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Jia R, Coupland C, Vinogradova Y, Qureshi N, Turner E, Vedhara K. Mental health conditions and COVID-19 vaccine outcomes: A scoping review. J Psychosom Res 2024; 183:111826. [PMID: 38870550 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2024.111826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Research shows that people with a history of mental health conditions were at increased risk of COVID-19 infection, hospitalisation, and mortality. However, the relationship between mental health conditions and COVID-19 vaccine outcomes such as vaccine intention, uptake and vaccine breakthrough is not yet well-understood. METHODS We conducted a systematic search on the topics of COVID-19 vaccine intentions, vaccine uptake, and vaccine breakthrough, in relation to mental health conditions (e.g., depression, schizophrenia), in four databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, and PsychINFO, and the publication lists of Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), The Health Improvement Network (THIN), OpenSAFELY, and QResearch. Inclusion criteria focussed on studies reporting any of the aforementioned COVID-19 vaccine outcomes among people with mental health conditions. RESULTS Of 251 publications initially identified, 32 met our inclusion criteria. Overall, the evidence is inconclusive regarding the levels of intention to accept COVID-19 vaccines among people with mental health conditions. People with mental health conditions were more likely to have lower uptake of COVID-19 vaccines, compared to people without. Common barriers to COVID-19 vaccine uptake included concerns about the safety, effectiveness, and side effects of the vaccines. Limited evidence also suggests that vaccine breakthrough may be a particular risk for those with substance use disorder. CONCLUSIONS Evidence for the association between COVID-19 vaccine intentions and mental health conditions is mixed. Vaccine uptake might be lower in people with mental health conditions compared to people without, yielding interventions to encourage vaccine uptake in this population. Our understanding of COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough in this population also needs enhancing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Jia
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Medical Science Division, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK
| | - Carol Coupland
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, Medical Science Division, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK; Centre for Academic Primary Care, Lifespan and Population Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Yana Vinogradova
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Lifespan and Population Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Nadeem Qureshi
- Centre for Academic Primary Care, Lifespan and Population Health, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Emma Turner
- Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1QU, UK
| | - Kavita Vedhara
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Tower Building, Cardiff CF10 3AT, UK.
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Maximiano-Barreto MA, Alqueja Azorli L, Mendes de Paula Pessoa R, Ferreira AA, Ramos Rezende AC, Moretti Luchesi B, Inouye K, Chagas MHN. COVID-19 Frequency in Hospitalized Psychiatric Patients: A Systematic Review. Psychiatry 2024:1-24. [PMID: 39083759 DOI: 10.1080/00332747.2024.2379750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic affected individuals in different contexts (e.g. long-term care facilities, schools, communities), including psychiatric hospitals. Thus, the objective of this systematic review, duly registered and approved on PROSPERO (CRD42023427835), is to assess the frequency of positive COVID-19 cases among patients hospitalized in psychiatric hospitals. METHODS A total of 4,922 articles were identified in the database searches, and 17 studies conducted in psychiatric hospitals from different regions of the world were selected. RESULTS The frequency of positive COVID-19 cases among patients hospitalized in psychiatric hospitals ranged from 1.8% to 98.8%. Out of a total of 19,573 patients hospitalized in psychiatric hospitals, the pooled mean frequency of positive COVID-19 cases was 11.9%. The majority of patients presented COVID-19 symptoms (e.g. cough, fever and others). The COVID-19 diagnosis was primarily conducted through RT-PCR testing in 88.9% of the studies. CONCLUSION In conclusion, there is discrepancy in the methodology of the studies assessing the frequency of positive COVID-19 cases in psychiatric hospitals. However, this review allowed us to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the population hospitalized in psychiatric hospitals.
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Wüsthoff LEC, Lund-Johansen F, Henriksen K, Wildendahl G, Jacobsen JA, Gomes L, Anjum HS, Barlinn R, Kran AMB, Munthe LA, Vaage JT. Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and humoral immune responses to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines among people who use drugs - in the light of tailored mitigating strategies. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:120. [PMID: 38890611 PMCID: PMC11186241 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-01023-9] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a surprisingly low incidence of SARS-CoV-2 among People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) in Oslo, Norway, despite their heightened vulnerability regarding risk of infection and severe courses of the disease.This study aims to investigate the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among PWUD, their antibody responses to relevant virus infections and COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, and their vaccination coverage compared to the general population. METHODS Conducted as a prospective cohort study, data was collected from residents in six institutions for homeless PWUD and users of a low-threshold clinic for opioid agonist treatment. Ninety-seven participants were recruited for SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence analysis. Additional two participants with known positive SARS-CoV-2 test results were recruited for further analyses. Twenty-five participants completed follow-up. Data included questionnaires, nasal swabs and blood samples. Data on vaccination coverage was obtained from the National Vaccine Register. Serologic methods included detection of antibodies to relevant virus proteins, neutralizing antibodies to SARS-CoV-2, antibodies to the full-length spike protein, and receptor-binding domain from SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS Among PWUD, antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 were detected in 2 out of 97 samples before vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 were available, comparable to a 2.8% frequency in population-based screening. Levels of serum antibodies to seasonal coronaviruses and Epstein-Barr-Virus (EBV) in PWUD were similar to population-based levels. After the second vaccine dose, binding and neutralizing antibody levels to SARS-CoV-2 in PWUD were comparable to controls. Eighty-four of PWUD received at least one dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, compared to 89% in the general population. CONCLUSION Results indicate that PWUD did not exhibit increased SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence or elevated serum antibodies to seasonal coronaviruses and EBV. Moreover, vaccine responses in PWUD were comparable to controls, suggesting that vaccination is effective in conferring protection against SARS-CoV-2 also in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Elise Couëssurel Wüsthoff
- Unit for Clinical Research on Addictions, Oslo University Hospital, PO Box 4959 Nydalen, Oslo, 0424, Norway.
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Reasearch, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, PO Box 1039 Blindern, Oslo, 0315, Norway.
| | - Fridtjof Lund-Johansen
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, PO Box 4950 Nydalen, Oslo, 0424, Norway
- ImmunoLingo Convergence Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Gaustadalleen 21, Oslo, 0349, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, PO Box 1171 Blindern, Oslo, 0318, Norway
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, PO Box 1171 Blindern, 0318, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kathleen Henriksen
- Agency for Social and Welfare Services, Oslo Municipality, PO Box 30 Sentrum, Oslo, 0101, Norway
- Student Health Services, Student Welfare Services in Oslo, Problemveien 9, Oslo, 0313, Norway
| | - Gull Wildendahl
- Agency for Social and Welfare Services, Oslo Municipality, PO Box 30 Sentrum, Oslo, 0101, Norway
| | - Jon-Aksel Jacobsen
- Agency for Social and Welfare Services, Oslo Municipality, PO Box 30 Sentrum, Oslo, 0101, Norway
| | - Leni Gomes
- Agency for Social and Welfare Services, Oslo Municipality, PO Box 30 Sentrum, Oslo, 0101, Norway
| | - Hina Sarwar Anjum
- Agency for Social and Welfare Services, Oslo Municipality, PO Box 30 Sentrum, Oslo, 0101, Norway
| | - Regine Barlinn
- Department of Microbiology, Oslo University Hospital, PO Box 4950 Nydalen, Oslo, 0424, Norway
| | - Anne-Marte Bakken Kran
- Division of Infection Control, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, PO Box 222 Skøyen, Oslo, 0213, Norway
| | - Ludvig Andre Munthe
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, PO Box 4950 Nydalen, Oslo, 0424, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for B cell Malignancies, and Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, PO Box 4950 Nydalen, Oslo, 0424, Norway
| | - John T Vaage
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, PO Box 4950 Nydalen, Oslo, 0424, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, PO Box 1171 Blindern, Oslo, 0318, Norway
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Khoraminejad B, Sakowitz S, Gao Z, Chervu N, Curry J, Ali K, Bakhtiyar SS, Benharash P. Association of substance-use disorder with outcomes of major elective abdominal operations: A contemporary national analysis. Surg Open Sci 2024; 19:44-49. [PMID: 38585038 PMCID: PMC10995883 DOI: 10.1016/j.sopen.2024.03.006] [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: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Affecting >20million people in the U.S., including 4 % of all hospitalized patients, substance use disorder (SUD) represents a growing public health crisis. Evaluating a national cohort, we aimed to characterize the association of concurrent SUD with perioperative outcomes and resource utilization following elective abdominal operations. Methods All adult hospitalizations entailing elective colectomy, gastrectomy, esophagectomy, hepatectomy, and pancreatectomy were tabulated from the 2016-2020 National Inpatient Sample. Patients with concurrent substance use disorder, comprising alcohol, opioid, marijuana, sedative, cocaine, inhalant, hallucinogen, or other psychoactive/stimulant use, were considered the SUD cohort (others: nSUD). Multivariable regression models were constructed to evaluate the independent association between SUD and key outcomes. Results Of ∼1,088,145 patients, 32,865 (3.0 %) comprised the SUD cohort. On average, SUD patients were younger, more commonly male, of lowest quartile income, and of Black race. SUD patients less frequently underwent colectomy, but more often pancreatectomy, relative to nSUD.Following risk adjustment and with nSUD as reference, SUD demonstrated similar likelihood of in-hospital mortality, but remained associated with increased odds of any perioperative complication (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] 1.17, CI 1.09-1.25). Further, SUD was linked with incremental increases in adjusted length of stay (β + 0.90 days, CI +0.68-1.12) and costs (β + $3630, CI +2650-4610), as well as greater likelihood of non-home discharge (AOR 1.54, CI 1.40-1.70). Conclusions Concurrent substance use disorder was associated with increased complications, resource utilization, and non-home discharge following major elective abdominal operations. Novel interventions are warranted to address increased risk among this vulnerable population and address significant disparities in postoperative outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baran Khoraminejad
- CORELAB, Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- Boston University, Boston, MA, United States of America
| | - Sara Sakowitz
- CORELAB, Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Zihan Gao
- CORELAB, Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Nikhil Chervu
- CORELAB, Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Joanna Curry
- CORELAB, Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Konmal Ali
- CORELAB, Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Syed Shahyan Bakhtiyar
- CORELAB, Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, University of Colorado, Denver, Aurora, CO, United States of America
| | - Peyman Benharash
- CORELAB, Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
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Mejia MC, Kowalchuk A, Gonzalez SJ, Nair M, Webb L, Scamp N. Challenges and Implications for Substance Use and Mental Healthcare Among Under-Resourced Women in the COVID-19 Era. Cureus 2024; 16:e62452. [PMID: 39015873 PMCID: PMC11250514 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.62452] [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: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated disparities in mental healthcare and substance use disorder (SUD) treatment access, especially in under-resourced communities. This study aimed to comprehend the experiences of under-resourced women with SUD during the pandemic, their knowledge and attitudes toward it, and its impact on substance use and treatment access. METHODS A cross-sectional study included 66 under-resourced women receiving medically managed withdrawal treatment at a community residential SUD center. Data collection occurred between November 2021 and August 2022, utilizing a 75-item instrument covering COVID-19 exposure and its impact on health, substance use, treatment access, vaccination status, beliefs, and knowledge. Descriptive analyses summarized the data. RESULTS Participants faced various challenges during the pandemic. Many reported increased substance use, especially alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and nicotine. Mental health stability was negatively affected, exacerbating existing disorders and limiting mental healthcare access. A majority (56.1%) reported that their chronic mental health disorder was less stable during the pandemic. Twenty (30.3%) participants reported that they had been diagnosed with a new mental health disorder since the pandemic, and 28.8% reported that it was harder for them to access mental healthcare during the pandemic. Job loss, housing instability, and financial strain were prevalent. Half (n=33, 50%) received a COVID-19 vaccine dose, while 27.3% (n=18) declined vaccination due to knowledge gaps and religious beliefs. The majority (n=41, 62.1%) worried about securing basic needs such as groceries and medication, with 64.6% (n=42) expressing a desire to cope using alcohol or drugs. CONCLUSIONS This study expands upon previous research by examining the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in the context of substance use disorder treatment. Unlike previous data, which focused solely on substance use behaviors, our study delves into the impact of the pandemic on co-occurring mental health disorders. Findings underscore the need for gender-responsive and culturally appropriate SUD treatment. Vaccine hesitancy, as reflected in the study, necessitates more effective, tailored evidence-based informational campaigns. Efforts must focus on enhancing mental healthcare access, reducing stigma, and supporting individuals with co-occurring conditions amidst this evolving COVID-19 health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Mejia
- Population Health and Social Medicine, Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Boca Raton, USA
| | - Alicia Kowalchuk
- Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Sandra J Gonzalez
- Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Muktha Nair
- Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
| | - Lisa Webb
- Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, USA
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Tazarghi A, Bazoq S, Taziki Balajelini MH, Ebrahimi M, Hosseini SM, Razavi Nikoo H. Liver injury in COVID-19: an insight into pathobiology and roles of risk factors. Virol J 2024; 21:65. [PMID: 38491495 PMCID: PMC10943793 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02332-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a complex disease that can lead to fatal respiratory failure with extrapulmonary complications, either as a direct result of viral invasion in multiple organs or secondary to oxygen supply shortage. Liver is susceptible to many viral pathogens, and due to its versatile functions in the body, it is of great interest to determine how hepatocytes may interact with SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 patients. Liver injury is a major cause of death, and SARS-CoV-2 is suspected to contribute significantly to hepatopathy. Owing to the lack of knowledge in this field, further research is required to address these ambiguities. Therefore, we aimed to provide a comprehensive insight into host-virus interactions, underlying mechanisms, and associated risk factors by collecting results from epidemiological analyses and relevant laboratory experiments. Backed by an avalanche of recent studies, our findings support that liver injury is a sequela of severe COVID-19, and certain pre-existing liver conditions can also intensify the morbidity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in synergy. Notably, age, sex, lifestyle, dietary habits, coinfection, and particular drug regimens play a decisive role in the final outcome and prognosis as well. Taken together, our goal was to unravel these complexities concerning the development of novel diagnostic, prophylactic, and therapeutic approaches with a focus on prioritizing high-risk groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abbas Tazarghi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Sahar Bazoq
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hosein Taziki Balajelini
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Neuroscience Research Center, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Mohsen Ebrahimi
- Neonatal and Children's Health Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehran Hosseini
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Neuroscience Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
| | - Hadi Razavi Nikoo
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
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Karimi SE, Amadi S, Rampisheh Z, Tayefi B, Soleimanvandiazar N, Higgs P, Tehrani-Banihashemi A, Hajebi A, Nojomi M, Karimijavan G. Predictors of COVID-19 vaccine uptake among people who use substances: a case study in Tehran. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2024; 19:15. [PMID: 38409120 PMCID: PMC10895917 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-024-00596-9] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to manage infectious disease epidemics such as Covid-19. However, the low rates of vaccination in populations at risk including people using illicit substances, hinders the effectiveness of preventive vaccines in reducing transmission. The aim of this study was to investigate the rate of Covid-19 vaccination and its related factors among people who use substances in Tehran, Iran. METHODS Between July and December 2022, 386 people who use substances aged ≥ 18 years old were recruited by convenience street-based sampling in Tehran. The outcome variable in this study was self-reported completion of at least two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. Logistic regression was used to investigate the factors related to Covid-19 vaccination. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 20 at the 0.05 level of significance. As a measure of risk, 95% Confidence interval (CI) was used. The level of significance was considered at 0.05. RESULTS Almost three-quarters (n = 286) of the participants reported receiving at least two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine (95% CI, 70.2-79.3). Those participants with high school diplomas were 1.17 times more likely than less educated participants to report having had 2 vaccinations (OR of 1.17, CI 95%: 1.03-1.81). Participants with a higher mean score of having a positive attitude towards Covid-19 vaccination were more likely to have received a vaccination (OR of 1.12, CI 95%: 1.08-1.17). Ethnicity was also an influential variable, people with non-Fars ethnicity were less likely to be vaccinated than those of Fars ethnicity (OR of 0.33, CI 95%: 0.13-0.81). People with higher-than-average monthly income were more likely to report vaccination than those with low monthly incomes (OR of 1.27, CI 95%: 1.09-1.8). Also, participants reporting less access to vaccination centers had a lower chance of reporting having been vaccinated than those who reported high access to vaccination centers (OR of .17, CI 95%: .08-.36). CONCLUSIONS Covid-19 vaccine uptake was found to be relatively high among people using illicit substances in this study. Higher levels of education, Fars ethnicity, higher income levels, having a positive attitude towards vaccination and access to vaccination centers were the most important predictors of Covid-19 vaccination in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salah Eddin Karimi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Health Management and Safety Promotion Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sina Amadi
- Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Zahra Rampisheh
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Department of Community and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Batool Tayefi
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Department of Community and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Soleimanvandiazar
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Department of Community and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, P.O Box: 14665-354, Tehran, 1449614535, Iran.
| | - Peter Higgs
- Department of Public Health, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Department of Public Health, La Trobe University, Plenty Rd & Kingsbury Dr, Bundoora, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Arash Tehrani-Banihashemi
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Department of Community and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Hajebi
- Research Center for Addiction and Risky Behaviors (ReCARB), Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Nojomi
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Department of Community and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Nipissing University, North Bay, ON, Canada
| | - Gelavizh Karimijavan
- Department of Speech Therapy, Rehabilitation Faculty, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Gainullin M, Federico L, Røkke Osen J, Chaban V, Kared H, Alirezaylavasani A, Lund-Johansen F, Wildendahl G, Jacobsen JA, Sarwar Anjum H, Stratford R, Tennøe S, Malone B, Clancy T, Vaage JT, Henriksen K, Wüsthoff L, Munthe LA. People who use drugs show no increase in pre-existing T-cell cross-reactivity toward SARS-CoV-2 but develop a normal polyfunctional T-cell response after standard mRNA vaccination. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1235210. [PMID: 38299149 PMCID: PMC10827924 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1235210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
People who use drugs (PWUD) are at a high risk of contracting and developing severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and other infectious diseases due to their lifestyle, comorbidities, and the detrimental effects of opioids on cellular immunity. However, there is limited research on vaccine responses in PWUD, particularly regarding the role that T cells play in the immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Here, we show that before vaccination, PWUD did not exhibit an increased frequency of preexisting cross-reactive T cells to SARS-CoV-2 and that, despite the inhibitory effects that opioids have on T-cell immunity, standard vaccination can elicit robust polyfunctional CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses that were similar to those found in controls. Our findings indicate that vaccination stimulates an effective immune response in PWUD and highlight targeted vaccination as an essential public health instrument for the control of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases in this group of high-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Gainullin
- KG Jebsen Centre for B cell Malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- NEC OncoImmunity AS, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lorenzo Federico
- KG Jebsen Centre for B cell Malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Julie Røkke Osen
- KG Jebsen Centre for B cell Malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Viktoriia Chaban
- KG Jebsen Centre for B cell Malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hassen Kared
- KG Jebsen Centre for B cell Malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Amin Alirezaylavasani
- KG Jebsen Centre for B cell Malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Fridtjof Lund-Johansen
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- ImmunoLingo Convergence Center, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - John T. Vaage
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Kathleen Henriksen
- Agency for Social and Welfare Services, Oslo, Norway
- Student Health Services, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Linda Wüsthoff
- Unit for Clinical Research on Addictions, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Reasearch, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ludvig A. Munthe
- KG Jebsen Centre for B cell Malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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9
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Wei H, LeSaint JE, Jin Z, Zhan CG, Zheng F. Long-lasting blocking of interoceptive effects of cocaine by a highly efficient cocaine hydrolase in rats. Sci Rep 2024; 14:927. [PMID: 38195724 PMCID: PMC10776848 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50678-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Cocaine dependence is a serious world-wide public health problem without an FDA-approved pharmacotherapy. We recently designed and discovered a highly efficient long-acting cocaine hydrolase CocH5-Fc(M6). The present study examined the effectiveness and duration of CocH5-Fc(M6) in blocking interoceptive effects of cocaine by performing cocaine discrimination tests in rats, demonstrating that the duration of CocH5-Fc(M6) in blocking cocaine discrimination was dependent on cocaine dose and CocH5-Fc(M6) plasma concentration. Particularly, a dose of 3 mg/kg CocH5-Fc(M6) effectively attenuated discriminative stimulus effects of 10 mg/kg cocaine, cumulative doses of 10 and 32 mg/kg cocaine, and cumulative doses of 10, 32 and 56 mg/kg cocaine by ≥ 20% for 41, 19, and 10 days, and completely blocked the discriminative stimulus effects for 30, 13, and 5 days with corresponding threshold plasma CocH5-Fc(M6) concentrations of 15.9, 72.2, and 221 nM, respectively, under which blood cocaine concentration was negligible. Additionally, based on the data obtained, cocaine discrimination model is more sensitive than the locomotor activity to reveal cocaine effects and that CocH5-Fc(M6) itself has no long-term toxicity regarding behavioral activities such as lever pressing and food consumption in rats, further demonstrating that CocH5-Fc(M6) has the desired properties as a promising therapeutic candidate for prevenance of cocaine dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimei Wei
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Johnathan E LeSaint
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Zhenyu Jin
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Chang-Guo Zhan
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
| | - Fang Zheng
- Molecular Modeling and Biopharmaceutical Center, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 789 South Limestone Street, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
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10
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Hedayatyaghoobi M, Azizmohammad Looha M, Shafiee A, Jafarabady K, Safari O, Alirezaei A, Bakhtiyari M. Association between opioid abuse and COVID-19 susceptibility: a propensity score matched study. BMC Infect Dis 2023; 23:851. [PMID: 38053042 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-023-08842-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid use disorder (OUD) has been associated with adverse health outcomes, and its potential impact on COVID-19 outcomes is of significant concern. This study aimed to assess the susceptibility and clinical outcomes of hospitalized COVID-19 patients with OUD using a propensity score-matched design. METHODS A historical cohort study was conducted in Alborz province, Iran, during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Patients aged 18 years and above with confirmed COVID-19 were included in the study. OUD was defined as a compulsive urge to use opioids or opioid-derivative drugs. Non-opioid abusers with COVID-19 were selected as the control group. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, laboratory factors, comorbidities, and vital signs were collected. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the groups and assess the impact of OUD on ICU admission, mortality, the need for intubation, and the severity of pulmonary involvement on CT scans. RESULTS A total of 442 patients were included in the study, with 351 discharged and 34 deceased. The PSM analysis showed that OUD was not significantly associated with ICU admission (OR: 1.87, 95% CI: 0.22-2.91, p = 0.631). However, opium users had an increased risk of mortality (OR: 2.38, 95% CI: 1.30-4.35, p = 0.005) and a higher likelihood of requiring intubation (OR: 3.57, 95% CI: 1.38-9.39, p = 0.009) compared to non-opioid abusers. The severity of pulmonary involvement on CT scans did not show a significant association with OUD. CONCLUSION OUD among hospitalized COVID-19 patients was associated with an increased risk of mortality and the need for intubation. These findings highlight the importance of addressing OUD as a potential risk factor in the management and treatment of COVID-19 patients. Further research is warranted to explore the underlying mechanisms and develop appropriate interventions to mitigate the impact of OUD on COVID-19 outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mehdi Azizmohammad Looha
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arman Shafiee
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Kyana Jafarabady
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Omid Safari
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Amirhesam Alirezaei
- Department of Nephrology, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mahmood Bakhtiyari
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
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11
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Dehghan M, Mirza HK, Alaeifar S, Jazinizadeh M, Iranmanesh MH, Mohammadiakbarabadi F, Salehi M, Ghonchehpour A, Zakeri MA. Quality of Life and Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicines among Narcotics Anonymous Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study in Southeast Iran. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2023; 2023:3003247. [PMID: 37727769 PMCID: PMC10506870 DOI: 10.1155/2023/3003247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Addiction, a chronic and recurrent disorder, is associated with lasting changes in the brain and can significantly affect the quality of life of people. Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) along with modern medical treatments can improve the quality of life of individuals. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) and quality of life in narcotics anonymous patients. Methods This cross-sectional study was performed on 189 narcotics anonymous patients in southeastern Iran. Using questionnaires such as the demographic information, the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF), CAM, and satisfaction with the use of CAM, the researcher was able to compile a comprehensive picture of the population. Results The mean score of overall quality of life and general health was 64.02 ± 23.32. Overall, 66.1 percent (n = 125) of the participants reported using at least one type of CAM in the previous year. Last year, 25.9% of participants used at least one kind of CAM, 22.8% used two types of CAM, 7.9% used three types of CAM, and 4.8% used four to five types of CAM. Thirty-nine point seven percent of them reported using prayer, 36.5% reported using medicinal herbs, 15.3% of participants reported using massage, 14.3% of participants reported using dietary supplements, 12.2% reported using wet cupping, and 8.5% reported using meditation. There were no significant differences in physical, psychological, environmental, and overall quality of life between CAM users and non-CAM users. The prayer users had significantly higher scores in terms of social relationships, environment, and overall quality of life than nonprayer users. Employed participants and opium users had significantly higher overall quality of life than others. Conclusion Although there was no difference in quality of life between CAM and non-CAM users, the present study showed that prayer and medicinal herbs were the most commonly used methods among narcotics anonymous patients. However, prayer and religious beliefs were successful in improving the quality of life of these individuals. Physicians and other healthcare providers must advise patients with addiction to use different CAMs in order to improve their quality of life and quit narcotics. Future in-depth studies could help these patients use CAMs and improve their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahlagha Dehghan
- Department of Critical Care Nursing, Razi Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Sobhan Alaeifar
- Nursing Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | | | | | - Mina Salehi
- Nursing Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Asma Ghonchehpour
- Nursing Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Zakeri
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Ali-Ibn Abi-Talib Hospital, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
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12
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Antwi I, Watkins D, Pedawi A, Ghrayeb A, Van de Vuurst C, Cory TJ. Substances of abuse and their effect on SAR-CoV-2 pathogenesis. NEUROIMMUNE PHARMACOLOGY AND THERAPEUTICS 2023; 2:301-316. [PMID: 38013836 PMCID: PMC10474379 DOI: 10.1515/nipt-2023-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Following the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, various reports suggest that there has been a significant increase in substance abuse due to social distancing and related issues. Several reports have suggested the impact of chronic substance use on individuals' physiological and psychological health. Therefore, there is a need to know the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on persons with substance use disorders. Individuals with substance use disorders are the most vulnerable groups and are at a high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection due to their already existing health issues associated with substance use. This review discusses some of the molecular and systemic/organic effects chronic substance use such as alcohol, nicotine, marijuana (cannabis), opioids, methamphetamine, and cocaine have on SARS-CoV-2 infectivity and its potential cause for worsened disease outcomes in persons with substance use disorder. This will provide healthcare providers, public health policies, and researchers with the needed knowledge to address some of the many challenges faced during the Covid-19 pandemic to facilitate treatment strategies for persons with substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivy Antwi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Destiny Watkins
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Alahn Pedawi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Atheel Ghrayeb
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Christine Van de Vuurst
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Theodore J. Cory
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
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13
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Akbari M, Seydavi M, Babaeifard M, Firoozabadi MA, Nikčević AV, Spada MM. Psychometric properties and psychological correlates of the COVID-19 Anxiety Syndrome Scale: A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Psychol Psychother 2023; 30:931-949. [PMID: 37166175 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has led to the demise of millions of people worldwide; additionally, it has resulted in a significant economic and mental health burden. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, various measures have been constructed to evaluate pandemic-related fear and anxiety. The COVID-19 Anxiety Syndrome Scale (C-19ASS) is a promising measure that assesses coping strategies (e.g., avoidance, checking, worrying and threat monitoring), termed 'COVID-19 Anxiety Syndrome', in response to COVID-19 fear and anxiety. The measure has been broadly welcomed, leading to its use in Brazil (Portuguese), China, Greece, Indonesia, the Philippines, Iran (Farsi), Italy, Saudi Arabia (Arabic), Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. To gain a better understanding of the relevance of the COVID-19 Anxiety Syndrome, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the psychological correlates and psychometric properties of the C-19ASS. Through the analysis of a total of 17,789 individuals (age range 19-70; female = 33%-85%), the C-19ASS demonstrated a consistent factor structure, measurement invariance across gender and acceptable reliabilities. Furthermore, a significant association with COVID-19 anxiety, depressive symptoms, generalized anxiety, health anxiety, psychological distress and functional impairment (work and social adjustment) during the COVID-19 pandemic was observed. When considering the Big Five personality traits, the C-19ASS and its subscales were only significantly and negatively associated with extraversion; only the total score on the measure was associated with neuroticism. The observed effect sizes ranged from very small to medium. Given that all included studies (K = 24) were cross-sectional, and due to the nature of the COVID-19 Anxiety Syndrome, which may well persist after the pandemic ends, it is recommended to continue screening society for the persistence of this syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Akbari
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Seydavi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Babaeifard
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Akbarian Firoozabadi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Education, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ana V Nikčević
- Department of Psychology, School of Law, Social and Behavioural Sciences, Kingston University, Kingston, UK
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14
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Lana-Lander I, Muñoz-Galán R, Palacio-Vieira J, Majo-Roca X, Martínez-Carbonell E, Muga R, Colom J. Incidence and Determinants of COVID-19 in Patients Seeking Treatment for Substance Use Disorder: A Patient-Based Linkage Study. Eur Addict Res 2023; 29:333-343. [PMID: 37586329 PMCID: PMC10614235 DOI: 10.1159/000528647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People with substance use disorder (SUD) may be at increased risk of COVID-19 infection. However, there is little evidence regarding the incidence of and determinants associated with infection in this group. The aims of the study were to determine the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 among people who sought treatment for heroin, cocaine, cannabis, and alcohol use disorder in Catalonia; to identify sociodemographic, substance, and clinical determinants associated with COVID-19 infection among SUD patients; and to compare the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 infection in the population with SUD with that of the general population. METHODS A patient-based retrospective observational study was conducted. The study population comprised people who sought treatment for heroin, cocaine, cannabis, or alcohol use disorder in Catalonia in 2018 and 2019. We analysed cumulative incidence of COVID-19 (confirmed by PCR test) from 25 February to 31 December 2020. Additionally, we used a log-link binomial generalized linear model for COVID-19 infection, using the substance as the exposition, adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical variables. RESULTS Of the 23,092 individuals who sought treatment for SUD, 38.15% were considered suspected cases of COVID-19, and 2.60% (95% CI = 2.41-2.82) were confirmed positive for COVID-19 by PCR test during the study period. Those who sought treatment for alcohol use (cumulative incidence of COVID-19 of 3% [95% CI = 2.70-3.34]) had a higher risk ratio than, those who sought treatment for heroin use (cumulative incidence of 1.94% [95% CI = 1.47-2.56]). Being born outside of Spain, living in an institutionalized residence, having HIV, and being in a high morbidity group were associated with higher risk of COVID-19 infection. Meanwhile, the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 in the general population, according to public COVID-19 test data, was 3.86% (95% CI = 3.85-3.87). CONCLUSION This study did not find higher cumulative incidence of COVID-19 infection among people with SUD in Catalonia in 2020, despite the clinical vulnerability of this population and their social disadvantage. However, differences were seen in the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 according to the substance for which treatment was sought. For example, those with alcohol dependence had a higher rate than those dependent on heroin. Further studies are needed to determine the factors contributing to these differences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Lana-Lander
- Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Department of Health, Government of Catalonia, Programme on Substance Abuse, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Regina Muñoz-Galán
- Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Department of Health, Government of Catalonia, Programme on Substance Abuse, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Palacio-Vieira
- Centre for Epidemiological Studies on Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV/AIDS of Catalonia (CEEISCAT), Badalona, Spain
| | - Xavier Majo-Roca
- Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Department of Health, Government of Catalonia, Programme on Substance Abuse, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Robert Muga
- Servei de Medicina Interna, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joan Colom
- Public Health Agency of Catalonia, Department of Health, Government of Catalonia, Programme on Substance Abuse, Barcelona, Spain
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15
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Ali F, Kaura A, Russell C, Bonn M, Bruneau J, Dasgupta N, Imtiaz S, Martel-Laferrière V, Rehm J, Shahin R, Elton-Marshall T. Identifying barriers and facilitators to COVID-19 vaccination uptake among People Who Use Drugs in Canada: a National Qualitative Study. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:99. [PMID: 37516836 PMCID: PMC10387201 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00826-6] [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: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) have lower vaccination uptake than the general population, and disproportionately experience the burden of harms from vaccine-preventable diseases. We conducted a national qualitative study to: (1) identify the barriers and facilitators to receiving COVID-19 vaccinations among PWUD; and (2) identify interventions to support PWUD in their decision-making. METHODS Between March and October 2022, semi-structured interviews with PWUD across Canada were conducted. Fully vaccinated (2 or more doses) and partially or unvaccinated (1 dose or less) participants were recruited from a convenience sample to participate in telephone interviews to discuss facilitators, barriers, and concerns about receiving COVID-19 vaccines and subsequent boosters, and ways to address concerns. A total of 78 PWUD participated in the study, with 50 participants being fully vaccinated and 28 participants partially or unvaccinated. Using thematic analysis, interviews were coded based on the capability, opportunity, and motivation-behavior (COM-B) framework. RESULTS Many partially or unvaccinated participants reported lacking knowledge about the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly in terms of its usefulness and benefits. Some participants reported lacking knowledge around potential long-term side effects of the vaccine, and the differences of the various vaccine brands. Distrust toward government and healthcare agencies, the unprecedented rapidity of vaccine development and skepticism of vaccine effectiveness were also noted as barriers. Facilitators for vaccination included a desire to protect oneself or others and compliance with government mandates which required individuals to get vaccinated in order to access services, attend work or travel. To improve vaccination uptake, the most trusted and appropriate avenues for vaccination information sharing were identified by participants to be people with lived and living experience with drug use (PWLLE), harm reduction workers, or healthcare providers working within settings commonly visited by PWUD. CONCLUSION PWLLE should be supported to design tailored information to reduce barriers and address mistrust. Resources addressing knowledge gaps should be disseminated in areas and through organizations where PWUD frequently access, such as harm reduction services and social media platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farihah Ali
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Toronto, Canada.
- Ontario CRISM Node Team (OCRINT), IMHPR, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Room 2035, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Ashima Kaura
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Toronto, Canada
| | - Cayley Russell
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Toronto, Canada
- Ontario CRISM Node Team (OCRINT), IMHPR, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Room 2035, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Canada
| | - Matthew Bonn
- Canadian Association of People Who Use Drugs, Dartmouth, NS, Canada
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), 900 Saint-Denis Street, Montreal, QC, H2X 0A9, Canada
- Department of Family and Emergency Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, 2900 Boul, Edouard-Montpetit, Montreal, QC, H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Nabarun Dasgupta
- Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sameer Imtiaz
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Toronto, Canada
| | - Valérie Martel-Laferrière
- Centre de Recherche du Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jürgen Rehm
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Institute for Mental Health Policy Research, Toronto, Canada
- Ontario CRISM Node Team (OCRINT), IMHPR, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Room 2035, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, & Institute of Medical Science (IMS), Toronto, Canada
- 1 King's College Circle, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), 1001 Queen St. West, Toronto, ON, M6J 1H4, Canada
- Institut Für Klinische Psychologie Und Psychotherapie, Technische Universität Dresden, Chemnitzer Str. 46, 01187, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Center for Interdisciplinary Addiction Research (ZIS), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Tara Elton-Marshall
- Ontario CRISM Node Team (OCRINT), IMHPR, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Room 2035, 33 Russell Street, Toronto, Canada
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
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16
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Fedorova EV, Wong CF, Conn BM, Ataiants J, Lankenau SE. COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Attitudes Within Two Cohorts of Younger Adult Cannabis Users. JOURNAL OF DRUG ISSUES 2023; 53:422-430. [PMID: 38603185 PMCID: PMC9527554 DOI: 10.1177/00220426221131488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
It is crucial to understand COVID-19 vaccine uptake and attitudes among young adult cannabis users given the lowest vaccination rates among young adults and negative association between cannabis use and willingness to get vaccinated. 18-21-year-old and 26-33-year-old cohorts of cannabis users, recruited in California, were surveyed about the COVID-19 vaccine uptake/attitudes between March-August 2021. Cannabis use/demographic differences were investigated by vaccination status. Vaccine attitudes data were categorized and presented descriptively. 44.4% of the older and 71.8% of the younger cohorts were vaccinated. Non-Hispanic Black/African American race/ethnicity, lack of health insurance, and medicinal orientation towards cannabis use were negatively associated with vaccine receipt within the older cohort. For both cohorts, top reasons for vaccine hesitancy and rejection were concerns about speed of development, potential side effects, natural immunity, and lack of trust of vaccines. Our results highlight greater vaccine hesitance/rejection and need for targeted interventions among mid-20's-early-30's cannabis users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina V. Fedorova
- Department of Community Health and
Prevention, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Carolyn F. Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of
Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Research on Children, Youth,
and Families, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Bridgid M. Conn
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of
Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Janna Ataiants
- Department of Community Health and
Prevention, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephen E. Lankenau
- Department of Community Health and
Prevention, Dornsife School of Public Health, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Carroll JJ, Rossi SL, Vetrova MV, Blokhina E, Sereda Y, Lioznov D, Luoma J, Kiriazova T, Lunze K. The impacts of COVID-19 on structural inequities faced by people living with HIV who inject drugs: A qualitative study in St. Petersburg, Russia. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 117:104060. [PMID: 37210965 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) living with HIV may be disproportionately impacted by pandemic restrictions. This study qualitatively explored the impacts of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on PWID with HIV in St. Petersburg, Russia. METHODS In March and April 2021, we conducted remote, semi-structured interviews with PWID with HIV, health care providers, and harm reductionists. RESULTS We interviewed 25 PWID with HIV (aged 28-56 years, 46% female) and 11 providers. The pandemic exacerbated economic and psychological challenges experienced by PWID with HIV. Simultaneously, barriers to HIV care access, ART prescription refill and dispensing and police violence, which hindered the health and safety of PWID with HIV, were themselves hindered from normal operations by the pandemic, significantly reducing these burdens. CONCLUSION Pandemic responses should account for the unique vulnerabilities of PWID with HIV to avoid worsening the structural violence they already experience. Wherever the pandemic decreased structural barriers, such as institutional, administrative, and bureaucratic challenges and state violence enacted by police and other elements of the criminal justice system, such changes should be protected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J Carroll
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, North Carolina State University, 10 Current Drive, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA; Warren Alpert School of Medicine at Brown University, 222 Richmond St, Providence, RI, 02903 USA.
| | - Sarah L Rossi
- Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Ave, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Marina V Vetrova
- Pavlov University, 11 Komendantsky pr., office 45N, St. Petersburg, 197227, Russia
| | - Elena Blokhina
- Pavlov University, 11 Komendantsky pr., office 45N, St. Petersburg, 197227, Russia
| | - Yuliia Sereda
- Ukrainian Institute on Public Health Policy, 10 B. Khmelnytskoho St., Apt. 60, Kyiv, 01054, Ukraine; Smorodintsev Research Institute of Influenza, 15/17 Popov St., St. Petersburg, 197376, Russia
| | - Dmitry Lioznov
- Pavlov University, 11 Komendantsky pr., office 45N, St. Petersburg, 197227, Russia
| | - Jason Luoma
- Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Training, and Research Center, 3700N Williams Ave, Portland, OR, 97227, USA
| | - Tetiana Kiriazova
- Ukrainian Institute on Public Health Policy, 10 B. Khmelnytskoho St., Apt. 60, Kyiv, 01054, Ukraine
| | - Karsten Lunze
- Department of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, 801 Massachusetts Ave, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA, 02118, USA; School of Medicine, Boston University, 72 E Concord St, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
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18
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Huang Y. COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness in people with substance use disorder. Lancet Psychiatry 2023; 10:372-373. [PMID: 37141908 PMCID: PMC10151030 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(23)00149-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yueqin Huang
- National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Peking University Sixth Hospital and NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, Peking University, Beijing 100083, China.
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Huang C, Wei Y, Yan VKC, Ye X, Kang W, Yiu HHE, Shami JJP, Cowling BJ, Tse ML, Castle DJ, Chui CSL, Lai FTT, Li X, Wan EYF, Wong CKH, Hayes JF, Chang WC, Chung AKK, Lau CS, Wong ICK, Chan EW. Vaccine effectiveness of BNT162b2 and CoronaVac against SARS-CoV-2 omicron infection and related hospital admission among people with substance use disorder in Hong Kong: a matched case-control study. Lancet Psychiatry 2023; 10:403-413. [PMID: 37141907 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(23)00111-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with substance use disorder have a high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent poor outcomes. Few studies have evaluated COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness among people with substance use disorder. We aimed to estimate the vaccine effectiveness of BNT162b2 (Fosun-BioNTech) and CoronaVac (Sinovac) against SARS-CoV-2 omicron (B.1.1.529) infection and related hospital admission in this population. METHODS We did a matched case-control study using electronic health databases in Hong Kong. Individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder between Jan 1, 2016, and Jan 1, 2022, were identified. People aged 18 years and older with SARS-CoV-2 infection from Jan 1 to May 31, 2022, and people with COVID-19-related hospital admission from Feb 16 to May 31, 2022, were included as cases and were matched by age, sex, and previous clinical history with controls from all individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder who attended the Hospital Authority health services: up to three controls for SARS-CoV-2 infection and up to ten controls for hospital admission. Conditional logistical regression was used to evaluate the association between vaccination status (ie, one, two, or three doses of BNT162b2 or CoronaVac) and the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19-related hospital admission, adjusted for baseline comorbidities and medication use. FINDINGS Among 57 674 individuals with substance use disorder, 9523 people with SARS-CoV-2 infections (mean age 61·00 years, SD 14·90; 8075 [84·8%] males and 1448 [15·2%] females) were identified and matched to 28 217 controls (mean age 60·99 years, 14·67; 24 006 [85·1%] males and 4211 [14·9%] females), and 843 people with COVID-19-related hospital admissions (mean age 70·48 years, SD 14·68; 754 [89·4%] males and 89 [10·6%] females) were identified and matched to 7459 controls (mean age 70·24 years, 13·87; 6837 [91·7%] males and 622 [8·3%] females). Data on ethnicity were not available. We observed significant vaccine effectiveness against SARS-CoV-2 infection for two-dose BNT162b2 vaccination (20·7%, 95% CI 14·0-27·0, p<0·0001) and three-dose vaccination (all BNT162b2 41·5%, 34·4-47·8, p<0·0001; all CoronaVac 13·6%, 5·4-21·0, p=0·0015; BNT162b2 booster after two-dose CoronaVac 31·3%, 19·8-41·1, p<0·0001), but not for one dose of either vaccine or two doses of CoronaVac. Significant vaccine effectiveness against COVID-19-related hospital admission was detected after one dose of BNT162b2 vaccination (35·7%, 3·8-57·1, p=0·032), two-dose vaccination (both BNT162b2 73·3%, 64·3 to 80·0, p<0·0001; both CoronaVac 59·9%, 50·2-67·7, p<0·0001), and three-dose vaccination (all BNT162b2 86·3%, 75·6-92·3, p<0·0001; all CoronaVac 73·5% 61·0-81·9, p<0·0001; BNT162b2 booster after two-dose CoronaVac 83·7%, 64·6-92·5, p<0·0001), but not after one dose of CoronaVac. INTERPRETATION For both BNT162b2 and CoronaVac, two-dose or three-dose vaccination was protective against COVID-19-related hospital admission and the booster dose provided protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection among people with substance use disorder. Our findings confirm the importance of booster doses in this population during the period dominated by the omicron variant. FUNDING Health Bureau, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caige Huang
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yue Wei
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Vincent K C Yan
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Xuxiao Ye
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Wei Kang
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Hei Hang Edmund Yiu
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Jessica J P Shami
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Benjamin J Cowling
- WHO Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D(2)4H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Man Li Tse
- Hong Kong Poison Information Centre, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - David J Castle
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Celine S L Chui
- School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; School of Nursing, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D(2)4H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Francisco T T Lai
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D(2)4H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Xue Li
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D(2)4H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Eric Y F Wan
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D(2)4H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Carlos K H Wong
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D(2)4H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Joseph F Hayes
- Division of Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Wing Chung Chang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Albert K K Chung
- School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Queen Mary Hospital, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Chak Sing Lau
- Department of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Ian C K Wong
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D(2)4H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Aston School of Pharmacy, Aston University, Birmingham, UK; Expert Committee on Clinical Events Assessment Following COVID-19 Immunization, Department of Health, The Government of the Hong Kong SAR, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Esther W Chan
- Centre for Safe Medication Practice and Research, Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health (D(2)4H), Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China; Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Hospital and Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation, University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.
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20
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Morse SC, Fockele C, Huynh LN, Zatzick A, Whiteside LK. A qualitative study of people who use methamphetamine during the early COVID-19 pandemic to inform future ED harm reduction strategies. Int J Emerg Med 2023; 16:30. [PMID: 37106338 PMCID: PMC10139825 DOI: 10.1186/s12245-023-00505-0] [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: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Morbidity and mortality rates related to methamphetamine are on the rise. Simultaneously, social-distancing guidelines were issued in March 2020 to decrease transmission of COVID-19. The aim of this study was to explore concerns regarding methamphetamine use during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent harm reduction strategies with patients who use methamphetamine to inform emergency department (ED)-based harm reduction approaches. METHODS A mixed-methods study of adults residing in Washington with high-risk methamphetamine use and a recent ED visit from April-September 2020 was performed. Participants completed a survey and a semi-structured interview on perceptions and experiences of COVID-19. Descriptive statistics were used for survey responses. Interview transcripts were analyzed and guided by modified grounded theory using an iterative approach to refine the guide and codebook. Interviews were independently coded by 2 investigators and discussed until consensus. RESULTS Twenty-five participants completed the survey; 20 participants were interviewed (45% recently used heroin, 40% unstably housed). Thirty-five percent was worried about COVID-19 infection. Three themes emerged from the interviews: (1) increase in meth use, (2) interplay of meth obtention and COVID-19, and (3) interactions with healthcare and social services. CONCLUSIONS People who use methamphetamine noted an increase in use along with the social distancing guidelines put in place for COVID-19 and employed a variety of harm reduction profiles when obtaining methamphetamine. Also, the pandemic brought difficulties in accessing care and amplified mistrust in healthcare instructions and public health messages. Based on these qualitative interviews, further work should consider aligning methamphetamine and COVID-19 harm reduction messages and working with trusted community resources to improve harm reduction strategies for methamphetamine use and COVID-19. IRB: Informed Consent by the University of Washington Human Subjects Division (approval number, STUDY00009277).
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie C Morse
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Callan Fockele
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ly Ngoc Huynh
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alina Zatzick
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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21
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Bantounou MA. A narrative review of the use of alcohol during the Covid-19 pandemic; effects and implications. J Addict Dis 2023; 41:30-40. [PMID: 35373718 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2022.2058852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The Covid-19 pandemic created an environment wherein stress and isolation could increase alcohol consumption. The effects of alcohol consumption on Covid-19 susceptibility and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on alcohol use, related harms and services were explored.Search terms were inputted to Medline and Embase databases, with relevant published papers written in English chosen.Alcohol ingestion both increased and decreased throughout the population globally, however, the overall trend was an increase. Risk factors for this included female sex, young age, family conflicts, unemployment, mental health disorders, substance misuse and lack of support. Alcohol misuse was found to be an aggravator of domestic violence and worsening mental health. It exacerbated the risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2 and worsened the Covid-19 infection severity, with >10 drinks/week increasing the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) risk similarly to established risk factors. This was attributed to the immunosuppressive and disinhibition effects of alcohol. Therefore, healthcare professionals should provide support to vulnerable groups, encouraging stress reduction, healthy habits, limiting alcohol consumption (<5 drinks/week) and promoting coping techniques. Self-help tools that monitor individual alcohol intake and psychosocial interventions in a primary care setting can also be employed. Finally, governing bodies should inform the public of the risks of alcohol ingestion during the Covid-19 pandemic.Thus, the Covid-19 pandemic could create a cycle whereby alcohol misuse could become a risk factor for Covid-19 infection and the Covid-19 pandemic could become a risk factor for alcohol misuse. Healthcare professionals should counsel people on alcohol misuse risk and protective factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Bantounou
- School of Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.,Department of Pharmacy, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, UK
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22
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Friske MM, Giannone F, Senger M, Seitz R, Hansson AC, Spanagel R. Chronic alcohol intake regulates expression of SARS-CoV2 infection-relevant genes in an organ-specific manner. ALCOHOL, CLINICAL & EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH 2023; 47:76-86. [PMID: 36774629 DOI: 10.1111/acer.14981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorder have a tremendous impact on the patient's psychological and physiological health. There is evidence that chronic alcohol consumption influences SARS-CoV2 infection risk, but so far, the molecular mechanism underlying such an effect is unknown. METHODS We generated the expression data of SARS-CoV2 infection-relevant genes (Ace2, Tmprss2, and Mas) in different organs in rat models of chronic alcohol exposure and alcohol dependence. Ace2 and Tmprss2 represent the virus entry point, whereas Mas activates the anti-inflammatory response once the cells are infected. RESULTS Across three different chronic alcohol test conditions, we found a consistent upregulation of Ace2 gene expression in the lung, which has been shown to be the most affected organ in COVID-19 patients. Other organs such as liver, ileum, kidney, heart, and brain also showed upregulation of Ace2 and Mas gene expression but less consistently across the different animal models, while Tmprss2 expression was unaffected in all conditions. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that alcohol-induced upregulation of Ace2 gene expression can lead to an elevated stochastic probability of virus entry into cells and may thus confer a molecular risk for SARS-CoV2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion M Friske
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Institute of Psychopharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Francesco Giannone
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Institute of Psychopharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mona Senger
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Institute of Psychopharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Robin Seitz
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Institute of Psychopharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anita C Hansson
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Institute of Psychopharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rainer Spanagel
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Institute of Psychopharmacology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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23
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Keim CK, Schwartz RA, Kapila R. Levamisole-induced and COVID-19-induced retiform purpura: two overlapping, emerging clinical syndromes. Arch Dermatol Res 2023; 315:265-273. [PMID: 34807290 PMCID: PMC8607060 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-021-02303-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Levamisole exposure in cocaine users is a well-recognized cause of retiform purpura, a distinctive net-like maculopapular patch. Prolonged exposure to levamisole can lead to a serious systemic syndrome known as levamisole-induced vasculitis, most commonly involving the kidneys and lungs. More recently, retiform purpura has been observed in patients with the novel coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19). Due to their overlapping dermatologic and systemic manifestations, levamisole-induced and COVID-19-induced retiform purpura may mimic one another in clinical presentation. The possibility that patients may present with one or both syndromes creates a diagnostic challenge. This review of levamisole-induced and COVID-19-induced retiform purpura highlights their corresponding and distinctive features. Additionally, we propose a unique staging system for levamisole-induced retiform purpura that may be valid for future classification of COVID-19-induced retiform purpura.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine K. Keim
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, MSB H-576, 185 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103 USA
| | - Robert A. Schwartz
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Dermatology and Pathology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, MSB H-576, 185 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103 USA
| | - Rajendra Kapila
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796Infectious Diseases, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, MSB H-576, 185 South Orange Ave, Newark, NJ 07103 USA
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24
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Callander D, Thilani Singham Goodwin A, Duncan DT, Grov C, El-Sadr W, Grant M, Thompson RJ, Simmons M, Oshiro-Brantly JL, Bhatt KJ, Meunier É. "What will we do if we get infected?": An interview-based study of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on the health and safety of sex workers in the United States. SSM. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH IN HEALTH 2022; 2:100027. [PMID: 34901921 PMCID: PMC8653407 DOI: 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2021.100027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that sex workers face unique and profound risks arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. To illuminate the pandemic's effects on sex worker health and safety and identify intervention opportunities, from May-August 2020 in-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 15 sex workers, four service providers and two individuals who were both. Sampled sex workers included eight people of color, eight cisgender women, five cisgender men, three non-binary people, and one transgender woman. Using Conservation of Resources Theory to define impacts on sex worker resources and resulting health and safety implications, a deductive thematic analysis was conducted. Seven resources were threatened due to the pandemic: work opportunity, sex work venues, social support, health services, money, food, and housing. The loss of these resources was exacerbated by stigma - notably sex work criminalization - and significantly undermined health and safety by increasing food and housing instability, increasing risks of violence, and diminishing safer sex negotiation. Six resources were activated in response: social support, digital skills, health knowledge, non-sex work employment, money, and resilience. While social support had numerous benefits, investing digital skills and non-sex work employment were generally of limited impact. The pandemic's negative health and safety effects were most profound at the intersections of race, gender, class, and migration status. These findings suggest sex workers need urgent and ongoing support, with investments in social support and sex work decriminalization likely to have the greatest effects on health and safety relative to and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alicia Thilani Singham Goodwin
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Dustin T Duncan
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Christian Grov
- Department of Community Health and Social Sciences, CUNY Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, 55 W 125th St, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Wafaa El-Sadr
- ICAP at Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Mariah Grant
- Sex Workers Project, Urban Justice Center, 40 Rector St, New York, NY, 10006, USA
| | - R J Thompson
- Sex Workers Project, Urban Justice Center, 40 Rector St, New York, NY, 10006, USA
| | - Molly Simmons
- Sex Workers Outreach Project Brooklyn, 1167 President St, New York, NY, 11225, USA
| | - J Leigh Oshiro-Brantly
- Decriminalize Sex Work, 360 Nueces Street, Austin, TX, 78701, USA
- New York Transgender Advocacy Group, 215 W 125th St, New York, NY, 10027, USA
- New York State Gender Diversity Coalition, 215 W 125th St, New York, NY, 10027, USA
| | - Krish J Bhatt
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168th Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Étienne Meunier
- Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, 722 W 168Street, New York, NY, 10032, USA
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25
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Carver H, Parkes T, Masterton W, Booth H, Ball L, Murdoch H, Falzon D, Pauly BM. The Potential for Managed Alcohol Programmes in Scotland during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Exploration of Key Areas for Implementation Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15207. [PMID: 36429926 PMCID: PMC9690644 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
People experiencing homelessness and alcohol dependence are at increased risk of a range of harms, including from COVID-19. Managed Alcohol Programmes (MAPs) are an alcohol harm reduction intervention specifically for this group. In this paper we report on qualitative findings of a mixed methods study investigating the potential utility of MAPs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Scotland. Interviews, conducted with 40 participants, explored potential views of implementing MAPs during the pandemic. Theoretically, we drew on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to inform data collection and analysis. Six themes were identified which mapped onto three CFIR domains: perceptions of MAPs and the evidence base; necessary components of MAPs; changing culture of alcohol harm reduction; MAPs as a moral and ethical grey area; addressing a service gap; and securing buy-in and partnership working. Participants were generally positive about MAPs and viewed them as a key intervention to address a service gap. Several necessary components were identified for successful implementation of MAPs. Securing buy-in from a range of stakeholders and partnership working were deemed important. Finally, MAPs require careful, long-term planning before implementation. We conclude that MAPs are needed in Scotland and require long-term funding and appropriate resources to ensure they are successful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Carver
- Salvation Army Centre for Addiction Services and Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Tessa Parkes
- Salvation Army Centre for Addiction Services and Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Wendy Masterton
- Salvation Army Centre for Addiction Services and Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Hazel Booth
- Salvation Army Centre for Addiction Services and Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Lee Ball
- Homelessness Services Unit, The Salvation Army, London SE1 6BN, UK
| | - Helen Murdoch
- Homelessness Services Unit, The Salvation Army, London SE1 6BN, UK
| | - Danilo Falzon
- Salvation Army Centre for Addiction Services and Research, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK
| | - Bernie M. Pauly
- Canadian Institute for Substance Use Research, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
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26
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Ashworth M, Thompson R, Fletcher E, Clancy GL, Johnson D. Recovery housing predictors of closure risk during COVID-19. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2022.2144505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Madison Ashworth
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Fletcher Group, Inc, London, KY, USA
- Department of Economics, University of Wyoming, Laramie WY, USA
| | - Robin Thompson
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Fletcher Group, Inc, London, KY, USA
| | - Ernest Fletcher
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Fletcher Group, Inc, London, KY, USA
| | - Grace L. Clancy
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Fletcher Group, Inc, London, KY, USA
| | - David Johnson
- Department of Research and Evaluation, Fletcher Group, Inc, London, KY, USA
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27
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Experiences with Eviction, House Foreclosure, and Homelessness Among COVID-19 Infected Adults and Their Relation to Mental Health in a Large U.S. City. J Community Health 2022; 48:218-227. [PMID: 36369286 PMCID: PMC9651872 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-022-01166-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
This study examined experiences with eviction, house foreclosures, and homelessness in a large U.S. city sample of adults with Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19). A total of 3595 adults with COVID-19 participated in an assessment of health and well-being after completing contact tracing activities. The sample had a 5.7% lifetime prevalence of eviction, 3.7% lifetime prevalence of house foreclosure, and 8.2% lifetime prevalence of homelessness. Relative importance analyses revealed drug use was the most important variable associated with any lifetime eviction, lifetime house foreclosure, lifetime homelessness, and being currently at-risk of eviction or recently evicted. Loneliness was also relatively strongly associated with any lifetime eviction or homelessness, while socioeconomic characteristics were the most importance variables associated with late mortgage payments in the past month. Treatment for addiction problems may be important for in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and adults with histories of housing instability may be particularly at risk.
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28
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Mirahmadizadeh A, Maleki Z, Miyar A, Sahebi R, Dadvar A, Moradian MJ, Rastegarfar B, Daliri M, Mohammadi Abnavi M, Ghaem H. Prognosis of COVID-19 infection among opium users in Iran,2020: a hospital-based study. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2022.2144499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Mirahmadizadeh
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Maleki
- Student Research committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ata Miyar
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario (Western University), London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Roya Sahebi
- Department of Epidemiology, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Javad Moradian
- Department of Disaster Public Health, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Trauma Research Center, Shahid Rajaee (Emtiaz) Trauma Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Behnaz Rastegarfar
- Department of Disaster Public Health, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masumeh Daliri
- Student Research committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | | | - Haleh Ghaem
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Department of Epidemiology, School of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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29
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Shankar R, Bhattacharya V. Trends in Substance Use and Abuse During COVID-19 Among the General Population. ADDICTION & HEALTH 2022; 14:296-308. [PMID: 37559794 PMCID: PMC10408753 DOI: 10.34172/ahj.2022.1274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND COVID-19 pandemic has brought many public health issues, including substance use and abuse. Individuals abusing substances are vulnerable to severe infections caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus as well as impairment of the immune system, mental health, and physical health. Despite considerable efforts to minimize and prevent substance use, the use of tobacco, alcohol, and illicit substances is ever increasing resulting in morbidity and mortality which significantly leads to socio-economic costs. METHODS A quantitative review of the literature searched in PubMed and Google Scholar databases yielded a total of 1416 studies among which 27 cross-sectional studies, conducted on the general population of 15 and above years of age, were selected based on the eligibility criteria. FINDINGS A sample of 1,021,118 individuals were investigated in this study. The most commonly used substances were marijuana (100%), methadone (69.86%), and large cigar (60%). A total of 26 substances were reported to have been used during pandemic, 13 of which showed trends in usage (increased/decreased/no change). Of the total sample, 45.89% were males, 54.14% females, and 1.28% others. CONCLUSION Everyone and anyone is susceptible to alcohol, tobacco, and other substance use and abuse at different stages of their lives. Therefore, the need for effective preventive strategies is critical in community efforts to combat substance abuse. Combined efforts from local and global stakeholders will lead to curbing the issue of substance use and abuse worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajashree Shankar
- Department of Public Health, The National Institute of Health and Family Welfare, Baba Gang Nath Marg, New Delhi, 110064, India
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Chong WWY, Acar ZI, West ML, Wong F. A Scoping Review on the Medical and Recreational Use of Cannabis During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2022; 7:591-602. [PMID: 34981958 PMCID: PMC9587770 DOI: 10.1089/can.2021.0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Introduction: The shelter-in-place orders and social distancing regulations on account of the COVID-19 pandemic have impacted lifestyles, including the use of cannabis. The purpose of this scoping review is to summarize both the gray and academic literature on the use of cannabis during the pandemic. Materials and Methods: A total of 11 databases, including 2 medical databases, 7 social science databases, and 2 gray literature databases were searched resulting in 316 titles and abstracts of which 76 met inclusion criteria. Results: Nine themes emerged: (a) prevalence and trends of cannabis use during COVID[1]19; (b) demographics; (c) profile of mode of consumption; (d) context of using cannabis (i.e., solitary use vs. in groups); (e) factors contributing to use; (f) factors inhibiting use; (g) adverse clinical and psychiatric outcomes of cannabis use during the pandemic; (h) similarities between EVALI (E-Cigarette or Vaping Product Use-Associated Lung Injury) and COVID-19 symptoms; (i) implications for policy and practice. Studies published until February 2, 2021 were included in this review. Discussion: Findings have highlighted that feelings of boredom, depression, and anxiety during the pandemic have contributed to an increase in the use of cannabis. Furthermore, accessibility to cannabis was noted to affect use during the pandemic. Adverse psychiatric and clinical outcomes were associated with the increased use of cannabis. Conclusion: Practitioners and policymakers are called to employ harm reduction strategies to respond to increasing cannabis use. There is a need for population-based studies and further examination of factors contributing to the increased use of cannabis during the pandemic and associated negative consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy Wing-Yee Chong
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zeynep Ilgaz Acar
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meghan Lee West
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Francis Wong
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Finstad J, Clausen T, Rosseland LA, Røise O, Havnes IA. Patient Experiences after Physical Trauma: The Negative Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Recovery. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12258. [PMID: 36231553 PMCID: PMC9566588 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic generated a crisis within the healthcare system, during which acute, COVID-19-related health needs were prioritized over less urgent needs, including vulnerable subgroups. This study explored experiences of recovery among survivors of physical injuries associated with severe pain during the COVID-19 pandemic in Norway. In-depth interviews were conducted among 13 participants. Findings generated by a thematic analysis revealed that the pandemic, including the contagion control measures and interrupted healthcare, were of negative consequence for the participants' recovery experiences and mental and physical health. Despite experiencing severe pain and perceived needs for support, the participants experienced being deprioritized by the healthcare system. They experienced a reduced capacity to cope with pandemic-related stress and to perform everyday tasks, which they perceived as generating an additional burden for their loved ones. Alcohol was reported to be used in an effort to relieve the associated mental distress. As suggested by this study, injury survivors constitute a vulnerable subgroup for whom the continuity of rehabilitation services during a national crisis, as well as the integration of mental health support, can be essential for mitigating the negative impact of the crisis on recovery and for promoting optimal long-term health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanette Finstad
- Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Department of Research and Development, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4956, 0424 Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1171, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Clausen
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1039, 0315 Oslo, Norway
| | - Leiv Arne Rosseland
- Division of Emergencies and Critical Care, Department of Research and Development, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4956, 0424 Oslo, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1171, 0318 Oslo, Norway
| | - Olav Røise
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1171, 0318 Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Trauma Registry, Division of Orthopedic Surgery, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4956, 0424 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingrid A. Havnes
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, P.O. Box 1171, 0318 Oslo, Norway
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, P.O. Box 4959, 0424 Oslo, Norway
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Habtewold EM, Dassie GA, Abaya SG, Debela EA, Bayissa BL, Girsha WD, Abebe AD, Sori HL, Komicha MA, Sori BK, Bajiga GS, Heyi ML, Iticha DG, Jiru TK, Hurissa MB, Bayisa DA, Amante LT, Sima YA, Dhaba DG. Survival Patterns and Predictors of Mortality among COVID-19 Patients Admitted to Treatment Centers in Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Infect Drug Resist 2022; 15:5233-5247. [PMID: 36090606 PMCID: PMC9462951 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s355060] [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: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose To assess survival patterns and predictors of mortality among patients admitted with COVID-19 to treatment centers in the Oromia region of Ethiopia from April 1 to August 31, 2021. Methods A prospective cohort study design was employed, taking a sample of 854 patients selected from eight treatment centers in the region. The follow-up duration was the time interval from admission to the treatment center until the final disposition of patients at discharge (death, recovery, or failed to recover). Data were collected by computer tablet with an interviewer-administered questionnaire and checklist designed using CSPro 7.5 and exported to Stata 13 for analysis. Descriptive analysis was used to explore the characteristics of patients. The mortality rate was estimated by number of deaths per 1,000 person-days of observation. The survival duration was estimated by medians with IQR. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare the survival experiences of patients. To identify the predictors of time to death after hospitalization, a Cox proportional-hazard model was used. The magnitude of association was estimated using HRs with 95% CIs, and statistical significance was set at P<0.05. Results The mortality rate among hospitalized patients was 9.9 per 1,000 person-days of observation and the median survival time after admission was 9 (IQR 9-10) days. Higher hazard of death was observed among patients who drank alcohol (AHR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2-3.3), required anticoagulants (AHR 10, 95% CI 1.2-91.5), glucocorticoids (AHR 1.7, 95% CI 1.1-2.8), and oxygen (AHR 4.7, 95% CI 1.1-22.0), those with acute respiratory distress syndrome (AHR 2.9, 95% CI 1.7-5.1), and critical patients admitted to intensive care units (AHR 3.4, 95% CI 2.0-5.9). Conclusion The hazard of death is significantly predicted by alcohol use, requiring anticoagulants, glucocorticoids, or oxygen medication, acute respiratory distress syndrome complication, and being critical when admitted to intensive care units.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ephrem Mannekulih Habtewold
- Department of Public Health, Adama Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Medical College, Adama, Ethiopia,Correspondence: Ephrem Mannekulih Habtewold, Correspondence: Tel +251-91-336-5954, Email
| | - Godana Arero Dassie
- Department of Public Health, Adama Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Medical College, Adama, Ethiopia
| | - Shileshi Garoma Abaya
- Department of Public Health, Adama Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Medical College, Adama, Ethiopia
| | - Endashaw Abebe Debela
- Department of Internal Medicine, Adama Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Medical College, Adama, Ethiopia
| | - Bekana Lemessa Bayissa
- Department of Surgery, Adama Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Medical College, Adama, Ethiopia
| | - Worku Dugassa Girsha
- Department of Public Health, Adama Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Medical College, Adama, Ethiopia
| | - Alem Deksisa Abebe
- Department of Public Health, Adama Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Medical College, Adama, Ethiopia
| | - Hunde Lemi Sori
- Department of Public Health, Adama Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Medical College, Adama, Ethiopia
| | - Meyrema Abdo Komicha
- Department of Public Health, Adama Comprehensive Specialized Hospital Medical College, Adama, Ethiopia
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Dir AL, Tillson M, Aalsma MC, Staton M, Staton M, Watson D. Impacts of COVID-19 at the intersection of substance use disorder treatment and criminal justice systems: findings from three states. HEALTH & JUSTICE 2022; 10:25. [PMID: 35922684 PMCID: PMC9351174 DOI: 10.1186/s40352-022-00184-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with substance use disorders (SUD), particularly opioid use disorder (OUD), who are criminal justice-involved are a particularly vulnerable population that has been adversely affected by COVID-19 due to impacts of the pandemic on both the criminal justice and treatment systems. The manuscript presents qualitative data and findings exploring issues related to SUD/OUD treatment among individuals involved in the justice system and the impacts of COVID-19 on these service systems. Qualitative data were collected separately by teams from three different research hubs/sites in Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky; at each hub, data were collected from justice system personnel (n = 17) and community-level SUD/OUD providers (n = 21). Codes from two hubs were reviewed and merged to develop the cross-hub coding list. The combined codes were used deductively to analyze the third hub's data, and higher-level themes were then developed across all the hubs' data. RESULTS Themes reflected the justice and treatment systems' responses to COVID-19, the intersection of systems and COVID-19's impact on providing OUD treatment for such individuals, and the use of telehealth and telejustice. CONCLUSIONS Results highlight that despite rapid adaptations made by systems during the pandemic, additional work is needed to better support individuals with OUD who are involved in the justice system. Such work can inform longer-term public health crisis planning to improve community OUD treatment access and linkage for those who are criminal justice-involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allyson L. Dir
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine, 410 W 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
- Adolescent Behavioral Health Research Program, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 410 W 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
| | - Martha Tillson
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 643 Maxwelton Ct., Lexington, KY 40508 USA
| | - Matthew C. Aalsma
- Adolescent Behavioral Health Research Program, Department of Pediatrics, Indiana University School of Medicine, 410 W 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Adolescent Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, 410 W 10th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202 USA
| | - Michele Staton
- Department of Behavioral Science, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, 117 Medical Behavioral Science Building, Lexington, KY 40504 USA
| | - Monte Staton
- Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, 818 S Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 USA
| | - Dennis Watson
- Chestnut Health Systems, 221 W. Walton St., Chicago, IL 60610 USA
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Shircliff K, Liu M, Prestigiacomo C, Fry M, Ladd K, Gilbert MK, Rattermann MJ, Cyders MA. Mixed methods prospective findings of the initial effects of the U.S. COVID-19 pandemic on individuals in recovery from substance use disorder. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270582. [PMID: 35776699 PMCID: PMC9249176 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The beginning of the U.S. COVID-19 pandemic interrupted integral services and supports for those in recovery from substance use disorders. The current study used qualitative and quantitative data to identify 1) pandemic-related barriers/stressors, 2) coping strategies employed, and 3) how the stressors and strategies predicted subsequent substance use frequency. Participants were 48 adults (40.5% female; 90.2% White) between 26 and 60 years old (M = 42.66, SD = 8.44) who were part of a larger, multi-year longitudinal study of individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. Individuals completed two interviews, one during the six weeks of initial stay-at-home orders in the state in which data were collected and the second within six to twelve months of their initial interview. Common barriers to recovery included cancelled support meetings, changes in job format (i.e., being fired or furloughed), and lack of social support. Common coping strategies included self-care, leisure activities/hobbies, taking caution against exposure, and strengthening personal relationships. The relationship between cravings at baseline and substance use at follow up was stronger for those who experienced worsening of their mental health (B = 21.80, p < .01) than for those who did not (B = 5.45, p = 0.09), and for those who were taking caution against exposure (B = 24.57, p < .01) than for those who were not (B = 1.87, p = 0.53). Those who engaged in self-care (B = 0.00, p>.99) had lower rates of substance use at follow-up than those who did not employ self-care as a coping mechanism (B = 16.10, p < .01). These findings inform research priorities regarding prospective effects of the pandemic on treatment endeavors, particularly emphasizing treating mental health and encouraging self-care strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Shircliff
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Melissa Liu
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Christiana Prestigiacomo
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Melissa Fry
- Department of Sociology, Indiana University Southeast, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Kevin Ladd
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University South Bend, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | | | - Mary Jo Rattermann
- Research & Evaluation Resources LLC, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
- Community Fairbanks Recovery Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Melissa A. Cyders
- Department of Psychology, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
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A COVID-19 Survey among People Who Use Drugs in Norway. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127002. [PMID: 35742252 PMCID: PMC9222643 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background: to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, adherence to COVID-19 recommendations and vaccination against COVID-19 have been important. Among people who use drugs (PWUD), little is known regarding compliance towards COVID-19 recommendations, COVID-19 testing, or attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination. We aimed to examine these issues in a sample of PWUD. Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted between January and March 2021. Through users’ organizations and different low-threshold services for substance users, we recruited former drug users and professionals to include participants and perform the interviews. Participants completed an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Any person above 16 years of age who used substances were recruited. Results: 477 Norwegian PWUD participated in the study. The mean age was 43.8 (SD 12.8) years and 77% were males. Thirty-four percent had injected drugs the past four weeks. Alcohol (41%) and cannabis (41%) were the most common drugs used the past four weeks, followed by tranquilizers (37%), central stimulants (35%) and opioids (30%). The majority (90%) had washed their hands frequently, used alcohol sanitizer during the past two weeks, had used face masks, kept one-meter distance to other people and stayed at home if feeling unwell. Fifty-four percent had been COVID-19 tested. More than half the sample (58%) had positive attitudes to COVID-19 vaccination, while 26% were fairly or very unlikely to accept vaccination. Those older (OR = 0.96, 95% CI 0.94; 0.98) and using face masks (OR = 0.49, 95% CI 0.30; 0.79) were more likely to have positive attitudes towards vaccination, while those reporting low life-satisfaction (OR = 3.86, 95% CI 1.43; 10.40), using opioids (OR = 2.97, 95% CI 1.43; 6.18) or almost never staying at home when feeling unwell (OR = 2.76, 95% 1.39; 5.45) expressed more negative attitudes towards vaccination. Conclusion: there was generally a high compliance towards COVID-19 recommendations, but one quarter of the sample was sceptical towards COVID-19 vaccination. This indicates a need for targeted and tailored information and well-designed vaccination roll-out programs to reach all PWUD.
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Shapira B, Rosca P. Transformation of substance use disorder treatment services during COVID-19 - A lasting change? JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2022.2070875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Barak Shapira
- Division of Enforcement and Inspection, Israel Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Paola Rosca
- Department for the Treatment of Substance Abuse, Israel Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
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Abstract
ABSTRACT The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to not only increase in substance misuse, substance use disorder, and risk of overdose but also lack of access to treatment services. Due to lack of knowledge of the course and impact of COVID-19 and outcomes of it's interactions with existing treatments, the Substance Misuse Service Team initiated a safety improvement project to review the safety of opioid substitution treatment, particularly the safety of methadone. This preliminary retrospective cross-sectional audit of safety improvement intiative underscores the importance of providing treatment services to those with opioid use disorders and that methadone is safe among this population with a high burden of comorbidity, most of which leads to negative outcomes from COVID-19. The outcomes show that patients who have COVID-19 should continue with opioid substitution treatment with methadone. Although treatment with methadone is safe, symptomatic patients should be monitored. In addition, patients who take methadone at home should be educated on the risk of overdose due to, and adverse outcomes from, COVID-19 infection. Patients should monitor themselves using pulse oximeter for any signs of hypoxia.
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Moya-Salazar J, Nuñez E, Jaime-Quispe A, Zuñiga N, Loaiza-Barboza IL, Balabarca EA, Chicoma-Flores K, Cañari B, Contreras-Pulache H. Substance Use in Healthcare Professionals During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Latin America: A Systematic Review and a Call for Reports. Subst Abuse 2022; 16:11782218221085592. [PMID: 35369382 PMCID: PMC8968975 DOI: 10.1177/11782218221085592] [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: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has generated a remarkable change in the behaviour of Healthcare workers (HCWs) around the world. However, there is a lack of evidence on substance use among HCWs in Latin America. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the current frequency of substance use among Latin American among HCWs. Methods We searched 8 databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScientDirect, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scielo, LILACS and Latindex), 4 public prepublication servers (SocArXiv, medRxiv, bioRxiv and Preprints) and Google scholar from 1/9/2019 to 11/1/2021. We determined the frequency of each study based on original studies, scientific letters, and clinical trials in English, Spanish and Portuguese. Results A total of 17 175 study articles were identified from electronic databases and preprints, and 2 cross-sectional studies conducted in 2020 were included in the qualitative analysis. Both studies included HCWs but did not perform a differential analysis. The first was developed by the Pan-American Health Organization and included interviewees from 35 countries, while the second was conducted with 1145 Brazilian participants. Both studies showed increases in substance use during the pandemic, with alcohol being the most commonly used substance (30%), but PAHO's study reported a 13.8% increase in self-reported heavy-episodic drinking, with differences among genders (males, 15.4%), age groups (highest increase in the 40-49 age group, 16.5%) and area of residence (urban with 14%). The second study showed that 21 32% of participants reported initiating psychoactive substance use, 29.3% added some substance to their initial use and 4% of them had to replace the substance, mainly due to difficulty of access. Other substances of abuse that showed significant increases were tobacco (0.5%) and marijuana (0.3%). Conclusion Overall, despite the analysis of the 2 studies, the results provided are not a conclusive description of the frequency of substance use by HCWs in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further research is required to understand the impact of the pandemic on drug abuse in the region. Protocol Registration The protocol has been registered on 30 November 2021 on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with ID: CRD420212919700.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeel Moya-Salazar
- Unit of +Mental Health, Nesh Hubbs, Lima, Peru
- School of Medicine, Faculties of Health Science, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Peru
- Hospital Nacional Docente Madre Niño San Bartolome, Lima, Peru
| | - Elizabeth Nuñez
- School of Medicine, Faculties of Health Science, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Peru
| | - Alexis Jaime-Quispe
- Unit of +Mental Health, Nesh Hubbs, Lima, Peru
- School of Medicine, Faculties of Health Science, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Peru
| | - Nahomi Zuñiga
- Unit of +Mental Health, Nesh Hubbs, Lima, Peru
- School of Medicine, Faculties of Health Science, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Edison A Balabarca
- School of Medicine, Faculties of Health Science, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Betsy Cañari
- Unit of +Mental Health, Nesh Hubbs, Lima, Peru
- School of Medicine, Faculties of Health Science, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Peru
| | - Hans Contreras-Pulache
- School of Medicine, Faculties of Health Science, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Peru
- South America Center for Education and Research in Public Health, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima, Peru
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Watson DP, Staton MD, Grella CE, Scott CK, Dennis ML. Navigating intersecting public health crises: a qualitative study of people with opioid use disorders' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2022; 17:22. [PMID: 35303913 PMCID: PMC8931576 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-022-00449-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The decades-long opioid epidemic and the more recent COVID-19 pandemic are two interacting events with significant public health impacts for people with opioid use disorder (OUD). Most published studies regarding the intersection of these two public health crises have focused on community, state, or national trends using pre-existing data. There is a need for complementary qualitative research aimed at identifying how people with opioid use disorder (OUD) are understanding, experiencing, and navigating this unprecedented time. The current study examines understandings and experiences of people with OUD while they have navigated these crises. METHODS The study was guided by a pragmatic lens. We conducted brief semi-structured qualitative interviews with 25 individuals in Chicago, the majority of which had received methadone treatment during the pandemic. Thematic inductive analysis was guided by primary interview questions. RESULTS The sample represents a high-risk group, being composed mostly of older non-Hispanic African American males and having considerable socioeconomic barriers. Themes demonstrate how individuals are keeping safe despite limited knowledge of COVID-19, how the pandemic has increased treatment motivation for some, how adaptations impacted treatment and recovery supports, how the availability social support had been reduced, and difficulties individuals had keeping or obtaining financial support. CONCLUSIONS The findings can be useful for informing future public health response to ensure appropriate treatment access and supports are available. In particular are the need for treatment providers to ensure people with OUD receive appropriate and understandable health crisis-related information and ensuring funds are appropriately allocated to address mental health impacts of social isolation. Finally, there is a need for appropriate financial and infrastructure supports to ensure health and treatment access disparities are not exacerbated for those in greatest need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis P. Watson
- grid.413870.90000 0004 0418 6295Chestnut Health Systems, 221 W. Walton St, Chicago, IL 60610 USA
| | - Monte D. Staton
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Medicine, Center for Dissemination and Implementation Science, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago, 818 S Wolcott Ave, Chicago, IL 60613 USA
| | - Christine E. Grella
- grid.413870.90000 0004 0418 6295Chestnut Health Systems, 221 W. Walton St, Chicago, IL 60610 USA
| | - Christy K. Scott
- grid.413870.90000 0004 0418 6295Chestnut Health Systems, 221 W. Walton St, Chicago, IL 60610 USA
| | - Michael L. Dennis
- grid.413870.90000 0004 0418 6295Chestnut Health Systems, 448 Wylie Dr, Normal, IL 61761 USA
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Leonhardt M, Brodahl M, Cogan N, Lien L. How did the first COVID-19 lockdown affect persons with concurrent mental health and substance use disorders in Norway? A qualitative study. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:179. [PMID: 35287637 PMCID: PMC8919911 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03812-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The outbreak of COVID-19 with its severe social restrictions touched the daily life of most people. While everyday social life becomes difficult for citizens with economic and cultural capital, it becomes even worse for vulnerable groups such as persons with mental health and substance use disorders, who are particularly vulnerable to social exclusion. The aim of this study is to investigate how the first COVID-19 lockdown affected the everyday life and health of persons with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. METHODS This qualitative study reports data from 17 individual interviews and one focus group of five participants, all with a self-reported mental health and substance use disorder. Interviews were conducted based on a semi-structured interview guide in September and October 2020 in a medium-sized local authority in Norway. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. A reference group of people with varied knowledge and experiences of the phenomenon were involved in study design, recruitment, data generation and analysis. RESULTS The analysis identified four interrelated main themes, describing how the first lockdown affected the everyday life and health of persons suffering from a mental health and substance use disorder: (1) The COVID-19 outbreak as a perceived challenge, (2) A decline in mental health and well-being, (3) Increased substance use challenges, and (4) Diverse experiences with health and social services. The results show that people with a co-occurring disorder have challenges with digital tools and/or do not have the appropriate equipment. Further, participants were not concerned about becoming infected themselves, but infecting others. CONCLUSIONS Persons with a mental health and substance use disorder face major challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. There is a need to maintain continuous low-threshold services especially directed towards persons with co-occurring disorders during the pandemic. Furthermore, it is important to improve the digital skills of every service user or offer alternatives to digital consultations and meetings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marja Leonhardt
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Post Box 104, 2381, Brumunddal, Norway. .,Faculty of Health Studies, VID Specialized University, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Morten Brodahl
- grid.412929.50000 0004 0627 386XNorwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Post Box 104, 2381 Brumunddal, Norway
| | - Nicola Cogan
- grid.11984.350000000121138138School of Psychological Sciences & Health, University of Strathclyde, 40 George Street, G1 1QE Glasgow, UK
| | - Lars Lien
- grid.412929.50000 0004 0627 386XNorwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Post Box 104, 2381 Brumunddal, Norway ,grid.477237.2Department of Health and Social Science, Inland Norway University of Applied Science, Elverum, Norway
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Grover S, Gupta B, Ahmed KM. COVID-19 and Substance Use: A Scientometric Assessment of Global Publications During 2020 and 2021. J Pharmacol Pharmacother 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/0976500x221080393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: This study aimed to assess the characteristics and trends of research on substance use and COVID-19. Methods: Keywords related to “Covid-19” and “Substance Use” were used in a search query formulated for the Scopus search engine. The articles published during the years 2020 and 2021, through early November 2021, were considered. Results: A total of 2184 publications were published on this topic, averaging 9.69 citations per paper. About one-seventh (13.96%) share of global publications was supported by extramural funding support. The maximum number of publications emerged from the United States of America (USA) ( n = 831; 38.05%), followed by the United Kingdom (UK) ( n = 212; 9.71%), India ( n = 165; 7.55%), and Canada (155 papers; 7.10%). In terms of citation impact, publications emerging from China (24.42 and 2.52) had the highest citation impact, followed by publications emerging from Australia (18.83 and 1.94), France (16.48 and 1.70), the UK (15.44 and 1.59), Italy (13.36 and 1.38), and Canada (12.73 and 1.31). When the data in terms of specific institutes were evaluated, Harvard Medical School, USA ( n = 52), was ranked first in productivity, followed by the University of Toronto, Canada ( n = 47); the Yale School of Medicine, USA ( n = 35); INSERM, France ( n = −29); and the University of British Columbia, Canada ( n = 2s). The University College London, UK (30.24 and 3.12), ranked first in citation impact, followed by INSERM, France (22.0 and 2.27); the Sapienza University of Rome, Italy (17.4 and 1.8); and the University of Toronto, Canada (13.68 and 1.41). When the journals were evaluated, the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ( n = 83) ranked first in publication productivity, followed by the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment ( n = 73), Frontiers in Psychology ( n = 39), Drug and Alcohol Dependence ( n = 28), and International Journal of Drug Policy ( n = 26). Conclusion: This bibliometric study suggests that a large amount of literature has accumulated during the COVID-19 pandemic on substance use disorders, both from developed and developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Grover
- Department of Psychiatry, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - B.M. Gupta
- Formerly with CSIR-NISTADS, New Delhi, India
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Alharbi RS, Alhowail AH, Alharbi AG, Emara AM. Evaluation of the health status outcome among inpatients treated for Amphetamine Addiction. Saudi J Biol Sci 2022; 29:1465-1476. [PMID: 35280559 PMCID: PMC8913373 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2021.11.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphetamine is one of the most abuser drugs in Saudi Arabia. The aim of this study was to evaluate health status outcome at baseline and after detoxification in amphetamine users through the evaluation of the body mass index, renal function tests, cardiac biomarkers, gonadal hormonal levels, and oxidative stress markers. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 90 participants. Sixty participants were hospitalized patients for treatment of addiction and 30 participants were healthy volunteers. This study was performed at a psychiatric and rehabilitation center, in Qassim region, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Participants were divided into: group I = control; group II = amphetamine users and group III = amphetamine plus cannabis users. Socio-demographic data was collected. The urinary amphetamine level, Severity Dependence Scale (SDS), body mass index (BMI), vital signs; serum levels of troponin T (TnT), immunoglobulin M (IgM), immunoglobulin G (IgG), luteinizing Hormone (LH), testosterone Hormone (TSTS), urea, creatinine, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) were measured on admission and after detoxification. The results showed that the BMI was significantly decreased while, vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate were significantly increased in all abusers and returned to normal values after the detoxification period. The cardiac biomarker troponin T was significantly increased and reversed after detoxification. The immune system was evaluated through assessing serum levels of immunoglobulin (Ig) M and IgG. The immune system remained immunocompromised in drug users, and IgM and IgG levels did not reach the level of control group after treatment. Luteinizing and testosterone hormones were evaluated. Both hormones were increased on admission and improved after the detoxification period. Renal function showed no significant differences between drug users and the control group. In the evaluation of the antioxidant system, there was a significant increase in serum MDA, SOD, GPx, and CAT levels compared to healthy controls. After the detoxification phase, these oxidative stress biomarkers still remained elevated. The current results have shown the addiction of amphetamine and cannabis exert detrimental effects on different body organs and the exert major consequences on the health status of drug users. The present study showed that, there was no improvement in the levels of oxidative stress biomarkers, although an improvement was observed in the other parameters after the detoxification phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raed Saud Alharbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmad Hamad Alhowail
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah Ghareeb Alharbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ashraf Mahmoud Emara
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
- Corresponding author at: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraidah, Qassim, Saudi Arabia.
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Hashemi-Shahri SM, Tabatabaei SMN, Ansari-Moghaddam A, Mohammadi M, Okati-Aliabad H, Tabatabaei SM, Ansari H, Abbasi M, Sheikhzadeh K, Baygi MZ, Sartipi M, Sanei-Sistani S, Khorashad ARS, Ansari-Moghadam F, Torab N, Khalili T, Miri-Aliabad G. Epidemiological and clinical risk factors related to severe COVID-19 in Iran: a multi-center study. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:184. [PMID: 35197013 PMCID: PMC8864589 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07165-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Iran was one of the first countries to be affected by COVID-19. Identifying factors associated with the severity of COVID-19 is effective in disease management. This study investigated the epidemiological and clinical features and factors related to the severity of COVID-19 in one of the less privileged areas in Iran. Methods In a multi-center study, all patients admitted to Zahedan University of Medical Sciences hospitals in southeastern Iran were investigated from February 29 to April 31, 2020. Demographic, epidemiological, and clinical data of patients were extracted from medical records. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to explore the risk factors associated with the severity of COVID-19. Results Among the 413 patients, 55.5% were male, and 145 (35.10%) were in a severe condition at admission time. Multivariate analysis showed that the adjusted odds of the disease severity increased in patients with older age (OR 2.27; 95% CI 1.41–3.65), substance abuse (OR 2.49; 95% CI 1.14–5.43), having one underlying disease (OR 1.52; 95% CI 0.90–2.55), having two underlying disease (OR 2.31; 95% CI 1.19–4.50), and having three or more underlying disease (OR 2.60; 95% CI 1.19–5.66). Conclusions COVID-19 was more severe in older patients, patients with a history of substance abuse, and patients with the underlying disease. Understanding the factors affecting the disease severity can help the clinical management of COVID-19, especially in less privileged areas where fewer resources are available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Mohammad Hashemi-Shahri
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | | | - Alireza Ansari-Moghaddam
- Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences Campus, Hesabi Square, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Mahdi Mohammadi
- Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences Campus, Hesabi Square, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Hassan Okati-Aliabad
- Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences Campus, Hesabi Square, Zahedan, Iran.
| | - Seyed Mehdi Tabatabaei
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Hossein Ansari
- Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences Campus, Hesabi Square, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Mohammadhadi Abbasi
- Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences Campus, Hesabi Square, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Khodadad Sheikhzadeh
- Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences Campus, Hesabi Square, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Mehdi Zanganeh Baygi
- Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences Campus, Hesabi Square, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Majid Sartipi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Health, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | | | - Ali Reza Salimi Khorashad
- Research Center for Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ansari-Moghadam
- Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences Campus, Hesabi Square, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Neda Torab
- Health Promotion Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences Campus, Hesabi Square, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Tahereh Khalili
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Ghasem Miri-Aliabad
- Children and Adolescent Research Center, Zahedan University of Medical Sciences, Zahedan, Iran
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Silver JK, Santa Mina D, Bates A, Gillis C, Silver EM, Hunter TL, Jack S. Physical and Psychological Health Behavior Changes During the COVID-19 Pandemic that May Inform Surgical Prehabilitation: a Narrative Review. CURRENT ANESTHESIOLOGY REPORTS 2022; 12:109-124. [PMID: 35194411 PMCID: PMC8855650 DOI: 10.1007/s40140-022-00520-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Multimodal prehabilitation aims to improve preoperative health in ways that reduce surgical complications and expedite post-operative recovery. However, the extent to which preoperative health has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic is unclear and evidence for the mitigating effects of prehabilitation in this context has not been elucidated. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a rapid reorganization of perioperative pathways. Delayed diagnosis and surgery have caused a backlog of cases awaiting surgery increasing the risk of more complex procedures due to disease progression. Poor fitness and preoperative deconditioning are predictive of surgical complications and may be compounded by pandemic-related restrictions to accessing supportive services. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced a rapid reorganization of perioperative pathways. This narrative review aims to summarize the understanding of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on preoperative health and related behaviors and their implication for the need and delivery for prehabilitation to engender improved surgical outcomes. A literature search of Medline was conducted for articles related to preoperative health, prehabilitation, and surgical outcomes published between December 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021. Additional hand searches for relevant publications within the included literature were also conducted through October 15, 2021. Recent Findings The COVID-19 pandemic, and measures designed to reduce the spread of the virus, have resulted in physical deconditioning, deleterious dietary changes, substance misuse, and heightened anxiety prior to surgery. Due to the adverse health changes prior to surgery, and often protracted waiting time for surgery, there is likely an elevated risk of peri- and post-operative complications. A small number of prehabilitation services and research programmes have been rapidly adapted or implemented to address these needs. Summary During the COVID-19 pandemic to date, people undergoing surgery have faced a triple threat posed by extended wait times for surgery, reduced access to supportive services, and an elevated risk of poor outcomes. It is imperative that healthcare providers find ways to employ evidence-based prehabilitation strategies that are accessible and safe to mitigate the negative impact of the pandemic on surgical outcomes. Attention should be paid to cohorts most affected by established health inequities and further exacerbated by the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie K. Silver
- Harvard Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA USA
| | - Daniel Santa Mina
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, The University of Toronto, 55 Harbord St, Toronto, ON M5S 2W6 Canada
| | - Andrew Bates
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, Critical Care Research, University Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD UK
| | - Chelsia Gillis
- School of Human Nutrition, McGill University, QC, Canada
| | - Emily M. Silver
- Department of Psychology and Integrative Neuroscience Program, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Tracey L. Hunter
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Oakland Medical Center, Oakland, CA USA
| | - Sandy Jack
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, Critical Care Research, University Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton, SO16 6YD UK
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Wildberger J, Wenzel K, Fishman M. Assessing clinical impacts and attitudes related to COVID-19 among residential substance use disorder patients. Subst Abuse 2022; 43:756-762. [PMID: 35112980 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2021.2010249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Background: Individuals with substance use disorder (SUD) may be particularly at risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this study was to examine attitudes to the pandemic among individuals with SUD. Methods: Survey responses from 266 patients entering a residential treatment program were analyzed. Results: Most participants were White or African American men. A third of participants reported that their substance use had increased during the pandemic (38%), and that they had stockpiled substances because of concerns about supply (30%). A majority of participants indicated more depression (60%), anxiety (61%), worry about finances (62%), and feeling worse about their substance use due to COVID-19 (67%). An exploratory factor analysis revealed five factors that measured interest in SUD treatment, psychological symptoms, adherence to health recommendations, perceptions of vulnerability to COVID-19, and substance use during COVID-19. African American participants indicated a greater interest in treatment than Whites, while White participants indicated increased symptoms and substance use during COVID-19 (p < .05). Further, African Americans were more likely to have known someone who had developed COVID-19 than whites (p < .05). Older participants indicated adhering to health recommendations more than younger participants, using substances less than younger participants, as well as feeling more vulnerable to COVID-19 (p < .05). Conclusions: This is the first study to examine patient attitudes and behaviors related to COVID-19 at a residential SUD treatment program. Treatment providers should be aware of patient attitudes and behaviors related to COVID-19 paying special attention to barriers to treatment engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kevin Wenzel
- Mountain Manor Treatment Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Marc Fishman
- Mountain Manor Treatment Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Marconcin P, Werneck AO, Peralta M, Ihle A, Gouveia ÉR, Ferrari G, Sarmento H, Marques A. The association between physical activity and mental health during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:209. [PMID: 35101022 PMCID: PMC8803575 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-12590-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic affected countries worldwide and has changed peoples' lives. A reduction in physical activity and increased mental health problems were observed, mainly in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, this systematic review aims to examine the association between physical activity and mental health during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS In July 2021, a search was applied to PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Eligibility criteria included cross-sectional, prospective, and longitudinal study designs and studies published in English; outcomes included physical activity and mental health (e.g., depressive symptoms, anxiety, positive and negative effects, well-being). RESULTS Thirty-one studies were included in this review. Overall, the studies suggested that higher physical activity is associated with higher well-being, quality of life as well as lower depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress, independently of age. There was no consensus for the optimal physical activity level for mitigating negative mental symptoms, neither for the frequency nor for the type of physical activity. Women were more vulnerable to mental health changes and men were more susceptive to physical activity changes. CONCLUSION Physical activity has been a good and effective choice to mitigate the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on mental health during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health policies should alert for possibilities to increase physical activity during the stay-at-home order in many countries worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Marconcin
- KinesioLab, Research Unit in Human Movement Analysis, Insituto Piaget, Almada, Portugal.
- CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - André O Werneck
- Center for Epidemiological Research in Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Miguel Peralta
- CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- ISAMB, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andreas Ihle
- Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Swiss National Centre of Competence in Research LIVES - Overcoming vulnerability: Life course perspectives, Lausanne and Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Psychology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Élvio R Gouveia
- Universidade da Madeira, Funchal, Portugal
- Interactive Technologies Institute, LARSyS, Funchal, Portugal
| | - Gerson Ferrari
- Laboratorio de Rendimiento Humano, Grupo de Estudio en Educación, Actividad Física y Salud (GEEAFyS), Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Hugo Sarmento
- University of Coimbra, Research Unit for Sport and Physical Activity (CIDAF). Faculty of Sport Sciences and Physical Education, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Adilson Marques
- CIPER, Faculdade de Motricidade Humana, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Center for Epidemiological Research in Nutrition and Health, Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, São Paulo, Brazil
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Nguyen TT, Hoang GT, Nguyen DQ, Nguyen AH, Luong NA, Laureillard D, Nagot N, Des Jarlais D, Duong HT, Nham TTT, Khuat OTH, Pham KM, Le MS, Michel L, Rapoud D, Le GM. How has the COVID-19 epidemic affected the risk behaviors of people who inject drugs in a city with high harm reduction service coverage in Vietnam? A qualitative investigation. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:6. [PMID: 35090482 PMCID: PMC8799429 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-021-00586-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
The COVID-19 outbreak disproportionally affects vulnerable populations including people who inject drugs (PWID). Social distancing and stay-at-home orders might result in a lack of access to medical and social services, poorer mental health, and financial precariousness, and thus, increases in HIV and HCV risk behaviors. This article explores how the HIV/HCV risk behaviors of PWID in Haiphong, a city with high harm reduction service coverage in Vietnam, changed during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, and what shaped such changes, using the risk environment framework.
Method
We conducted three focus group discussions with peer outreach workers in May 2020 at the very end of the first lockdown, and 30 in-depth interviews with PWID between September and October 2020, after the second wave of infection in Vietnam. Discussions and interviews centered on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their lives, and how their drug use and sexual behaviors changed as a result of the pandemic.
Results
The national shutdown of nonessential businesses due to the COVID-19 epidemic caused substantial economic challenges to participants, who mostly were in a precarious financial situation before the start of the epidemic. Unsafe injection is no longer an issue among our sample of PWID in Haiphong thanks to a combination of different factors, including high awareness of injection-related HIV/HCV risk and the availability of methadone treatment. However, group methamphetamine use as a means to cope with the boredom and stress related to COVID-19 was common during the lockdown. Sharing of smoking equipment was a standard practice. Female sex workers, especially those who were active heroin users, suffered most from COVID-related financial pressure and may have engaged in unsafe sex.
Conclusion
While unsafe drug injection might no longer be an issue, group methamphetamine use and unsafe sex were the two most worrisome HIV/HCV risk behaviors of PWID in Haiphong during the social distancing and lockdown periods. These elevated risks could continue beyond the enforced lockdown periods, given PWID in general, and PWID who are also sex workers in particular, have been disproportionately affected during the global crisis.
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Rodríguez-Ruiz J, Zych I, Llorent VJ. Adolescent Compliance with anti-COVID Measures. Is It Related to Substance Use? Int J Ment Health Addict 2022; 21:1-12. [PMID: 35043047 PMCID: PMC8757626 DOI: 10.1007/s11469-021-00751-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevalence rates of compliance with anti-COVID measures have been widely studied, but little is known about this issue in early adolescence. Moreover, the relation between substance use and compliance with anti-COVID regulations is still unexplored. Thus, this study aimed to determine the level of compliance with anti-COVID measures by adolescents and the link between substance use and compliance with anti-COVID regulations. This was a cross-sectional study including 909 participants (M age = 12.57; SD = 0.81). The most complied measure was mask-wearing, followed by avoiding hug/kiss friends and, finally, social distancing. All substance use negatively correlated with compliance with measures. However, strong alcohol and tobacco were the only substances significantly related to less compliance of anti-COVID measures after controlling for covariates. These results provide evidence about the relation between substance use and compliance with anti-COVID measures. Strategies addressed to decrease substance use could be effective to reduce behaviours associated with coronavirus transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joaquín Rodríguez-Ruiz
- Department of Psychology, University of Cordoba, Avda. San Alberto Magno s/n. 14004, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Izabela Zych
- Department of Psychology, University of Cordoba, Avda. San Alberto Magno s/n. 14004, Cordoba, Spain
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Behnoush AH, Bazmi E, Forouzesh M, Behnoush B. Risk of COVID-19 infection and the associated hospitalization, ICU admission and mortality in opioid use disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2022; 17:68. [PMID: 36451181 PMCID: PMC9709364 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-022-00349-8] [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: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid use disorder (OUD) as a common drug use disorder can affect public health issues, including the COVID-19 pandemic, in which patients with OUD may have higher risk of infection and severe disease. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to investigate the risk of COVID-19 and the associated hospitalization, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and mortality in patients with OUD. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive systematic search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science to find studies which compared the infection rate and outcomes of COVID-19 in OUD patients in comparison with the normal population. A random effects meta-analysis model was developed to estimate odd ratios (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) between the outcomes of COVID-19 and OUD. RESULTS Out of 2647 articles identified through the systematic search, eight were included in the systematic review and five in the meta-analysis. Among 73,345,758 participants with a mean age of 57.90 ± 13.4 years, 45.67% were male. The findings suggested no significant statistical relationship between COVID-19 infection and OUD (OR (95% CI): 1.18 (0.47-2.96), p-value: 0.73). Additionally, patients with OUD had higher rate of hospitalization (OR (95% CI) 5.98 (5.02-7.13), p-value<0.01), ICU admission (OR (95% CI): 3.47 (2.24-5.39), p-value<0.01), and mortality by COVID-19) OR (95% CI): 1.52(1.27-1.82), pvalue< 0.01). CONCLUSION The present findings suggested that OUD is a major risk factor for mortality and the need for hospitalization and ICU admission in patients with COVID-19. It is recommended that policymakers and healthcare providers adopt targeted methods to prevent and manage clinical outcomes and decrease the burden of COVID-19, especially in specific populations such as OUD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Hossein Behnoush
- grid.411705.60000 0001 0166 0922School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Bazmi
- grid.508126.80000 0004 9128 0270Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Forouzesh
- grid.508126.80000 0004 9128 0270Legal Medicine Research Center, Legal Medicine Organization, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnam Behnoush
- grid.411705.60000 0001 0166 0922Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Bounoua N, Sadeh N. A longitudinal investigation of the impact of emotional reactivity and COVID-19 stress exposure on substance use during the pandemic. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2021; 6:100284. [PMID: 34901917 PMCID: PMC8645250 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2021.100284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Substance use has spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting potential links between reactivity to pandemic-related stress and increases in substance use engagement. Leveraging population-level exposure to a novel environmental stressor, the current study investigated whether emotion reactivity measured prior to the pandemic predicts the degree to which COVID-related stress impacts future substance use during the pandemic. Methods Participants included 240 socioeconomically diverse adults (M/SDage=33.47/9.39 years old) who were recruited from communities disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, with COVID-19 positivity and unemployment rates higher than the national average. All participants completed a research study prior to the start of the pandemic, and 90 of those participants were randomly selected to complete a follow-up study approximately six months into the pandemic. Results On average, the sample reported high levels of stressors that they attributed specifically to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results revealed that trait emotional reactivity moderated the impact of pandemic-inflicted stressors on future substance use, such that COVID-related stress exposure was associated with an increase in substance use for individuals who tend to experience negative emotions for prolonged periods of time. Limitations Limitations of the study are that the data were collected in a fixed timeframe of the COVID-19 pandemic and the exclusive use of self-report measures. Conclusions The longitudinal design of the present study extends the current literature by highlighting the potential role of emotional reactivity in predicting substance use coping behaviors. Findings suggest that emotion reactivity may be a useful intervention target among individuals highly impacted by the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Bounoua
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, United States
| | - Naomi Sadeh
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, United States
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