palmateer
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Public Health Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Eshan U Patel
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rachel Sacks-Davis
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Daniela K van Santen
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Josephine G Walker
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Oser CB, Batty E, Booty M, Eddens K, Knudsen HK, Perry B, Rockett M, Staton M. Social ecological factors and medication treatment for opioid use disorder among justice-involved rural and urban persons: the Geographic variation in Addiction Treatment Experiences (GATE) longitudinal cohort study protocol. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e066068. [PMID: 36940952 PMCID: PMC10030549 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066068] [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: 03/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Three medications are Food and Drug Administration approved for the treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD); however, these medications are underused within prisons, which elevates the risk of relapse and overdose when persons with opioid use disorder (POUD) are released. Research is scant regarding the multilevel factors associated with POUDs' willingness to initiate medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD) while in prison and their continued engagement in treatment after release. Furthermore, rural and urban populations have not been compared. The Geographic variation in Addiction Treatment Experiences (GATE) study seeks to identify multilevel factors (ie, individual, personal network, and structural factors) influencing prison-based extended-release injectable naltrexone (XR-NTX) and buprenorphine initiation and will examine predictors of postrelease MOUD use and adverse outcomes (ie, relapse, overdose, recidivism) among both rural and urban POUDs. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This mixed methods study employs a social ecological framework. A prospective observational longitudinal cohort study is being conducted with 450 POUDs using survey and social network data collected in prison, immediately postrelease, 6 months postrelease and 12 months postrelease to identify multilevel rural-urban variation in key outcomes. In-depth qualitative interviews are being conducted with POUDs, prison-based treatment staff and social service clinicians. To maximise rigour and reproducibility, we employ a concurrent triangulation strategy, whereby qualitative and quantitative data contribute equally to the analysis and are used for cross-validation when examining scientific aims. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The GATE study was reviewed and approved by the University of Kentucky's Institutional Review Board prior to implementation. Findings will be disseminated through presentations at scientific and professional association conferences, peer-reviewed journal publications and a summary aggregate report submitted to the Kentucky Department of Corrections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie B Oser
- Department of Sociology, Center on Drug & Alcohol Research, Center for Health Equity Transformation, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Evan Batty
- Department of Sociology, Center on Drug & Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Marisa Booty
- Department of Sociology, Center on Drug & Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Kate Eddens
- Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Hannah K Knudsen
- Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Brea Perry
- Department of Sociology, Irsay Family Research Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Maria Rockett
- Department of Sociology, Center on Drug & Alcohol Research, Center for Health Equity Transformation, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Michele Staton
- Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Methods for Assessing Spillover in Network-Based Studies of HIV/AIDS Prevention among People Who Use Drugs. Pathogens 2023; 12:pathogens12020326. [PMID: 36839598 PMCID: PMC9967280 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12020326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) interventions among people who use drugs (PWUD) often have spillover, also known as interference or dissemination, which occurs when one participant's exposure affects another participant's outcome. PWUD are often members of networks defined by social, sexual, and drug-use partnerships and their receipt of interventions can affect other members in their network. For example, HIV interventions with possible spillover include educational training about HIV risk reduction, pre-exposure prophylaxis, or treatment as prevention. In turn, intervention effects frequently depend on the network structure, and intervention coverage levels and spillover can occur even if not measured in a study, possibly resulting in an underestimation of intervention effects. Recent methodological approaches were developed to assess spillover in the context of network-based studies. This tutorial provides an overview of different study designs for network-based studies and related methodological approaches for assessing spillover in each design. We also provide an overview of other important methodological issues in network studies, including causal influence in networks and missing data. Finally, we highlight applications of different designs and methods from studies of PWUD and conclude with an illustrative example from the Transmission Reduction Intervention Project (TRIP) in Athens, Greece.
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10
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Allen ST, Schneider KE, Morris M, Rouhani S, Harris SJ, Saloner B, Sherman SG. Factors associated with receptive injection equipment sharing among people who inject drugs: findings from a multistate study at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:18. [PMID: 36793041 PMCID: PMC9930060 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00746-5] [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: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Receptive injection equipment sharing (i.e., injecting with syringes, cookers, rinse water previously used by another person) plays a central role in the transmission of infectious diseases (e.g., HIV, viral hepatitis) among people who inject drugs. Better understanding these behaviors in the context of COVID-19 may afford insights about potential intervention opportunities in future health crises. OBJECTIVE This study examines factors associated with receptive injection equipment sharing among people who inject drugs in the context of COVID-19. METHODS From August 2020 to January 2021, people who inject drugs were recruited from 22 substance use disorder treatment programs and harm reduction service providers in nine states and the District of Columbia to complete a survey that ascertained how the COVID-19 pandemic affected substance use behaviors. We used logistic regression to identify factors associated with people who inject drugs having recently engaged in receptive injection equipment sharing. RESULTS One in four people who inject drugs in our sample reported having engaged in receptive injection equipment sharing in the past month. Factors associated with greater odds of receptive injection equipment sharing included: having a high school education or equivalent (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.14, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.24, 3.69), experiencing hunger at least weekly (aOR = 1.89, 95% CI 1.01, 3.56), and number of drugs injected (aOR = 1.15, 95% CI 1.02, 1.30). Older age (aOR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.94, 1.00) and living in a non-metropolitan area (aOR = 0.43, 95% CI 0.18, 1.02) were marginally associated with decreased odds of receptive injection equipment sharing. CONCLUSIONS Receptive injection equipment sharing was relatively common among our sample during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings contribute to existing literature that examines receptive injection equipment sharing by demonstrating that this behavior was associated with factors identified in similar research that occurred before COVID. Eliminating high-risk injection practices among people who inject drugs requires investments in low-threshold and evidence-based services that ensure persons have access to sterile injection equipment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean T Allen
- Department of Health, Behavior, Society; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 624 N. Broadway, Hampton House 184, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Kristin E Schneider
- Department of Health, Behavior, Society; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 624 N. Broadway, Hampton House 184, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Miles Morris
- Department of Health, Behavior, Society; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 624 N. Broadway, Hampton House 184, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Saba Rouhani
- Department of Health, Behavior, Society; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 624 N. Broadway, Hampton House 184, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Samantha J Harris
- Department of Health Policy and Management; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Brendan Saloner
- Department of Health Policy and Management; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Susan G Sherman
- Department of Health, Behavior, Society; Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 624 N. Broadway, Hampton House 184, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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11
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Walters SM, Frank D, Felsher M, Jaiswal J, Fletcher S, Bennett AS, Friedman SR, Ouellet LJ, Ompad DC, Jenkins W, Pho MT. How the rural risk environment underpins hepatitis C risk: Qualitative findings from rural southern Illinois, United States. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 112:103930. [PMID: 36641816 PMCID: PMC9974910 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has increased among persons who inject drugs (PWID) in the United States with disproportionate burden in rural areas. We use the Risk Environment framework to explore potential economic, physical, social, and political determinants of hepatitis C in rural southern Illinois. METHODS Nineteen in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with PWID from August 2019 through February 2020 (i.e., pre-COVID-19 pandemic) and four with key informants who professionally worked with PWID. Interviews were recorded, professionally transcribed, and coded using qualitative software. We followed a grounded theory approach for coding and analyses. RESULTS We identify economic, physical, policy, and social factors that may influence HCV transmission risk and serve as barriers to HCV care. Economic instability and lack of economic opportunities, a lack of physically available HCV prevention and treatment services, structural stigma such as policies that criminalize drug use, and social stigma emerged in interviews as potential risks for transmission and barriers to care. CONCLUSION The rural risk environment framework acknowledges the importance of community and structural factors that influence HCV infection and other disease transmission and care. We find that larger structural factors produce vulnerabilities and reduce access to resources, which negatively impact hepatitis C disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan M Walters
- Department of Epidemiology, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, United States; Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY, United States.
| | - David Frank
- Department of Epidemiology, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, United States; Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY, United States
| | - Marisa Felsher
- College of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University, United States
| | - Jessica Jaiswal
- Department of Health Science, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States
| | - Scott Fletcher
- Department of Epidemiology, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, United States; Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY, United States; College of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University, United States; Department of Health Science, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, United States; Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, United States; Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Department of Population Science and Policy, SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States; Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; The Community Action Place, Murphysboro, IL, United States
| | - Alex S Bennett
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY, United States; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Samuel R Friedman
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY, United States; Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, United States
| | - Lawrence J Ouellet
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Danielle C Ompad
- Department of Epidemiology, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, United States; Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY, United States
| | - Wiley Jenkins
- Department of Population Science and Policy, SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States
| | - Mai T Pho
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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12
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Burraway J, Helbert B, Schexnayder J, Knick T, Dillingham R, Scherz C. Reliving it All Over Again: Uncanny Temporalities of Injection Drug Use and Hepatitis C Diagnosis in Southwest Virginia, USA. Med Anthropol 2023; 42:21-34. [PMID: 35944242 PMCID: PMC9822844 DOI: 10.1080/01459740.2022.2110090] [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] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Clinicians typically view the intersection between hepatitis C and injection drug use in terms of simultaneity - with transmission occurring via shared needles - or sequentially - with some states requiring that people stop using drugs prior to treatment. Yet, for patients, the connection between substance use and HCV infection can follow a more complex temporal pathway. In this article, we explore the non-linear temporality of "reliving" as it shapes HCV illness experience, its complex intersection with injection drug use, and the barriers patients face as they reckon with existing healthcare system responses and treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bailey Helbert
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Julie Schexnayder
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Terry Knick
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Rebecca Dillingham
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Health, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - China Scherz
- Department of Anthropology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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13
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Liu S, Ma ZQ, Songer TJ, Mair C, Wahed AS, Krans E, Talbott E. Effect of HCV or HIV infection on mortality among hospitalized persons who used opioids, 2000-2010. Prev Med 2022; 161:107155. [PMID: 35817162 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2022.107155] [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: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Mortality due to opioid misuse and overdose has increased substantially in the United States over the past two decades. The study objective was to describe the causes of death among persons with opioid-related hospitalizations and examine survival by Hepatitis C virus (HCV) or HIV. Opioid-related hospitalization records in Pennsylvania from 2000 to 2010 were linked to death registry files to assess cause of death, and survival from first hospital discharge date to death date, or December 31, 2010. Accelerated failure time models were used to compare survival between persons with and without HCV or HIV diagnoses. Among the 136,416 individuals with an opioid-related hospitalization, 13.0% died over a median of 56 months of follow-up; the most common causes of death were circulatory diseases (26.4%) and drug overdose (23.5%). There were 27,122 (19.9%) and 3662 (2.7%) persons who had an HCV and HIV diagnosis, respectively. Among patients aged ≥20 years, those with HCV had shorter survival time compared to those without HCV, with discrepancies more pronounced at older ages. Patients with HIV also had shorter survival time (time ratio: 0.29 [95% CI: 0.26, 0.34]) compared to without HIV. These findings show that in a cohort of patients with opioid-related hospitalizations, those with HCV or HIV diagnoses have shorter survival. This has public health implications, providing further evidence that medical providers should educate patients who use opioids about the risks of HCV and HIV infection and focus prevention and treatment to decrease mortality among patients hospitalized for opioid use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Liu
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, 130 DeSoto St, Pittsburgh, PA.15261, USA.
| | - Zhen-Qiang Ma
- Pennsylvania Department of Health, 625 Forster Street, Harrisburg, PA 17120, USA
| | - Thomas J Songer
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, 130 DeSoto St, Pittsburgh, PA.15261, USA
| | - Christina Mair
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, Graduate School of Public Health, 130 DeSoto St, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Abdus S Wahed
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Biostatistics, Graduate School of Public Health, 130 DeSoto St, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Elizabeth Krans
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, 300 Halket Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; Magee-Womens Research Institute, 204 Craft Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Evelyn Talbott
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Epidemiology, Graduate School of Public Health, 130 DeSoto St, Pittsburgh, PA.15261, USA
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14
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Mateu-Gelabert P, Sabounchi NS, Guarino H, Ciervo C, Joseph K, Eckhardt BJ, Fong C, Kapadia SN, Huang TTK. Hepatitis C virus risk among young people who inject drugs. Front Public Health 2022; 10:835836. [PMID: 35968435 PMCID: PMC9372473 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.835836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Injection drug use (IDU) is the leading risk factor for hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission in the U.S. While the general risk factors for HCV transmission are known, there is limited work on how these factors interact and impact young people who inject drugs (YPWID). Methods Project data were drawn from a study of 539 New York City (NYC) residents ages 18-29 who were recruited via Respondent-Driven Sampling and, reported past-month non-medical use of prescription opioids and/or heroin. Analyses are based on a subsample of 337 (62%) who reported injecting any drug in the past 12 months. All variables were assessed via self-report, except HCV status, which was established via rapid antibody testing. Integrating the observed statistical associations with extant literature on HCV risk, we also developed a qualitative system dynamics (SD) model to use as a supplemental data visualization tool to explore plausible pathways and interactions among key risk and protective factors for HCV. Results Results showed a 31% HCV antibody prevalence with an overall incidence of 10 per 100 person-years. HCV status was independently correlated with having shared cookers with two or more people (AOR = 2.17); injected drugs 4–6 years (AOR = 2.49) and 7 or more years (AOR = 4.95); lifetime homelessness (AOR = 2.52); and having been incarcerated two or more times (AOR = 1.99). These outcomes along with the extant literature on HCV risk were used to develop the qualitative SD model, which describes a causal hypothesis around non-linearities and feedback loop structures underlying the spread of HCV among YPWID. Conclusions Despite ongoing harm reduction efforts, close to a third of YPWID in the community sample have been exposed to HCV, have risks for injection drug use, and face challenges with structural factors that may be preventing adequate intervention. The qualitative SD model explores these issues and contributes to a better understanding of how these various risk factors interact and what policies could potentially be effective in reducing HCV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Mateu-Gelabert
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Pedro Mateu-Gelabert
| | - Nasim S. Sabounchi
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Center for Systems and Community Design (CSCD), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, United States
| | - Honoria Guarino
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), New York, NY, United States
| | - Courtney Ciervo
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), New York, NY, United States
| | - Kellie Joseph
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), New York, NY, United States
| | | | - Chunki Fong
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), New York, NY, United States
| | - Shashi N. Kapadia
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Terry T. K. Huang
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Center for Systems and Community Design (CSCD), CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, New York, NY, United States
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15
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Dickson-Gomez J, Krechel S, Spector A, Weeks M, Ohlrich J, Green Montaque HD, Li J. The effects of opioid policy changes on transitions from prescription opioids to heroin, fentanyl and injection drug use: a qualitative analysis. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2022; 17:55. [PMID: 35864522 PMCID: PMC9306091 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-022-00480-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Beginning in the 1990s, nonmedical use of prescription opioids (POs) became a major public health crisis. In response to rising rates of opioid dependence and fatal poisonings, measures were instituted to decrease the prescription, diversion, and nonmedical use of POs including prescription drug monitoring programs (PDMPs), pain clinic laws, prescription duration limits, disciplining doctors who prescribed an excessive number of POs, and the advent of abuse deterrent formulations of POs. This paper explores the unintended effects of these policies in the descriptions of why people who use opioids transitioned from PO to injection or heroin/fentanyl use. METHODS We conducted 148 in-depth-interviews with people who use prescription opioids nonmedically, fentanyl or heroin from a rural, urban and suburban area in three states, Connecticut, Kentucky and Wisconsin. Interviews with people who use opioids (PWUO) focused on how they initiated their opioid use and any transitions they made from PO use to heroin, fentanyl or injection drug use. RESULTS The majority of participants reported initiating use with POs, which they used for medical or nonmedical purposes. They described needing to take more POs or switched to heroin or fentanyl as their tolerance increased. As more policies were passed to limit opioid prescribing, participants noticed that doctors were less likely to prescribe or refill POs. This led to scarcity of POs on the street which accelerated the switch to heroin or fentanyl. These transitions likely increased risk of overdose and HIV/HCV infection. CONCLUSIONS A careful analysis of how and why people say they transitioned from PO to heroin or fentanyl reveals many unintended harms of policy changes to prevent overprescribing and diversion. Results highlight the importance of mitigating harms that resulted from policy changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Dickson-Gomez
- Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA.
| | - Sarah Krechel
- Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA
| | - Antoinette Spector
- Department of Rehabilitative Sciences and Technology, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA
| | | | - Jessica Ohlrich
- Institute for Health and Equity, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, USA
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16
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Evon DM, Hurt CB, Carpenter DM, Rhea SK, Hennessy CM, Zule WA. Substance Use Disorder Treatment Providers' Knowledge and Opinions Toward Testing and Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C in Rural North Carolina. RURAL MENTAL HEALTH 2022; 46:162-173. [PMID: 35967261 PMCID: PMC9371459 DOI: 10.1037/rmh0000200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Poor access to care has made western North Carolina vulnerable to an outbreak of hepatitis C viral infection (HCV), particularly among persons who inject drugs (PWID). As substance use disorder (SUD) treatment providers could potentially improve linkage to HCV testing and treatment, we sought to understand SUD providers, clinic and client characteristics; referral patterns; HCV knowledge; willingness to participate in additional trainings; and local linkage-to-care pathways for treatment of substance use and HCV. Online survey data were collected from 78 SUD providers serving PWID in eight western rural North Carolina counties. Providers' attitudes toward working with HCV+ clients were very positive. One-third of providers reported a low fund of knowledge regarding HCV, HCV treatment, and financial assistance opportunities. Non-prescribing providers rarely initiated discussions about HCV testing/treatment, but were receptive to training. Respondents indicated that HCV testing and treatment were best delivered at local health departments or primary care clinics but were open to other venues where PWID access care. The vast majority of prescribing and non-prescribing providers expressed interest in obtaining training in HCV treatments, how to obtain HCV medications and topics on advanced liver disease. Data from prescribing and non-prescribing SUD providers suggest opportunities to develop or expand integrated care models for HCV testing/treatment in PWID in rural Appalachian North Carolina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna M. Evon
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Christopher B. Hurt
- Institute for Global Health & Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Delesha M. Carpenter
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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17
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Mackesy-Amiti ME, Falk J, Latkin C, Kaufmann M, Williams L, Boodram B. Egocentric network characteristics of people who inject drugs in the Chicago metro area and associations with hepatitis C virus and injection risk behavior. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:58. [PMID: 35655222 PMCID: PMC9161656 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00642-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C (HCV) infection has been rising in the suburban and rural USA, mainly via injection-based transmission. Injection and sexual networks are recognized as an important element in fostering and preventing risky behavior; however, the role of social support networks has received somewhat less attention. METHODS Using baseline data from an ongoing longitudinal study, we examined the composition and structure of injection drug use (IDU), sex, and social support networks of young people who inject drugs (aged 18-30) and their injection network members. Lasso logistic regression was used to select a subset of network characteristics that were potentially important predictors of injection risk behaviors and HCV exposure. RESULTS Several measures of IDU, sexual, and support network structure and composition were found to be associated with HCV exposure, receptive syringe sharing (RSS), and ancillary equipment sharing. Gender and sexual relationships were important factors for all risk behaviors. Support network characteristics were also important, notably including a protective effect of majority Hispanic support networks for RSS and HCV exposure. Both IDU network residence heterogeneity and support network geography were associated with injection equipment sharing. CONCLUSIONS The associations of IDU and support network geography with equipment sharing highlight the need to extend harm reduction efforts beyond urban areas. Greater understanding of support network influences on risk behavior may provide important insights to strengthen the benefits of harm reduction. In considering the probability of HCV transmission, it is important to consider setting and network structures that promote propagation of risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ellen Mackesy-Amiti
- Division of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1603 W. Taylor St, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
| | - Joshua Falk
- Advanced Cyberinfrastructure for Education and Research (ACER), Office of the Vice Chancellor of Innovation, University of Illinois at Chicago, 728 W. Roosevelt Rd., 215A RRB, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Carl Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior, and Society, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, 615 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Maggie Kaufmann
- Community Outreach Intervention Projects, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1603 W. Taylor St, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Leslie Williams
- Division of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1603 W. Taylor St, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Basmattee Boodram
- Division of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1603 W. Taylor St, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
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18
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Martel-Laferrière V, Feaster DJ, Metsch LR, Shackman BR, Loignon C, Nosyk B, Tookes H, Behrends CN, Arruda N, Adigun O, Goyer ME, Kolber MA, Mary JF, Rodriguez AE, Yanez IG, Pan Y, Khemiri R, Gooden L, Sako A, Bruneau J. M 2HepPrEP: study protocol for a multi-site multi-setting randomized controlled trial of integrated HIV prevention and HCV care for PWID. Trials 2022; 23:341. [PMID: 35461260 PMCID: PMC9034074 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-022-06085-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Opioid use is escalating in North America and comes with a multitude of health consequences, including HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) outbreaks among persons who inject drugs (PWID). HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and HCV treatment regimens have transformative potential to address these co-occurring epidemics. Evaluation of innovative multi-modal approaches, integrating harm reduction, opioid agonist therapy (OAT), PrEP, and HCV treatment is required. The aim of this study is to assess the effectiveness of an on-site integrated care model where delivery of PrEP and HCV treatment for PWID takes places at syringe service programs (SSP) and OAT programs compared with referring PWID to clinical services in the community through a patient navigation model and to examine how structural factors interact with HIV prevention adherence and HCV treatment outcomes. Methods The Miami-Montreal Hepatitis C and Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis trial (M2HepPrEP) is an open-label, multi-site, multi-center, randomized, controlled, superiority trial with two parallel treatment arms. A total of 500 persons who injected drugs in the prior 6 months and are eligible for PrEP will be recruited in OAT clinics and SSP in Miami, FL, and Montréal, Québec. Participants will be randomized to either on-site care, with adherence counseling, or referral to off-site clinics assisted by a patient navigator. PrEP will be offered to all participants and HCV treatment to those HCV-infected. Co-primary endpoints will be (1) adherence to pre-exposure prophylaxis medication at 6 months post-randomization and (2) HCV sustained virological response (SVR) 12 weeks post-treatment completion among participants who were randomized within the HCV stratum. Up to 100 participants will be invited to participate in a semi-structured interview regarding perceptions of adherence barriers and facilitators, after their 6-month assessment. A simulation model-based cost-effectiveness analysis will be performed to determine the comparative value of the strategies being evaluated. Discussion The results of this study have the potential to demonstrate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of offering PrEP and HCV treatment in healthcare venues frequently attended by PWID. Testing the intervention in two urban centers with high disease burden among PWID, but with different healthcare system dynamics, will increase generalizability of findings. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03981445. Trial registry name: Integrated HIV Prevention and HCV Care for PWID (M2HepPrEP). Registration date: June 10, 201. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13063-022-06085-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Martel-Laferrière
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada. .,Faculté de médecine: Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada. .,Centre de Recherche du CHUM: Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Centre de Recherche, Montreal, Canada.
| | | | - Lisa R Metsch
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, USA
| | - Bruce R Shackman
- Weill Cornell Medical College: Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, USA
| | | | | | - Hansel Tookes
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA
| | - Czarina N Behrends
- Weill Cornell Medical College: Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, USA
| | - Nelson Arruda
- Direction régionale de la santé publique de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Marie-Eve Goyer
- Faculté de médecine: Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Iveth G Yanez
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, USA
| | - Yue Pan
- University of Miami Department of Public Health Sciences, Miami, USA
| | - Rania Khemiri
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM: Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Centre de Recherche, Montreal, Canada
| | - Lauren Gooden
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York City, USA
| | - Aïssata Sako
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM: Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Centre de Recherche, Montreal, Canada
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Faculté de médecine: Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Centre de Recherche du CHUM: Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Centre de Recherche, Montreal, Canada
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19
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Werb D, Scheim AI, Soipe A, Aeby S, Rammohan I, Fischer B, Hadland SE, Marshall BDL. Health harms of non-medical prescription opioid use: A systematic review. Drug Alcohol Rev 2022; 41:941-952. [PMID: 35437841 PMCID: PMC9064965 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13441] [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] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
ISSUES Non-medical prescription opioid use (NMPOU) contributes substantially to the global burden of morbidity. However, no systematic assessment of the scientific literature on the associations between NMPOU and health outcomes has yet been undertaken. APPROACH We undertook a systematic review evaluating health outcomes related to NMPOU based on ICD-10 clinical domains. We searched 13 electronic databases for original research articles until 1 July 2021. We employed an adaptation of the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine 'Levels of Evidence' scale to assess study quality. KEY FINDINGS Overall, 182 studies were included. The evidence base was largest on the association between NMPOU and mental and behavioural disorders; 71% (129) studies reported on these outcomes. Less evidence exists on the association of NMPOU with infectious disease outcomes (26; 14%), and on external causes of morbidity and mortality, with 13 (7%) studies assessing its association with intentional self-harm and 1 study assessing its association with assault (<1%). IMPLICATIONS A large body of evidence has identified associations between NMPOU and opioid use disorder as well as on fatal and non-fatal overdose. We found equivocal evidence on the association between NMPOU and the acquisition of HIV, hepatitis C and other infectious diseases. We identified weak evidence regarding the potential association between NMPOU and intentional self-harm, suicidal ideation and assault. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Findings may inform the prevention of harms associated with NMPOU, although higher-quality research is needed to characterise the association between NMPOU and the full spectrum of physical and mental health disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Werb
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA.,Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Ayden I Scheim
- Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Ayorinde Soipe
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, USA.,Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, State University of New York, New York, USA
| | - Samantha Aeby
- Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Indhu Rammohan
- Centre on Drug Policy Evaluation, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - Benedikt Fischer
- Schools of Population Health and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Scott E Hadland
- Grayken Center for Addiction and Department of Pediatrics, Boston Medical Center, Boston, USA.,Division of General Pediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, USA
| | - Brandon D L Marshall
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, USA
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20
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Henninger MW, Clements AD, Kim S, Rothman EF, Bailey BA. Prevalence of Opioid Use and Intimate Partner Violence among Pregnant Women in South-Central Appalachia, USA. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:1220-1228. [PMID: 35591760 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2076872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: Recent research indicates that pregnant women in rural communities are at increased risk of experiencing IPV and comorbid illicit opioid use compared to urban-residing pregnant women. Few studies of the interactions among rurality, substance use, and victimization in pregnant women exist. The current study sought to examine the relationship between IPV and opioid use and the interaction effects of rurality in Appalachian pregnant women. Methods: A convenience sample of pregnant women who were enrolled in a smoking cessation research study was used for this analysis. Participants included 488 pregnant women from five prenatal clinics in South-Central Appalachia. Data were from self-reported assessments and semi-structured interviews on substance use and IPV conducted from first trimester of pregnancy through eight months postpartum. Results: Four hundred and ten participants reported experiencing any form of IPV in the past year. Logistic regression results indicated that physical IPV was associated with opioid use, but sexual and psychological IPV were not. The moderation model indicated direct effects between IPV and opioid use, but were not moderated by rurality. Conclusion: This study suggests a need to further understand the relationship between substance use, IPV, and rurality in pregnant women. The specific subtopic of opioid use by pregnant women living in rural communities, and its relationship to IPV victimization and adverse fetal and maternal health outcomes, continues to be an understudied, but critically important area. Limitations and future directions pertaining to IPV screenings and interventions for pregnant women are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Henninger
- Department of Counseling, School, and Educational Psychology, University at Buffalo - The State University of New York
| | - Andrea D Clements
- Department of Psychology, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Sunha Kim
- Department of Counseling, School, and Educational Psychology, University at Buffalo - The State University of New York
| | - Emily F Rothman
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University, School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Beth A Bailey
- College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, Michigan, USA
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21
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Staton M, Dickson MF, Pike E, Surratt H, Young S. An Exploratory Examination of Social Media Use and Risky Sexual Practices: A Profile of Women in Rural Appalachia Who Use Drugs. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:2548-2558. [PMID: 35103889 PMCID: PMC8805664 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03605-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
HIV/HCV risk behavior among women who use drugs is often exacerbated within high risk networks. The use of social media platforms such as Facebook to identify sex partners within these high-risk networks has not been examined among rural Appalachian women who use drugs. This paper provides an exploratory examination of Facebook use to identify sex partners among rural Appalachian women who use drugs, as well as associated risky sexual practices. Rural Appalachian women were randomly selected from two rural jails, consented, screened for eligibility (including drug use), and interviewed prior to jail release. Findings indicated that using Facebook to meet sex partners was associated with exchanging sex for drugs or money and having a male casual partner during the same time frame. These study findings suggest that the use of social media for high-risk sexual practices may provide a valuable platform for intervention delivery, particularly in resource-deprived areas where formal prevention and treatment services are limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Staton
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA. .,Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 1100 Veterans Dr., Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
| | - Megan F. Dickson
- grid.266539.d0000 0004 1936 8438Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY USA ,grid.266539.d0000 0004 1936 8438Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 1100 Veterans Dr., Lexington, KY 40536 USA
| | - Erika Pike
- grid.266539.d0000 0004 1936 8438Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 1100 Veterans Dr., Lexington, KY 40536 USA
| | - Hilary Surratt
- grid.266539.d0000 0004 1936 8438Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 1100 Veterans Dr., Lexington, KY 40536 USA
| | - Sean Young
- grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, USA ,grid.266093.80000 0001 0668 7243Department of Informatics, School of Information and Computer Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, USA
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22
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Rogers-Brown J, Sublett F, Canary L, Rein DB, Bhat M, Thompson WW, Vellozzi C, Asher A. High-Risk Injection-Related Practices Associated with anti-HCV Positivity among Young Adults Seeking Services in Three Small Cities in Wisconsin. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 57:665-673. [PMID: 35240921 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2026964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been increasing among people who inject drugs (PWID), younger than 30 years, and living in rural or suburban areas. We examined injection-related behaviors of young PWID to determine factors associated with HCV infection. METHODS From September 2013-May 2015, respondent-driven and snowball sampling were used in 3 suburban areas of Wisconsin to recruit PWID 18-29 years who reported injection drug use in the previous 12 months. Participants were tested for HCV antibody (anti-HCV) and reported injection-related behaviors/practices via self-administered computer-based survey. We calculated anti-HCV prevalence and assessed associated factors using multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS Forty-two percent (117/280) of participants were male, 83% (231/280) were white, and median age was 23 years. Overall HCV prevalence was 33%, but HCV prevalence among males was 39%. Adjusting for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, relationship status, insurance status and income, anti-HCV positivity was associated with higher injection frequency (> 100 times in the past six months) (aOR = 3.07; 95% Confidence Interval (95% CI): 1.72-5.45), ever shared syringes (aOR = 5.15; 95% CI: 2.52-10.51), past week/last use receptive rinse water sharing (aOR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.06-3.33), past week/last use receptive filter sharing (aOR = 3.25; 95% CI: 1.61-6.54), reusing syringes (aOR = 1.91, 95% CI: 1.08-3.37), history of overdose (aOR = 8.82; 95% CI: 2.26-3.95), and having ever injected another PWID (aOR = 8.82; 95%CI 3.94-19.76). DISCUSSION Anti-HCV positivity is associated with high-risk injection practices. Young PWID would benefit from access to evidence-based interventions that reduce their risk of infection, link those infected to HCV treatment, and provide education to reduce further transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Rogers-Brown
- National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Lauren Canary
- National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - David B Rein
- NORC at the University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Maithili Bhat
- National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - William W Thompson
- National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Claudia Vellozzi
- National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Alice Asher
- National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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23
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Hansen ER, Carvalho S, McDonald M, Havens JR. A qualitative examination of recent increases in methamphetamine use in a cohort of rural people who use drugs. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 229:109145. [PMID: 34763138 PMCID: PMC8665094 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.109145] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rising rates of methamphetamine use among populations using opioids is an escalating public health concern. The purpose of this manuscript is to identify socioecologic factors driving increases in methamphetamine use among Appalachian Kentucky adults with a history of opioid use. METHODS Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted among 20 Appalachian Kentuckians in the Social Network of Appalachian Peoples (SNAP) cohort who reported lifetime opioid use and past 30-day methamphetamine use. Interviews focused on initiation of methamphetamine use, factors that influence methamphetamine use at the individual, interpersonal, community and society levels. RESULTS Participants reported using methamphetamine to self-treat underlying issues, including withdrawal from opioids, chronic pain, and emotional distress. Initiation of use was most often facilitated through their drug networks. Participants reported that methamphetamine was widely available and affordable in their community. Several participants with extensive histories of non-medical prescription opioid (NMPO) use described transitioning to methamphetamine as their drug of choice as opioids became less available in their community. Participants also reported economic distress and lack of recreational opportunities as drivers of increased methamphetamine use. DISCUSSION Recent increases in methamphetamine use among those with a history of opioid use is facilitated by methamphetamine's relative availability and affordability. Methamphetamine use was also highly influenced by societal factors such as economic deprivation and policies that decreased availability of NMPOs. Surging methamphetamine use exacerbates inequities in addiction care brought to light by the opioid epidemic. Interventions aimed at addressing the socioecological drivers of methamphetamine use among people who use opioids are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Hansen
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY 40508, USA; University of Kentucky College of Medicine, William R. Willard Medical Education Building, MN 150, Lexington, KY 40536-0298, USA
| | - Shelby Carvalho
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine, William R. Willard Medical Education Building, MN 150, Lexington, KY 40536-0298, USA
| | - Madelyn McDonald
- University of Kentucky Center for Innovation in Population Health, College of Public Health, 111 Washington Avenue, Lexington, KY 40526, USA
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY 40508, USA.
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24
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Stainbrook T, Elliott K, Powell A, Simpson MA, Bash M. Hepatitis C identification and treatment in rural Pennsylvania, USA. Prev Med Rep 2021; 24:101526. [PMID: 34976603 PMCID: PMC8683873 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2021.101526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The opioid epidemic in the United States has led to increases in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection especially in rural communities. It is recommended that persons who inject drugs undergo screening and treatment. We initiated HCV screening and treatment within a mostly rural area of Pennsylvania by targeting medicated-assisted treatment (MAT) facilities and community events. Screening was conducted in 43 rural and 13 urban counties by a clinical team. At MAT facilities, the clinical team performed HCV screening between 4:30am and 1:00pm using the OraQuick HCV test free of charge. Participants with a positive screen were linked to treatment. In all, 3,051 screening tests were conducted among 2,995 unique participants, who were mostly white (2821, 94%) and from rural counties (2597, 87%). Participants were most frequently 25-to-34 years old (798, 27%). A total of 730 patients were HCV screen positive, 371 patients received an HCV RNA PCR test, and 272 were HCV RNA positive. Of them, 249 met with a healthcare provider, 102 initiated treatment, and 50 completed SVR testing, with 49 achieving SVR. Anti-HCV positivity was more frequent among MAT facility versus non-MAT patients (41% versus 5%) (p < .001). Non-MAT participants were more likely to begin treatment for HCV (91% [21/23] versus 30% [81/272]) and achieve SVR (71% versus 43%). In HCV screening and treatment among high-risk patients, substantial numbers of participants were lost at every point of care between screening and follow-up testing. Specific screening, treatment, and follow-up strategies for persons in rural communities may be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelsey Elliott
- TruCare Internal Medicine & Infectious Diseases, DuBois, PA, USA
| | - Amy Powell
- TruCare Internal Medicine & Infectious Diseases, DuBois, PA, USA
| | - Mary A. Simpson
- TruCare Internal Medicine & Infectious Diseases, DuBois, PA, USA
| | - Maddy Bash
- TruCare Internal Medicine & Infectious Diseases, DuBois, PA, USA
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25
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Bartholomew TS, Patel H, McCollister K, Feaster DJ, Tookes HE. Implementation and first-year operating costs of an academic medical center-based syringe services program. Harm Reduct J 2021; 18:116. [PMID: 34798887 PMCID: PMC8602990 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-021-00563-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syringe services programs (SSPs) remain highly effective, cost-saving interventions for the prevention of blood-borne infections among people who inject drugs. However, there have been restrictions regarding financial resources allocated to these programs, particularly in the US South. This study aimed to provide cost data regarding the implementation and first-year operations of an academic-based SSP utilizing fixed and mobile strategies, including the integration of onsite wound care. METHODS We conducted a micro-costing study that retrospectively collected detailed resource utilization and unit cost data for both the fixed and mobile SSP strategies, including onsite wound care, from both healthcare and societal perspectives. A three-step approach was used to identify, measure, and value intervention costs, and cost components were categorized into implementation, variable program, and time-dependent costs. Sensitivity analysis was performed to examine the impact of SSP operational changes (i.e., needs-based distribution and opt-out HIV/HCV testing) on the cost-per-participant. Cost data we presented as overall cost and cost-per-participant adjusted to 2017 US dollars. RESULTS A total of 452 and 129 participants enrolled in fixed and mobile SSP services, respectively. The total cost associated with implementation and first year operations for the fixed site was $407,217.22 or $729.72 per participant and $311,625.52 or $2415.70 per participant for the mobile unit. The largest cost component for both modalities was time-dependent costs (personnel and overhead), while intervention materials (syringes, injection equipment, naloxone) were less than 15% of the total program cost. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION Implementation and operation of new SSP models continue to be low cost compared to treatment for the multitude of harms PWID face without access to evidence-based prevention. Future cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit analyses integrating a comprehensive SSP model within an academic institution, including onsite wound care and other medical services, will provide a more comprehensive understanding of this model, and state-level policy action must be taken to lift the prohibition of state and local funds for the implementation, sustainability, and maintenance of these programs in Florida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler S Bartholomew
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1120 NW 14th St, Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
| | - Hardik Patel
- Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Kathryn McCollister
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1120 NW 14th St, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Daniel J Feaster
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1120 NW 14th St, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Hansel E Tookes
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
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26
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Surratt HL, Otachi J, McLouth C, Vundi N. Healthcare stigma and HIV risk among rural people who inject drugs. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 226:108878. [PMID: 34214880 PMCID: PMC8355211 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The HIV epidemic is increasingly penetrating rural areas of the U.S. due to evolving epidemics of injection drug use. Many rural areas experience deficits in availability of HIV prevention, testing and harm reduction services, and confront significant stigma that inhibits care seeking. This paper examines enacted stigma in healthcare settings among rural people who inject drugs (PWID) and explores associations of stigma with continuing high-risk behaviors for HIV. METHODS PWID participants (n = 324) were recruited into the study in three county health department syringe service programs (SSPs), as well as in local community-based organizations. Trained interviewers completed a standardized baseline interview lasting approximately 40 min. Bivariate logistic regression models examined the associations between enacted healthcare stigma, health conditions, and injection risk behaviors, and a mediation analysis was conducted. RESULTS Stigmatizing health conditions were common in this sample of PWID, and 201 (62.0 %) reported experiencing stigma from healthcare providers. Injection risk behaviors were uniformly associated with higher odds of enacted healthcare stigma, including sharing injection equipment at most recent injection (OR = 2.76; CI 1.55, 4.91), and lifetime receptive needle sharing (OR = 2.27; CI 1.42, 3.63). Enacted healthcare stigma partially mediated the relationship between having a stigmatizing health condition and engagement in high-risk injection behaviors. DISCUSSION Rural PWID are vulnerable to stigma in healthcare settings, which contributes to high-risk injection behaviors for HIV. These findings have critical public health implications, including the importance of tailored interventions to decrease enacted stigma in care settings, and structural changes to expand the provision of healthcare services within SSP settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chris McLouth
- University of Kentucky, Department of Behavioral Science
| | - Nikita Vundi
- University of Kentucky, Center for Health Services Research
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27
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Knudsen HK, Havens JR. Using conjoint analysis to study health policy changes: An example from a cohort of persons who use drugs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 98:103425. [PMID: 34455174 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Historically, persons who use drugs (PWUDs) in the United States have often lacked health insurance, as Medicaid did not cover low-income adults. The Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) increased access to insurance in states, such as Kentucky, that expanded their Medicaid programs. A cohort study of PWUDs in Kentucky found the prevalence of being insured increased from 34% pre-ACA to 87% post-ACA. However, changes to Medicaid were proposed that intended to restrict access to this program. This manuscript describes the feasibility and utility of conjoint analysis, an innovative method for studying decision-making, to identify potential impacts of health policy changes on PWUDs. METHODS IBM SPSS's "orthogonal design" command was used to construct 12 policy profiles that presented varying combinations of the proposed policy changes to Kentucky's Medicaid plan. Each policy profile presented information on (1) monthly premium costs, (2) penalties for not paying monthly premiums, (3) weekly work requirements, and (4) if their preferred physician accepted the plan for payment. Readability of the policy profiles was analyzed using the Readable.io application. The policy profiles were included in a recent follow-up of a longitudinal cohort of PWUDs in Appalachian Kentucky (n = 355). Participants rated the likelihood of enrolling in each policy profile's Medicaid plan, using a scale ranging from 0=not at all likely to 10=extremely likely. Data were analyzed using SPSS's conjoint analysis commands. RESULTS Readability results indicated the policy profiles required a 3rd grade education. Nearly all participants responded to each of the 12 policy profiles. Across the policy profiles, the mean response for willingness to enroll was 3.43 (SD = 3.61), indicating relatively low willingness to enroll. Conjoint analysis revealed the two most influential factors on willingness to enroll were work requirements (importance score, IS = 77.63) and monthly premium costs (IS = 17.76). Penalties for nonpayment (IS = 0.43) and physician acceptance (IS = 4.13) had minimal influence. CONCLUSIONS This research demonstrates the feasibility of using conjoint analysis to study the impacts of potential policy changes on PWUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah K Knudsen
- Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Room 204, Lexington, KY 40508, United States.
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Room 201, Lexington, KY 40508, United States
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28
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Biello KB, Mimiaga MJ, Valente PK, Saxena N, Bazzi AR. The Past, Present, and Future of PrEP implementation Among People Who Use Drugs. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2021; 18:328-338. [PMID: 33907971 PMCID: PMC8286349 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-021-00556-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Recent HIV outbreaks among people who use drugs (PWUD) necessitate additional HIV prevention tools. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is highly efficacious yet uptake among PWUD remains exceedingly low. To address multilevel, complex barriers to PrEP use among PWUD, a range of intervention strategies are needed. RECENT FINDINGS The literature on interventions to optimize PrEP use among PWUD is nascent, comprising small pilots and demonstration projects in early phases of intervention development. Initial studies suggest that structural, healthcare, interpersonal, and individual-level interventions can improve PrEP use for PWUD, and a number of efficacy trials are underway. Future studies are needed to optimize the use of new PrEP modalities (e.g., injectable PrEP), simultaneously target multilevel challenges to PrEP use, and evaluate the integration of PrEP into other service settings and substance use treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie B Biello
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA.
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Matthew J Mimiaga
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Fielding School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Center for LGBTQ Advocacy, Research, and Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Pablo K Valente
- Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, USA
- Center for Health Promotion and Health Equity, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Nimish Saxena
- The Fenway Institute, Fenway Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Angela R Bazzi
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
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29
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Havens JR, Schaninger T, Fraser H, Lofwall M, Staton M, Young AM, Hoven A, Walsh SL, Vickerman P. Eliminating hepatitis C in a rural Appalachian county: protocol for the Kentucky Viral Hepatitis Treatment Study (KeY Treat), a phase IV, single-arm, open-label trial of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir for the treatment of hepatitis C. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e041490. [PMID: 34226208 PMCID: PMC8258565 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The overall goal of the Kentucky Viral Hepatitis Treatment Study (KeY Treat) is to eliminate hepatitis C transmission from a county in Appalachian Kentucky by removing the barriers to accessing hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. METHODS/ANALYSIS KeY Treat is a phase IV, open-label, single-arm clinical trial of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) for the treatment of viraemic HCV infections. Those eligible for KeY Treat are at least 18 years of age, viraemic and are residents of the target county. Pregnant women are not eligible. Rapid HCV RNA screening is used to determine eligibility, and those with a quantifiable viral load (VL) consenting to participate initiate SOF/VEL on the same day. All pharmacologic treatment and related medical care is provided free of charge using a non-specialist provider model. Follow-up visits occur at 2, 6 and 12 weeks during treatment to assess medication adherence (measured via VL and self-report), side effects and engagement in risk behaviours. Post-treatment visits occur at 12 weeks (sustained virologic response (SVR12) visit), 6 months and 12 months post-treatment completion to assess re-infection. A control county has also been identified, and prevalence and incidence of chronic HCV infections will be compared with the target community longitudinally. The primary outcome to assess elimination is SVR12. However, several outcomes will be measured to assess the effectiveness of removing the barriers to HCV treatment, including treatment entry, completion and re-infection. Analyses will be conducted via a generalised linear model framework that can incorporate flexible covariate adjustment and multiple outcome types with a compatible link function. Mathematical modelling will be completed assessing the impact and cost-effectiveness of the intervention. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION KeY Treat has been approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Kentucky. Results from KeY Treat will be presented at conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03949764.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Havens
- Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Takako Schaninger
- Infectious Diseases, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Hannah Fraser
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Michelle Lofwall
- Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Michele Staton
- Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - April M Young
- Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Ardis Hoven
- Infectious Diseases, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Sharon L Walsh
- Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Watson DP, Swartz JA, Robison-Taylor L, Mackesy-Amiti ME, Erwin K, Gastala N, Jimenez AD, Staton MD, Messmer S. Syringe service program-based telemedicine linkage to opioid use disorder treatment: protocol for the STAMINA randomized control trial. BMC Public Health 2021; 21:630. [PMID: 33789642 PMCID: PMC8010496 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-021-10669-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A key strategy for mitigating the current opioid epidemic is expanded access to medications for treating opioid use disorder (MOUD). However, interventions developed to expand MOUD access have limited ability to engage opioid users at higher levels of overdose risk, such as those who inject opioids. This paper describes the study protocol for testing STAMINA (Syringe Service Telemedicine Access for Medication-assisted Intervention through NAvigation), an intervention that engages high-risk opioid users at community-based syringe service programs (SSP) and quickly links them to MOUD using a telemedicine platform. Methods This randomized control trial will be conducted at three SSP sites in Chicago. All participants will complete an initial assessment with a provider from a Federally Qualified Health Center who can prescribe or refer MOUD services as appropriate. The control arm will receive standard referral to treatment and the intervention arm will receive immediate telemedicine linkage to the provider and (depending on the type of MOUD prescribed) provided transportation to pick up their induction prescription (for buprenorphine or naltrexone) or attend their intake appointment (for methadone). We aim to recruit a total of 273 participants over two years to provide enough power to detect a difference in our primary outcome of MOUD treatment linkage. Secondary outcomes include treatment engagement, treatment retention, and non-MOUD opioid use. Data will be collected using structured interviews and saliva drug tests delivered at baseline, three months, and six months. Fixed and mixed effects generalized linear regression analyses and survival analysis will be conducted to compare the probabilities of a successful treatment linkage between the two arms, days retained in treatment, and post-baseline opioid and other drug use. Discussion If successful, STAMINA’s telemedicine approach will significantly reduce the amount of time between SSP clients’ initial indication of interest in the medication and treatment initiation. Facilitating this process will likely lead to stronger additional treatment- and recovery-oriented outcomes. This study is also timely given the need for more rigorous testing of telemedicine interventions in light of temporary regulatory changes that have occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov (Clinical Trials ID: NCT04575324 and Protocol Number: 1138–0420). Registered 29 September 2020. The study protocol is also registered on the Open Science Framework (DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/4853 M).
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis P Watson
- Lighthouse Institute, Chestnut Health Systems, 221 W Walton St, Chicago, IL, 60610, USA.
| | - James A Swartz
- Jane Addams College of Social Work, University of Illinois Chicago, 1040 W. Harrison St, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Lisa Robison-Taylor
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, 818 S Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Mary Ellen Mackesy-Amiti
- Division of Community Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1603 W. Taylor St, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Kim Erwin
- Institute for Healthcare Delivery Design, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1220 S. Wood Street, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Nicole Gastala
- Mile Square Health Centers, Department of Family Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, 1220 S Wood Street, Chicago, IL, 60608, USA
| | - Antonio D Jimenez
- Community Outreach Intervention Projects, University of Illinois - Chicago, School of Public Health, 1603 W. Taylor, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Monte D Staton
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, 818 S Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Sarah Messmer
- Departments of Academic Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, University of Illinois Chicago, 840 S Wood St, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
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31
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Wagner K, Zhong Y, Teshale E, White K, Winstanley EL, Hettema J, Thornton K, Bisztray B, Fiuty P, Page K. Hepatitis C virus infection and polysubstance use among young adult people who inject drugs in a rural county of New Mexico. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 220:108527. [PMID: 33465605 PMCID: PMC7889731 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 12/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS We assessed prevalence and correlates for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in young adult people who inject drugs (PWID) in rural New Mexico, where opioid use has been historically problematic. METHODS Participants were 18-29 years old with self-reported injection drug use in the past 90 days. We conducted testing for HCV antibodies (anti-HCV) and HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) and assessed sociodemographic and risk exposures. We provided counseling and referrals to prevention services and drug treatment. We estimated prevalence ratios (PR) to assess bivariate associations with HCV infection; and adjusted PRs using modified Poisson regression methods. RESULTS Among 256 participants tested for anti-HCV, 156 (60.9 %) had been exposed (anti-HCV positive), and of 230 tested for both anti-HCV and HCV RNA, 103 (44.8 %) had current infection (RNA-positive). The majority (87.6 %) of participants were Hispanic. Almost all (96.1 %) had ever injected heroin; 52.4 % and 52.0 % had ever injected methamphetamine or cocaine, respectively. Polysubstance injecting (heroin and any other drug) was associated with significantly higher prevalence of HCV infection (76.0 %) compared to injecting only heroin (24.0 %) (PR: 3.17 (95 % CI:1.93, 5.23)). Years of injecting, history of non-fatal opioid-involved overdose, polysubstance injecting, and stable housing were independently associated with HCV infection. CONCLUSIONS HCV is highly prevalent among young adult PWID in rural NM. The high reported prevalence of polysubstance injecting and its association with HCV infection should be considered in prevention planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Wagner
- Department of Internal Medicine, MSC10 5550, 1 University of New Mexico, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 84131 USA
| | - Yuna Zhong
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Eyasu Teshale
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kirsten White
- Department of Internal Medicine, MSC10 5550, 1 University of New Mexico, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 84131 USA
| | - Erin L Winstanley
- Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry, School of Medicine and Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Jennifer Hettema
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Karla Thornton
- Department of Internal Medicine, MSC10 5550, 1 University of New Mexico, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 84131 USA,ECHO Institute University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico
| | - Birgitta Bisztray
- Department of Internal Medicine, MSC10 5550, 1 University of New Mexico, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 84131 USA
| | | | - Kimberly Page
- Department of Internal Medicine, MSC10 5550, 1 University of New Mexico, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 84131, USA.
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Hochstatter KR, Gustafson DH, Landucci G, Pe-Romashko K, Cody O, Maus A, Shah DV, Westergaard RP. Effect of an mHealth Intervention on Hepatitis C Testing Uptake Among People With Opioid Use Disorder: Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2021; 9:e23080. [PMID: 33616545 PMCID: PMC7939944 DOI: 10.2196/23080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The growing epidemic of opioid use disorder (OUD) and associated injection drug use has resulted in a surge of new hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Approximately half of the people with HCV infection are unaware of their HCV status. Improving HCV awareness and increasing screening among people with OUD are critical. Addiction-Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (A-CHESS) is an evidence-based, smartphone-delivered relapse prevention system that has been implemented among people with OUD who are receiving medications for addiction treatment (MAT) to improve long-term recovery. Objective We incorporated HCV-related content and functionality into A-CHESS to characterize the HCV care continuum among people in early remission and receiving MAT for OUD and to determine whether incorporating such content and functionality into A-CHESS increases HCV testing. Methods HCV intervention content, including dissemination of educational information, private messages tailored to individuals’ stage of HCV care, and a public discussion forum, was implemented into the A-CHESS platform. Between April 2016 and April 2020, 416 participants with OUD were enrolled in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to receive MAT alone (control arm) or MAT+A-CHESS (experimental arm). Quarterly telephone interviews were conducted from baseline to month 24 to assess risk behaviors and HCV testing history. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to assess whether participants who used A-CHESS were tested for HCV (either antibody [Ab] or RNA testing) at a higher rate than those in the control arm. To assess the effect of A-CHESS on subsets of participants at the highest risk for HCV, additional analyses were performed to examine the effect of the intervention among participants who injected drugs and shared injection equipment. Results Overall, 44.2% (184/416) of the study participants were HCV Ab positive, 30.3% (126/416) were HCV Ab negative, and 25.5% (106/416) were considered untested at baseline. At month 24, there was no overall difference in HCV testing uptake between the intervention and control participants. However, among the subset of 109 participants who engaged in injection drug use, there was a slight trend toward increased HCV testing uptake among those who used A-CHESS (89% vs 85%; hazard ratio: 1.34; 95% CI 0.87-2.05; P=.18), and a stronger trend was observed when focusing on the subset of 32 participants who reported sharing injection equipment (87% vs 56%; hazard ratio: 2.92; 95% CI 0.959-8.86; P=.06). Conclusions Incorporating HCV prevention and care information into A-CHESS may increase the uptake of HCV testing while preventing opioid relapse when implemented among populations who engage in high-risk behaviors such as sharing contaminated injection equipment. However, more studies that are powered to detect differences in HCV testing among high-risk groups are needed. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02712034; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02712034 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) RR2-10.2196/12620
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Affiliation(s)
- Karli R Hochstatter
- School of Social Work, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.,Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - David H Gustafson
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Center for Health Enhancement Systems Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Gina Landucci
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Center for Health Enhancement Systems Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Klaren Pe-Romashko
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Center for Health Enhancement Systems Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Olivia Cody
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Center for Health Enhancement Systems Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Adam Maus
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Center for Health Enhancement Systems Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Dhavan V Shah
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Center for Health Enhancement Systems Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Ryan P Westergaard
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States.,Bureau of Communicable Diseases, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Madison, WI, United States
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Bellerose M, Zhu L, Hagan LM, Thompson WW, Randall LM, Malyuta Y, Salomon JA, Linas BP. A review of network simulation models of hepatitis C virus and HIV among people who inject drugs. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2021; 88:102580. [PMID: 31740175 PMCID: PMC8729792 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Network modelling is a valuable tool for simulating hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV transmission among people who inject drugs (PWID) and assessing the potential impact of treatment and harm-reduction interventions. In this paper, we review literature on network simulation models, highlighting key structural considerations and questions that network models are well suited to address. We describe five approaches (Erdös-Rényi, Stochastic Block, Watts-Strogatz, Barabási-Albert, and Exponential Random Graph Model) used to model partnership formation with emphasis on the strengths of each approach in simulating different features of real-world PWID networks. We also review two important structural considerations when designing or interpreting results from a network simulation study: (1) dynamic vs. static network and (2) injection only vs. both injection and sexual networks. Dynamic network simulations allow partnerships to evolve and disintegrate over time, capturing corresponding shifts in individual and population-level risk behaviour; however, their high level of complexity and reliance on difficult-to-observe data has driven others to develop static network models. Incorporating both sexual and injection partnerships increases model complexity and data demands, but more accurately represents HIV transmission between PWID and their sexual partners who may not also use drugs. Network models add the greatest value when used to investigate how leveraging network structure can maximize the effectiveness of health interventions and optimize investments. For example, network models have shown that features of a given network and epidemic influence whether the greatest community benefit would be achieved by allocating hepatitis C or HIV treatment randomly, versus to those with the most partners. They have also demonstrated the potential for syringe services and "buddy sharing" programs to reduce disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Bellerose
- Prevention Policy Modeling Lab, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, 90 Smith Street, Boston, MA 02120, United States.
| | - Lin Zhu
- Prevention Policy Modeling Lab, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, 90 Smith Street, Boston, MA 02120, United States
| | - Liesl M Hagan
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, U.S. Centers for Disease Control, United States
| | - William W Thompson
- Division of Viral Hepatitis, U.S. Centers for Disease Control, United States
| | | | - Yelena Malyuta
- Prevention Policy Modeling Lab, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, 90 Smith Street, Boston, MA 02120, United States
| | - Joshua A Salomon
- Prevention Policy Modeling Lab, Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, 90 Smith Street, Boston, MA 02120, United States; Center for Health Policy / Center for Primary Care and Outcomes Research, Stanford University, United States
| | - Benjamin P Linas
- Boston Medical Center, Boston University School of Public Health, United States
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34
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Havens JR, Knudsen HK, Strickland JC, Young AM, Babalonis S, Lofwall MR, Walsh SL. Recent Increase in Methamphetamine Use in a Cohort of Rural People Who Use Drugs: Further Evidence for the Emergence of Twin Epidemics. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:805002. [PMID: 35069295 PMCID: PMC8777215 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.805002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Appalachian Kentucky was at the epicenter of the prescription opioid epidemic in the early 2000's. As we enter the third decade of the epidemic, patterns have begun to emerge as people who use drugs (PWUD) transition from use of opioids to other drugs. The purpose of this analysis was to examine longitudinal changes in methamphetamine use in an ongoing cohort of rural people who use drugs (PWUD) in Appalachian Kentucky. All but five of the cohort participants (N = 503) reported nonmedical prescription opioid use (NMPOU) at baseline and those 498 are included in this longitudinal analysis encompassing eight waves of data (2008-2020). Past 6-month use of methamphetamine was the dependent variable. Given the correlated nature of the data, mixed effects logistic regression was utilized to examine changes in methamphetamine use over time. Significant increases in methamphetamine use were observed over the past decade in this cohort of PWUD, especially in recent years (2017-2020). Prevalence of recent use at baseline and each of the follow-up visits was as follows: 9.4, 5.6, 5.0, 5.4, 8.1, 6.8, 6.9, and 33.1%, respectively (p < 0.001). On the contrary, significant reductions in NMPO and heroin use were observed in the same time period. The odds of methamphetamine use at the most recent visit were 25.8 times greater than at baseline (95% CI: 14.9, 44.6) and 52.6% of those reporting methamphetamine use reported injecting the drug. These results provide further evidence of "twin epidemics" of methamphetamine use among NMPOU. While problematic on several fronts, of particular concern is the lack of effective treatment options for methamphetamine use disorder. As policies around the opioid epidemic continue to evolve, particular attention should be paid to the surge in stimulant use in opioid-endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Havens
- Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Hannah K Knudsen
- Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Justin C Strickland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - April M Young
- Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Shanna Babalonis
- Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Michelle R Lofwall
- Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Sharon L Walsh
- Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
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35
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Chen YC, Thio CL, Kamangar F, Cox AL, Wiberg KJ. Evolving trends in the prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibody positivity among HIV-infected men in a community-based primary care setting. J Viral Hepat 2020; 27:1202-1213. [PMID: 32579777 PMCID: PMC7544680 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13354] [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: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections in the United States occurred mostly among those born between 1945 and 1965. However, new infections continue to increase in recent years. To understand the changes in the prevalence and risk factors of HCV infection in different age and risk groups among men living with HIV, we performed a retrospective cross-sectional analyses of 1948 HIV-infected men at a multisite community health centre in urban/suburban and rural Maryland from 2003 through 2014. We used multivariate logistic regression to determine factors associated with HCV antibody (anti-HCV) positivity and restricted cubic spline method to model trends in anti-HCV prevalence over time. The overall anti-HCV prevalence was 24.2%. The annual prevalence declined in the full cohort, from 38% in 2003 to 24% in 2014, and among those ≥ 40 years old. However, the annual prevalence increased initially and then stabilized in the groups of men who were younger (<40 years old) or had injection-drug use and/or sex with men. Among the younger injection-drug users, the prevalence rose from 33% in 2003 to 79% in 2009 and then stabilized. The independent predictors for anti-HCV positivity differed between the men with and without injection-drug use and between those < 40 and ≥ 40 years old. Notably, a high prevalence of anti-HCV was observed among the younger, white injection-drug users residing in rural areas. Thus, the HCV epidemic continued unabated among high-risk individuals in this diverse population of HIV-infected men. The ongoing HCV transmission among young HIV-infected men poses a challenge en route to HCV eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Chi Chen
- Department of Biology, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD,Corresponding author: Yun-Chi Chen, D.Phil (Oxon). Department of Biology, Morgan State University, 1700 Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, 21251 MD, Phone: 1-443-885-1997,
| | - Chloe L Thio
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Farin Kamangar
- Department of Biology, Morgan State University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Andrea L Cox
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
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36
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Havens JR, Knudsen HK, Young AM, Lofwall MR, Walsh SL. Longitudinal trends in nonmedical prescription opioid use in a cohort of rural Appalachian people who use drugs. Prev Med 2020; 140:106194. [PMID: 32652132 PMCID: PMC7680378 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Rural Appalachia remains an epicenter of the prescription opioid epidemic. In 2008, a cohort study was undertaken to examine longitudinal trends in nonmedical prescription opioid use (NMPOU). Eight waves of data (2008-2020) from the Social Networks among Appalachian People (SNAP) cohort were utilized for the current analysis. Only those who reported recent (past 6-month) NMPOU at baseline are included (n = 498, 99%). Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to model factors associated with NMPOU over time. Recent NMPOU declined significantly over the past decade (p < .001). However, 54.1% of participants still engaged in NMPOU at their most recent follow-up. Receipt of benefits for a physical or mental disability (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.11, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.98, 4.90) and self-described poor health status (aOR: 3.67, 95% CI: 1.61, 8.37) were both associated with NMPOU. All treatment modalities (methadone maintenance, residential, outpatient counseling) tested in the model, with the notable exception of detoxification, were associated with significantly lower odds of NMPOU. Although significant declines in prescription opioid misuse were observed in the cohort, more than half of all participants were engaged in NMPOU more than a decade after entering the study. Substance use disorder (SUD) treatment (excluding detoxification) was shown associated with reduced odds of continued NMPOU; therefore, increasing access to evidence-based treatments should be a priority in rural areas affected by the ongoing opioid epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Use, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, United States of America; Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, United States of America.
| | - Hannah K Knudsen
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Use, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, United States of America; Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, United States of America
| | - April M Young
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Use, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, United States of America; Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, United States of America
| | - Michelle R Lofwall
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Use, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, United States of America; Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Sharon L Walsh
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Use, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, United States of America; Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, United States of America
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37
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Turner-Bicknell T. Implementing best-practice with a local syringe service program: Needs-based syringe distribution. Public Health Nurs 2020; 38:85-92. [PMID: 33084122 DOI: 10.1111/phn.12823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cite access to sterile syringes as a key component of a comprehensive strategy aimed at limiting the spread of infectious disease among people who inject drugs (CDC, 2020, America's drug overdose epidemic: Data to action). In an effort to implement best-practice, inform stakeholders, and improve the current availability of services, a needs-based syringe distribution model was piloted at one local syringe service program. DESIGN A needs-based syringe distribution model was piloted at one syringe program location for 5 months. An analysis of pre- and post-implementation program utilization data was conducted. SAMPLE Inclusion criteria included current participation in syringe service programs at the identified location. Participants from other locations were excluded. MEASUREMENTS The following program utilization measures were analyzed: volume of syringes distributed, new client enrollment, routine client visits, and utilization of ancillary services such as on-site testing and naloxone distribution. RESULTS Engagement increased across all four program utilization measures during the implementation of needs-based distribution. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of a needs-based syringe distribution model can increase the effectiveness of syringe service programs by increasing individual syringe coverage, which reduces high-risk injection behavior, such as syringe reuse and sharing.
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Ondocsin J, Mars SG, Howe M, Ciccarone D. Hostility, compassion and role reversal in West Virginia's long opioid overdose emergency. Harm Reduct J 2020; 17:74. [PMID: 33046092 PMCID: PMC7549084 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-020-00416-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background West Virginia is a largely rural state with strong ties of kinship, mutual systems of support and charitable giving. At the same time, wealth inequalities are extreme and the state’s drug overdose fatality rate stands above all others in the USA at 51.5/100,000 in 2018, largely opioid-related. In recent years, harm reduction services have been active in the state but in 2018 Charleston’s needle and syringe program was forced to close. This paper considers the risk environment in which the state’s drug-related loss of life, and those attempting to prevent it, exist. Methods This rapid ethnographic study involved semi-structured interviews (n = 21), observation and video recordings of injection sequences (n = 5), initially recruiting people who inject heroin/fentanyl (PWIH) at the Charleston needle and syringe program. Snowball sampling led the research team to surrounding towns in southern West Virginia. Telephone interviews (n = 2) with individuals involved in service provision were also carried out. Results PWIH in southern West Virginia described an often unsupportive, at times hostile risk environment that may increase the risk of overdose fatalities. Negative experiences, including from some emergency responders, and fears of punitive legal consequences from calling these services may deter PWIH from seeking essential help. Compassion fatigue and burnout may play a part in this, along with resentment regarding high demands placed by the overdose crisis on impoverished state resources. We also found low levels of knowledge about safe injection practices among PWIH. Conclusions Hostility faced by PWIH may increase their risk of overdose fatalities, injection-related injury and the risk of HIV and hepatitis C transmission by deterring help-seeking and limiting the range of harm reduction services provided locally. Greater provision of overdose prevention education and naloxone for peer distribution could help PWIH to reverse overdoses while alleviating the burden on emergency services. Although essential for reducing mortality, measures that address drug use alone are not enough to safeguard longer-term public health. The new wave of psychostimulant-related deaths underline the urgency of addressing the deeper causes that feed high-risk patterns of drug use beyond drugs and drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Ondocsin
- Heroin in Transition Study, UCSF Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, 500 Parnassus Avenue, Milberry Union East, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Sarah G Mars
- Heroin in Transition Study, UCSF Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, 500 Parnassus Avenue, Milberry Union East, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Mary Howe
- Homeless Youth Alliance, PO Box 170427, San Francisco, CA, 94117, USA
| | - Daniel Ciccarone
- Heroin in Transition Study, UCSF Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of California, 500 Parnassus Avenue, Milberry Union East, 3rd Floor, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA.
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Bolinski R, Ellis K, Zahnd WE, Walters S, McLuckie C, Schneider J, Rodriguez C, Ezell J, Friedman SR, Pho M, Jenkins WD. Social norms associated with nonmedical opioid use in rural communities: a systematic review. Transl Behav Med 2020; 9:1224-1232. [PMID: 31504988 DOI: 10.1093/tbm/ibz129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Prescription and illicit opioids were involved in over 42,000 deaths in the USA in 2016. Rural counties experience higher rates of opioid prescribing and, although opioid prescribing rates have fallen in recent years, the rate of decline is less in rural areas. The sociocultural context of rural life may impact opioid misuse in important ways; however, little research directly explores this possibility. We performed a systematic review of English-language manuscripts in U.S. context to determine what is known about social networks, norms, and stigma in relation to rural opioid misuse. Of nine articles identified and reviewed, two had only primary findings associated with social networks, norms, or stigma, five had only secondary findings, and two had both primary and secondary findings. The normalization of prescription opioid use along with environmental factors likely impacts the prevalence of opioid misuse in rural communities. Discordant findings exist regarding the extent to which social networks facilitate or protect against nonmedical opioid use. Lastly, isolation, lack of treatment options, social norms, and stigma create barriers to substance use treatment for rural residents. Although we were able to identify important themes across multiple studies, discordant findings exist and, in some cases, findings rely on single studies. The paucity of research examining the role of social networks, norms, and stigma in relation to nonmedical opioid use in rural communities is evident in this review. Scholarship aimed at exploring the relationship and impact of rurality on nonmedical opioid use is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Bolinski
- Department of Sociology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Kaitlin Ellis
- Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Whitney E Zahnd
- Rural and Minority Health Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Suzan Walters
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Colleen McLuckie
- School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - John Schneider
- Medicine and Epidemiology, Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, Howard Brown Health, Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Christofer Rodriguez
- Department of Population Science and Policy, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - Jerel Ezell
- Department of Sociology and Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Samuel R Friedman
- Institute for Infectious Disease Research, National Research and Development Institutes, Inc, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mai Pho
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Wiley D Jenkins
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Population Science and Policy, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
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Mateu-Gelabert P, Guarino H, Zibbell JE, Teubl J, Fong C, Goodbody E, Edlin B, Salvati C, Friedman SR. Prescription opioid injection among young people who inject drugs in New York City: a mixed-methods description and associations with hepatitis C virus infection and overdose. Harm Reduct J 2020; 17:22. [PMID: 32228700 PMCID: PMC7106794 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-020-00367-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim Evidence is emerging that prescription opioid (PO) injection is associated with increased health risks. This mixed-methods study compares the mechanics of PO and heroin injection and examines the demographic and drug-related correlates of lifetime PO injection in a sample of young people who inject drugs (PWID) in New York City (NYC). Methods Qualitative analysis of 46 semi-structured interviews with young adult opioid users ages 18–32. Interview segments describing PO injection were analyzed for common themes. Quantitative analysis of structured interviews with 539 young adult opioid users ages 18–29 recruited via respondent-driven sampling (RDS). Analyses are based on the subsample of 353 participants (65%) who reported having ever injected drugs. All variables were assessed via self-report, except hepatitis C virus status, which was established via rapid antibody testing. Results Participants described injecting POs and reported that preparing abuse-deterrent pills for injection is especially cumbersome, requiring extended manipulation and large amounts of water. Injecting POs, in contrast to injecting heroin, requires repeated injections per injection episode. Among RDS-recruited participants, the majority of injectors reported injecting POs, sporadically (33%) or regularly (26%), but often infrequently (≤ 7 days/month). In separate multivariable analyses controlling for syringe- and cooker-sharing, ever injecting POs was a significant predictor of testing HCV antibody-positive (AOR = 2.97) and lifetime experience of non-fatal overdose (AOR = 2.51). Ever injecting POs was independently associated with lifetime homelessness (AOR = 2.93) and having grown up in a middle-income ($51,000–100,000/year vs. ≤ $50,000/year; AOR = 1.86) or a high-income household (> $100,000/year vs. ≤ $50,000/year; AOR = 2.54). Conclusions Even in an urban environment like NYC with widespread heroin access, most young PWID have injected POs, although less frequently than heroin. PO injection involves practices that are known to increase risk for blood-borne viral infection (e.g., repeated injections) and predicted testing HCV-positive, as well as overdose. PO injection may also serve as a marker for a subgroup of PWID at elevated risk for multiple drug use-related comorbidities. Programs that provide prevention services to PWID need to tailor harm reduction measures and messaging to the specific practices and harms associated with the injection of POs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Mateu-Gelabert
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), 55 West 125th Street, New York, NY, 10027, USA.
| | - Honoria Guarino
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), 55 West 125th Street, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Jon E Zibbell
- RTI International, 2987 Clairmont Road, Century Plaza 1, Suite 400, Atlanta, GA, 30329-4434, USA
| | - Jennifer Teubl
- National Development Research Institutes, Inc., 71 West 23rd St, New York, NY, 10010, USA
| | - Chunki Fong
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), 55 West 125th Street, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Elizabeth Goodbody
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), 55 West 125th Street, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | | | - Carli Salvati
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, Institute for Implementation Science in Population Health (ISPH), 55 West 125th Street, New York, NY, 10027, USA
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Abstract
Social network characteristics of people who inject drugs (PWID) have previously been flagged as potential risk factors for HCV transmission such as increased injection frequency. To understand the role of the injecting network on injection frequency, we investigated how changes in an injecting network over time can modulate injecting risk behaviour. PWID were sourced from the Networks 2 Study, a longitudinal cohort study of PWID recruited from illicit drug street markets across Melbourne, Australia. Network-related correlates of injection frequency and the change in frequency over time were analysed using adjusted Cox Proportional Hazards and Generalised Estimating Equations modelling. Two-hundred and eighteen PWID followed up for a mean (s.d.) of 2.8 (1.7) years were included in the analysis. A greater number of injecting partners, network closeness centrality and eigenvector centrality over time were associated with an increased rate of infection frequency. Every additional injection drug partner was associated with an increase in monthly injection frequency. Similarly, increased network connectivity and centrality over time was also associated with an increase in injection frequency. This study observed that baseline network measures of connectivity and centrality may be associated with changes in injection frequency and, by extension, may predict subsequent HCV transmission risk. Longitudinal changes in network position were observed to correlate with changes in injection frequency, with PWID who migrate from the densely-connected network centre out to the less-connected periphery were associated with a decreased rate of injection frequency.
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Stone J, Fraser H, Young AM, Havens JR, Vickerman P. Modeling the role of incarceration in HCV transmission and prevention amongst people who inject drugs in rural Kentucky. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 88:102707. [PMID: 32151496 PMCID: PMC7483428 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) experience high incarceration rates, with current/recent incarceration being associated with increased hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission. We assess the contribution of incarceration to HCV transmission amongst PWID in Perry County (PC), Kentucky, USA, and the impact of scaling-up community and in-prison opioid substitution therapy (OST), including the potential for reducing incarceration. METHODS A dynamic model of incarceration and HCV transmission amongst PWID was calibrated in a Bayesian framework to epidemiological and incarceration data from PC, incorporating an empirically estimated 2.8-fold (95%CI: 1.36-5.77) elevated HCV acquisition risk amongst currently incarcerated or recently released (<6 months) PWID compared to other PWID. We projected the percentage of new HCV infections that would be prevented among PWID over 2020-2030 if incarceration no longer elevated HCV transmission risk, if needle and syringe programmes (NSP) and OST are scaled-up, and/or if drug use was decriminalized (incarceration/reincarceration rates are halved) with 50% of PWID that would have been imprisoned being diverted onto OST. We assume OST reduces reincarceration by 10-42%. RESULTS Over 2020-2030, removing the effect of incarceration on HCV transmission could prevent 42.7% (95% credibility interval: 15.0-67.4%) of new HCV infections amongst PWID. Conversely, scaling-up community OST and NSP to 50% coverage could prevent 28.5% (20.0-37.4%) of new infections, with this increasing to 32.7% (24.5-41.2%) if PWID are retained on OST upon incarceration, 36.4% (27.7-44.9%) if PWID initiate OST in prison, and 45.3% (35.9-54.1%) if PWID are retained on OST upon release. decriminalization (with diversion to OST) could further increase this impact, preventing 56.8% (45.3-64.5%) of new infections. The impact of these OST interventions decreases by 2.1-28.6% if OST does not reduce incarceration. CONCLUSION Incarceration is likely to be an important contributor to HCV transmission amongst PWID in PC. Prison-based OST could be an important intervention for reducing this risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Stone
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK.
| | - Hannah Fraser
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
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Fischer B, Pang M, Jones W. The opioid mortality epidemic in North America: do we understand the supply side dynamics of this unprecedented crisis? Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2020; 15:14. [PMID: 32066470 PMCID: PMC7027114 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-020-0256-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
While there has been extensive attention to the 'demand side' - or use and adverse consequences, including mortality - of the 'opioid crisis' presently unfolding across North America, few considerations have focused on the supply side. This paper examines the supply side dynamics of this unprecedented public health phenomenon. We provide evidence for several interrelated supply-side elements that have contributed to the present public health crisis. We observe that initially, persistently high levels of prescription opioid availability and use exposed large proportions of the North American population to opioids, resulting in correspondingly high levels of medical and non-medical use (e.g., involving diversion). While various intervention measures to control prescription opioid availability and use have been implemented in recent years, leading to eventual reductions in opioid dispensing levels, these occurred late in the crisis's evolution. Moreover, these supply reductions have not been met by corresponding reductions in opioid use or demand levels. These growing discrepancies between opioid demand and prescription-based sources have left major gaps in opioid supplies. In response to such supply gaps, highly potent and toxic illicit opioid products have rapidly proliferated across North America, and become a core driver of the dramatic spikes in opioid overdose fatality levels in recent years. These supply-related interrelations are corroborated by a corresponding increase in illicit opioid-related fatalities, which arose just as medical opioid supplies began to decrease in many jurisdictions. Improved analyses and understanding of the supply-side dynamics of the opioid crisis are urgently needed in order to inform future intervention and policy development. Meanwhile, the high mortality toll related to illicit, highly toxic opioid exposure requires sustained solutions, including supply-oriented measures (e.g., safer opioid distribution for at-risk users) towards improved public health protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Fischer
- Schools of Population Health and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil.
- Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction (CARMHA), Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Michelle Pang
- Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction (CARMHA), Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Wayne Jones
- Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addiction (CARMHA), Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Sacamano PL, Mehta SH, Latkin C, Falade-Nwulia O, Kirk GD, Rudolph AE. Characterizing latent classes of social support among persons who inject drugs. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 207:107816. [PMID: 31923777 PMCID: PMC7532840 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Social network members influence risk and health behaviors, yet little is known about the support that persons who inject drugs (PWID) receive from their closest ties. METHODS 970 participants from the AIDS Linked to the IntraVenous Experience (ALIVE) study completed a social network survey between April 2016 and June 2017 about their five closest ties. Our analysis: 1) identified latent classes of support received by participants; 2) determined whether class membership differed by current (≤12 months) vs. former (>12 months) injection drug use; 3) compared classes of support by individual and network characteristics. RESULTS 970 participants listed 3,388 network members. We identified three support classes: (1) Moderate (n = 249): probabilities of support <0.40; (2) High (n = 366): probabilities of support 0.58-0.82; (3) Very high (n = 355): probabilities of support 0.91-0.99. In adjusted analysis compared to moderate support, the odds of high and very high support increased as the mean age of network members increased (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]:1.03; 95 % CI: 1.01, 1.05) and as the number of network members with whom they interacted daily increased (AOR-high: 1.33; 95 % CI:1.14, 1.56 and AOR-very high: 1.54; 95 % CI: 1.30, 1.83). While current injection drug use was associated with lower unadjusted odds of high and very high support, the associations were not statistically significant in adjusted analysis. CONCLUSIONS Support was higher among networks of older ties and more frequent interaction, but differences did not appear to be driven by injection drug use status. Findings point to the importance of the closest social ties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul L Sacamano
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States.
| | - Shruti H Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room E6546, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Carl Latkin
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Hampton House 737, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Oluwaseun Falade-Nwulia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Johns Hopkins Department of Medicine, 725 N. Wolfe Street, Suite 215, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Gregory D Kirk
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N. Wolfe Street, Room E6533, Baltimore, MD 21205, United States
| | - Abby E Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, 1301 Cecil B Moore Avenue, Ritter Annex 905, Philadelphia, PA 19122, United States
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Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicidality and self-harm among people who inject drugs: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 207:107793. [PMID: 31874449 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A range of negative experiences and circumstances that are common among people who inject drugs (PWID) are risk factors for developing mental disorders. Despite this, there has been no systematic review of the prevalence of mental health indicators among PWID. Thus, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidality and self-harm among PWID. METHODS We searched the peer-reviewed and grey literature for data on depression, PTSD, suicidality and non-suicidal self-harm among PWID from sources published from 2008-2018. We pooled estimates of depression and suicidality using random-effects meta-analysis and provided a narrative summary of estimates of PTSD and self-harm. FINDINGS We found 23 studies that reported on these mental health indicators among PWID. The pooled estimate for current severe depressive symptomology was 42.0 % (95 % confidence interval [CI] = 21.3, 62.8 %), and for a depression diagnosis was 28.7 % (95 % CI = 20.8, 36.6 %). With much variation, the pooled lifetime prevalence of a suicide attempt was 22.1 % (95 % CI = 19.3, 24.9 %). There were only two studies each that reported on PTSD and non-suicidal self-harm among PWID. INTERPRETATION Recent data investigating these mental health indicators among PWID was limited, particularly from low- and middle-income countries. Even so, estimates were high and call for further research into the epidemiology of such mental health disorders and self-harming behaviours, as well as the promotion of integrated mental health and substance dependence treatment. Finally, incorporating suicide prevention strategies into services accessed by PWID must be considered as a harm reduction priority.
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Samoff E, Mobley V, Hudgins M, Cope AB, Adams ND, Caputo CR, Dennis AM, Billock RM, Crowley CA, Clymore JM, Foust E. HIV Outbreak Control With Effective Access to Care and Harm Reduction in North Carolina, 2017-2018. Am J Public Health 2020; 110:394-400. [PMID: 31944835 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2019.305490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Objectives. To assess and control a potential outbreak of HIV among people who inject drugs in Western North Carolina.Methods. Disease intervention specialists offered testing for hepatitis B and hepatitis C, harm reduction materials, and linkage to care to 7 linked people recently diagnosed with HIV who also injected drugs. Contacts were offered the same services and HIV testing. HIV genotype analysis was used to characterize HIV spread. We assessed testing and care outcomes by using state surveillance information.Results. Disease intervention specialists contacted 6 of 7 linked group members and received information on 177 contacts; among 96 prioritized contacts, 42 of 96 (44%) were exposed to or diagnosed with hepatitis C, 4 of 96 (4%) had hepatitis B, and 14 of 96 (15%) had HIV (2 newly diagnosed during the investigation). HIV genotype analysis suggested recent transmission to linked group members and 1 contact. Eleven of 14 with HIV were virally suppressed following the outbreak response.Conclusions. North Carolina identified and rapidly responded to an HIV outbreak among people reporting injecting drugs. Effective HIV care, the availability of syringe exchange services, and the rapid response likely contributed to controlling this outbreak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Samoff
- Erika Samoff, Victoria Mobley, Michelle Hudgins, Nicole Dzialowy Adams, Christina R. Caputo, Christy A. Crowley, Jacquelyn M. Clymore, and Evelyn Foust are with the Communicable Diseases Branch, Epidemiology Section, North Carolina Division of Public Health, Raleigh, NC. Anna Barry Cope is with the Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Rachael M. Billock is with the Department of Epidemiology, Gillings Global School for Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ann M. Dennis is with the Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Victoria Mobley
- Erika Samoff, Victoria Mobley, Michelle Hudgins, Nicole Dzialowy Adams, Christina R. Caputo, Christy A. Crowley, Jacquelyn M. Clymore, and Evelyn Foust are with the Communicable Diseases Branch, Epidemiology Section, North Carolina Division of Public Health, Raleigh, NC. Anna Barry Cope is with the Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Rachael M. Billock is with the Department of Epidemiology, Gillings Global School for Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ann M. Dennis is with the Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Michelle Hudgins
- Erika Samoff, Victoria Mobley, Michelle Hudgins, Nicole Dzialowy Adams, Christina R. Caputo, Christy A. Crowley, Jacquelyn M. Clymore, and Evelyn Foust are with the Communicable Diseases Branch, Epidemiology Section, North Carolina Division of Public Health, Raleigh, NC. Anna Barry Cope is with the Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Rachael M. Billock is with the Department of Epidemiology, Gillings Global School for Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ann M. Dennis is with the Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Anna Barry Cope
- Erika Samoff, Victoria Mobley, Michelle Hudgins, Nicole Dzialowy Adams, Christina R. Caputo, Christy A. Crowley, Jacquelyn M. Clymore, and Evelyn Foust are with the Communicable Diseases Branch, Epidemiology Section, North Carolina Division of Public Health, Raleigh, NC. Anna Barry Cope is with the Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Rachael M. Billock is with the Department of Epidemiology, Gillings Global School for Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ann M. Dennis is with the Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Nicole Dzialowy Adams
- Erika Samoff, Victoria Mobley, Michelle Hudgins, Nicole Dzialowy Adams, Christina R. Caputo, Christy A. Crowley, Jacquelyn M. Clymore, and Evelyn Foust are with the Communicable Diseases Branch, Epidemiology Section, North Carolina Division of Public Health, Raleigh, NC. Anna Barry Cope is with the Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Rachael M. Billock is with the Department of Epidemiology, Gillings Global School for Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ann M. Dennis is with the Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Christina R Caputo
- Erika Samoff, Victoria Mobley, Michelle Hudgins, Nicole Dzialowy Adams, Christina R. Caputo, Christy A. Crowley, Jacquelyn M. Clymore, and Evelyn Foust are with the Communicable Diseases Branch, Epidemiology Section, North Carolina Division of Public Health, Raleigh, NC. Anna Barry Cope is with the Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Rachael M. Billock is with the Department of Epidemiology, Gillings Global School for Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ann M. Dennis is with the Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Ann M Dennis
- Erika Samoff, Victoria Mobley, Michelle Hudgins, Nicole Dzialowy Adams, Christina R. Caputo, Christy A. Crowley, Jacquelyn M. Clymore, and Evelyn Foust are with the Communicable Diseases Branch, Epidemiology Section, North Carolina Division of Public Health, Raleigh, NC. Anna Barry Cope is with the Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Rachael M. Billock is with the Department of Epidemiology, Gillings Global School for Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ann M. Dennis is with the Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Rachael M Billock
- Erika Samoff, Victoria Mobley, Michelle Hudgins, Nicole Dzialowy Adams, Christina R. Caputo, Christy A. Crowley, Jacquelyn M. Clymore, and Evelyn Foust are with the Communicable Diseases Branch, Epidemiology Section, North Carolina Division of Public Health, Raleigh, NC. Anna Barry Cope is with the Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Rachael M. Billock is with the Department of Epidemiology, Gillings Global School for Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ann M. Dennis is with the Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Christy A Crowley
- Erika Samoff, Victoria Mobley, Michelle Hudgins, Nicole Dzialowy Adams, Christina R. Caputo, Christy A. Crowley, Jacquelyn M. Clymore, and Evelyn Foust are with the Communicable Diseases Branch, Epidemiology Section, North Carolina Division of Public Health, Raleigh, NC. Anna Barry Cope is with the Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Rachael M. Billock is with the Department of Epidemiology, Gillings Global School for Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ann M. Dennis is with the Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Jacquelyn M Clymore
- Erika Samoff, Victoria Mobley, Michelle Hudgins, Nicole Dzialowy Adams, Christina R. Caputo, Christy A. Crowley, Jacquelyn M. Clymore, and Evelyn Foust are with the Communicable Diseases Branch, Epidemiology Section, North Carolina Division of Public Health, Raleigh, NC. Anna Barry Cope is with the Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Rachael M. Billock is with the Department of Epidemiology, Gillings Global School for Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ann M. Dennis is with the Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Evelyn Foust
- Erika Samoff, Victoria Mobley, Michelle Hudgins, Nicole Dzialowy Adams, Christina R. Caputo, Christy A. Crowley, Jacquelyn M. Clymore, and Evelyn Foust are with the Communicable Diseases Branch, Epidemiology Section, North Carolina Division of Public Health, Raleigh, NC. Anna Barry Cope is with the Division of Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Rachael M. Billock is with the Department of Epidemiology, Gillings Global School for Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ann M. Dennis is with the Division of Infectious Diseases, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Linn BK, Ely GE, Staton M. Latent Profiles of Health and Reproductive Risk and Protective Factors among Women in Appalachia. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE IN THE ADDICTIONS 2020; 20:155-167. [PMID: 33209100 PMCID: PMC7668409 DOI: 10.1080/1533256x.2020.1748976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Women who use opiates and are involved in the criminal justice system in Appalachia may be prone to adverse health outcomes. In this study, we performed a latent class analysis of risk and protective factors on 400 drug-using women recruited from rural, Appalachian jails. A two-profile solution best fit the data. Both profiles evinced low levels of condom use, reproductive and physical health screens, and STD history. However, the primary substantive difference between the profiles was partner risk behavior: the higher risk class had main male partners with histories of injection drug use and incarceration. Results suggest that interventions need to be tailored to unique profiles of risk and protective factors, which should include taking partner risk into consideration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Braden K Linn
- Clinical and Research Institute on Addictions, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY
| | - Gretchen E Ely
- School of Social Work, University at Buffalo, The State University of New York, Buffalo, NY
| | - Michele Staton
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Medical Behavioral Science Building, Lexington, KY
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Crismale JF, Ahmad J. Expanding the donor pool: Hepatitis C, hepatitis B and human immunodeficiency virus-positive donors in liver transplantation. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:6799-6812. [PMID: 31885421 PMCID: PMC6931007 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i47.6799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver transplantation (LT) remains the best option for patients with end-stage liver disease but the demand for organs from deceased donors continues to outweigh the available supply. The advent of highly effective anti-viral treatments has reduced the number of patients undergoing LT for hepatitis C (HCV) and hepatitis B (HBV) related liver disease and yet the number of patients waiting for LT continues to increase, driven by an increase in the patients listed with a diagnosis of cirrhosis due to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and alcohol-related liver disease. In addition, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, which was previously a contra-indication for LT, is no longer a fatal disease due to the effectiveness of HIV therapy and patients with HIV and liver disease are now developing indications for LT. The rising demand for LT is projected to increase further in the future, thus driving the need to investigate potential means of expanding the pool of potential donors. One mechanism for doing so is utilizing organs from donors that previously would have been discarded or used only in exceptional circumstances such as HCV-positive, HBV-positive, and HIV-positive donors. The advent of highly effective anti-viral therapy has meant that these organs can now be used with excellent outcomes in HCV, HBV or HIV infected recipients and in some cases uninfected recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F Crismale
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
| | - Jawad Ahmad
- Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, United States
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49
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Novack LM, Carrasco KG, Tyler KA, Dombrowski K, Habecker P. Injection Opioid and Injection Methamphetamine Use in the Rural United States: A Systematic Review and Network Analysis. JOURNAL OF DRUG ISSUES 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/0022042619895247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The abuse of opioid and methamphetamine is a public health crisis in the United States, particularly in rural areas where injection drug use is common. This systematic review of rural injection drug use synthesized the research on injection of opioids and methamphetamine use and assessed the similarity of their research findings to the field of rural injection drug use in the United States. A citation network analysis was used to support the assessment of research similarity and provided a visualization of the field. This citation network analysis exposed a gap in the literature revealing that the state of research may not be fully applicable to the field in its entirety in the United States. In summary, this review provides a representative overview of the state of research in the field of injection drug use. Future research should conduct studies on rural drug use in areas of the country not represented in this review.
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50
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Thomas N, van de Ven K, Mulrooney KJD. The impact of rurality on opioid-related harms: A systematic review of qualitative research. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2019; 85:102607. [PMID: 31864787 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Over the past decade, there has been mounting recognition that opioid use and related mortality and morbidity is a significant public health problem in rural, non-urban areas across the globe. Taking what has been termed the 'opioid crisis' as a starting off point, this article aims to systematically review the qualitative literature on the ways in which rurality shapes the risk for opioid-related harm. METHODS A systematic review was undertaken using database searches and secondary reference list searches for qualitative literature on rural and non-urban opioid-related harms. A total of 32 qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria. Data extraction was performed in NVivo 12 using a codebook based on the 'risk environment' framework. RESULTS The findings explore how rurality shapes the risk environment for opioid-related harms through four environment influences: (1) economic conditions, including economic transition and deindustrialisation that has occurred in many rural areas, and the high levels of economic distress experienced by rural residents; (2) physical conditions, including a lack of infrastructure and recreation opportunities, larger geographic distances, and limited transportation; (3) social conditions, where social networks could be both protective but also amplify risk through a lack of knowledge about treatment and risk behaviours, a lack of anonymity and stigmatisation of people who use opioids in rural areas; and (4) policy conditions including limited coverage and availability of harm reduction and drug treatment services, and stigmatising service provider practices. CONCLUSIONS The impact of rurality on risk of opioid-related harm is multifaceted. We suggest that future research on rural opioid use would benefit from drawing on the theoretical toolkit of rural criminology to attend to the ways the 'rural crisis', and attendant insecurities, anxieties and strains, impacts upon rural communities and shapes risk, along with how socio-cultural characteristics of the rural 'organise' risks of drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Thomas
- Centre for Rural Criminology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia; School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Katinka van de Ven
- Centre for Rural Criminology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia; Drug Policy Modelling Program, Social Policy Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kyle J D Mulrooney
- Centre for Rural Criminology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia; School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
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