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Havens JR, Lofwall MR, Young AM, Staton M, Schaninger T, Fraser H, Vickerman P, Walsh SL. Predictors of engagement in screening for a hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment trial in a rural Appalachian community. J Viral Hepat 2024; 31:293-299. [PMID: 38436098 PMCID: PMC11102319 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
An HCV treatment trial was initiated in September 2019 to address the opioid/hepatitis C virus (HCV) syndemic in rural Kentucky. The focus of the current analysis is on participation in diagnostic screening for the trial. Initial eligibility (≥18 years of age, county resident) was established by phone followed by in-person HCV viremia testing. 900 rural residents met the inclusion criteria and comprised the analytic sample. Generalized linear models were specified to estimate the relative risk of non-attendance at the in-person visit determining HCV eligibility. Approximately one-quarter (22.1%) of scheduled participants were no-shows. People who inject drugs were no more likely than people not injecting drugs to be a no-show; however, participants ≤35 years of age were significantly less likely to attend. While the median time between phone screening and scheduled in-person screening was only 2 days, each additional day increased the odds of no-show by 3% (95% confidence interval: 2%-3%). Finally, unknown HCV status predicted no-show even after adjustment for age, gender, days between screenings and injection status. We found that drug injection did not predict no-show, further justifying expanded access to HCV treatment among people who inject drugs. Those 35 years and younger were more likely to no-show, suggesting that younger individuals may require targeted strategies for increasing testing and treatment uptake. Finally, streamlining the treatment cascade may also improve outcomes, as participants in the current study were more likely to attend if there were fewer days between phone screening and scheduled in-person screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R. Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
| | - Michelle R. Lofwall
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
| | - April M. Young
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY USA
| | - Michele Staton
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
| | - Takako Schaninger
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
| | - Hannah Fraser
- Bristol Population Health Sciences Institute, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Bristol Population Health Sciences Institute, Bristol Medical School, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon L. Walsh
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY USA
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Upton EM, LaRocca J, Rudolph AE, Young AM, Havens JR. Examining the social and behavioral dynamics of substance use in a longitudinal network study in rural Appalachia. Addict Behav 2024; 156:108060. [PMID: 38735160 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2024.108060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prior studies have shown that individuals and their peers often have similar substance use behaviors, but the mechanisms driving these similarities - particularly in rural settings, are not well understood. The primary objectives of this analysis are to (1) identify factors that contribute to relationship turnover and maintenance within a rural network of persons who use drugs (PWUD), (2) determine whether assimilation and/or homophily shape participants use of injection drugs, heroin, and stimulants (methamphetamine and cocaine), and (3) assess the extent that these mechanisms influence networks ties and/or behaviors and whether these effects vary across time. METHODS Sociometric network data were collected from a cohort of PWUD in rural Eastern Kentucky at baseline (2008-2010) and at four follow-up visits conducted approximately semiannually. Stochastic actor-oriented models (SAOMS) were used to model network structure and participant behaviors as jointly dependent variables and to identify characteristics associated with the maintenance, dissolution, and formation of network ties and changes in drug use behaviors. RESULTS Findings suggest (1) greater network stability over time for reciprocal and transitive relationships, (2) both homophily and assimilation played a greater role in shaping injection drug use (IDU) initiation and cessation than they did in shaping heroin and stimulant use, and (3) the importance of these mechanisms appeared consistent over time. CONCLUSION Given the stability of particular network structures and evidence of both homophily and assimilation with respect to drug-use behaviors, interventions that leverage social networks could be used to motivate health-promoting behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Upton
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Williams College, Williamstown, MA, USA.
| | - Joseph LaRocca
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Williams College, Williamstown, MA, USA
| | - Abby E Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, USA; Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
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Young AM, Havens JR, Cooper HLF, Fallin-Bennett A, Fanucchi L, Freeman PR, Knudsen H, Livingston MD, McCollister KE, Stone J, Vickerman P, Freeman E, Jahangir T, Larimore E, White CR, Cheatom C, Community Staff K, Design Team K. Kentucky Outreach Service Kiosk (KyOSK) Study protocol: a community-level, controlled quasi-experimental, type 1 hybrid effectiveness study to assess implementation, effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a community-tailored harm reduction kiosk on HIV, HCV and overdose risk in rural Appalachia. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e083983. [PMID: 38431295 PMCID: PMC10910671 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2024-083983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Many rural communities bear a disproportionate share of drug-related harms. Innovative harm reduction service models, such as vending machines or kiosks, can expand access to services that reduce drug-related harms. However, few kiosks operate in the USA, and their implementation, impact and cost-effectiveness have not been adequately evaluated in rural settings. This paper describes the Kentucky Outreach Service Kiosk (KyOSK) Study protocol to test the effectiveness, implementation outcomes and cost-effectiveness of a community-tailored, harm reduction kiosk in reducing HIV, hepatitis C and overdose risk in rural Appalachia. METHODS AND ANALYSIS KyOSK is a community-level, controlled quasi-experimental, non-randomised trial. KyOSK involves two cohorts of people who use drugs, one in an intervention county (n=425) and one in a control county (n=325). People who are 18 years or older, are community-dwelling residents in the target counties and have used drugs to get high in the past 6 months are eligible. The trial compares the effectiveness of a fixed-site, staffed syringe service programme (standard of care) with the standard of care supplemented with a kiosk. The kiosk will contain various harm reduction supplies accessible to participants upon valid code entry, allowing dispensing data to be linked to participant survey data. The kiosk will include a call-back feature that allows participants to select needed services and receive linkage-to-care services from a peer recovery coach. The cohorts complete follow-up surveys every 6 months for 36 months (three preceding kiosk implementation and four post-implementation). The study will test the effectiveness of the kiosk on reducing risk behaviours associated with overdose, HIV and hepatitis C, as well as implementation outcomes and cost-effectiveness. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The University of Kentucky Institutional Review Board approved the protocol. Results will be disseminated in academic conferences and peer-reviewed journals, online and print media, and community meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05657106.
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Affiliation(s)
- April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Hannah L F Cooper
- Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | | | - Laura Fanucchi
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Patricia R Freeman
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Hannah Knudsen
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Melvin D Livingston
- Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kathryn E McCollister
- Division of Health Services Research and Policy, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
| | - Jack Stone
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Edward Freeman
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Tasfia Jahangir
- Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Emory University Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Elizabeth Larimore
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Carol R White
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | | | - KyOSK Community Staff
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Upton EM, Rudolph AE, Ward PJ, Havens JR, Young AM. Corrigendum to "Extent and implications of omitted ties on network measures in a longitudinal social network survey of people who use drugs" [Drug Alcohol Depend. 238 (2022) 109554]. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 252:110901. [PMID: 37481411 PMCID: PMC10615686 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.110901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Upton
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Williams College, Williamstown, MA, USA.
| | - Abby E Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Patrick J Ward
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, USA; Department of Biostatistics, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, USA; Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
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Upton EM, Rudolph AE, Ward PJ, Havens JR, Young AM. Extent and implications of omitted ties on network measures in a longitudinal social network survey of people who use drugs. Drug Alcohol Depend 2022; 238:109554. [PMID: 35850026 PMCID: PMC9514791 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has revealed under-reporting of personal network members (i.e., alters) in studies involving people who use drugs (PWUD). This analysis (1) characterizes relationships that were more likely to be omitted but later recalled with prompting and (2) identifies network structural characteristics most impacted by these omissions among a sample of PWUD in rural Appalachian Kentucky, an epicenter of the opioid epidemic. METHODS Data were collected through longitudinal assessments as part of the Social Networks Among Appalachian People (SNAP) study (2008-2017). Study participants completed interviewer-administered questionnaires that collected social network data via free-listing at baseline and six-month intervals. At visit 5, after free-listing, interviewers prompted participants with the names of previously reported alters. We used modified Poisson regression with generalized estimating equations to identify individual- and relationship-level characteristics associated with an alter being reported only after prompting. We examined the impact of including vs. excluding relationships reported after prompting on local and global sociometric network measures (i.e., betweenness centrality, bridging, density, mean degree, transitivity, cliques, and 2-cores). RESULTS Relationships reported only after prompting were more likely to be immediate family (Adjusted Prevalence Ratio [APR]:1.29; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.03-1.63) and less likely to involve sex (APR:0.54; 95% CI: 0.43-0.67). Considerable differences were observed for participant positional rankings of betweenness centrality and bridging, and differences in network density and average degree pre- and post-prompting were statistically significant. CONCLUSION Longitudinal network studies that aim to assess transmission dynamics, information diffusion, or peer influence should consider the effects of omitted relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Upton
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Williams College, Williamstown, MA, USA.
| | - Abby E Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Patrick J Ward
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, USA; Department of Biostatistics, UNC-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, USA; Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
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Hansen ER, Carvalho S, McDonald M, Havens JR. A qualitative examination of recent increases in methamphetamine use in a cohort of rural people who use drugs. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 229:109145. [PMID: 34763138 PMCID: PMC8665094 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.109145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Rising rates of methamphetamine use among populations using opioids is an escalating public health concern. The purpose of this manuscript is to identify socioecologic factors driving increases in methamphetamine use among Appalachian Kentucky adults with a history of opioid use. METHODS Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted among 20 Appalachian Kentuckians in the Social Network of Appalachian Peoples (SNAP) cohort who reported lifetime opioid use and past 30-day methamphetamine use. Interviews focused on initiation of methamphetamine use, factors that influence methamphetamine use at the individual, interpersonal, community and society levels. RESULTS Participants reported using methamphetamine to self-treat underlying issues, including withdrawal from opioids, chronic pain, and emotional distress. Initiation of use was most often facilitated through their drug networks. Participants reported that methamphetamine was widely available and affordable in their community. Several participants with extensive histories of non-medical prescription opioid (NMPO) use described transitioning to methamphetamine as their drug of choice as opioids became less available in their community. Participants also reported economic distress and lack of recreational opportunities as drivers of increased methamphetamine use. DISCUSSION Recent increases in methamphetamine use among those with a history of opioid use is facilitated by methamphetamine's relative availability and affordability. Methamphetamine use was also highly influenced by societal factors such as economic deprivation and policies that decreased availability of NMPOs. Surging methamphetamine use exacerbates inequities in addiction care brought to light by the opioid epidemic. Interventions aimed at addressing the socioecological drivers of methamphetamine use among people who use opioids are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Hansen
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY 40508, USA; University of Kentucky College of Medicine, William R. Willard Medical Education Building, MN 150, Lexington, KY 40536-0298, USA
| | - Shelby Carvalho
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine, William R. Willard Medical Education Building, MN 150, Lexington, KY 40536-0298, USA
| | - Madelyn McDonald
- University of Kentucky Center for Innovation in Population Health, College of Public Health, 111 Washington Avenue, Lexington, KY 40526, USA
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY 40508, USA.
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Knudsen HK, Havens JR. Using conjoint analysis to study health policy changes: An example from a cohort of persons who use drugs. Int J Drug Policy 2021; 98:103425. [PMID: 34455174 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2021.103425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Historically, persons who use drugs (PWUDs) in the United States have often lacked health insurance, as Medicaid did not cover low-income adults. The Affordable Care Act of 2010 (ACA) increased access to insurance in states, such as Kentucky, that expanded their Medicaid programs. A cohort study of PWUDs in Kentucky found the prevalence of being insured increased from 34% pre-ACA to 87% post-ACA. However, changes to Medicaid were proposed that intended to restrict access to this program. This manuscript describes the feasibility and utility of conjoint analysis, an innovative method for studying decision-making, to identify potential impacts of health policy changes on PWUDs. METHODS IBM SPSS's "orthogonal design" command was used to construct 12 policy profiles that presented varying combinations of the proposed policy changes to Kentucky's Medicaid plan. Each policy profile presented information on (1) monthly premium costs, (2) penalties for not paying monthly premiums, (3) weekly work requirements, and (4) if their preferred physician accepted the plan for payment. Readability of the policy profiles was analyzed using the Readable.io application. The policy profiles were included in a recent follow-up of a longitudinal cohort of PWUDs in Appalachian Kentucky (n = 355). Participants rated the likelihood of enrolling in each policy profile's Medicaid plan, using a scale ranging from 0=not at all likely to 10=extremely likely. Data were analyzed using SPSS's conjoint analysis commands. RESULTS Readability results indicated the policy profiles required a 3rd grade education. Nearly all participants responded to each of the 12 policy profiles. Across the policy profiles, the mean response for willingness to enroll was 3.43 (SD = 3.61), indicating relatively low willingness to enroll. Conjoint analysis revealed the two most influential factors on willingness to enroll were work requirements (importance score, IS = 77.63) and monthly premium costs (IS = 17.76). Penalties for nonpayment (IS = 0.43) and physician acceptance (IS = 4.13) had minimal influence. CONCLUSIONS This research demonstrates the feasibility of using conjoint analysis to study the impacts of potential policy changes on PWUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah K Knudsen
- Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Room 204, Lexington, KY 40508, United States.
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Room 201, Lexington, KY 40508, United States
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Strickland JC, Stoops WW, Dunn KE, Smith KE, Havens JR. The continued rise of methamphetamine use among people who use heroin in the United States. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 225:108750. [PMID: 34052690 PMCID: PMC8282713 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methamphetamine use is a growing public health concern in the United States. Prior analyses with nationally representative data from 2015 to 2017 suggested that increases in methamphetamine use appeared largely selective to people using heroin. This analysis updated prior estimates to determine if trends are selectively persistent and how they compare to historical trends. We also evaluate sociodemographic risk factors associated with methamphetamine use among people using heroin. METHODS Data from the 2015-2019 National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) were analyzed. Data from the 2006-2014 NSDUH were summarized for historical trends. Past month and past year methamphetamine use prevalence was determined within populations using heroin as well as those using other drugs (e.g., cocaine, cannabis). Multivariable logistic models accounting for complex survey design evaluated predictors of methamphetamine use among people using heroin. RESULTS From 2015 to 2019, past month methamphetamine use increased from 9.0% to 44.0% within the population of people reporting past month heroin use. Similarly, past year methamphetamine use increased from 22.5% to 46.7% among those reporting past year heroin use. Risk factors for methamphetamine use among people using heroin included rurality, past year injection drug use, and serious mental illness. CONCLUSIONS A rapid, selective, and sustained increase in methamphetamine use is evident among people using heroin. These findings combined with similar findings in treatment admission and overdose data emphasize the need for increased attention to a specific type of high-risk use pattern in the United States, an issue that appears increasingly unlikely to naturally resolve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin C. Strickland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA,Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Justin C. Strickland, Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA. Phone: (410) 550-1975.
| | - William W. Stoops
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 1100 Veterans Drive, Medical Behavioral Science Building Room 140, Lexington, KY 40536, USA,Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 845 Angliana Ave, Lexington, KY 40508, USA,Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences, 110 Kastle Hall Lexington, KY 40506, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 3470 Blazer Parkway, Lexington, KY 40509, USA
| | - Kelly E. Dunn
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Kirsten E. Smith
- National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, 251 Bayview Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21224
| | - Jennifer R. Havens
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 1100 Veterans Drive, Medical Behavioral Science Building Room 140, Lexington, KY 40536, USA,Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 845 Angliana Ave, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
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Daniel Moore J, Galbraith J, Humphries R, Havens JR. Prevalence of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Identified From Nontargeted Screening Among Adult Visitors in an Academic Appalachian Regional Emergency Department. Open Forum Infect Dis 2021; 8:ofab374. [PMID: 34381848 PMCID: PMC8351802 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofab374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We describe the initial results of an adult academic emergency department (ED) nontargeted hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening program serving Appalachia, which is disproportionately affected by the opioid epidemic. METHODS The study was a retrospective screening study of ED systematic, nontargeted, opt-out HCV testing outcomes from July 2018 through September 2020. Eligibility requirements for "nontargeted" HCV testing included age ≥18 years, verbally able to communicate, receiving bloodwork already as part of routine clinical care, and not opting out of testing. For eligible individuals who did not opt out of testing, an HCV antibody (Ab) test was performed. Reactive Ab tests were confirmed with reflexive HCV RNA testing. The primary study outcome was the characterization of HCV Ab and RNA prevalence. RESULTS There were 75 722 unique adult visitors during the period studied. Of these, 54 931 individuals were verbally engaged regarding testing and did not opt out. A total of 34 848 individuals received HCV Ab testing, with 3665 patients (10.5%) having reactive results. RNA confirmatory testing was reflexively performed in all Ab-positive patients, with 1601 (50.3%) positive. The majority of HCV Ab- and RNA-positive patients were young, born after 1965, and were more likely to be White, male, Medicaid insured, and report a history of injection drug use. CONCLUSIONS ED nontargeted, opt-out testing can identify a high prevalence of HCV infection among adult visitors. HCV infection was disproportionately high among younger, White individuals, likely reflecting the escalating syndemic of opioid injection and HCV transmission in Appalachia.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Daniel Moore
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - James Galbraith
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, USA
| | - Roger Humphries
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Center of Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Havens JR, Schaninger T, Fraser H, Lofwall M, Staton M, Young AM, Hoven A, Walsh SL, Vickerman P. Eliminating hepatitis C in a rural Appalachian county: protocol for the Kentucky Viral Hepatitis Treatment Study (KeY Treat), a phase IV, single-arm, open-label trial of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir for the treatment of hepatitis C. BMJ Open 2021; 11:e041490. [PMID: 34226208 PMCID: PMC8258565 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-041490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The overall goal of the Kentucky Viral Hepatitis Treatment Study (KeY Treat) is to eliminate hepatitis C transmission from a county in Appalachian Kentucky by removing the barriers to accessing hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment. METHODS/ANALYSIS KeY Treat is a phase IV, open-label, single-arm clinical trial of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) for the treatment of viraemic HCV infections. Those eligible for KeY Treat are at least 18 years of age, viraemic and are residents of the target county. Pregnant women are not eligible. Rapid HCV RNA screening is used to determine eligibility, and those with a quantifiable viral load (VL) consenting to participate initiate SOF/VEL on the same day. All pharmacologic treatment and related medical care is provided free of charge using a non-specialist provider model. Follow-up visits occur at 2, 6 and 12 weeks during treatment to assess medication adherence (measured via VL and self-report), side effects and engagement in risk behaviours. Post-treatment visits occur at 12 weeks (sustained virologic response (SVR12) visit), 6 months and 12 months post-treatment completion to assess re-infection. A control county has also been identified, and prevalence and incidence of chronic HCV infections will be compared with the target community longitudinally. The primary outcome to assess elimination is SVR12. However, several outcomes will be measured to assess the effectiveness of removing the barriers to HCV treatment, including treatment entry, completion and re-infection. Analyses will be conducted via a generalised linear model framework that can incorporate flexible covariate adjustment and multiple outcome types with a compatible link function. Mathematical modelling will be completed assessing the impact and cost-effectiveness of the intervention. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION KeY Treat has been approved by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Kentucky. Results from KeY Treat will be presented at conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT03949764.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Havens
- Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Takako Schaninger
- Infectious Diseases, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Hannah Fraser
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Michelle Lofwall
- Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Michele Staton
- Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - April M Young
- Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Ardis Hoven
- Infectious Diseases, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Sharon L Walsh
- Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Rudolph AE, Upton E, Young AM, Havens JR. Social network predictors of recent and sustained injection drug use cessation: findings from a longitudinal cohort study. Addiction 2021; 116:856-864. [PMID: 32812273 PMCID: PMC7889767 DOI: 10.1111/add.15218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The US opioid crisis has led to increases in overdose fatalities and the incidence of HIV, hepatitis C and other infections. This analysis examines social network predictors of recent (self-report injection followed by non-injection) and sustained (self-report non-injection at two consecutive visits among those who previously injected) injection cessation in Appalachian Kentucky. DESIGN Data were collected through bi-annual longitudinal assessments for Social Networks among Appalachian People (SNAP; 2008-17). Using logistic regression with generalized estimating equations that clustered on individuals, we regressed non-injection status on the number of social network members who (a) did not inject and (b) recently stopped injecting and tested for interactions between each social network exposure and prior non-injection status. Social network exposures were self-reported. SETTING Rural eastern Kentucky, USA. PARTICIPANTS Participants entered the analysis only after reporting recent injection and had to have had at least two consecutive study visits (n = 326). MEASUREMENTS Interviewer-administered surveys collected individual-level socio-demographics, recent (past 6 months) drug use behaviors and the names of recent social support, sex and drug-use partners. FINDINGS After adjusting for confounders, the number of non-injecting social network members was positively associated with recent/sustained injection cessation (adjusted odds ratio = 1.27; 95% confidence interval = 1.13-1.42) and having more social network members was associated with reduced odds of recent/sustained injection cessation. The number of previously injecting social network members who had recently stopped injecting was not statistically significantly associated with injection cessation. Neither of the interactions we tested for was statistically significant, suggesting that the relationships may be similar for those who recently stopped injecting versus had not injected for at least 1 year. CONCLUSIONS For each additional network member who did not inject drugs, there was an increased odds of recent and sustained injection cessation among people with a history of injection drug use in Appalachian Kentucky.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby E. Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elizabeth Upton
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Williams College, Williamstown, MA, USA
| | - April M. Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, USA
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
- Center for Health Equity Transformation, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jennifer R. Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
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12
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Stone J, Degenhardt L, Grebely J, Larney S, Altice FL, Smyrnov P, Rahimi-Movaghar A, Alavi M, Young AM, Havens JR, Miller WC, Hickman M, Vickerman P. Modelling the intervention effect of opioid agonist treatment on multiple mortality outcomes in people who inject drugs: a three-setting analysis. Lancet Psychiatry 2021; 8:301-309. [PMID: 33640039 PMCID: PMC8255389 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(20)30538-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid agonist treatment (OAT) reduces many of the harms associated with opioid dependence. We use mathematical modelling to comprehensively evaluate the overall health benefits of OAT in people who inject drugs in Perry County (KY, USA), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Tehran (Iran). METHODS We developed a dynamic model of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission, incarceration, and mortality through overdose, injury, suicide, disease-related and other causes. The model was calibrated to site-specific data using Bayesian methods. We evaluated preventable drug-related deaths (deaths due to HIV, HCV, overdose, suicide, or injury) averted over 2020-40 for four scenarios, added incrementally, compared with a scenario without OAT: existing OAT coverage (setting-dependent; community 4-11%; prison 0-40%); scaling up community OAT to 40% coverage; increasing average OAT duration from 4-14 months to 2 years; and scaling up prison-based OAT. OUTCOMES Drug-related harms contributed differentially to mortality across settings: overdose contributed 27-47% (range of median projections) of preventable drug-related deaths over 2020-40, suicide 6-17%, injury 3-17%, HIV 0-59%, and HCV 2-18%. Existing OAT coverage in Tehran (31%) could have a substantial effect, averting 13% of preventable drug-related deaths, but will have negligible effect (averting <2% of preventable drug-related deaths) in Kyiv and Perry County due to low OAT coverage (<4%). Scaling up community OAT to 40% could avert 12-24% of preventable drug-related deaths, including 13-22% of overdose deaths, with greater effect in settings with significant HIV mortality (Tehran and Kyiv). Improving OAT retention and providing prison-based OAT would have a significant additional effect, averting 27-51% of preventable drug-related deaths. INTERPRETATION OAT can substantially reduce drug-related harms, particularly in settings with HIV epidemics in people who inject drugs. Maximising these effects requires research and investment into achieving higher coverage and provision and longer retention of OAT in prisons and the community. FUNDING UK National Institute for Health Research, US National Institute on Drug Abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Stone
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jason Grebely
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sarah Larney
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Département de Médecine Famille et de Médecine d'Urgence, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Afarin Rahimi-Movaghar
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Alavi
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - April M Young
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA; Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - William C Miller
- Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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13
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Havens JR, Knudsen HK, Strickland JC, Young AM, Babalonis S, Lofwall MR, Walsh SL. Recent Increase in Methamphetamine Use in a Cohort of Rural People Who Use Drugs: Further Evidence for the Emergence of Twin Epidemics. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:805002. [PMID: 35069295 PMCID: PMC8777215 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.805002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Appalachian Kentucky was at the epicenter of the prescription opioid epidemic in the early 2000's. As we enter the third decade of the epidemic, patterns have begun to emerge as people who use drugs (PWUD) transition from use of opioids to other drugs. The purpose of this analysis was to examine longitudinal changes in methamphetamine use in an ongoing cohort of rural people who use drugs (PWUD) in Appalachian Kentucky. All but five of the cohort participants (N = 503) reported nonmedical prescription opioid use (NMPOU) at baseline and those 498 are included in this longitudinal analysis encompassing eight waves of data (2008-2020). Past 6-month use of methamphetamine was the dependent variable. Given the correlated nature of the data, mixed effects logistic regression was utilized to examine changes in methamphetamine use over time. Significant increases in methamphetamine use were observed over the past decade in this cohort of PWUD, especially in recent years (2017-2020). Prevalence of recent use at baseline and each of the follow-up visits was as follows: 9.4, 5.6, 5.0, 5.4, 8.1, 6.8, 6.9, and 33.1%, respectively (p < 0.001). On the contrary, significant reductions in NMPO and heroin use were observed in the same time period. The odds of methamphetamine use at the most recent visit were 25.8 times greater than at baseline (95% CI: 14.9, 44.6) and 52.6% of those reporting methamphetamine use reported injecting the drug. These results provide further evidence of "twin epidemics" of methamphetamine use among NMPOU. While problematic on several fronts, of particular concern is the lack of effective treatment options for methamphetamine use disorder. As policies around the opioid epidemic continue to evolve, particular attention should be paid to the surge in stimulant use in opioid-endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Havens
- Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Hannah K Knudsen
- Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Justin C Strickland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - April M Young
- Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Shanna Babalonis
- Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Michelle R Lofwall
- Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Sharon L Walsh
- Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
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14
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Havens JR, Knudsen HK, Young AM, Lofwall MR, Walsh SL. Longitudinal trends in nonmedical prescription opioid use in a cohort of rural Appalachian people who use drugs. Prev Med 2020; 140:106194. [PMID: 32652132 PMCID: PMC7680378 DOI: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Rural Appalachia remains an epicenter of the prescription opioid epidemic. In 2008, a cohort study was undertaken to examine longitudinal trends in nonmedical prescription opioid use (NMPOU). Eight waves of data (2008-2020) from the Social Networks among Appalachian People (SNAP) cohort were utilized for the current analysis. Only those who reported recent (past 6-month) NMPOU at baseline are included (n = 498, 99%). Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to model factors associated with NMPOU over time. Recent NMPOU declined significantly over the past decade (p < .001). However, 54.1% of participants still engaged in NMPOU at their most recent follow-up. Receipt of benefits for a physical or mental disability (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.11, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.98, 4.90) and self-described poor health status (aOR: 3.67, 95% CI: 1.61, 8.37) were both associated with NMPOU. All treatment modalities (methadone maintenance, residential, outpatient counseling) tested in the model, with the notable exception of detoxification, were associated with significantly lower odds of NMPOU. Although significant declines in prescription opioid misuse were observed in the cohort, more than half of all participants were engaged in NMPOU more than a decade after entering the study. Substance use disorder (SUD) treatment (excluding detoxification) was shown associated with reduced odds of continued NMPOU; therefore, increasing access to evidence-based treatments should be a priority in rural areas affected by the ongoing opioid epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Use, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, United States of America; Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, United States of America.
| | - Hannah K Knudsen
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Use, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, United States of America; Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, United States of America
| | - April M Young
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Use, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, United States of America; Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, United States of America
| | - Michelle R Lofwall
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Use, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, United States of America; Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, United States of America
| | - Sharon L Walsh
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Use, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, United States of America; Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, United States of America
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15
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Daniel JM, Davidson LN, Havens JR, Bauer JA, Shook LA. Aromatherapy as an adjunctive therapy for neonatal abstinence syndrome: A pilot study. J Opioid Manag 2020; 16:119-125. [PMID: 32329887 DOI: 10.5055/jom.2020.0558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine if aromatherapy added to the current standard of care for opioid withdrawal syndrome decreases hospitali-zation and need for opioid replacement in neonates. DESIGN Nonblinded, randomized control trial. SETTING Level 4 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). PATIENTS AND PARTICIPANTS Thirty eight patients met inclusion criteria of greater than or equal to 36 weeks of gestation, history of in-trauterine opioid exposure, primary diagnosis of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), and parental permission to participate. INTERVENTIONS Infants were randomized to either a standard therapy group or a standard therapy plus aromatherapy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Duration of therapy and length of stay. RESULTS Our pilot study showed that the use of aromatherapy in conjunction with standard therapy reduced the duration of medica-tion treatment by 41 percent and hospital length of stay in the NICU by 36 percent. CONCLUSIONS The use of aromatherapy appears to help mitigate symptoms of NAS and offers to be a viable treatment modality when used with conventional therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Daniel
- Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, Kansas City, Missouri; University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Medicine, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Lesley N Davidson
- Neonatologist, Pediatrix Medical Group of Kentucky, PSC, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Associate Professor of Behavioral Science, Department of Behavioral Science, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky; Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - John A Bauer
- Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, College of Medicine, Kentucky Children's Hospital, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Lori A Shook
- Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, College of Medicine, Kentucky Children's Hospital, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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16
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Stone J, Fraser H, Young AM, Havens JR, Vickerman P. Modeling the role of incarceration in HCV transmission and prevention amongst people who inject drugs in rural Kentucky. Int J Drug Policy 2020; 88:102707. [PMID: 32151496 PMCID: PMC7483428 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) experience high incarceration rates, with current/recent incarceration being associated with increased hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission. We assess the contribution of incarceration to HCV transmission amongst PWID in Perry County (PC), Kentucky, USA, and the impact of scaling-up community and in-prison opioid substitution therapy (OST), including the potential for reducing incarceration. METHODS A dynamic model of incarceration and HCV transmission amongst PWID was calibrated in a Bayesian framework to epidemiological and incarceration data from PC, incorporating an empirically estimated 2.8-fold (95%CI: 1.36-5.77) elevated HCV acquisition risk amongst currently incarcerated or recently released (<6 months) PWID compared to other PWID. We projected the percentage of new HCV infections that would be prevented among PWID over 2020-2030 if incarceration no longer elevated HCV transmission risk, if needle and syringe programmes (NSP) and OST are scaled-up, and/or if drug use was decriminalized (incarceration/reincarceration rates are halved) with 50% of PWID that would have been imprisoned being diverted onto OST. We assume OST reduces reincarceration by 10-42%. RESULTS Over 2020-2030, removing the effect of incarceration on HCV transmission could prevent 42.7% (95% credibility interval: 15.0-67.4%) of new HCV infections amongst PWID. Conversely, scaling-up community OST and NSP to 50% coverage could prevent 28.5% (20.0-37.4%) of new infections, with this increasing to 32.7% (24.5-41.2%) if PWID are retained on OST upon incarceration, 36.4% (27.7-44.9%) if PWID initiate OST in prison, and 45.3% (35.9-54.1%) if PWID are retained on OST upon release. decriminalization (with diversion to OST) could further increase this impact, preventing 56.8% (45.3-64.5%) of new infections. The impact of these OST interventions decreases by 2.1-28.6% if OST does not reduce incarceration. CONCLUSION Incarceration is likely to be an important contributor to HCV transmission amongst PWID in PC. Prison-based OST could be an important intervention for reducing this risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Stone
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK.
| | - Hannah Fraser
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
| | - April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Oakfield House, Oakfield Grove, Bristol BS8 2BN, UK
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Barbosa C, Fraser H, Hoerger TJ, Leib A, Havens JR, Young A, Kral A, Page K, Evans J, Zibbell J, Hariri S, Vellozzi C, Nerlander L, Ward JW, Vickerman P. Cost-effectiveness of scaling-up HCV prevention and treatment in the United States for people who inject drugs. Addiction 2019; 114:2267-2278. [PMID: 31307116 PMCID: PMC7751348 DOI: 10.1111/add.14731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To examine the cost-effectiveness of hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment of people who inject drugs (PWID), combined with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and syringe-service programs (SSP), to tackle the increasing HCV epidemic in the United States. DESIGN HCV transmission and disease progression models with cost-effectiveness analysis using a health-care perspective. SETTING Rural Perry County, KY (PC) and urban San Francisco, CA (SF), USA. Compared with PC, SF has a greater proportion of PWID with access to MAT or SSP. HCV treatment of PWID is negligible in both settings. PARTICIPANTS PWID data were collected between 1998 and 2015 from Social Networks Among Appalachian People, U Find Out, Urban Health Study and National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System studies. INTERVENTIONS AND COMPARATOR Three intervention scenarios modeled: baseline-existing SSP and MAT coverage with HCV screening and treatment with direct-acting antiviral for ex-injectors only as per standard of care; intervention 1-scale-up of SSP and MAT without changes to treatment; and intervention 2-scale-up as intervention 1 combined with HCV screening and treatment for current PWID. MEASUREMENTS Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) and uncertainty using cost-effectiveness acceptability curves. Benefits were measured in quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). FINDINGS For both settings, intervention 2 is preferred to intervention 1 and the appropriate comparator for intervention 2 is the baseline scenario. Relative to baseline, for PC intervention 2 averts 1852 more HCV infections, increases QALYS by 3095, costs $21.6 million more and has an ICER of $6975/QALY. For SF, intervention 2 averts 36 473 more HCV infections, increases QALYs by 7893, costs $872 million more and has an ICER of $11 044/QALY. The cost-effectiveness of intervention 2 was robust to several sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSIONS Hepatitis C screening and treatment for people who inject drugs, combined with medication-assisted treatment and syringe-service programs, is a cost-effective strategy for reducing hepatitis C burden in the United States.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Alyssa Leib
- Department of Chemistry, University of Colorado, Denver, USA
| | | | - April Young
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Alex Kral
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Kimberly Page
- University of New Mexico, Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | | | - Jon Zibbell
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Susan Hariri
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Lina Nerlander
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - John W. Ward
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Rudolph AE, Upton E, McDonald MJ, Young AM, Havens JR. Peer influence of injection drug use cessation among dyads in rural eastern Kentucky. Int J Drug Policy 2019; 85:102604. [PMID: 31740176 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Revised: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This analysis aims to assess whether injection drug use cessation among peers predicts injection drug use cessation among individuals and explores whether this association varies by relationship type and strength. METHODS Data were collected through baseline and 6-month assessments for the Social Networks among Appalachian People study (2008-2011). Interviewer-administered surveys collected sociodemographic and drug use behaviors (past 6 months and lifetime). Participants also listed sex, drug use, and social support partners (past 6 months). Listed names were cross-referenced with survey participants to identify relationships between study participants. The analytic sample was further restricted to include only those relationship pairs where both individuals reported a history of injection drug use at baseline (n = 244 unique individuals and 746 dyads). We fit a generalized estimating equations logistic regression model to (1) assess the relationship between peer injection cessation and individual injection cessation and (2) determine whether the strength of this association differs by relationship-level variables (i.e., relationship role, relationship type, relationship duration, frequency of interaction, residential proximity). RESULTS Overall, those with a network member who ceased injection drug use were more likely to stop injecting over the following 6-month period (AOR=1.65). The magnitude of this association was greater for social support partners (AOR=2.95), family members (AOR=3.56), those with whom the participant interacted at least daily (AOR=2.17), and those who the participant knew longer (AOR=2.09). Further, among family members, the effect size was greater when relationships were further restricted to immediate family members (AOR=5.35). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that in this rural community, closer, more supportive relationships, may be more influential for modeling injection cessation; however, relationship-types were not mutually exclusive so differences in effect size across strata may not be statistically significant. In this setting, social support through the recovery process (including cessation attempts with peers) may increase likelihood of injection cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby E Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
| | - Elizabeth Upton
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Williams College, Williamstown, MA, United States
| | - Madelyn J McDonald
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, United States; Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States; Center for Health Equity Transformation, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, United States
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19
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Buttram ME, Kurtz SP, Cicero TJ, Havens JR. An ethnographic decision model of the initiation of gabapentin misuse among prescription and/or illicit opioid (mis)user. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 204:107554. [PMID: 31542629 PMCID: PMC6905052 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Gabapentin is used in the treatment of seizures and neuralgia, and it is prescribed off-label to treat substance use disorders and withdrawal symptoms. Recent research documents misuse of gabapentin, especially among prescription opioid misusers. The present study contributes to this literature by examining the initiation of gabapentin misuse. METHODS Qualitative interviews were conducted with prescription and/or illicit opioid (mis)users who reported a history of gabapentin misuse (N = 62) and who did not (N = 29). During semi-structured interviews, respondents provided descriptions of the first time they misused gabapentin. An ethnographic decision model was constructed to illustrate the factors that influence the initiation decision. RESULTS Multiple individual, social, and environmental factors influence the decision to initiate gabapentin misuse. Respondents described the initiation decision related to: a) wanting to feel a psychoactive high during times of limited access to one's preferred drug because of institutional barriers (e.g., substance abuse treatment; jail; transitional living facility; N = 18); b) the desire to use multiple drugs, including for experimentation or to potentiate another substance (N = 18); and c) the need to self-treat withdrawal symptoms during periods of opioid nonuse or when opioids were unavailable (N = 16). Respondents also initiated gabapentin misuse to self-treat physical pain (N = 10). CONCLUSIONS Multiple approaches are needed to mitigate gabapentin misuse, including limiting availability in institutional settings and informal channels as well as addressing the needs of drug users who experience physical pain and withdrawal symptoms. Continued research is needed to examine therapeutic uses of gabapentin and behaviors related to misuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mance E. Buttram
- ARSH: Center for Applied Research on Substance Use and Health Disparities, Nova Southeastern University, 7255 NE 4th Ave., Suite 112, Miami, FL 33138 USA
| | - Steven P. Kurtz
- ARSH: Center for Applied Research on Substance Use and Health Disparities, Nova Southeastern University, 7255 NE 4th Ave., Suite 112, Miami, FL 33138 USA
| | - Theodore J. Cicero
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., Box 8134, St. Louis, MO 63110 USA
| | - Jennifer R. Havens
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, 333 Waller Ave., Suite 480, Lexington, KY 40504 USA
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Strickland JC, Havens JR, Stoops WW. A nationally representative analysis of "twin epidemics": Rising rates of methamphetamine use among persons who use opioids. Drug Alcohol Depend 2019; 204:107592. [PMID: 31586804 PMCID: PMC6884137 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2019] [Revised: 08/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent data suggest increases in methamphetamine potency, affordability, and availability in the US. Other data indicate rising rates of methamphetamine use among patients seeking treatment for opioid use disorder. The extent to which similar increases in methamphetamine use have occurred for populations outside of a treatment context and for those reporting other substance use is unknown. PURPOSE The current analysis used a nationally representative data source to evaluate recent trends in past month methamphetamine use based on opioid use history. METHODS Data from the 2015-2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) were analyzed for yearly variations in past month methamphetamine use by opioid use history. Sensitivity analyses assessed if these trends were specific to methamphetamine use and to persons reporting opioid use. RESULTS Significant increases in past month methamphetamine use were observed for persons reporting past month heroin use, past year heroin use disorder, and past year prescription opioid use disorder. Among individuals reporting past month heroin use, for example, methamphetamine use tripled from 9.0% in 2015 to 30.2% in 2017. These associations were specific to methamphetamine with little change in other substance use. Similar increases in methamphetamine use were not observed for populations reporting other illicit substance use with the exception of prescription tranquilizers. CONCLUSIONS These results provide data corroborating evidence of emergent concerns related to methamphetamine use in the US. Such findings highlight the importance of considering global drivers of substance use to avoid cyclic waves of new and emerging substance use crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin C. Strickland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 5510 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Jennifer R. Havens
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 1100 Veterans Drive, Medical Behavioral Science Building Room 140, Lexington, KY 40536, USA,Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 845 Angliana Ave, Lexington, KY 40508, USA
| | - William W. Stoops
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 1100 Veterans Drive, Medical Behavioral Science Building Room 140, Lexington, KY 40536, USA,Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 845 Angliana Ave, Lexington, KY 40508, USA,Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky College of Arts and Sciences, 110 Kastle Hall Lexington, KY 40506, USA,Department of Psychiatry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 3470 Blazer Parkway, Lexington, KY 40509, USA
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21
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this paper is to provide a thorough overview of methods used for recruitment, network data collection, and network data management in a network-based study of rural people who use drugs (PWUD) and to offer methodological recommendations for future research on rural drug use. RECENT FINDINGS The Social Networks among Appalachian People (SNAP) study recruited a cohort of 503 rural PWUD via respondent-driven sampling (RDS) and has retained more than 80% of eligible participants over 7-9 years. SNAP has yielded important methodological insights, including that (1) RDS referral was non-random and disproportionately involved kin and (2) interviewer-administered questionnaires were successful in eliciting accurate name and age information about network members. The SNAP experience suggests that RDS was a successful recruitment strategy for rural PWUD and questionnaires administered by community-based interviewers in the context of a Certificate of Confidentiality could elicit detailed data on PWUD risk networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, 111 Washington Avenue, Office 211C, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA. .,Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA.
| | - Abby E Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
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Havens JR, Walsh SL, Korthuis PT, Fiellin DA. Implementing Treatment of Opioid-Use Disorder in Rural Settings: a Focus on HIV and Hepatitis C Prevention and Treatment. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2019; 15:315-323. [PMID: 29948609 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-018-0402-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To describe the epidemiology of opioid-use disorder in the rural United States (U.S.) as it pertains to HIV and hepatitis C transmission and treatment resources. RECENT FINDINGS Heroin and fentanyl analogs have surpassed prescription opioids in their availability in rural opioid markets adding to HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) and overdose risks. Only 18% of rural individuals live in towns with inpatient services which are of limited quality and utility. Opioid treatment programs that provide methadone are not located in rural areas and only 3% of the primary care providers have the ability to prescribe buprenorphine. National models and resources have been established but lack implementation in rural areas leading to ongoing HIV and HCV transmission and overdose. Addressing the adverse impact of opioids in the rural U.S. will require a concerted effort to implement effective treatments according to national standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Havens
- Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA.
| | - Sharon L Walsh
- Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA
| | - P Todd Korthuis
- Department of Medicine, Section of Addition Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - David A Fiellin
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Center for Interdisciplinary Research on AIDS, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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23
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Knudsen HK, Lofwall MR, Walsh SL, Havens JR. Impact of health reform on health insurance status among persons who use opioids in eastern Kentucky: A prospective cohort analysis. Int J Drug Policy 2019; 70:8-14. [PMID: 31054372 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Health insurance improves health and reduces mortality. Expanding insurance is a central feature of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Persons who use drugs (PWUDs) have historically been at high risk of being uninsured. It is unknown if Appalachian PWUDs, who live in an extremely economically distressed region, are more likely to be insured since implementation of the ACA. METHODS Data from a cohort of 503 PWUDs from eastern Appalachian Kentucky, who were interviewed at seven time-points between 2008 and 2017, were analysed using mixed effects regression models. RESULTS At baseline, only 33.8% of participants were insured, which increased to 87.3% of the cohort at the last follow-up interview. The final multivariate model, which included baseline characteristics and interactions by time, indicated there were significant baseline differences in insurance status by gender, age, education, income, and history of injection. Differences in the predictive margin probabilities of being insured across these groups had dissipated by the final follow-up interview. CONCLUSIONS After Kentucky's implementation of the ACA, this cohort of Appalachian PWUDs made substantial gains in obtaining insurance that far exceeded the increases reported in national studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah K Knudsen
- Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Room 204, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA.
| | - Michelle R Lofwall
- Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Room 203, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA.
| | - Sharon L Walsh
- Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Room 202, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA.
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Room 201, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA.
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24
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Abstract
This analysis uses network and spatial data to identify optimal individuals to target with overdose prevention interventions in rural Appalachia. Five hundred and three rural persons who use drugs were recruited to participate in the Social Networks among Appalachian People Study (2008-2010). Interviewer-administered surveys collected information on demographic characteristics, risk behaviors (including overdose history), network members, and residential addresses. We restricted the sample to individuals with at least one confirmed relationship to another study participant (N = 463). Using dyadic analyses (N = 1428 relationships), we identified relationship-level correlates of relationships with network members who have previously overdosed. We then examined individual- and network-level factors associated with (1) having at least one first-degree alter (i.e., network member) with a prior overdose and (2) each additional network member with a prior overdose (N = 463 study participants). Overall, 28% of the sample had previously overdosed and 57% were one-degree away from someone who previously overdosed. Relationships with those who had overdosed were characterized by closer residential proximity. Those with at least one network member who previously overdosed were more geographically central and occupied more central network positions. Further, the number of network members with an overdose history increased with decreasing distance to the town center, increasing network centrality, and prior enrollment in an alcohol detox program. Because fatal overdoses can be prevented through bystander intervention, these findings suggest that strategies that target more central individuals (both geographically and based on their network positions) and those who have previously enrolled in alcohol detox programs with overdose prevention training and naloxone may optimize intervention reach and have the potential to curb overdose fatalities in this region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby E Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, 1301 Cecil B Moore Avenue, Ritter Annex 905, Philadelphia, PA, 19122, USA.
| | - April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, KY, USA.,Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
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25
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Stone J, Fraser H, Lim AG, Walker JG, Ward Z, MacGregor L, Trickey A, Abbott S, Strathdee SA, Abramovitz D, Maher L, Iversen J, Bruneau J, Zang G, Garfein RS, Yen YF, Azim T, Mehta SH, Milloy MJ, Hellard ME, Sacks-Davis R, Dietze PM, Aitken C, Aladashvili M, Tsertsvadze T, Mravčík V, Alary M, Roy E, Smyrnov P, Sazonova Y, Young AM, Havens JR, Hope VD, Desai M, Heinsbroek E, Hutchinson SJ, Palmateer NE, McAuley A, Platt L, Martin NK, Altice FL, Hickman M, Vickerman P. Incarceration history and risk of HIV and hepatitis C virus acquisition among people who inject drugs: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Infect Dis 2018; 18:1397-1409. [PMID: 30385157 PMCID: PMC6280039 DOI: 10.1016/s1473-3099(18)30469-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) experience a high prevalence of incarceration and might be at high risk of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection during or after incarceration. We aimed to assess whether incarceration history elevates HIV or HCV acquisition risk among PWID. METHODS In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO databases for studies in any language published from Jan 1, 2000 until June 13, 2017 assessing HIV or HCV incidence among PWID. We included studies that measured HIV or HCV incidence among community-recruited PWID. We included only studies reporting original results and excluded studies that evaluated incident infections by self-report. We contacted authors of cohort studies that met the inclusion or exclusion criteria, but that did not report on the outcomes of interest, to request data. We extracted and pooled data from the included studies using random-effects meta-analyses to quantify the associations between recent (past 3, 6, or 12 months or since last follow-up) or past incarceration and HIV or HCV acquisition (primary infection or reinfection) risk among PWID. We assessed the risk of bias of included studies using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Between-study heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 statistic and the P-value for heterogeneity. FINDINGS We included published results from 20 studies and unpublished results from 21 studies. These studies originated from Australasia, western and eastern Europe, North and Latin America, and east and southeast Asia. Recent incarceration was associated with an 81% (relative risk [RR] 1·81, 95% CI 1·40-2·34) increase in HIV acquisition risk, with moderate heterogeneity between studies (I2=63·5%; p=0·001), and a 62% (RR 1·62, 95% CI 1·28-2·05) increase in HCV acquisition risk, also with moderate heterogeneity between studies (I2=57·3%; p=0·002). Past incarceration was associated with a 25% increase in HIV (RR 1·25, 95% CI 0·94-1·65) and a 21% increase in HCV (1·21, 1·02-1·43) acquisition risk. INTERPRETATION Incarceration is associated with substantial short-term increases in HIV and HCV acquisition risk among PWID and could be a significant driver of HCV and HIV transmission among PWID. These findings support the need for developing novel interventions to minimise the risk of HCV and HIV acquisition, including addressing structural risks associated with drug laws and excessive incarceration of PWID. FUNDING Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, National Institute for Health Research, National Institutes of Health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Stone
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Hannah Fraser
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Aaron G Lim
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Josephine G Walker
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Zoe Ward
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Louis MacGregor
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Adam Trickey
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sam Abbott
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Steffanie A Strathdee
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Daniela Abramovitz
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Lisa Maher
- Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jenny Iversen
- Kirby Institute for Infection and Immunity, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Department of Family Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada; Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montreal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Geng Zang
- Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montreal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Richard S Garfein
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Yung-Fen Yen
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Taipei City Hospital, Taipei City Government, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tasnim Azim
- James P Grant School of Public Health, BRAC University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shruti H Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael-John Milloy
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS and Division of AIDS, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Margaret E Hellard
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rachel Sacks-Davis
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Malvina Aladashvili
- Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Tengiz Tsertsvadze
- Infectious Diseases, AIDS and Clinical Immunology Research Center, Tbilisi, Georgia; Faculty of Medicine, Tbilisi State University, Tbilisi, Georgia
| | - Viktor Mravčík
- National Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Addiction, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Addictology, The First Medical Faculty, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; National Institute of Mental Health, Klecany, Czech Republic
| | - Michel Alary
- University Hospital Centre of Québec Research Centre-Laval University, QC, Canada; National Institute of Public Health of Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Elise Roy
- National Institute of Public Health of Québec, QC, Canada; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Sherbrooke, Longueuil, QC, Canada
| | - Pavlo Smyrnov
- International Charitable Foundation Alliance for Public Health, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Yana Sazonova
- International Charitable Foundation Alliance for Public Health, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, KY, USA; Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, KY, USA
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, KY, USA
| | - Vivian D Hope
- Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK; National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Monica Desai
- National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | | | - Sharon J Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Health Protection Scotland, National Health Service National Services Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Norah E Palmateer
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK; Health Protection Scotland, National Health Service National Services Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Andrew McAuley
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lucy Platt
- Faculty of Public Health and Policy, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Natasha K Martin
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Yale School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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26
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Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) has reached epidemic proportions in rural Central Appalachia in recent years. We sought to identify demographic, behavioral, and interpersonal characteristics associated with HCV serostatus disclosure among high risk people who use drugs (PWUD) in Appalachian Kentucky. HCV antibody-positive participants (n = 243), drawn from the fifth follow-up assessment of a longitudinal study of rural PWUD, completed interviewer-administered questionnaires eliciting demographic and interpersonal characteristics, risk behaviors, and information about HCV disclosure. We assessed correlates of HCV disclosure using gender-stratified multivariate logistic regression. Participants reported having disclosed their HCV-positive status to a current sex partner (44.0%), family member (35.8%), close friend (9.5%), or past sex partner (6.6%). Of those reporting current (n = 72) or past (n = 215) injection drug use (IDU), only 2.8% disclosed to current and 0.9% disclosed to past IDU partners, respectively. Female participants were more likely than male participants to disclose to current sex partners and family member(s). In multivariate analyses, adjusting for time since testing HCV positive, older age and lifetime history of drug treatment were associated with decreased odds of HCV disclosure among females, while only lifetime history of drug treatment was associated with decreased odds of HCV disclosure among males. In summary, the almost complete absence of disclosure to current or former injection drug use partners was concerning. However, most participants (69.1%) reported disclosing their HCV status to at least one of their social referents, suggesting that family members, partners, and friends of people living with HCV could play a critical role in encouraging uptake of treatment. Although further research is warranted, it is clear that interventions are needed to encourage HCV disclosure among those most at risk of transmitting HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan G Hofmeister
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Environmental Health, University of Kentucky, 111 Washington Avenue, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA
| | - April M Young
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA. .,Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky, 111 Washington Avenue, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
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27
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Abstract
This study assesses data from the 2002 to 2016 US National Survey on Drug Use and Health data sets to determine the percentage of newly incident heroin users who became heroin dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer R. Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington
| | - Maria A. Parker
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing,Vermont Center on Behavior and Health, University of Vermont, Burlington
| | - James C. Anthony
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing
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28
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Staton M, Ciciurkaite G, Oser C, Tillson M, Leukefeld C, Webster JM, Havens JR. Drug Use and Incarceration among Rural Appalachian Women: Findings From a Jail Sample. Subst Use Misuse 2018; 53:931-941. [PMID: 29161158 PMCID: PMC6121714 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2017.1385631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE The purpose of this paper is to examine drug use and incarceration history among rural Appalachian women. METHODS This study involved random selection, screening, and interviews with rural women from local jails in Appalachia. RESULTS Of the women randomly selected and screened, 97% met criteria for substance use intervention. Significant factors associated with incarceration history included age, education, custody status, and mental health. A significant interaction was observed between male sex partners and drug use on incarceration history. CONCLUSIONS Study findings suggest that the drug/crime relationship among rural Appalachian women is associated with their high-risk home environment, partner relationships, and mental health. Specifically, in addition to drug use, factors such as family and child relationships, anxiety, victimization, and relationships with partners should also be considered in the trajectory of criminal careers among rural Appalachian women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Staton
- a Department of Behavioral Science , University of Kentucky , College of Medicine, Lexington , Kentucky , USA
| | - Gabriele Ciciurkaite
- b Department of Sociology , Social Work and Anthropology, Utah State University , Logan , Utah , USA
| | - Carrie Oser
- c Department of Sociology , University of Kentucky , Lexington , Kentucky , USA
| | - Martha Tillson
- d Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research , University of Kentucky , Lexington , Kentucky , USA
| | - Carl Leukefeld
- d Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research , University of Kentucky , Lexington , Kentucky , USA
| | - J Matthew Webster
- d Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research , University of Kentucky , Lexington , Kentucky , USA
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- d Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research , University of Kentucky , Lexington , Kentucky , USA
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29
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Vickers Smith R, Boland EM, Young AM, Lofwall MR, Quiroz A, Staton M, Havens JR. A qualitative analysis of gabapentin misuse and diversion among people who use drugs in Appalachian Kentucky. Psychol Addict Behav 2017; 32:115-121. [PMID: 29239621 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Gabapentin, an anticonvulsant and analgesic for postherpetic neuralgia, has been thought to have no abuse potential despite numerous published reports to the contrary. Gabapentin has been linked with impaired driving and opioid use, highlighting the need to more fully understand its risk profile. Thirty-three individuals reporting recent nonmedical use of gabapentin were recruited from two ongoing longitudinal studies of drug users in Appalachian Kentucky to participate in focus groups. Four sessions were held (two in the community and two in jail settings), during which participants responded to questions regarding their personal experiences with gabapentin misuse. Focus group participants were similar to other gabapentin users in the larger cohort studies with respect to demographics and drug use behaviors. Overall, the sample reported having initiated gabapentin more than 10 years earlier after having it prescribed for a legitimate, though generally off-label, medical indication (e.g., pain, anxiety, opioid detoxification). Participants reported use of gabapentin in combination with buprenorphine, other opioids, cocaine, and caffeine to produce sought-after central nervous system effects (e.g., muscle relaxation, pain reduction, sleep induction, feeling drunk, and feeling "high"). Focus group responses highlighted the low cost of gabapentin for the purpose of getting high and noted increasing popularity in the community, particularly over the last 2 years. Gabapentin was a prominent drug of abuse in two cohorts of the primarily opioid-using individuals. Providers should be aware of gabapentin's abuse potential, and a reexamination of the need for scheduling is warranted. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Vickers Smith
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine
| | - Elaine M Boland
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine
| | - April M Young
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine
| | - Michelle R Lofwall
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine
| | - Alexa Quiroz
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine
| | - Michele Staton
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine
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30
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Rudolph AE, Young AM, Havens JR. A rural/urban comparison of privacy and confidentiality concerns associated with providing sensitive location information in epidemiologic research involving persons who use drugs. Addict Behav 2017; 74:106-111. [PMID: 28609723 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Analyses that link contextual factors with individual-level data can improve our understanding of the "risk environment"; however, the accuracy of information provided by participants about locations where illegal/stigmatized behaviors occur may be influenced by privacy/confidentiality concerns that may vary by setting and/or data collection approach. METHODS We recruited thirty-five persons who use drugs from a rural Appalachian town and a Mid-Atlantic city to participate in in-depth interviews. Through thematic analyses, we identified and compared privacy/confidentiality concerns associated with two survey methods that (1) collect self-reported addresses/cross-streets and (2) use an interactive web-based map to find/confirm locations in rural and urban settings. RESULTS Concerns differed more by setting than between methods. For example, (1) rural participants valued interviewer rapport and protections provided by the Certificate of Confidentiality more; (2) locations considered to be sensitive differed in rural (i.e., others' homes) and urban (i.e., where drugs were used) settings; and (3) urban participants were more likely to view providing cross-streets as an acceptable alternative to providing exact addresses for sensitive locations and to prefer the web-based map approach. CONCLUSION Rural-urban differences in privacy/confidentiality concerns reflect contextual differences (i.e., where drugs are used/purchased, population density, and prior drug-related arrests). Strategies to alleviate concerns include: (1) obtain a Certificate of Confidentiality, (2) collect geographic data at the scale necessary for proposed analyses, and (3) permit participants to provide intersections/landmarks in close proximity to actual locations rather than exact addresses or to skip questions where providing an intersection/landmark would not obfuscate the actual address.
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31
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Rudolph AE, Young AM, Havens JR. Examining the Social Context of Injection Drug Use: Social Proximity to Persons Who Inject Drugs Versus Geographic Proximity to Persons Who Inject Drugs. Am J Epidemiol 2017; 186:970-978. [PMID: 28535162 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwx162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In this analysis, we used social network and spatial data to examine associations between people's drug injection status and their social and/or spatial proximity to others who injected drugs. We recruited 503 rural Kentucky residents who used drugs to participate in the Social Networks among Appalachian People (SNAP) Study (2008-2010). Interviewer-administered surveys collected information on recent (past 6 months) sex, drug-use, and social-support network members (n = 897 ties). Using network simulations, we determined a threshold for the association between social proximity to others who injected drugs and recent injection status ("socially proximal" was defined by a shortest path ≤2). We defined "geographically proximal" as the median road-network distance between pairs of individuals who both injected drugs (≤7 miles (≤11.2 km)). Logistic regression was used to determine the independent and joint associations between the number of socially and/or geographically proximal injecting peers and a person's injection status. After adjustment, the odds of recent injection increased by 0.4% for each injecting peer who was geographically proximal but not socially proximal, 12% for each geographically and socially proximal injecting peer, and 22% for each injecting peer who was socially proximal but not geographically proximal. When implementing network-based interventions which promote cessation of injection drug use, investigators should consider collecting sociometric network data to examine whether the intervention diffuses through the network and whether there are additive or threshold effects.
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Knudsen HK, Cook J, Lofwall MR, Walsh SL, Studts JL, Havens JR. A mixed methods study of HIV-related services in buprenorphine treatment. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2017; 12:37. [PMID: 28814313 PMCID: PMC5559779 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-017-0122-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a major risk factor in the acquisition and transmission of HIV. Clinical practice guidelines call for the integration of HIV services in OUD treatment. This mixed methods study describes the integration of HIV services in buprenorphine treatment and examines whether HIV services vary by prescribers' medical specialty and across practice settings. METHODS Data were obtained via qualitative interviews with buprenorphine experts (n = 21) and mailed surveys from US buprenorphine prescribers (n = 1174). Survey measures asked about screening for HIV risk behaviors at intake, offering HIV education, recommending all new patients receive HIV testing, and availability of on-site HIV testing. Prescribers' medical specialty, practice settings, caseload demographics, and physician demographics were measured. Multivariate models of HIV services were estimated, while accounting for the nesting of physicians within states. RESULTS Qualitative interviews revealed that physicians often use injection behaviors as the primary indicator for whether a patient should be tested for HIV. Interviews revealed that HIV-related services were often viewed as beyond the scope of practice among general psychiatrists. Surveys indicated that prescribers screened for an average of 3.2 of 5 HIV risk behaviors (SD = 1.6) at intake. About 62.0% of prescribers delivered HIV education to patients and 53.2% recommended HIV testing to all new patients, but only 32.3% offered on-site HIV testing. Addiction specialists and psychiatrists screened for significantly more HIV risk behaviors than physicians in other specialties. Addiction specialists and psychiatrists were significantly less likely than other physicians to offer on-site testing. Physicians in individual medical practice were significantly less likely to recommend HIV testing and to offer onsite testing than physicians in other settings. CONCLUSIONS Buprenorphine treatment providers have not uniformly integrated HIV-related screening, education, and testing services for patients. Differences by medical specialty and practice setting suggest an opportunity for targeting efforts to increase implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah K Knudsen
- Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Ave, Room 204, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA.
| | - Jennifer Cook
- Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Ave, Room 214, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA
| | - Michelle R Lofwall
- Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Ave, Room 203, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA
| | - Sharon L Walsh
- Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Ave, Room 202, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA
| | - Jamie L Studts
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, 1100 Veterans Drive, Medical Behavioral Science Building, Room 127, Lexington, KY, 40536-0086, USA
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Ave, Room 201, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA
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Stephens DB, Young AM, Havens JR. Healthcare contact and treatment uptake following hepatitis C virus screening and counseling among rural Appalachian people who use drugs. Int J Drug Policy 2017. [PMID: 28648353 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.05.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) remains a major contributor to morbidity and mortality worldwide. Since 2009, Kentucky has led the United States in cases of acute HCV, driven largely by injection drug use in rural areas. Improved treatment regimens hold promise of mitigating the impact and transmission of HCV, but numerous barriers obstruct people who inject drugs (PWID) from receiving care, particularly in medically underserved settings. METHODS 503 rural people who use drugs were recruited using respondent-driven sampling and received HCV screening and post-test counseling. Presence of HCV antibodies was assessed using enzyme immunoassay of dried blood samples. Sociodemographic and behavioral data were collected using computer-based questionnaires. Predictors of contacting a healthcare provider for follow-up following HCV-positive serotest and counseling were determined using discrete-time survival analysis. RESULTS 150 (59%) of 254 participants reported contacting a healthcare provider within 18 months of positive serotest and counseling; the highest probability occurred within six months of serotesting. 35 participants (14%) reported they were seeking treatment, and 21 (8%) reported receiving treatment. In multivariate time-dependent modeling, health insurance, internet access, prior substance use treatment, meeting DSM-IV criteria for generalized anxiety disorder, and recent marijuana use increased the odds of making contact for follow-up. Participants meeting criteria for major depressive disorder and reporting prior methadone use, whether legal or illegal, were less likely to contact a provider. CONCLUSION While only 8% received treatment after HCV-positive screening, contacting a healthcare provider was frequent in this sample of rural PWID, suggesting that the major barriers to care are likely further downstream. These findings offer insight into the determinants of engaging the cascade of medical treatment for HCV and ultimately, treatment-as-prevention. Further study and increased resources to support integrated interventions with effectiveness in other settings are recommended to mitigate the impact of HCV in this resource-deprived setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin B Stephens
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Department of Behavioral Science, 845 Angliana Ave., Lexington, KY 40508, USA.
| | - April M Young
- University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, 111 Washington Avenue, Office 211C, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, 845 Angliana Ave., Lexington, KY 40508, USA.
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, 845 Angliana Ave., Lexington, KY 40508, USA.
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Knudsen HK, Havens JR, Lofwall MR, Studts JL, Walsh SL. Buprenorphine physician supply: Relationship with state-level prescription opioid mortality. Drug Alcohol Depend 2017; 173 Suppl 1:S55-S64. [PMID: 28363321 PMCID: PMC5584581 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.08.642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Buprenorphine is an effective treatment for opioid use disorder but the supply of buprenorphine physicians is currently inadequate to address the nation's prescription opioid crisis. Perception of need due to rising opioid overdose rates is one possible reason for physicians to adopt buprenorphine. This study examined associations between rates of growth in buprenorphine physicians and prescription opioid overdose mortality rates in US states. METHODS The total buprenorphine physician supply and number of physicians approved to treat 100 patients (per 100,000 population) were measured from June 2013 to January 2016. States were divided into two groups: those with rates of prescription opioid overdose mortality in 2013 at or above the median (>5.5 deaths per 100,000 population) and those with rates below the median. State-level growth curves were estimated using mixed-effects regression to compare rates of growth between high and low overdose states. RESULTS The total supply and the supply of 100-patient buprenorphine physicians grew significantly (total supply from 7.7 to 9.9 per 100,000 population, p<0.001; 100-patient supply from 2.2 to 3.4 per 100,000 population, p<0.001). Rates of growth were significantly greater in high overdose states when compared to low overdose states (total supply b=0.033, p<0.01; 100-patient b=0.022, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS The magnitude of the US prescription opioid crisis, as measured by the rate of prescription opioid overdose mortality, is associated with growth in the number of buprenorphine physicians. Because this observational design cannot establish causality, further research is needed to elucidate the factors influencing physicians' decisions to begin prescribing buprenorphine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah K. Knudsen
- Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Room 204, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA
| | - Jennifer R. Havens
- Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Room 201, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA
| | - Michelle R. Lofwall
- Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Room 203 Lexington, KY, 40508, USA
| | - Jamie L. Studts
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 127 Medical Behavioral Science Building, Lexington, KY 40536-0086, USA
| | - Sharon L. Walsh
- Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Room 202, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA
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Oser CB, Pullen E, Stevens-Watkins D, Perry BL, Havens JR, Staton-Tindall M, Leukefeld CG. African American women and sexually transmitted infections: The contextual influence of unbalanced sex ratios and individual risk behaviors. J Drug Issues 2016; 47:543-561. [PMID: 28983125 DOI: 10.1177/0022042616678610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
This study uses data from 564 African American women to examine the correlates of lifetime prevalence of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Specifically, we test the effects of perceptions about the availability of African American males, five partner characteristics, and drug history. At the bivariate-level, women with an STI diagnosis were significantly more likely to have dated a man who was married, older, had sex with another man, involved in concurrent partnerships, and had been incarcerated. About half of the participants stated it was difficult to find an eligible African American male and attributed the limited pool of same-race partners to drug trafficking, a lack of monogamy, and high rates of incarceration. Multivariate analyses revealed having dated a man who had concurrent sexual partnerships or had been incarcerated, as well as drug use during sex were positively associated with ever having an STI. Individual and contextual implications are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie B Oser
- Department of Sociology, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Erin Pullen
- Indiana University Network Science Institute, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Danelle Stevens-Watkins
- Department of Educational, Counseling, and School Psychology, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Brea L Perry
- Department of Sociology, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Michele Staton-Tindall
- College of Social Work, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Carl G Leukefeld
- Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Buer LM, Leukefeld CG, Havens JR. "I'm Stuck": Women's Navigations of Social Networks and Prescription Drug Misuse in Central Appalachia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 19:70-84. [PMID: 28736509 DOI: 10.1111/nad.12044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study utilizes anthropological analyses of kinship, care, gendered inequalities, and the state to examine how social networks affect women's substance use in a rural Appalachian county where the primary drug of choice is prescription opioids. Of 503 participants from a larger study of social networks among rural drug users, 16 women who reported using drugs with four or more other study participants (drug network members) were interviewed from November 2011 to February 2012. The purpose of interviews is to analyze the substance use patterns among participants who are highly connected in their networks. Female participants say they feel "stuck" in cycles of prescription drug misuse because of entrenchment in moral economies, intensive caretaking responsibilities, and violence from those in their networks. Although women demonstrate agency in their navigations of drug use, relationships, and economic and health inequalities, the factors that constrain women's actions culminate to create barriers for women accessing substance abuse treatment or decreasing substance use outside of treatment. This study adds to understandings of the relational and situational aspects of women's drug use and efforts to decrease use. Recognizing these aspects of women's lives will aid policies and programs in becoming more relevant to substance abusing women. (substance use; kinship; care; gendered inequalities; Appalachia).
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesly-Marie Buer
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Medical Behavioral Science Building, Lexington, KY 40536.,Department of Anthropology, University of Kentucky, Lafferty Hall, Lexington, KY 40506
| | - Carl G Leukefeld
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Medical Behavioral Science Building, Lexington, KY 40536
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Medical Behavioral Science Building, Lexington, KY 40536
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Young AM, Rudolph AE, Su AE, King L, Jent S, Havens JR. Accuracy of name and age data provided about network members in a social network study of people who use drugs: implications for constructing sociometric networks. Ann Epidemiol 2016; 26:802-809. [PMID: 28126091 DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2016.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 09/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Network analysis has become increasingly popular in epidemiologic research, but the accuracy of data key to constructing risk networks is largely unknown. Using network data from people who use drugs (PWUDs), the study examined how accurately PWUD reported their network members' (i.e., alters') names and ages. METHODS Data were collected from 2008 to 2010 from 503 PWUD residing in rural Appalachia. Network ties (n = 897) involved recent (past 6 months) sex, drug cousage, and/or social support. Participants provided alters' names, ages, and relationship-level characteristics; these data were cross-referenced to that of other participants to identify participant-participant relationships and to determine the accuracy of reported ages (years) and names (binary). RESULTS Participants gave alters' exact names and ages within two years in 75% and 79% of relationships, respectively. Accurate name was more common in relationships that were reciprocally reported and those involving social support and male alters. Age was more accurate in reciprocal ties and those characterized by kinship, sexual partnership, recruitment referral, and financial support, and less accurate for ties with older alters. CONCLUSIONS Most participants reported alters' characteristics accurately, and name accuracy was not significantly different in relationships involving drug-related and/or sexual behavior compared to those not involving these behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington; Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington.
| | - Abby E Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Amanda E Su
- University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington
| | - Lee King
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Susan Jent
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington; University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington
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Smith RV, Havens JR, Walsh SL. Gabapentin misuse, abuse and diversion: a systematic review. Addiction 2016; 111:1160-74. [PMID: 27265421 PMCID: PMC5573873 DOI: 10.1111/add.13324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2015] [Revised: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Since its market release, gabapentin has been presumed to have no abuse potential and subsequently has been prescribed widely off-label, despite increasing reports of gabapentin misuse. This review estimates and describes the prevalence and effects of, motivations behind and risk factors for gabapentin misuse, abuse and diversion. METHODS Databases were searched for peer-reviewed papers demonstrating gabapentin misuse, characterized by taking a larger dosage than prescribed or taking gabapentin without a prescription, and diversion. All types of studies were considered; grey literature was excluded. Thirty-three papers met inclusion criteria, consisting of 23 case studies and 11 epidemiological reports. Published reports came from the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Finland, India, South Africa and France, and two analyzed websites not specific to a particular country. RESULTS Prevalence of gabapentin misuse in the general population was reported to be 1%, 40-65% among individuals with prescriptions and between 15 and 22% within populations of people who abuse opioids. An array of subjective experiences reminiscent of opioids, benzodiazepines and psychedelics were reported over a range of doses, including those within clinical recommendations. Gabapentin was misused primarily for recreational purposes, self-medication or intentional self-harm and was misused alone or in combination with other substances, especially opioids, benzodiazepines and/or alcohol. Individuals with histories of drug abuse were most often involved in its misuse. CONCLUSIONS Epidemiological and case report evidence suggests that the anti-epileptic and analgesic medication gabapentin is being misused internationally, with substance abuse populations at special risk for misuse/abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel V. Smith
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral
Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY,Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public
Health, Lexington, KY,Department of Biostatistics, University of Kentucky College of
Public Health, Lexington, KY
| | - Jennifer R. Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral
Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY,Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public
Health, Lexington, KY
| | - Sharon L. Walsh
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral
Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY,Department of Pharmacology, University of Kentucky College of
Medicine, Lexington, KY,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kentucky
College of Pharmacy, Lexington, KY,Corresponding Author: Sharon L. Walsh, PhD, Center on
Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of
Kentucky College of Medicine, 845 Angliana Avenue, Lexington, KY 40508, Phone:
859-257-6485,
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Smith RV, Young AM, Mullins UL, Havens JR. Individual and Network Correlates of Antisocial Personality Disorder Among Rural Nonmedical Prescription Opioid Users. J Rural Health 2016; 33:198-207. [PMID: 27171488 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Examination of the association of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) with substance use and HIV risk behaviors within the social networks of rural people who use drugs. METHODS Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to assess substance use, HIV risk behavior, and social network characteristics of drug users (n = 503) living in rural Appalachia. The MINI International Psychiatric Interview was used to determine whether participants met DSM-IV criteria for ASPD and Axis-I psychological comorbidities (eg, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder). Participants were also tested for herpes simplex 2, hepatitis C, and HIV. Multivariate generalized linear mixed modeling was used to determine the association between ASPD and risk behaviors, substance use, and social network characteristics. RESULTS Approximately one-third (31%) of participants met DSM-IV criteria for ASPD. In multivariate analysis, distrust and conflict within an individual's social networks, as well as past 30-day use of heroin and crack, male gender, younger age, lesser education, heterosexual orientation, and comorbid MDD were associated with meeting diagnostic criteria for ASPD. CONCLUSIONS Participants meeting criteria for ASPD were more likely to report recent heroin and crack use, which are far less common drugs of abuse in this population in which the predominant drug of abuse is prescription opioids. Greater discord within relationships was also identified among those with ASPD symptomatology. Given the elevated risk for blood-borne infection (eg, HIV) and other negative social and health consequences conferred by this high-risk subgroup, exploration of tailored network-based interventions with mental health assessment is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel V Smith
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, Kentucky.,Department of Biostatistics, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - April M Young
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Ursula L Mullins
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, Kentucky
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Knudsen HK, Lofwall MR, Havens JR, Walsh SL. States' implementation of the Affordable Care Act and the supply of physicians waivered to prescribe buprenorphine for opioid dependence. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 157:36-43. [PMID: 26483356 PMCID: PMC4663127 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 08/20/2015] [Accepted: 09/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the Affordable Care Act (ACA) is anticipated to affect substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, its impact on the supply of physicians waivered to treat opioid dependence with buprenorphine has not been considered. This study examined whether states more supportive of ACA, meaning those that had opted to expand Medicaid and establish a state-based health insurance exchange, experienced greater growth in physician supply than less supportive states. METHODS Buprenorphine physician supply, including total physician supply, supply of 30-patient physicians, and supply of 100-patient physicians per 100,000 state residents, was measured from June 2013 to May 2015. State characteristics were drawn from multiple secondary sources, with states categorized as ACA-supportive, ACA-hybrid (where states either expanded Medicaid or established a state-based exchange), or ACA-resistant (where states took neither action). Mixed effects regression was used to estimate state-level growth curves to test whether rates of growth varied by states' approaches to implementing ACA. RESULTS The supply of waivered physicians grew significantly over the two-year period. Rates of growth were significantly lower in ACA-hybrid and ACA-resistant states relative to growth in ACA-supportive states. Average buprenorphine physician supply at baseline varied by region, the percentage of residents covered by Medicaid, and the supply of specialty SUD treatment programs. CONCLUSIONS This study found a positive impact of the ACA on growth in the supply of buprenorphine-waivered physicians in US states. Future research should address whether the ACA affects the number of patients receiving buprenorphine, Medicaid spending, and the quality of treatment services delivered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah K. Knudsen
- Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Room 204, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA
| | - Michelle R. Lofwall
- Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Room 203 Lexington, KY, 40508, USA.
| | - Jennifer R. Havens
- Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Room 201, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA.
| | - Sharon L. Walsh
- Department of Behavioral Science and Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, 845 Angliana Avenue, Room 202, Lexington, KY, 40508, USA.
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Stephens DB, Young AM, Mullins UL, Havens JR. Correlates to seroprevalent herpes simplex virus type 2 among rural Appalachian drug users. J Med Virol 2015; 88:512-20. [PMID: 26288383 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.24358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is the most common cause of genital ulcer disease and, along with substance abuse, an important HIV risk factor. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine HSV-2 seroprevalence in a sample of drug users in rural Appalachia. Rural Appalachian individuals age 18 or older reporting non-medical use of prescription opioids, heroin, crack/cocaine, or methamphetamine in the past 6 months (n = 499) were included. Behavioral, demographic, and sexual network data were collected using interviewer-administered questionnaires. Participants' serum was tested for HSV-2 antibodies using the Biokit rapid test (Lexington, MA). The estimated population seroprevalence of HSV-2 was 14.4% (95%CI: 9.6-19.4%). Only 8.8% were aware of being HSV-2+, and unprotected sex was reported in 80% of serodiscordant sexual relationships. In a multivariate model, female gender, age, older age at first oral sex, and frequency of unprotected sex in the sexual network were independently associated with HSV-2 seropositivity. Despite lower seroprevalence than that reported in similar studies of substance abusers, targeted interventions to reduce sexual risk behavior are warranted in this underserved population. Network-informed approaches with particular focus on women, older individuals, and those engaging in frequent unprotected sex are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin B Stephens
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky.,Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - April M Young
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky.,Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Ursula L Mullins
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky.,Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel V. Smith
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine,Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health
| | - Michelle R. Lofwall
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine,Department of Psychiatry, University of Kentucky College of Medicine
| | - Jennifer R. Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine,Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky College of Public Health
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Abstract
Formative research into the behavioral factors surrounding HIV vaccine uptake is becoming increasingly important as progress is made in HIV vaccine development. Given that the first vaccines on the market are likely to be partially effective, risk compensation (i.e., increased risk behavior following vaccination) may present a concern. This study characterized the relationships in which HIV vaccine-related risk compensation is most likely to occur using dyadic data collected from people who use drugs, a high-risk group markedly underrepresented in extant literature. Data were collected from 433 drug users enrolled in a longitudinal study in the USA. Respondents were asked to provide the first name and last initial of individuals with whom they had injected drugs and/or had sex during the past six months. For each partner, respondents reported their likelihood of increasing risk behavior if they and/or their partner received an HIV vaccine. Using generalized linear mixed models, relationship-level correlates to risk compensation were examined. In bivariate analysis, risk compensation was more likely to occur between partners who have known each other for a shorter time (odds ratio [OR]=0.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.90-0.99, p=0.028) and between those who inject drugs and have sex together (OR=2.52, CI: 1.05-6.04, p=0.039). In relationships involving risk compensation, 37% involved partners who had known each other for a year or less compared to only 13% of relationships not involving risk compensation. Adjusting for other variables, duration (OR: 0.95, CI: 0.90-1.00, p=0.033) was associated with risk compensation intent. These analyses suggest that risk compensation may be more likely to occur in less established relationships and between partners engaging in more than one type of risk behavior. These data provide further support for the need to expand measures of risk compensation in HIV vaccine preparedness studies to assess not only if people will change their behavior, but also with whom.
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Affiliation(s)
- April M Young
- a Department of Epidemiology , University of Kentucky , Lexington , KY , USA
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Staton-Tindall M, Webster JM, Oser CB, Havens JR, Leukefeld CG. Drug use, hepatitis C, and service availability: perspectives of incarcerated rural women. Soc Work Public Health 2015; 30:385-96. [PMID: 25950907 PMCID: PMC4425245 DOI: 10.1080/19371918.2015.1021024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
This study examined drug use, hepatitis C, and service availability and use among a high-risk sample of rural women serving time in jails. Data was collected from female offenders (N = 22) who participated in four focus groups in three rural jail facilities located in Appalachia. Findings indicated that drug misuse is prevalent in this impoverished area of the country, and that the primary route of administration of drug use is injection. Findings also indicate that injection drug use is also commonly associated with contracting hepatitis C (HCV), which is also perceived to be prevalent in the area. Despite knowledge associated with HCV risks, women in this sample were seemingly apathetic about the increasing spread of HCV in the area and unconcerned about the long-term consequences of the course of the infection. Implications for future research and practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J. Matthew Webster
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Carrie B. Oser
- Department of Sociology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jennifer R. Havens
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Carl G. Leukefeld
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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Young AM, Stephens DB, Khaleel HA, Havens JR. Hepatitis C vaccine clinical trials among people who use drugs: potential for participation and involvement in recruitment. Contemp Clin Trials 2014; 41:9-16. [PMID: 25553715 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2014.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Revised: 12/20/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Candidate prophylactic HCV vaccines are approaching phase III clinical trial readiness, yet little is known about the potential for participation among target groups or innovative ways to promote enrollment within 'hard-to-reach' populations. This study describes HCV vaccine trial participation willingness among a high-risk sample of people who use drugs and their willingness to assist researchers by promoting the trial among peers. Willingness to participate in and encourage peers' participation in an HCV vaccine trial was assessed among injection and non-injection drug users enrolled in a cohort study in Kentucky using interviewer-administered questionnaires (n=165 and 415, respectively, with willingness to participate assessed among HCV-seronegative participants only). Generalized linear mixed models were used to determine correlates to being "very likely" to participate or encourage participation in a trial. Most reported being likely to participate or encourage participation in a vaccine trial (63% and 87%, respectively). Men were significantly less likely to report willingness to encourage others' participation, while willingness to encourage was higher among lower income, HCV-seropositive, heroin-using, and methamphetamine-using participants. Unemployment, lesser education, receipt of financial support from more peers, and nonmedical prescription drug use were positively associated with willingness to participate. Differential enrollment in HCV vaccine clinical trials by socioeconomic status may occur, underscoring ethical considerations and need for avoiding coercion. Notably, the data suggest that a peer-driven approach to promoting trial participation among people who use drugs could be feasible in this population and that HCV-seropositive individuals and women could be especially instrumental in these efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States; Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.
| | - Dustin B Stephens
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Hanan A Khaleel
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States; Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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Young AM, Halgin DS, DiClemente RJ, Sterk CE, Havens JR. Will HIV vaccination reshape HIV risk behavior networks? A social network analysis of drug users' anticipated risk compensation. PLoS One 2014; 9:e101047. [PMID: 24992659 PMCID: PMC4081575 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0101047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND An HIV vaccine could substantially impact the epidemic. However, risk compensation (RC), or post-vaccination increase in risk behavior, could present a major challenge. The methodology used in previous studies of risk compensation has been almost exclusively individual-level in focus, and has not explored how increased risk behavior could affect the connectivity of risk networks. This study examined the impact of anticipated HIV vaccine-related RC on the structure of high-risk drug users' sexual and injection risk network. METHODS A sample of 433 rural drug users in the US provided data on their risk relationships (i.e., those involving recent unprotected sex and/or injection equipment sharing). Dyad-specific data were collected on likelihood of increasing/initiating risk behavior if they, their partner, or they and their partner received an HIV vaccine. Using these data and social network analysis, a "post-vaccination network" was constructed and compared to the current network on measures relevant to HIV transmission, including network size, cohesiveness (e.g., diameter, component structure, density), and centrality. RESULTS Participants reported 488 risk relationships. Few reported an intention to decrease condom use or increase equipment sharing (4% and 1%, respectively). RC intent was reported in 30 existing risk relationships and vaccination was anticipated to elicit the formation of five new relationships. RC resulted in a 5% increase in risk network size (n = 142 to n = 149) and a significant increase in network density. The initiation of risk relationships resulted in the connection of otherwise disconnected network components, with the largest doubling in size from five to ten. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates a new methodological approach to studying RC and reveals that behavior change following HIV vaccination could potentially impact risk network connectivity. These data will be valuable in parameterizing future network models that can determine if network-level change precipitated by RC would appreciably impact the vaccine's population-level effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- April M. Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Daniel S. Halgin
- LINKS Center for Social Network Analysis, Gatton College of Business and Economics, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
| | - Ralph J. DiClemente
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Claire E. Sterk
- Department of Behavioral Sciences and Health Education, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jennifer R. Havens
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States of America
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Havens JR, Leukefeld CG, DeVeaugh-Geiss AM, Coplan P, Chilcoat HD. The impact of a reformulation of extended-release oxycodone designed to deter abuse in a sample of prescription opioid abusers. Drug Alcohol Depend 2014; 139:9-17. [PMID: 24721614 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2012] [Revised: 02/14/2014] [Accepted: 02/15/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prescription opioid abuse is a significant public health concern that requires strategies to reduce its impact, including development of abuse deterrent formulations. OxyContin, an extended-release oxycodone (ERO) formulation, has been widely abused. This study assessed the effects of reformulated ERO, designed to be more difficult to manipulate for purposes of intranasal and intravenous abuse, on patterns of opioid abuse among a sample of individuals from rural Appalachia with a history of ERO abuse. METHODS Structured interviews assessing opioid abuse (past 30-day abuse and retrospectively reported abuse prior to the reformulation in August 2010) were completed by 189 individuals between December 2010 and September 2011. RESULTS The past 30-day prevalence and frequency of reformulated ERO abuse through any route (33%, 1.9 days/month), snorting (5%, 0.2 days/month), and injecting (0.5%, <0.1 days/month) were low and infrequent compared to that of IR oxycodone (any route: 96%, 19.5 days/month; snorting: 70%, 10.3 days/month; injecting: 51%, 10.5 days/month) and retrospectively reported abuse of original ERO in August 2010 (any route: 74%, 13.4 days/month; snorting: 39%, 6.0 days/month; injecting: 41%, 8.6 days/month). After the reformulation, the prevalence of original ERO abuse significantly declined while abuse of reformulated ERO remained steadily low. Heroin abuse was rare in this sample. CONCLUSIONS In this sample, abuse of reformulated ERO was low, and lower than abuse of original ERO retrospectively and IR oxycodone concurrently, particularly through injecting and snorting routes of administration. There was no evidence to suggest that reformulated ERO became a substitute for original ERO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Havens
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 333 Waller Avenue, Suite 480, Lexington, KY 40504, USA.
| | - Carl G Leukefeld
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, 333 Waller Avenue, Suite 480, Lexington, KY 40504, USA
| | - Angela M DeVeaugh-Geiss
- Risk Management and Epidemiology, Purdue Pharma L.P., One Stamford Forum, Stamford, CT 06901, USA
| | - Paul Coplan
- Risk Management and Epidemiology, Purdue Pharma L.P., One Stamford Forum, Stamford, CT 06901, USA
| | - Howard D Chilcoat
- Risk Management and Epidemiology, Purdue Pharma L.P., One Stamford Forum, Stamford, CT 06901, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE This pilot study examined a telemedicine-based intervention using motivational enhancement therapy (METelemedicine) to reduce alcohol use among a sample of at-risk, rural alcohol users. METHODS A total of 127 rural alcohol users were recruited from community supervision offices and engaged in brief intervention sessions using telemedicine. Analysis examined alcohol outcomes at 3 months postbaseline. FINDINGS Findings indicated that although there were no overall differences between comparison groups on alcohol outcomes, 3+ sessions of METelemedicine significantly reduced the likelihood of any alcohol use by 72% (P < .05). In addition, 3+ sessions of the intervention predicted fewer days of drinking in the follow-up period, fewer drinks per week, and fewer days experiencing alcohol problems. CONCLUSIONS Findings demonstrate that telemedicine may be a promising approach to deliver interventions with alcohol users who may not utilize formal treatment services. This method has potential to decrease some of the barriers to access and use of evidence-based treatment for populations in need of services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Staton-Tindall
- College of Social Work, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky; Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
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Abstract
The purpose of this qualitative study is to understand changing illicit drug use patterns in rural Appalachia since a new formulation of OxyContin® was released with the goal of deterring diversion and misuse. Participants (n = 25) from a longitudinal study of rural drug users (N = 192) were approached to participate in semistructured qualitative interviews between April and June 2011. The primary finding is that the majority of participants switched from using the original formulation OxyContin to immediate-release oxycodone. We discuss the implications and limitations of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lesly-Marie Buer
- 1Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Young AM, Rudolph AE, Quillen D, Havens JR. Spatial, temporal and relational patterns in respondent-driven sampling: evidence from a social network study of rural drug users. J Epidemiol Community Health 2014; 68:792-8. [PMID: 24692631 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2014-203935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) has become a common tool for recruiting high-risk populations for HIV research. However, few studies have explored the influence of geospatial proximity and relationship-level characteristics on RDS recruitment, particularly among high-risk individuals residing in rural areas of the US. METHODS In a social network study of 503 drug users in rural Central Appalachia, interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to collect relationship-level data (eg, duration of relationship, frequency of communication, kinship, social/financial support, trust, drug use and sex) and residential location. Demographic and drug-use similarity were also evaluated. Residential data were geocoded and road distance (km) between participants and (1) their network members and (2) the study site were computed. Seasonal patterns were assessed using node-level analysis, and dyadic analyses were conducted using generalised linear mixed models. Adjusted ORs (AORs) and 95% CIs are reported. RESULTS Differences in distance to the study office by season and order of study entry were not observed (F=1.49, p=0.209 and β=0.074, p=0.050, respectively). Participants with transportation lived significantly further from the interview site than their counterparts (p<0.001). Dyadic analyses revealed no association between RDS recruitment likelihood and geographic proximity. However, kinship (AOR 1.62; CI 1.02 to 2.58) and frequency of communication (AOR 1.63; CI 1.25 to 2.13) were significantly associated with RDS recruitment. CONCLUSIONS In this sample, recruitment from one's network was likely non-random, contradicting a core RDS assumption. These data underscore the importance of formative research to elucidate potential recruitment preferences and of quantifying recruitment preferences for use in analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- April M Young
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Abby E Rudolph
- The Calverton Center, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Calverton, Maryland, USA
| | - Deane Quillen
- Division of General Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Jennifer R Havens
- Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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