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Baker R, Fredericksen RJ, Rudolph AE, Stopka TJ, Walters SM, Fadanelli M, Bolinski RS, Sibley AL, Stack E, Crane HM, Korthuis PT, Seal DW. Overdose responses among rural people who use drugs: A multi-regional qualitative study. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:107. [PMID: 38822387 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-01007-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Efforts to distribute naloxone have equipped more people with the ability to reverse opioid overdoses but people who use drugs are often reluctant to call 911 due to concerns for legal repercussions. Rural communities face unique challenges in reducing overdose deaths compared to urban communities, including limited access to harm reduction services as well as greater concerns about stigma and privacy. METHODS The Rural Opioid Initiative was funded in 2017 to better understand the health-related harms associated with the opioid crisis in rural US communities and consists of eight studies spanning ten states and 65 counties. Each study conducted semi-structured qualitative interviews with people who use drugs to understand contextual factors influencing drug use and health behaviors. We analyzed qualitative data from seven studies with data available at the time of analysis to understand peer response to overdose. RESULTS Of the 304 participants interviewed, 55% were men, 70% were white, 80% reported current injection drug use, and 60% reported methamphetamine use. Similar to what has been found in studies focused on urban settings, people who use drugs in rural communities use a range of strategies to reverse overdoses, including non-evidence-based approaches. Several reported that multiple doses of naloxone are needed to reverse overdose. Three themes emerged around the willingness to call 911, including (1) hesitancy to call 911 for fear of legal consequences, (2) negative perceptions or experiences with law enforcement officers, and (3) efforts to obtain medical intervention while avoiding identification/law enforcement involvement. CONCLUSION People who use drugs employ multiple strategies to attempt overdose reversal, including non-evidence-based approaches. Greater education about the most effective and least harmful strategies is needed. Reluctance to call 911 is rooted in concerns about potential legal consequences as well as perceptions about law enforcement officers, which may be heightened in rural communities where people who use drugs are more easily identified by law enforcement. People who use drugs will go to great strides to connect their peers to needed medical services, suggesting that comprehensive interventions to reduce interactions with law enforcement officers and eliminate legal consequences for reporting overdoses are critical.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Baker
- OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, Portland, OR, USA.
- Learning Design & Innovation, 37 Dewey Field Rd, Suite 201-205, 03755, Hanover, NH, USA.
| | | | - Abby E Rudolph
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Temple University College of Public Health, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Thomas J Stopka
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Suzan M Walters
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Monica Fadanelli
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Adams L Sibley
- The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | | | | | - P Todd Korthuis
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - David W Seal
- Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
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Sibley AL, Klein E, Cooper HLF, Livingston MD, Baker R, Walters SM, Gicquelais RE, Ruderman SA, Friedmann PD, Jenkins WD, Go VF, Miller WC, Westergaard RP, Crane HM. The relationship between felt stigma and non-fatal overdose among rural people who use drugs. Harm Reduct J 2024; 21:77. [PMID: 38582851 PMCID: PMC10998326 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-024-00988-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug overdose deaths in the United States exceeded 100,000 in 2021 and 2022. Substance use stigma is a major barrier to treatment and harm reduction utilization and is a priority target in ending the overdose epidemic. However, little is known about the relationship between stigma and overdose, especially in rural areas. We aimed to characterize the association between felt stigma and non-fatal overdose in a multi-state sample of rural-dwelling people who use drugs. METHODS Between January 2018 and March 2020, 2,608 people reporting past 30-day opioid use were recruited via modified chain-referral sampling in rural areas across 10 states. Participants completed a computer-assisted survey of substance use and substance-related attitudes, behaviors, and experiences. We used multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equations to test the association between felt stigma and recent non-fatal overdose. RESULTS 6.6% of participants (n = 173) reported an overdose in the past 30 days. Recent non-fatal overdose was significantly associated with felt stigma after adjusting for demographic and substance use-related covariates (aOR: 1.47, 95% CI: 1.20-1.81). The association remained significant in sensitivity analyses on component fear of enacted stigma items (aOR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.20-1.83) and an internalized stigma item (aOR: 1.51, 95% CI: 1.07-2.14). CONCLUSIONS Felt stigma related to substance use is associated with higher risk of non-fatal overdose in rural-dwelling people who use drugs. Stigma reduction interventions and tailored services for those experiencing high stigma are underutilized approaches that may mitigate overdose risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adams L Sibley
- Department of Health Behavior, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, 170 Rosenau Hall CB #7400, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA.
| | - Emma Klein
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Hannah L F Cooper
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Melvin D Livingston
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Robin Baker
- OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, Oregon Health & Science University, 1810 SW 5th Ave, Suite 510, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Suzan M Walters
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Population Health, New York University School of Medicine, 180 Madison, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Rachel E Gicquelais
- School of Nursing, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 4257 Signe Skott Cooper Hall, 701 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Stephanie A Ruderman
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Harborview Medical Center, 325 9th Ave, Box 359931, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Peter D Friedmann
- University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School-Baystate and Baystate Health, 3601 Main St, Springfield, MA, 01199, USA
| | - Wiley D Jenkins
- Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, 201 E Madison Street, Springfield, IL, 62702, USA
| | - Vivian F Go
- Department of Health Behavior, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, 170 Rosenau Hall CB #7400, 135 Dauer Dr, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - William C Miller
- Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, CB#8050, 3rd Floor Carolina Square, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516, USA
| | - Ryan P Westergaard
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1685 Highland Avenue, 5th Floor, Madison, WI, 53705-2281, USA
| | - Heidi M Crane
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Mail Stop 359931, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
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Stopka TJ, Estadt AT, Leichtling G, Schleicher JC, Mixson LS, Bresett J, Romo E, Dowd P, Walters SM, Young AM, Zule W, Friedmann PD, Go VF, Baker R, Fredericksen RJ. Barriers to opioid use disorder treatment among people who use drugs in the rural United States: A qualitative, multi-site study. Soc Sci Med 2024; 346:116660. [PMID: 38484417 PMCID: PMC10997882 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.116660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2020, 2.8 million people required substance use disorder (SUD) treatment in nonmetropolitan or 'rural' areas in the U.S. Among this population, only 10% received SUD treatment from a specialty facility, and 1 in 500 received medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD). We explored the context surrounding barriers to SUD treatment in the rural United States. METHODS We conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews from 2018 to 2019 to assess barriers to SUD treatment among people who use drugs (PWUD) across seven rural U.S. study sites. Using the social-ecological model (SEM), we examined individual, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy factors contributing to perceived barriers to SUD treatment. We employed deductive and inductive coding and analytical approaches to identify themes. We also calculated descriptive statistics for participant characteristics and salient themes. RESULTS Among 304 participants (55% male, mean age 36 years), we identified barriers to SUD treatment in rural areas across SEM levels. At the individual/interpersonal level, relevant themes included: fear of withdrawal, the need to "get things in order" before entering treatment, close-knit communities and limited confidentiality, networks and settings that perpetuated drug use, and stigma. Organizational-level barriers included: strict facility rules, treatment programs managed like corrections facilities, lack of gender-specific treatment programs, and concerns about jeopardizing employment. Community-level barriers included: limited availability of treatment in local rural communities, long distances and limited transportation, waitlists, and a lack of information about treatment options. Policy-level themes included insurance challenges and system-imposed barriers such as arrest and incarceration. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight multi-level barriers to SUD treatment in rural U.S. communities. Salient barriers included the need to travel long distances to treatment, challenges to confidentiality due to small, close-knit communities where people are highly familiar with one another, and high-threshold treatment program practices. Our findings point to the need to facilitate the elimination of treatment barriers at each level of the SEM in rural America.
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Affiliation(s)
- T J Stopka
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - A T Estadt
- Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - J C Schleicher
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, School of Medicine and Public Health, Department of Medicine, Madison, WI, USA
| | - L S Mixson
- University of Washington, Department of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - J Bresett
- Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Dept of Public Health, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - E Romo
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - P Dowd
- Chan Medical School-Baystate, University of Massachusetts, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - S M Walters
- New York University's Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - A M Young
- College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - W Zule
- RTI International, Research Triangle, NC, USA
| | - P D Friedmann
- Chan Medical School-Baystate, University of Massachusetts, Springfield, MA, USA
| | - V F Go
- University, of North Carolina, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - R Baker
- Oregon Health & Science University-Portland State University School of Public Health, Portland, OR, USA
| | - R J Fredericksen
- University of Washington, Department of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
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Railey AF, Greene A. Stigma as a local process: Stigma associated with opioid dependency in a rural-mixed Indiana county. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2024; 124:104327. [PMID: 38237430 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Because the nature and magnitude of stigmatizing views associated with opioid dependency vary by social, cultural, and structural factors, strategies to reduce public stigma towards opioid dependency should vary by context. We leverage a unique dataset with evidence of multiple stigmatizing views to understand how to target interventions to reduce stigma in a state disproportionately impacted by the opioid epidemic, with a specific focus on a rural-mixed county. METHODS Data come from the representative Person-to-Person Health Study (2018-2020) of 2,050 Indiana residents, 224 from the rural-mixed Fayette County. Bivariate statistics and multivariate regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between Fayette County and measures of stigma (e.g., desire for social distance, prejudice, causal attributions) relative to the rest of Indiana. RESULTS Fayette County statistically differed from the rest of Indiana on most demographic characteristics and measures of stigmatizing views. Multivariate regressions revealed that compared to the rest of Indiana, residence in Fayette County was associated with a higher desire for social distance, perceptions of unpredictability, and attributing opioid dependency to genetics and the way the person was raised. CONCLUSION Our results contribute to growing evidence supporting the need for local approaches to address stigma. Stigma in Fayette County primarily reflects concerns about how people manage their opioid dependency. Strategies focusing on treatment and recovery potential, accompanied by extending the influence of supportive stakeholders and policies, will become important to address this stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley F Railey
- Department of Sociology, Oklahoma State University, United States; Irsay Institute, Indiana University Bloomington, United States.
| | - Alison Greene
- School of Public Health-Bloomington, Indiana University, United States
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Davis A, Stringer KL, Drainoni ML, Oser CB, Knudsen HK, Aldrich A, Surratt HL, Walker DM, Gilbert L, Downey DL, Gardner SD, Tan S, Lines LM, Vandergrift N, Mack N, Holloway J, Lunze K, McAlearney AS, Huerta TR, Goddard-Eckrich DA, El-Bassel N. Community-level determinants of stakeholder perceptions of community stigma toward people with opioid use disorders, harm reduction services and treatment in the HEALing Communities Study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 122:104241. [PMID: 37890391 PMCID: PMC10841835 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2023.104241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Community stigma toward people with opioid use disorder (OUD) can impede access to harm reduction services and treatment with medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Such community OUD stigma is partially rooted in community-level social and economic conditions, yet there remains a paucity of large-scale quantitative data examining community-level factors associated with OUD stigma. We examined whether rurality, social inequity, and racialized segregation across communities from four states in the HEALing Communities Study (HCS) were associated with 1) greater perceived community stigma toward people treated for OUD, 2) greater perceived intervention stigma toward MOUD, and 3) greater perceived intervention stigma toward naloxone by community stakeholders in the HCS. METHODS From November 2019-January 2020, a cross-sectional survey about community OUD stigma was administered to 801 members of opioid overdose prevention coalitions across 66 communities in four states prior to the start of HCS intervention activities. Bivariate analyses assessed pairwise associations between community rural/urban status and each of the three stigma variables, using linear mixed effect modeling to account for response clustering within communities, state, and respondent sociodemographic characteristics. We conducted similar bivariate analyses to assess pairwise associations between racialized segregation and social inequity. RESULTS On average, the perceived community OUD stigma scale score of stakeholders from rural communities was 4% higher (β=1.57, SE=0.7, p≤0.05), stigma toward MOUD was 6% higher (β=0.28, SE=0.1, p≤0.05), and stigma toward naloxone was 10% higher (β=0.46, SE=0.1, p≤0.01) than among stakeholders from urban communities. No significant differences in the three stigma variables were found among communities based on racialized segregation or social inequity. CONCLUSION Perceived community stigma toward people treated for OUD, MOUD, and naloxone was higher among stakeholders in rural communities than in urban communities. Findings suggest that interventions and policies to reduce community-level stigma, particularly in rural areas, are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alissa Davis
- Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Kristi Lynn Stringer
- Department of Health and Human Performance, Community and Public Health, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN, United States
| | - Mari-Lynn Drainoni
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedesian School of Medicine/Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Health Law, Policy & Management, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Carrie B Oser
- Department of Sociology, Center on Drug & Alcohol Research, Center for Health Equity Transformation, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Hannah K Knudsen
- Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug & Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Alison Aldrich
- CATALYST, Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Hilary L Surratt
- Department of Behavioral Science, Center on Drug & Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Daniel M Walker
- CATALYST, Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Louisa Gilbert
- Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, NY, United States
| | - Dget L Downey
- Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sam D Gardner
- Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sylvia Tan
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Lisa M Lines
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | | | - Nicole Mack
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - JaNae Holloway
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC, United States
| | - Karsten Lunze
- Section of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedesian School of Medicine/Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ann Scheck McAlearney
- CATALYST, Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Timothy R Huerta
- CATALYST, Center for the Advancement of Team Science, Analytics, and Systems Thinking, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | | | - Nabila El-Bassel
- Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, NY, United States
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Walters SM, Frank D, Felsher M, Jaiswal J, Fletcher S, Bennett AS, Friedman SR, Ouellet LJ, Ompad DC, Jenkins W, Pho MT. How the rural risk environment underpins hepatitis C risk: Qualitative findings from rural southern Illinois, United States. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2023; 112:103930. [PMID: 36641816 PMCID: PMC9974910 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has increased among persons who inject drugs (PWID) in the United States with disproportionate burden in rural areas. We use the Risk Environment framework to explore potential economic, physical, social, and political determinants of hepatitis C in rural southern Illinois. METHODS Nineteen in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with PWID from August 2019 through February 2020 (i.e., pre-COVID-19 pandemic) and four with key informants who professionally worked with PWID. Interviews were recorded, professionally transcribed, and coded using qualitative software. We followed a grounded theory approach for coding and analyses. RESULTS We identify economic, physical, policy, and social factors that may influence HCV transmission risk and serve as barriers to HCV care. Economic instability and lack of economic opportunities, a lack of physically available HCV prevention and treatment services, structural stigma such as policies that criminalize drug use, and social stigma emerged in interviews as potential risks for transmission and barriers to care. CONCLUSION The rural risk environment framework acknowledges the importance of community and structural factors that influence HCV infection and other disease transmission and care. We find that larger structural factors produce vulnerabilities and reduce access to resources, which negatively impact hepatitis C disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan M Walters
- Department of Epidemiology, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, United States; Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY, United States.
| | - David Frank
- Department of Epidemiology, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, United States; Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY, United States
| | - Marisa Felsher
- College of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University, United States
| | - Jessica Jaiswal
- Department of Health Science, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States
| | - Scott Fletcher
- Department of Epidemiology, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, United States; Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY, United States; College of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University, United States; Department of Health Science, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, United States; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, United States; Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, United States; Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; Department of Population Science and Policy, SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States; Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States; The Community Action Place, Murphysboro, IL, United States
| | - Alex S Bennett
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY, United States; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, United States
| | - Samuel R Friedman
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY, United States; Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, United States
| | - Lawrence J Ouellet
- Division of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Danielle C Ompad
- Department of Epidemiology, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, United States; Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY, United States
| | - Wiley Jenkins
- Department of Population Science and Policy, SIU School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States
| | - Mai T Pho
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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Cloutier RM, Cole ES, McDonough BL, Lomauro DA, Miller JP, Talbert AL, Bear TM, Bridges NC, Foulds AL, Taber R, Gordon AJ, Cochran GT, Kmiec J, Donohue JM, Kelley D, DiDomenico E, Adair D, Pringle JL. Strategies to recruit rural primary care providers to implement a medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD) focused integrated care model. IMPLEMENTATION RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 4:26334895231152808. [PMID: 37091535 PMCID: PMC9978659 DOI: 10.1177/26334895231152808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Access to providers and programs that provide medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) remains a systemic barrier for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD), particularly if they live in rural areas. The Rural Access to Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Pennsylvania Project (Project RAMP) addressed this problem with a multisystem partnership that recruited, trained, and supported rural primary care providers to provide MOUD and implement an integrated care model (ICM) for patients with OUD. Given the demonstrated efficacy of Project RAMP, this article summarizes our recruitment strategies, including feasibility concerns for further expansion into other regions. Methods The approach for recruiting implementation sites included two phases: partner outreach and site identification. Once recruited, the Systems Transformation Framework guided planning and implementation activities. Recruitment and implementation activities were assessed with implementation trackers and evaluated by providers via key informant interviews (KIIs). Results Project RAMP recruited 26 primary care practices from 13 counties, including nine health systems and two private practice groups—exceeding the original target of 24 sites. There was a median of 49 days from first contact to project onboarding. A total of 108 primary care practices spanning 22 health systems declined participation. Findings from the KIIs highlighted the value of engaging PCPs by connecting to a shared vision (i.e., improving the quality of patient care) as well as addressing perceived participation barriers (e.g., offering concierge technical assistance to address lack of training or resources). Conclusion Findings highlight how successful recruitment activities should leverage the support of health system leadership. Findings also emphasize that aiding recruitment and engagement efforts successfully addressed prescribers’ perceived barriers to providing MOUD as well as facilitating better communication among administrators, PCPs, behavioral health professionals, care managers, and patients. Plain Language Summary: Opioid use disorder (OUD) is one of the leading causes of preventable illness and death. The standard of care for OUD is the provision of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and the application of an integrative integrated care model (ICM) where behavioral health is blended with specialized medical services. Unfortunately, access to providers and healthcare facilities that provide MOUD or apply an ICM remains a systemic barrier for patients with OUD, particularly if they live in rural areas. Although there is no one-size-fits-all approach to implementing MOUD in primary care, findings from Project The Rural Access to Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) in Pennsylvania Project (Project RAMP) highlight strategies that may improve future MOUD and ICM implementation efforts in similar rural contexts. Specifically, future efforts to increase MOUD capacity by recruiting new providers should be prepared to leverage health system leadership, address provider barriers via training and expert consultation, and facilitate connections to local behavioral health providers. This approach may be helpful to others recruiting health systems and primary care practices to implement new care models to use MOUD in treating patients with OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee M. Cloutier
- Program Evaluation and Research Unit, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Evan S. Cole
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Brianna L. McDonough
- Program Evaluation and Research Unit, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Daniel A. Lomauro
- Program Evaluation and Research Unit, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - John P. Miller
- Program Evaluation and Research Unit, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Abigail L. Talbert
- Program Evaluation and Research Unit, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Todd M. Bear
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nora C. Bridges
- Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Abigail L. Foulds
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Rachel Taber
- Department of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Adam J. Gordon
- Program for Addiction Research, Clinical Care, Education, and Advocacy, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Gerald T. Cochran
- Program for Addiction Research, Clinical Care, Education, and Advocacy, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Julie Kmiec
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Julie M. Donohue
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - David Kelley
- Office of Medical Assistance Programs, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Harrisburg, PA, USA
| | - Ellen DiDomenico
- Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, Harrisburg, PA, USA
| | - Dale Adair
- Office of Medical Assistance Programs, Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, Harrisburg, PA, USA
| | - Janice L. Pringle
- Program Evaluation and Research Unit, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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8
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Bardwell G, Mansoor M, Van Zwietering A, Cleveland E, Snell D, Kerr T. The "goldfish bowl": a qualitative study of the effects of heightened surveillance on people who use drugs in a rural and coastal Canadian setting. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:136. [PMID: 36476225 PMCID: PMC9730691 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00725-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A growing body of research has focused on contextual factors that shape health and well-being of people who use drugs (PWUD). However, most of this research focuses on large cities and less is known about the effects of social and structural contexts on drug use and associated risks in rural Canadian settings. Therefore, we undertook this study to examine rural-specific contextual factors that affect the day-to-day experiences of PWUD. METHODS Twenty-seven qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with PWUD in a rural and coastal setting in British Columbia, Canada. Participants had to be ≥ 19 years old, used illegal opioids and/or stimulants regularly, and lived in the qathet region. Interview transcripts were coded based on themes identified by the research team. RESULTS Participants described progressive shifts in politics and culture in the qathet region while also identifying resource scarcity, homelessness, and changes in the drug supply, where illicit drug contents have become highly toxic and unpredictable. Participants discussed the qualities of a small community where everyone knows each other and there is a lack of privacy and confidentiality around drug use, which resulted in experiences of stigma, discrimination, and surveillance. Participants also reported rural-specific policing issues and experiences of surveillance on ferries when traveling to larger cities to purchase drugs. This led to significantly higher drug prices for PWUD due to the time dedication and criminalized risks associated with drug possession and trafficking. CONCLUSIONS Our findings illustrate the unique experiences faced by PWUD in a rural and coastal setting. The "goldfish bowl" effect in this rural community created heightened social and structural surveillance of PWUD, which led to a variety of negative consequences. There is a clear need for interventions to address the larger contextual drivers affecting people who use drugs in rural settings, including decriminalization and peer-led anti-stigma strategies, in order to improve the lives of PWUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoff Bardwell
- grid.46078.3d0000 0000 8644 1405School of Public Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1 Canada ,grid.511486.f0000 0004 8021 645XBritish Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9 Canada ,grid.416553.00000 0000 8589 2327Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul’s Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6 Canada
| | - Manal Mansoor
- grid.511486.f0000 0004 8021 645XBritish Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9 Canada
| | - Ashley Van Zwietering
- qathet Community Action Team, 218-6975 Alberni Street, Powell River, BC V8A 2B8 Canada
| | - Ellery Cleveland
- qathet Community Action Team, 218-6975 Alberni Street, Powell River, BC V8A 2B8 Canada ,Lift Community Services of qathet Society, 218-6975 Alberni Street, Powell River, BC V8A 2B8 Canada
| | - Dan Snell
- qathet Community Action Team, 218-6975 Alberni Street, Powell River, BC V8A 2B8 Canada ,Lift Community Services of qathet Society, 218-6975 Alberni Street, Powell River, BC V8A 2B8 Canada ,Substance Users Society Teaching Advocacy Instead of Neglect (SUSTAIN), 218-6975 Alberni Street, Powell River, BC V8A 2B8 Canada
| | - Thomas Kerr
- grid.511486.f0000 0004 8021 645XBritish Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 400-1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2A9 Canada ,grid.416553.00000 0000 8589 2327Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul’s Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1Y6 Canada
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9
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Ramsay-Seaner K, Letcher A, Hoffman MS, Anderson E, Heckmann C. Perceptions of prescription opioid use among rural farming and ranching communities: Preliminary implications for outreach and treatment. Subst Abus 2022; 43:1245-1250. [PMID: 35670770 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2022.2074599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: In 2017, 45% of rural adults reported being directly impacted by the opioid epidemic. While research on the experiences of those using prescription opioids in rural communities is increasing, less is known about a unique sub-population who may have high rates of exposure: rural agricultural workers. The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence and perceptions related to prescription opioids among rural producers and farmworkers. Methods: A questionnaire was mailed in spring 2019 and spring 2020 to rural residents living in one of two agricultural-based states in the Upper Midwest. Individuals were eligible to participate if any member of their family was involved in the agricultural industry. A total of 1116 questionnaires were returned for a 27.9% response rate. Results: Participants were 68.1 years old on average. The majority identified as white, male, and married. Prescription opioid use was found in 8.2% of households currently, and 15.7% in the past year. There were no gender differences in prevalence of use, but women and older individuals reported significantly more perceived risk than men and younger individuals. Nearly half used alternative pain management, and received most information about prescription opioids from the radio (65.5%) and newsletters (13.5%). Conclusions. Despite their elevated age and working in an occupation at high risk of injury and chronic pain, study participants reported few opioid prescriptions and moderate use of alternative pain management. Perceived risk of prescription opioids may explain low prevalence. Outreach efforts that increase access to healthcare services and alternative pain management treatments for agricultural workers may mitigate the experience of chronic pain that can interfere with their overall quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine Ramsay-Seaner
- School of Education, Counseling, and Human Development, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Amber Letcher
- School of Education, Counseling, and Human Development, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
| | - Meagan Scott Hoffman
- NDSU Extension Center for 4-H Youth Development, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA
| | - Emily Anderson
- Department of Counseling, University of Montana, Missoula, MT, USA
| | - Charlotte Heckmann
- School of Education, Counseling, and Human Development, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD, USA
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10
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Cureton JL, Giegerich V, Ricciutti NM. Rurality and readiness: Addressing substance use via a community‐level assessment. JOURNAL OF ADDICTIONS & OFFENDER COUNSELING 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/jaoc.12105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jenny L. Cureton
- Counselor Education and Supervision Kent State University Kent Ohio USA
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11
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Jenkins WD, Rose J, Molina Y, Lee M, Bolinski R, Luckey G, Van Ham B. Cancer Screening among Rural People Who Use Drugs: Colliding Risks and Barriers. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084555. [PMID: 35457423 PMCID: PMC9026855 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Rural cancer disparities are associated with lesser healthcare access and screening adherence. The opioid epidemic may increase disparities as people who use drugs (PWUD) frequently experience healthcare-associated stigmatizing experiences which discourage seeking routine care. Rural PWUD were recruited to complete surveys and interviews exploring cancer (cervical, breast, colorectal, lung) risk, screening history, and healthcare experiences. From July 2020–July 2021 we collected 37 surveys and 8 interviews. Participants were 24.3% male, 86.5% White race, and had a mean age of 44.8 years. Females were less likely to report seeing a primary care provider on a regular basis, and more likely to report stigmatizing healthcare experiences. A majority of females reporting receiving recommendations and screens for cervical and breast cancer, but only a minority were adherent. Similarly, only a minority of males and females reported receiving screening tests for colorectal and lung cancer. Screening rates for all cancers were substantially below those for the US generally and rural areas specifically. Interviews confirmed stigmatizing healthcare experiences and suggested screening barriers and possible solutions. The opioid epidemic involves millions of individuals and is disproportionately experienced in rural communities. To avoid exacerbating existing rural cancer disparities, methods to engage PWUD in cancer screening need to be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiley D. Jenkins
- Department of Population Science and Policy, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62794, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Jennifer Rose
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA; (J.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Yamile Molina
- Division of Community Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Minjee Lee
- Department of Population Science and Policy, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62794, USA;
- Simons Cancer Institute, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL 62702, USA
| | - Rebecca Bolinski
- Department of Sociology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA;
| | - Georgia Luckey
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA; (J.R.); (G.L.)
| | - Brent Van Ham
- Center for Rural Health and Social Services Development, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA;
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12
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Walters SM, Frank D, Van Ham B, Jaiswal J, Muncan B, Earnshaw V, Schneider J, Friedman SR, Ompad DC. PrEP Care Continuum Engagement Among Persons Who Inject Drugs: Rural and Urban Differences in Stigma and Social Infrastructure. AIDS Behav 2022; 26:1308-1320. [PMID: 34626265 PMCID: PMC8501360 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-021-03488-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a medication that prevents HIV acquisition, yet PrEP uptake has been low among people who inject drugs. Stigma has been identified as a fundamental driver of population health and may be a significant barrier to PrEP care engagement among PWID. However, there has been limited research on how stigma operates in rural and urban settings in relation to PrEP. Using in-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews (n = 57) we explore PrEP continuum engagement among people actively injecting drugs in rural and urban settings. Urban participants had more awareness and knowledge. Willingness to use PrEP was similar in both settings. However, no participant was currently using PrEP. Stigmas against drug use, HIV, and sexualities were identified as barriers to PrEP uptake, particularly in the rural setting. Syringe service programs in the urban setting were highlighted as a welcoming space where PWID could socialize and therefore mitigate stigma and foster information sharing.
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13
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Surratt HL, Yeager HJ, Adu A, González EA, Nelson EO, Walker T. Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Barriers, Facilitators and Unmet Need Among Rural People Who Inject Drugs: A Qualitative Examination of Syringe Service Program Client Perspectives. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:905314. [PMID: 35706473 PMCID: PMC9189386 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.905314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) are at high risk for HIV infection, yet in rural areas PWID are understudied with respect to prevention strategies. Kentucky is notable for heavy rural HIV burden and increasing rates of new HIV diagnoses attributable to injection drug use. Despite high need and the strong evidence for Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) as a gold-standard biomedical HIV prevention tool, scale up has been limited among PWID in Kentucky and elsewhere. This paper explores individual, environmental, and structural barriers and facilitators of PrEP care from the perspective of PWID in rural Kentucky. METHODS Data are drawn from an ongoing NIH-funded study designed to adapt and integrate a PrEP initiation intervention for high-risk PWID at point of care in two rural syringe service programs (SSPs) in southeastern Kentucky. As part of this initiative, a qualitative study guided by PRISM (Practical, Robust, Implementation, and Sustainability Model) was undertaken to gather SSP client perspectives on intervention needs related to PrEP, competing needs related to substance use disorder, as well as tangible supports for and barriers to PrEP uptake. Recruitment and interviews were conducted during September-November 2021 with 26 SSP clients, 13 from each of the two SSP sites. A semi-structured guide explored injection behaviors, SSP use, knowledge of PrEP, perceived barriers to PrEP, as well as aspects of the risk environment (e.g., housing instability, community stigma) that may impact PrEP uptake. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim and verified by project staff. A detailed coding scheme was developed and applied by independent coders using NVivo. Coded transcripts were synthesized to identify salient themes in the data using the principles of thematic analysis All study procedures were approved by the University IRB. RESULTS Participants were 96% white, 42% female, with a median age of 41 years (range 21-62); all reported injection use within the past month. Overall, we found low PrEP awareness among this sample, yet interest in PrEP was high, with several indicating PrEP is urgently needed. Clients reported overwhelmingly positive experiences at the SSPs, considering them trusted and safe locations to receive health services, and were enthusiastic about the integration of co-located PrEP services. Lack of basic HIV and PrEP knowledge and health literacy were in evidence, which contributed to common misperceptions about personal risk for HIV. Situational risks related to substance use disorder, particularly in the context of withdrawal symptoms and craving, often lead to heightened HIV injection and sexual risk behaviors. Stigma related to substance use and HIV arose as a concern for PrEP uptake, with several participants reflecting that privacy issues would impact their preferences for education, prescribing and monitoring of PrEP. Noted tangible barriers included inconsistent access to phone service and transportation. Primary supports included high levels of insurance coverage, consistent pharmacy access, and histories with successful medication management for other health conditions. CONCLUSIONS Drawing on the critical perspectives of people with substance use disorder, our findings provide important and actionable information on individual and environmental barriers and facilitators of PrEP uptake among rural PWID at high risk for HIV infection. These data will drive the adaptation and implementation of a client-centered approach to integrated PrEP care within rurally located SSP settings to address unmet needs for PrEP care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary L Surratt
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States.,Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Hannah J Yeager
- Department of Anthropology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Akosua Adu
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Evelyn A González
- Center on Drug and Alcohol Research, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Elizabeth O Nelson
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Tamara Walker
- Department of Behavioral Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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14
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Surratt HL, Otachi J, McLouth C, Vundi N. Healthcare stigma and HIV risk among rural people who inject drugs. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 226:108878. [PMID: 34214880 PMCID: PMC8355211 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The HIV epidemic is increasingly penetrating rural areas of the U.S. due to evolving epidemics of injection drug use. Many rural areas experience deficits in availability of HIV prevention, testing and harm reduction services, and confront significant stigma that inhibits care seeking. This paper examines enacted stigma in healthcare settings among rural people who inject drugs (PWID) and explores associations of stigma with continuing high-risk behaviors for HIV. METHODS PWID participants (n = 324) were recruited into the study in three county health department syringe service programs (SSPs), as well as in local community-based organizations. Trained interviewers completed a standardized baseline interview lasting approximately 40 min. Bivariate logistic regression models examined the associations between enacted healthcare stigma, health conditions, and injection risk behaviors, and a mediation analysis was conducted. RESULTS Stigmatizing health conditions were common in this sample of PWID, and 201 (62.0 %) reported experiencing stigma from healthcare providers. Injection risk behaviors were uniformly associated with higher odds of enacted healthcare stigma, including sharing injection equipment at most recent injection (OR = 2.76; CI 1.55, 4.91), and lifetime receptive needle sharing (OR = 2.27; CI 1.42, 3.63). Enacted healthcare stigma partially mediated the relationship between having a stigmatizing health condition and engagement in high-risk injection behaviors. DISCUSSION Rural PWID are vulnerable to stigma in healthcare settings, which contributes to high-risk injection behaviors for HIV. These findings have critical public health implications, including the importance of tailored interventions to decrease enacted stigma in care settings, and structural changes to expand the provision of healthcare services within SSP settings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Chris McLouth
- University of Kentucky, Department of Behavioral Science
| | - Nikita Vundi
- University of Kentucky, Center for Health Services Research
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15
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Cutter CM, Larson RC, Abir M. Social network theory-an underutilized opportunity to align innovative methods with the demands of the opioid epidemic. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2021; 47:305-310. [PMID: 33166483 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2020.1836186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
It has been almost 3 years since the opioid epidemic was declared a national public health emergency under federal law. Solutions have focused on supply-reduction strategies. These approaches, however, have failed to significantly curtail opioid overdose and related death. Demand for opioid use arising from social networks and environment is an important contributing factor to the current opioid epidemic. Adoption of existing underused methods is needed to drive further progress. This Perspective proposes the social contagion model as a promising framework through which to operationalize evaluation of the influence of social networks and environment in the opioid epidemic and argues for its greater application. Comparing the current epidemic with previous opioid epidemics reiterates the utility of the social contagion model. This model acknowledges social network influence on individual behavior. It leverages tools from epidemiology, permits evaluation of interpersonal influence, facilitates consideration of disproportionate and collateral effects, and overcomes limitations of traditional models and geographic assumptions inherent to many approaches surrounding the current opioid epidemic. Analyzing the opioid epidemic within a social contagion framework will enhance evaluation methods and enable the design of interventions to reflect the actual demands of the current crisis. If the influence of social networks and environment is not considered, the devastating toll of the opioid epidemic could grow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M Cutter
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Acute Care Research Unit, Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Department of Veterans Affairs and University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Richard C Larson
- Institute for Data, Systems, and Society, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Mahshid Abir
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,Acute Care Research Unit, Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.,RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, CA, USA
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16
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Ezell JM, Walters S, Friedman SR, Bolinski R, Jenkins WD, Schneider J, Link B, Pho MT. Stigmatize the use, not the user? Attitudes on opioid use, drug injection, treatment, and overdose prevention in rural communities. Soc Sci Med 2020; 268:113470. [PMID: 33253992 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Stigma is a known barrier to treating substance use disorders and dramatically diminishes the quality of life of people who use drugs (PWUD) nonmedically. Stigma against PWUD may be especially pronounced in rural areas due to their decreased anonymity and residents' limited access, or resistance, to "neutralizing" information on factors associated with drug use. Stigma often manifests in the attitudes of professionals whom stigmatized individuals regularly interact with and often materially impact. We analyzed interviews conducted between July 2018 and February 2019 with professional stakeholders in rural southern Illinois who interact with PWUD, specifically those who use opioids nonmedically or who inject drugs (n = 30). We further analyzed interview data from a complementary PWUD sample (n = 22). Interviews addressed perspectives around nonmedical drug use and treatment/harm reduction, with analysis centered around the Framework Integrating Normative Influences on Stigma and its focus on micro, meso and macro level stigmatization processes. Stakeholder participants included professionals from local law enforcement, courts, healthcare organizations, emergency management services, and faith-based and social services organizations. Most stakeholders, particularly law enforcement, negatively perceived PWUD and nonmedical drug use in general, questioned the character, agency and extrinsic value of PWUD, and used labels (e.g. "addict," "abuser," etc.) that may be regarded as stigmatizing. Further, most respondents, including PWUD, characterized their communities as largely unaware or dismissive of the bio-medical and sociocultural explanations for opioid use, drug injection and towards harm reduction services (e.g., syringe exchanges) and naloxone, which were frequently framed as undeserved usages of taxpayer funds. In conclusion, rural stigma against PWUD manifested and was framed as a substantial issue, notably activating at micro, meso and macro levels. Stigma prevention efforts in these communities should aim to improve public knowledge on the intricate factors contributing to opioid use and drug injection and harm reduction programming's moral and fiscal value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerel M Ezell
- Africana Studies and Research Center, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA; Cornell Center for Health Equity, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| | - Suzan Walters
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samuel R Friedman
- Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Rebecca Bolinski
- Department of Sociology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Wiley D Jenkins
- Department of Population Science and Policy, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA
| | - John Schneider
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Center for HIV Elimination, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bruce Link
- Department of Sociology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Mai T Pho
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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17
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Jenkins WD, Bolinski R, Bresett J, Van Ham B, Fletcher S, Walters S, Friedman SR, Ezell JM, Pho M, Schneider J, Ouellet L. COVID-19 During the Opioid Epidemic - Exacerbation of Stigma and Vulnerabilities. J Rural Health 2020; 37:172-174. [PMID: 32277731 PMCID: PMC7262104 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wiley D Jenkins
- Department of Population Science and Policy, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, Illinois
| | - Rebecca Bolinski
- Department of Sociology, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, Illinois
| | - John Bresett
- Department of Public Health and Recreation, Southern Illinois University, Springfield, Illinois
| | - Brent Van Ham
- Department of Population Science and Policy, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Carbondale, Illinois
| | | | - Suzan Walters
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, New York
| | - Samuel R Friedman
- Center for Opioid Epidemiology and Policy, Department of Population Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Jerel M Ezell
- Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Sociology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Mai Pho
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases and Global Health, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - John Schneider
- Departments of Medicine and Public Health Sciences, University of Chicago Medical Sciences, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Larry Ouellet
- School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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