Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Melissa Perri, Adrian Guta, Marilou Gagnon, Matt Bonn, Pamela Leece, Ahmed M. Bayoumi, Nanky Rai, Natasha Touesnard, Carol Strike
Summary: COVID-19 has worsened negative health and social outcomes for people who use drugs globally, prompting the need to adapt health and human service delivery to better meet their needs. Digital health tools have the potential to improve care continuum for this population, and a digital health strategy is called for with recommendations for future program development and implementation.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Molly Hutchinson, Eric Lavigne, Zachary Patterson
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected vulnerable individuals, including those who use opioids. A study found that hospitalizations for opioid use disorder decreased during the pandemic, but hospitalizations related to opioid poisonings significantly increased.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Rina Ghose, Amir M. Forati, John R. Mantsch
Summary: The opioid crisis has had varying effects on urban communities with different socioeconomic backgrounds, leading to widening health disparities. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic coincided with a significant increase in drug overdose deaths in the USA. This study used spatiotemporal analysis techniques to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on opioid overdose deaths and found that the pandemic significantly increased the monthly overdose deaths. The effects were particularly severe in poor, urban neighborhoods, affecting Black and Hispanic communities, but more affluent, suburban White communities also experienced an increase in overdose deaths.
JOURNAL OF URBAN HEALTH-BULLETIN OF THE NEW YORK ACADEMY OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Rachel French, Jamie Favaro, Shoshana Aronowitz
Summary: Access barriers to naloxone, including COVID quarantine, lack of knowledge, and cost, were identified in the study. The way individuals learned about the program differed based on personal proximity to overdose, with those closer to substance use more likely to find out through an active online search. Understanding these differences can help improve outreach efforts for naloxone programs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
William Rioux, Benjamin Enns, S. Monty Ghosh
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the potential effectiveness of Mobile Overdose Response Services (MORS) in reducing fatal drug poisoning/overdose. By analyzing publicly available data and usage data from these services, the study shows that MORS have the potential to prevent a significant number of deaths caused by drug poisoning/overdose.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
Rebecca McDonald, Desiree Eide, Katri Abel-Ollo, Lee Barnsdale, Ben Carter, Thomas Clausen, Ed Day, Francina Fonseca, Elin Holmen, Kirsten Horsburgh, Mike Kelleher, Martin Kaberg, Martin Ladenhauf, Andrew McAuley, Nicola Metrebian, Joanne Neale, Stephen Parkin, Kevin Ratcliffe, Chris Rintoul, Josie Smith, Viktorija Stifanoviciute, Marta Torrens, Henrik Thiesen, John Strang
Summary: Despite reduced organizational capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic, some European countries managed to ensure stable or increased take-home naloxone provision through program innovation supported by public guidelines.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Mohammad Karamouzian, Bijan Rafat, Gillian Kolla, Karen Urbanoski, Kate Atkinson, Geoff Bardwell, Matthew Bonn, Natasha Touesnard, Nancy Henderson, Jeanette Bowles, Jade Boyd, Caroline Brunelle, Jolene Eeuwes, Jill Fikowski, Tara Gomes, Adrian Guta, Elaine Hyshka, Andrew Ivsins, Mary Clare Kennedy, Gab Laurence, Lucas Martignetti, Frishta Nafeh, Kate Salters, David Tu, Carol Strike, Bernadette Pauly, Dan Werb
Summary: Safer supply pilot programs in Canada face multiple inner and outer implementation challenges, including organizational features, outer contexts, intervention characteristics, and implementation process. These services should be well-supported during their implementation phases, and efforts should be made to refine service provision based on the feedback and experiences of clients and program administrators, ensuring that appropriate medications are available to meet the clients' needs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sarah Bauerle Bass, Patrick J. A. Kelly, Sphoorti Pandit-Kerr, Jenine Pilla, Katherine Morris, Erin Larsen, Jennifer P. Wisdom, Phillip R. Torralva
Summary: This study investigated the experiences and risk perceptions of fentanyl use among 20 clients from a Philadelphia syringe services program. The results showed that most participants recognized fentanyl use as the main cause of opioid-related overdoses in Philadelphia, but they had low interest in and adoption of harm reduction strategies. The COVID-19 pandemic had negative effects on fentanyl availability, use, and overdose risk.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Janice Mok, M-J Milloy, Cameron Grant, Stephanie Lake, Kora DeBeck, Kanna Hayashi, M. Eugenia Socias
Summary: Approximately 1 in 4 participants reported using cannabis for harm reduction at least once during the study period. The most frequent reasons included substituting for stimulants (50%) and substituting for illicit opioids (31%). The use of cannabis for harm reduction is a common strategy among people who use drugs in the setting.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
A. Roxburgh, M. Livingston, P. Dietze, S. Nielsen, S. Cogger, M. Bartlett, C. Day, J. Latimer, M. Jauncey, N. Clark
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted harm reduction and drug treatment services for people who inject drugs in Australia. The two supervised injecting facilities (SIFs) in Sydney and Melbourne were impacted differently by the pandemic, with decreased client visits and changes in drug injection patterns. The lockdown measures resulted in a decline in visits to the SIFs and a decrease in opioid overdose rates. Variations in drug use, including a shift towards methamphetamine in Sydney and co-injection of heroin and diphenhydramine in Melbourne, were observed.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Shoshana V. Aronowitz, Jennifer J. Carroll, Helena Hansen, Marie Jauffret-Roustide, Caroline Mary Parker, Selena Suhail-Sindhu, Carmen Albizu-Garcia, Margarita Alegria, Jaimie Arrendondo, Alexander Baldacchino, Ricky Bluthental, Philippe Bourgois, Joshua Burraway, Jia-shin Chen, Hamed Ekhtiari, Hussien Elkhoy, Ali Farhoudian, Joseph Friedman, Ayana Jordan, Lindsey Kato, Kelly Knight, Carlos Martinez, Ryan McNeil, Hayley Murray, Sarah Namirembe, Ramin Radfar, Laura Roe, Anya Sarang, China Scherz, Joe Tay Wee Teck, Lauren Textor, Khuat Thi Hai Oanh
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the disparities in public health infrastructures and social safety nets worldwide. This study compares the national responses to substance use during the early phase of the pandemic and finds that countries with stronger social welfare systems implemented durable interventions targeting structural drivers of health, while countries with fragmented social service infrastructures introduced temporary initiatives led by non-governmental organizations.
GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Moawiah Khatatbeh, Lobna F. Gharaibeh, Omar F. Khabour, Rana K. Abu-Farha, Karem H. Alzoubi
Summary: This study investigated the willingness and motivations of Jordanians to share medical reports for research purposes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The majority of participants were willing to share their medical data, but had concerns about privacy and data security. Participants with higher education and those who had shared data before were more likely to share their medical information.
Article
Substance Abuse
Michelle Olding, Allison Barker, Ryan McNeil, Jade Boyd
Summary: During the pandemic, PWUD working in harm reduction programs face precarious labour conditions, which make some services vulnerable and increase the risk of virus transmission. Immediate policy and programmatic actions are needed to strengthen working conditions and enhance protections and supports for workers in peer roles.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY
(2021)
Review
Substance Abuse
Alexandra Loverock, Tyler Marshall, Dylan Viste, Fahad Safi, Will Rioux, Navid Sedaghat, Megan Kennedy, S. Monty Ghosh
Summary: This scoping review aimed to explore the existing evidence of electronic harm reduction interventions. Most studies were conducted in Western countries and focused on adult samples. The majority of interventions utilized web-based/mobile applications and telephone/telehealth technology. Further research is needed to establish the efficacy and effectiveness of these interventions.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE
(2023)
Article
Substance Abuse
William Rioux, Tyler Marshall, S. Monty Ghosh
Summary: Overdose mortality rates are increasing globally, particularly among individuals who use drugs alone. Current harm reduction strategies have limitations, leading to the emergence of virtual overdose monitoring services and overdose detection technologies as potential solutions to improve access to harm reduction services. This article discusses the limitations of current harm reduction services, the opportunities and challenges of these technologies, and suggests further research and policy development.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Bayla M. M. Ostrach
Summary: Providers in south-central Appalachia are facing increasing demands for screening various health issues, including intimate partner violence. Through a Human-Centered Design process, community members and providers collaborated to streamline women's health screening tools and integrate important questions, such as those related to intimate partner violence. The feedback from community members emphasized the importance of timing, trust, and cultural considerations in health screening, which providers acknowledged during the design process.
Article
Substance Abuse
Catherine Leiner, Brian Antono, Bayla Ostrach
Summary: This study explores the perspectives of substance use treatment providers in offering perinatal opioid use disorder treatment. It shows that providers have a good understanding of the challenges faced by patients seeking treatment and how this understanding informs patient-centered care.
JOURNAL OF ADDICTION MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Phillip M. Hughes, Genevieve Verrastro, Carriedelle Wilson Fusco, Courtenay Gilmore Wilson, Bayla Ostrach
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the total number of MOUD patient visits increased, while the number of new patients entering treatment remained constant. Additionally, the distance from patient residence to clinic appeared to impact access to care in rural areas.
JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Bayla Ostrach, Rachel Potter, Courtenay Gilmore Wilson, Delesha Carpenter
Summary: Access to buprenorphine-containing medications for rural patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) is problematic in community pharmacies. However, dedicated dispensing arrangements between health departments and pharmacies can improve access.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN PHARMACISTS ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Editorial Material
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nicola Bulled, Merrill Singer, Bayla Ostrach
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Delesha Carpenter, Katie V. Lambert, J. Chase Harless, Courtenay Gilmore Wilson, Scott A. Davis, William A. Zule, Bayla Ostrach
Summary: This study assesses the stocking behaviors, policy awareness, perceptions, and attitudes of pharmacists in North Carolina regarding buprenorphine. The findings indicate that despite the availability of buprenorphine in most pharmacies, pharmacist refusal to dispense and perceived ordering limits may hinder patient access. These factors are associated with pharmacist attitudes and the type of pharmacy.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN PHARMACISTS ASSOCIATION
(2022)
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Delesha M. Carpenter, William A. Zule, Caitlin M. Hennessy, Donna M. Evon, Christopher B. Hurt, Bayla Ostrach
Summary: This study examines the associations between perceived ease of syringe access, sources of syringes, injection behaviors, and law enforcement interactions among people who inject drugs (PWID) in rural Appalachian North Carolina. The results highlight the importance of syringe service programs (SSPs) in mitigating the spread of HIV and viral hepatitis in rural areas. Access to sterile syringes and injection supplies can be increased by supporting mobile SSP services and educating PWID about the risks of sharing injection supplies.
JOURNAL OF RURAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
J. Chase Harless, Phillip M. Hughes, Courtenay Wilson, Delesha Carpenter, Bayla Ostrach
Summary: This study aimed to better understand North Carolina providers' treatment practices for substance use disorder and opioid use disorder, as well as their buprenorphine prescribing behaviors. The survey found that healthcare providers were uncertain about potential barriers to filling buprenorphine prescriptions and providers in rural areas reported a lack of treatment options for substance use disorder.
SOUTHERN MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Chase Harless, Brunilda Lugo, Bayla Ostrach
Summary: This study explores HCV/HIV screening, testing, and treatment in south-central Appalachian North Carolina. Participants reported barriers to screening and testing, such as housing insecurity, lack of transportation and insurance, unemployment, and the isolation of living in a rural area.
SOUTHERN MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Brandon Morrissey, Tamera Hughes, Bayla Ostrach, Loftin Wilson, Reid Getty, Tonya L. Combs, Jesse Bennett, Jennifer J. Carroll
Summary: This study investigates the interactions between syringe service program (SSP) participants and law enforcement in North Carolina since the legalization of SSPs. Despite legal protections, negative law enforcement responses to syringe possession are still widely reported. The study suggests the need for clarification of the requirements for SSP participant identification documents and more comprehensive training for law enforcement officers.
HARM REDUCTION JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Grace T. T. Marley, Bayla Ostrach, Delesha Carpenter
Summary: This study examined the attitudes and willingness of community pharmacists in North Carolina to engage in behaviors related to the sales and distribution of fentanyl test strips (FTS). The results showed that most pharmacists were willing to refer patients, counsel, distribute instructions, sell, and advertise FTS. Pharmacist distribution of FTS could increase access and potentially reduce overdose deaths.
HARM REDUCTION JOURNAL
(2023)
Editorial Material
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Bayla Ostrach, Lucas Hill, Delesha Carpenter, Robin Pollini
Summary: The recent Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act eliminates the requirement for clinicians to complete specific training and apply for a waiver to prescribe buprenorphine, thus expanding access to treatment for opioid use disorder. However, ensuring adequate buprenorphine dispensing is crucial to optimizing the impact of the MAT Act. The impact of the MAT Act on community pharmacists and their patients should be rigorously researched.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN PHARMACISTS ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Education & Educational Research
Robyn A. Latessa, Shelley L. Galvin, Robert A. Swendiman, Joshua Onyango, Bayla Ostrach, Amy C. Edmondson, Scott A. Davis, David A. Hirsh
Summary: Psychological safety and accountability are frameworks that describe relationships in the workplace and can help understand students' educational experiences in longitudinal integrated clerkships.
BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Anthropology
Bayla Ostrach
Summary: This study compares the findings of an earlier phase of rapid ethnographic assessment (REA) with subsequent data collection to determine changes in accessibility of publicly funded abortion. The study found similarities in wait times and visits for obtaining vouchers for a publicly funded abortion, while migrants experienced greater delays. The main difference was that participants seeking publicly funded abortions had later average gestations.
ANTHROPOLOGY IN ACTION-JOURNAL FOR APPLIED ANTHROPOLOGY IN POLICY AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ashley R. Houston, Kathleen Lynch, Bayla Ostrach, Yoshua Seidner Isaacs, Carolina Nve Diaz San Francisco, Jae Moo Lee, Nicholas Emard, Dylan Atchley Proctor
Summary: Despite declining rates of unauthorized migration, the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) continues to increase detention and removal of unauthorized immigrants. Poor conditions in ICE detention centers contribute to malnutrition and increase the risk of infectious diseases like tuberculosis and Type 2 Diabetes (DM2). The interaction between TB and DM2 within ICE detention creates a syndemic, amplifying the health risks faced by detainees.
GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
