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Tonin FS, Alves da Costa F, Fernandez-Llimos F. Impact of harm minimization interventions on reducing blood-borne infection transmission and some injecting behaviors among people who inject drugs: an overview and evidence gap mapping. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2024; 19:9. [PMID: 38310293 PMCID: PMC10838443 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-024-00439-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aimed to synthetize the evidence on the effectiveness of harm minimization interventions on reducing blood-borne infection transmission and injecting behaviors among people who inject drugs (PWID) through a comprehensive overview of systematic reviews and evidence gap mapping. METHODS A systematic review was conducted with searches in PubMed and Scopus to identify systematic reviews assessing the impact of interventions aimed at reducing the harms associated with injectable drug use. The overall characteristics of the studies were extracted and their methodological quality was assessed using AMSTAR-2. An evidence gap map was constructed, highlighting the most frequently reported outcomes by intervention (CRD42023387713). RESULTS Thirty-three systematic reviews were included. Of these, 14 (42.2%) assessed the impact of needle/syringe exchange programs (NSEP) and 11 (33.3%) examined opioid agonist therapy (OAT). These interventions are likely to be associated with reductions of HIV/HCV incidence (10-40% risk reduction for NSEP; 50-60% for OAT) and sharing injecting paraphernalia (50% for NSEP, 25-85% for OAT), particularly when combined (moderate evidence). Behavioral/educational interventions were assessed in 12 reviews (36.4%) with most authors in favor/partially in favor of the use of these approaches (moderate evidence). Take-home naloxone programs and supervised-injection facilities were each assessed in two studies (6.1%), which reported inconclusive results (limited/inconsistent evidence). Most authors reported high levels of heterogeneity and risk of bias. Other interventions and outcomes were inadequately reported. Most systematic reviews presented low or critically low quality. CONCLUSION The evidence is sufficient to support the effectiveness of OAT, NSEP and their combination in reducing blood-borne infection transmission and certain injecting behaviors among PWID. However, evidence of other harm minimizations interventions in different settings and for some outcomes remain insufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda S Tonin
- H&TRC - Health & Technology Research Center, ESTeSL - Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde, Instituto Politécnico de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Filipa Alves da Costa
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMED.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Lisbon, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Fernando Fernandez-Llimos
- Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, (UCIBIO-i4HB) Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Claborn K, Samora J, McCormick K, Whittfield Q, Courtois F, Lozada K, Sledge D, Burwell A, Chavez S, Bailey J, Bailey C, Pederson CD, Zagorski C, Hill L, Conway FN, Steiker LH, Cance J, Potter J. "We do it ourselves": strengths and opportunities for improving the practice of harm reduction. Harm Reduct J 2023; 20:70. [PMID: 37296459 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00809-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Unprecedented increases in substance-related overdose fatalities have been observed in Texas and the U.S. since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and have made clear there is considerable need to reduce harms associated with drug use. At the federal level, initiatives have called for widespread dissemination and implementation of evidence-based harm reduction practices to reduce overdose deaths. Implementation of harm reduction strategies is challenging in Texas. There is a paucity of literature on understanding current harm reduction practices in Texas. As such, this qualitative study aims to understand harm reduction practices among people who use drugs (PWUD), harm reductionists, and emergency responders across four counties in Texas. This work would inform future efforts to scale and spread harm reduction in Texas. METHODS Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with N = 69 key stakeholders (25 harm reductionists; 24 PWUD; 20 emergency responders). Interviews were transcribed verbatim, coded for emergent themes, and analyzed using Applied Thematic Analysis with Nvivo 12. A community advisory board defined the research questions, reviewed the emergent themes, and assisted with interpretation of the data. RESULTS Emergent themes highlighted barriers to harm reduction at micro and macro levels, from the individual experience of PWUD and harm reductionists to systemic issues in healthcare and the emergency medical response system. Specifically, (1) Texas has existing strengths in overdose prevention and response efforts on which to build, (2) PWUD are fearful of interacting with healthcare and 911 systems, (3) harm reductionists are in increasing need of support for reaching all PWUD communities, and (4) state-level policies may hinder widespread implementation and adoption of evidence-based harm reduction practices. CONCLUSIONS Perspectives from harm reduction stakeholders highlighted existing strengths, avenues for improvement, and specific barriers that currently exist to harm reduction practices in Texas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasey Claborn
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
- Addictions Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Jake Samora
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Addictions Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Katie McCormick
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Addictions Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Quanisha Whittfield
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Addictions Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | | | - Kyle Lozada
- The Center for Healthcare Services, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Daniel Sledge
- Round Rock Fire Department Crisis Response Unit, Round Rock, TX, USA
| | - Annie Burwell
- Round Rock Fire Department Crisis Response Unit, Round Rock, TX, USA
| | | | | | | | - Chelsea Dalton Pederson
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Addictions Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Claire Zagorski
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Lucas Hill
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Fiona N Conway
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Addictions Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Lori Holleran Steiker
- Steve Hicks School of Social Work, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
- Addictions Research Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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Lee DU, Ponder R, Lee KJ, Yoo A, Fan GH, Jung D, Chou H, Lee K, Hofheinz O, Urrunaga NH. The nationwide trends in hospital admissions, deaths, and costs related to hepatitis C stratified by psychiatric disorders and substance use: an analysis of US hospitals between 2016 and 2019. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 35:402-419. [PMID: 36728850 PMCID: PMC9974787 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000002498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a prominent liver disease that often presents with mental illness. We stratify the HCV population and review its healthcare burden on the US hospital system. METHODS The US National Inpatient Sample was used to select admissions related to HCV between 2016 and 2019. Weights were assigned to discharges, and trend analyses were performed. Strata were formed across demographics, comorbidities, psychiatric and substance use conditions, and other variables. Outcomes of interest included hospitalization incidences, mortality rates, total costs, and mean per-hospitalization costs. RESULTS From 2016 to 2019, there were improvements in mortality and hospitalization incidence for HCV, as well as a decline in aggregate costs across the majority of strata. Exceptions that showed cost growth included admissions with multiple psychiatric, stimulant use, or poly-substance use disorders, and a history of homelessness. Admissions with no psychiatric comorbidities, admissions with no substance use comorbidities, and admissions with housing and without HIV comorbidity showed decreasing total costs. Along with per-capita mean costs, admissions with comorbid opioid use, bipolar, or anxiety disorder showed significant increases. No significant trends in per-capita costs were found in admissions without mental illness diagnoses. CONCLUSIONS Most strata demonstrated decreases in hospitalization incidences and total costs surrounding HCV; however, HCV cases with mental illness diagnoses saw expenditure growth. Cost-saving mechanisms for these subgroups are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Uihwan Lee
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 22 S. Greene St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Reid Ponder
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington St, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Ki Jung Lee
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington St, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Ashley Yoo
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 22 S. Greene St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Gregory Hongyuan Fan
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington St, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Daniel Jung
- University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, 2411 Holmes St, Kansas City, MO 64108
| | - Harrison Chou
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington St, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Keeseok Lee
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington St, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Olivia Hofheinz
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington St, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Nathalie Helen Urrunaga
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, 22 S. Greene St, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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Rich KM, Solomon DA. Medical Complications of Injection Drug Use - Part II. NEJM EVIDENCE 2023; 2:EVIDra2300019. [PMID: 38320028 DOI: 10.1056/evidra2300019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Medical Complications of Injection Drug Use - Part IIDuring the past 2 decades, the risk of death, as well as the prevalence of hospitalizations in the United States, has increased substantially among people who inject drugs, mainly because of the opioid epidemic. In Part Two of this two-part review, the authors review complications observed in people who inject drugs and strategies to reduce harm.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel A Solomon
- Harvard Medical School, Boston
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston
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Syangbo A, Hickman M, Colledge‐Frisby S, Leung J, Grebely J, Larney S, Degenhardt L, Trickey A. Associations between the prevalence of chronic hepatitis B among people who inject drugs and country-level characteristics: An ecological analysis. Drug Alcohol Rev 2023; 42:569-581. [PMID: 36600489 PMCID: PMC10728688 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13595] [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: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Globally, hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a leading cause of liver disease. People who inject drugs (PWID) are at greater risk than the general population of contracting HBV. This risk could depend on societal factors in different countries. We investigated the associations between country-level chronic HBV prevalence in PWID with national indicators of development and prevalence of HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV). METHODS We used global systematic review data on chronic HBV prevalence (hepatitis B surface antigen-positive) among PWID and country-level sociodemographic characteristics from online databases. National random-effects meta-analysis estimates of HBV prevalence were the outcome in linear regression models testing for associations with country-level characteristics. RESULTS The study included 131,710 PWID from 304 estimates in 55 countries: the pooled HBV prevalence among PWID in the countries analysed was 4.5% (95% CI 3.9-5.1), the highest regional pooled prevalence was in East and Southeast Asia (17.6% [13.3-22.3]), and the lowest was in Western Europe (1.7% [1.4-2.1]). In multivariable models, no indicators of development were associated with HBV prevalence, but there was evidence of positive associations between HBV prevalence in the general population and among PWID, and evidence of HIV and HCV prevalence in PWID being associated with HBV prevalence in PWID: multivariable coefficients 0.03 (95% CI 0.01-0.04); p < 0.001, and 0.01 (95% CI 0.00-0.03); p = 0.01, respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS HBV prevalence among PWID was associated with HIV and HCV prevalence among PWID and background HBV prevalence in the general population, highlighting the need for improving harm reduction in PWID and implementation of HBV vaccination, especially where HBV is endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Samantha Colledge‐Frisby
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW SydneySydneyAustralia
- National Drug Research InstituteMelbourneAustralia
| | - Janni Leung
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW SydneySydneyAustralia
- National Centre for Youth Substance Use ResearchThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneAustralia
| | | | - Sarah Larney
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW SydneySydneyAustralia
- Department of Family Medicine and Emergency MedicineUniversity of MontrealMontrealCanada
- Research Centre of the Hospital Centre of the University of MontrealMontrealCanada
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW SydneySydneyAustralia
| | - Adam Trickey
- Population Health SciencesUniversity of BristolBristolUK
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Herren OM, Gillman AS, Marshall VJ, Das R. Understanding the Changing Landscape of Health Disparities in Chronic Liver Diseases and Liver Cancer. GASTRO HEP ADVANCES 2022; 2:505-520. [PMID: 37347072 PMCID: PMC10281758 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastha.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Liver disease and liver cancer disparities in the U.S. are reflective of complex multiple determinants of health. This review describes the disproportionate burden of liver disease and liver cancer among racial, ethnic, sexual, and gender minority, rural, low socioeconomic status (SES) populations, and place-based contexts. The contributions of traditional and lifestyle-related risk factors (e.g., alcohol consumption, evitable toxin exposure, nutrition quality) and comorbid conditions (e.g., viral hepatitis, obesity, type II diabetes) to disparities is also explored. Biopsychosocial mechanisms defining the physiological consequences of inequities underlying these health disparities, including inflammation, allostatic load, genetics, epigenetics, and social epigenomics are described. Guided by the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD) framework, integrative research of unexplored social and biological mechanisms of health disparities, appropriate methods and measures for early screening, diagnosis, assessment, and strategies for timely treatment and maintaining multidisciplinary care should be actively pursued. We review emerging research on adverse social determinants of liver health, such as structural racism, discrimination, stigma, SES, rising care-related costs, food insecurity, healthcare access, health literacy, and environmental exposures to pollutants. Limited research on protective factors of liver health is also described. Research from effective, multilevel, community-based interventions indicate a need for further intervention efforts that target both risk and protective factors to address health disparities. Policy-level impacts are also needed to reduce disparities. These insights are important, as the social contexts and inequities that influence determinants of liver disease/cancer have been worsened by the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic and are forecasted to amplify disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga M. Herren
- Extramural Scientific Programs, Division of Integrative Biological and Behavioral Sciences
| | - Arielle S. Gillman
- Extramural Scientific Programs, Division of Integrative Biological and Behavioral Sciences
| | - Vanessa J. Marshall
- Office of the Director National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD), Bethesda, MD
| | - Rina Das
- Extramural Scientific Programs, Division of Integrative Biological and Behavioral Sciences
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Interventions to prevent HIV and Hepatitis C among people who inject drugs: Latest evidence of effectiveness from a systematic review (2011 to 2020). THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2022; 109:103872. [PMID: 36202039 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV remain prevalent among people who inject drugs (PWID) and transmission is usually associated with injecting risk behaviour (IRB). We update a 2011 review of reviews (RoR) to assess the latest evidence on the effectiveness of harm reduction interventions - drug treatment (including opioid agonist therapy [OAT]), needle and syringe programmes (NSP) and other interventions - in the prevention of HCV and HIV transmission, and related measures of infection risk (IRB and injecting frequency [IF]), among PWID. METHODS We undertook an initial search for systematic reviews (i.e. an Overview of Reviews [OoR]) and subsequent systematic searches for primary studies where required. Where there was sufficient evidence based on synthesis of multiple robust studies for an intervention effect in the 2011 RoR, new evidence was not sought. Medline, CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Web of Science were searched (2011-2020). Two reviewers screened papers, extracted data, and graded reviews/studies. We classified evidence as 'sufficient', 'tentative', 'insufficient', or 'no evidence'. RESULTS We screened 8513 reviews and 7133 studies, with 27 and 61 identified as relevant, respectively. The level of evidence increased since the 2011 RoR and is now 'sufficient' for OAT (regarding all outcomes), NSP (for reducing HIV transmission and IRB), and combination OAT/NSP (for reducing HCV transmission). There is also now sufficient evidence for in-prison OAT, psychosocial interventions, pharmacy-based NSP and provision of sterile drug preparation equipment for reducing IRB. CONCLUSION There is now a strong body of empirical evidence for the effectiveness of OAT and NSP, alone and in combination, in reducing IRB, and HCV and HIV transmission. However, there is still a relative lack of evidence for other interventions, including heroin-assisted treatment, pharmacological treatment for stimulant dependence, contingency management, technology-based interventions, low dead space syringes and drug consumption rooms on HCV or HIV risk.
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8
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Puzhko S, Eisenberg MJ, Filion KB, Windle SB, Hébert-Losier A, Gore G, Paraskevopoulos E, Martel MO, Kudrina I. Effectiveness of Interventions for Prevention of Common Infections Among Opioid Users: A Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews. Front Public Health 2022; 10:749033. [PMID: 35273933 PMCID: PMC8901608 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.749033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The North American opioid crisis is marked by high opioid-related mortality and morbidity, including opioid use-associated infections (OUAIs). Users of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical opioids are at an increased risk of acquiring hepatitis C (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and other infections. No high-level evidence, however, has been synthesized regarding effectiveness of interventions to prevent OUAIs in legal, and illegal/mixed opioid users. The aim of the study is to synthesize available systematic review (SR)-level evidence on the scope and effectiveness of interventions to prevent OUAIs among opioid users. Methods A SR of SRs approach was applied. We searched PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Epistemonikos and Google Scholar from inception to September 2020. Data selection and extraction were performed independently by three researchers. Risk of bias and quality of evidence were assessed using the AMSTAR2 tool. Results were narratively synthesized. Strength of evidence for each category was reported. Results Eleven of twelve identified SRs included interventions to prevent HCV/HIV transmission in persons who inject drugs (PWID), including opioids. One SR evaluated interventions to prevent recurrent infectious endocarditis. There was sufficient and tentative SR of SRs-level evidence for the effectiveness of opioid substitution therapy (OST) in preventing HIV and HCV, respectively. We found tentative evidence to support effectiveness of needle/syringe exchange programs (NSP) in HIV prevention, and sufficient evidence to support effectiveness of the combined OST and NSP in HCV prevention. There was insufficient SR-level evidence to support or discount effectiveness of other interventions to prevent OUAIs. No SR focused on non-PWID populations. Conclusion SR-level evidence supports the use of OST, NSP, and combined interventions for the reduction of HCV and HIV transmission in PWID. More research on prevention of other OUAIs and on prevention of OUAIs in non-PWID populations is urgently needed. Systematic Review Registration Registered in PROSPERO on July 30, 2020. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=195929, identifier: #195929.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Puzhko
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Mark J Eisenberg
- Jewish General Hospital, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kristian B Filion
- Jewish General Hospital, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sarah B Windle
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Andréa Hébert-Losier
- Jewish General Hospital, Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Genevieve Gore
- Schulich Library of Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Marc O Martel
- Department of Anesthesia, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Irina Kudrina
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Department of Anesthesia, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Kudrina I, Puzhko S, Filion KB, Gore G, Paraskevopoulos E, Windle S, Martel MO, Eisenberg MJ. Effectiveness of interventions for prevention of common infections in people who use opioids: a protocol for a systematic review of systematic reviews. Syst Rev 2021; 10:298. [PMID: 34782008 PMCID: PMC8591821 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-021-01852-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The North American opioid crisis is driven by opioid-related mortality and morbidity, including opioid use-associated infections (OUAIs), resulting in a substantial burden for society. Users of legal and illegal opioids are at an increased risk of OUAIs compared to individuals not using opioids. As reported for hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), bacterial, fungal, and other infections, OUAIs transmission and acquisition risks may be modifiable. Several systematic reviews (SRs) synthetized data regarding interventions to prevent infections in persons using drugs (e.g., opioid substitution therapy, needle and syringes exchange programs, psycho-social interventions); however, their conclusions varied. Therefore, SR of published SRs is needed to synthesize the highest level of evidence on the scope and effectiveness of interventions to prevent OUAIs in people using opioids legally or illegally. METHODS We will comprehensively search for SRs in the PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Epistemonikos, and Google Scholar databases from inception to November 2020. Data selection and extraction for each SR will be performed independently by two researchers, with disagreements resolved by consensus. All SRs regarding interventions with evaluated effectiveness to prevent OUAI in legal and/or illegal opioid users will be eligible. Risk of bias assessment will be performed using the AMSTAR2 tool. The results will be qualitatively synthesized, and a typology of interventions' effectiveness with a statement on the strength of evidence for each category will be created. DISCUSSION Our pilot search of PubMed resulted in 379 SRs analyzing the effectiveness of interventions to prevent HCV and HIV in persons who inject different types of drugs, including opioids. Of these 379 SRs, 8 evaluated primary studies where participants used opioids and would therefore be eligible for inclusion. The search results thus justify the application of SR of SRs approach. Comprehensive data on the scope and effectiveness of existing interventions to prevent OUAIs will help policy-makers to plan and implement preventive interventions and will assist clinicians in the guidance for their patients using opioids. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION Registered in PROSPERO on 30 July 2020 ( #195929 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Kudrina
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, 5858 Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges, Suite 300, Montreal, QC H3S 1Z1 Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, 1650 Cedar Ave., Montreal, QC H3G 1A4 Canada
| | - Svetlana Puzhko
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, 5858 Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges, Suite 300, Montreal, QC H3S 1Z1 Canada
| | - Kristian B. Filion
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Purvis Hall, 1020 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC H3A 1A2 Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2 Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University Health Center, McGill University, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Suite D05-2212, Montreal, QC H4A3JI Canada
| | - Genevieve Gore
- Schulich Library of Physical Sciences, Life Sciences, and Engineering, McGill University, 3459 rue McTavish, Montreal, QC H3A OC9 Canada
| | - Elena Paraskevopoulos
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, 5858 Chemin de la Côte-des-Neiges, Suite 300, Montreal, QC H3S 1Z1 Canada
- Queensway Carleton Hospital, 3045 Baseline Rd, Ottawa, ON K2H 8P4 Canada
| | - Sarah Windle
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Purvis Hall, 1020 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC H3A 1A2 Canada
| | - Marc O. Martel
- Department of Anesthesia, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, 1650 Cedar Ave., Montreal, QC H3G 1A4 Canada
- Faculty of Dentistry, McGill University, 2001 Avenue McGill College, Suite 500, Montreal, QC H3A 1G1 Canada
| | - Mark J. Eisenberg
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Purvis Hall, 1020 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC H3A 1A2 Canada
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2 Canada
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, 3605 de la Montagne, Montreal, Qc H3G 2M1 Canada
- Division of Cardiology, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Chemin de la Côte-Sainte-Catherine, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2 Canada
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10
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A Syringe Service Program Within a Federal System: Foundations for Implementation. J Addict Nurs 2021; 32:152-158. [PMID: 34060767 DOI: 10.1097/jan.0000000000000402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug use, specifically opioid use, is a public health crisis in the United States. Harm reduction programs, including syringe service programs, show efficacy in improving individual and public health outcomes. Healthcare provider perceptions are an important initial assessment when considering implementing a syringe service program. OBJECTIVE The objective of this quality improvement project, completed in a Northeastern Veterans Affairs Medical Center (NEVAMC), was to lay the groundwork for implementation of a syringe service program. METHODS This multiphase project included an initial needs assessment with stakeholders to determine the scope of substance use disorder within the facility and initiated the change process needed for syringe service program implementation. We administered an online survey, the Drug and Drug Problems Perceptions Questionnaire (DDPPQ), to better understand staff perspectives of and comfort in working with people who use drugs. Two educational modules were developed and conducted for staff to increase their knowledge, skills, and trauma-informed practices when working with people who use drugs. Standardized document templates for program implementation in federal systems were also developed. RESULTS The needs assessment identified 266 patients who could benefit from expanded harm reduction services and a recognition that staff perception be assessed within the facility. The DDPPQ, completed by 153 staff members, indicated positive perceptions of people who use drugs and ability to counsel/treat people who use drugs. The median DDPPQ total score was 73, indicative of an overall positive perception. Sixty-eight staff members attended the initial education session, and 35 attended the second session designed specifically for mental health service line professionals. CONCLUSION The findings indicate NEVAMC staff members have a high level of comfort working with people who use drugs. The staff educational programs were well received and have become a part of routine staff training at the NEVAMC. The standardized document templates are available for persons developing a syringe service program within a federal system.
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11
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Coyle JR, Freeland M, Eckel ST, Hart AL. Trends in Morbidity, Mortality, and Cost of Hospitalizations Associated With Infectious Disease Sequelae of the Opioid Epidemic. J Infect Dis 2021; 222:S451-S457. [PMID: 32877550 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiaa012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increases in fatal drug poisonings and hepatitis C infections associated with the opioid epidemic are relatively well defined, because passive surveillance systems for these conditions exist. Less described is the association between the opioid epidemic and skin, soft-tissue, and venous infections (SSTVIs), endocarditis, sepsis, and osteomyelitis. METHODS Michigan hospitalizations between 2016 and 2018 that included an International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification, code indicating substance use were examined for codes indicative of infectious conditions associated with injecting drugs. Trends in these hospitalizations were examined, as were demographic characteristics, discharge disposition, payer, and cost data. RESULTS Among hospitalized patients with a substance use diagnosis code, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, sepsis, and SSTVI hospitalizations increased by 33%, 35%, 24%, and 12%, respectively between 2016 and 2018. During this time frame, 1257 patients died or were discharged to hospice. All SSTVI hospitalizations resulted in >$1.3 billion in healthcare costs. Public insurance accounted for more than two-thirds of all hospitalization costs. CONCLUSIONS This study describes a method for performing surveillance for infection-related sequelae of injection drug use. Endocarditis, osteomyelitis, sepsis, and SSTVI hospitalizations have increased year over year between 2016 and 2018. These hospitalizations result in significant morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs and should be a focus of future surveillance and prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R Coyle
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Epidemiology and Population Health, Communicable Disease Division, Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Melissa Freeland
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Epidemiology and Population Health, Communicable Disease Division, Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Seth T Eckel
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Epidemiology and Population Health, Communicable Disease Division, Lansing, Michigan, USA
| | - Adam L Hart
- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Epidemiology and Population Health, Communicable Disease Division, Lansing, Michigan, USA
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12
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Cahn BA, Bartholomew TS, Patel HP, Pastar I, Tookes HE, Lev-Tov H. Correlates of injection-related wounds and skin infections amongst persons who inject drugs and use a syringe service programme: A single center study. Int Wound J 2021; 18:701-707. [PMID: 33586860 PMCID: PMC8450795 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.13572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Risk factors associated with wounds and skin infections amongst persons who inject drugs may have changed in the era of fentanyl and now stimulant coinjection. We assessed the number of injection site wounds and skin infections and associated factors amongst 675 persons who inject drugs in a syringe services programme. Of this sample, 173 participants reported a total of 307 wounds and skin infections. Significant factors associated with increased number of wounds and skin infections were age 30 or older, female gender, ever experiencing homelessness, cocaine injection, and injecting between 5 and 10 years. Wounds and skin infections were common amongst syringe services programme clients and are associated with certain risk factors that may help to design effective interventions. Given the high prevalence of wounds in syringe services programme clients, wound care clinicians can make a significant difference and improve outcomes. We also shed light on correlates of wounds and skin infections in persons who inject drugs in order to spur further research to devise efficacious interventions for this underserved group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian A Cahn
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Tyler S Bartholomew
- Department of Public Health Services, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Hardik P Patel
- Department of Medical Education, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Irena Pastar
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Wound Healing and Regenerative Medicine Research Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Hansel E Tookes
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Hadar Lev-Tov
- Dr. Phillip Frost Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Wound Healing and Regenerative Medicine Research Program, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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13
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Macias-Konstantopoulos W, Heins A, Sachs CJ, Whiteman PJ, Wingkun NJG, Riviello RJ. Between Emergency Department Visits: The Role of Harm Reduction Programs in Mitigating the Harms Associated With Injection Drug Use. Ann Emerg Med 2021; 77:479-492. [PMID: 33579588 DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2020.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Injection drug use is a major public health problem in the United States. Cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine are the most commonly injected illicit drugs, whereas opioids are responsible for the majority of overdose fatalities. Although recent emergency department (ED) efforts have focused on expanding capacity for buprenorphine induction for opioid use disorder treatment, the injection of illicit drugs carries specific health risks that require acknowledgment and management, particularly for patients who decline substance use treatment. Harm reduction is a public health approach that aims to reduce the harms associated with a health risk behavior, short of eliminating the behavior itself. Harm-reduction strategies fundamental to emergency medicine include naloxone distribution for opioid overdose. This clinical Review Article examines the specific health complications of injection drug use and reviews the evidence base for 2 interventions effective in reducing morbidity and mortality related to drug injection, irrespective of the specific drug used, that are less well known and infrequently leveraged by emergency medicine clinicians: syringe service programs and supervised injection facilities. In accordance with the recommendations of health authorities such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, emergency clinicians can promote the use of harm-reduction programs in the community to reduce viral transmission and other risks of injection drug use by providing patients with information about and referrals to these programs after injection drug use-related ED visits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alan Heins
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of South Alabama College of Medicine, Mobile, AL
| | - Carolyn J Sachs
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Paula J Whiteman
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Neil-Jeremy G Wingkun
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX
| | - Ralph J Riviello
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
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14
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Baker LS, Smith W, Gulley T, Tomann MM. Community Perceptions of Comprehensive Harm Reduction Programs and Stigma Towards People Who Inject Drugs in Rural Virginia. J Community Health 2021; 45:239-244. [PMID: 31502098 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-019-00732-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The spread of infectious diseases, including Human Immunodeficiency virus and Hepatitis C virus, is a major risk of injection drug use. The Center for Disease Control's 2015 ranking of counties vulnerable to rapid dissemination of HIV/HCV infection among people who inject drugs (PWID) places Dickenson County, Virginia at 29th in the nation and 2nd in Virginia. Comprehensive Harm Reduction is an evidence-based intervention shown to reduce the negative impacts of drug use including the spread of infectious diseases, overdose and death among people who are unable or not ready to stop using drugs. The aim of this study was to assess community perceptions of comprehensive harm reduction programs and stigma towards PWID in a rural community. Data were collected through the use of an anonymous survey and interviews with community stakeholders. Surveys were distributed online through email and social media, as well as in person. Participants were included based on their zip code as an indicator of residence in Dickenson County. Statistical analysis of survey results was conducted using Sigma Plot. The survey was completed by 153 participants. The perception of PWID in rural Virginia is strikingly negative. Participants consider injection drug use a major problem in their community but have little to no knowledge of harm reduction programs and display high levels of stigma towards PWID. Additionally, higher levels of stigma towards PWID was associated with lower support for CHR programs. The results of this study show a definite and perceived need for harm reduction programs in rural Virginia. Challenges to implementing harm reduction programs include low levels of knowledge and high levels of stigma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan S Baker
- University of Virginia's College at Wise, 1 College Ave, Wise, VA, 24293, USA.
| | - Walter Smith
- University of Virginia's College at Wise, 1 College Ave, Wise, VA, 24293, USA
| | - Tauna Gulley
- University of Pikeville, Pikeville, KY, 41501, USA
| | - Margaret M Tomann
- University of Virginia's College at Wise, 1 College Ave, Wise, VA, 24293, USA
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15
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Parker MA, Zoh RS, Nelson EJ, Owora AH. Correlates of disparities in syringe return ratios: A cross-sectional study of a syringe services program in New York. J Subst Abuse Treat 2020; 121:108193. [PMID: 33357603 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2020.108193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Predictors of syringe exchange behavior are critical to informing secondary prevention measures needed to attenuate risk of blood-borne infections among persons who inject drugs (PWID). METHODS Participants included PWIDs who attended a syringe services program in New York from 2015 to 2017 (n = 1777). We analyzed the syringe return ratio (receipts/returns) with two distinct but related methodological strategies-threshold logistic regression and quantile regression-to identify correlates of disparities in syringe return ratios. RESULTS The majority of participants were white males negative for HIV (90% white, 63% male, 76% HIV-). Logistic and quantile regression models showed that the correlates of disparate syringe return ratios (i.e., magnitude and directionality of differences) changed across different percentile groups and quantile levels, respectively. At the median threshold, being single, urbanicity, and older age were associated with higher return ratios. Syringe return ratio disparities were more pronounced among subgroups of nontypical PWIDs (with extremely low or high return ratios) especially by urbanicity, race, relationship status, and type of housing. CONCLUSIONS Irrespective of urbanicity classification, correlates of syringe return ratios such as older age, Black race, single relationship status, and unstable housing appear to be critical to informing targeted secondary prevention initiatives that promote harm reduction behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Parker
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Roger S Zoh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Erik J Nelson
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | - Arthur H Owora
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States.
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16
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Whiteman A, Burnett J, Handanagic S, Wejnert C, Broz D. Distance matters: The association of proximity to syringe services programs with sharing of syringes and injecting equipment - 17 U.S. cities, 2015. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2020; 85:102923. [PMID: 32920424 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2020.102923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syringe services programs (SSPs) have effectively limited the spread of HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) among people who inject drugs (PWID). Access to SSPs has been shown to reduce injection risk behaviors but the relationship between distance to an SSP and likelihood of sharing injection equipment is not well known. METHODS We analyzed a sample of 8,392 PWID from 17 U.S. cities recruited through the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance (NHBS) system in 2015. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated from log-linked Poisson regression to explore associations between injecting equipment sharing in the past 12 months and distance to the nearest SSP. RESULTS Regardless of SSP use, respondents who lived in zip codes further than the city-specific mean distance to nearest SSP were more likely to report sharing behavior. Among PWID who had not reported using an SSP in the previous 12 months, distributive sharing (aPR=1.13 95% CI=1.05, 1.21), receptive sharing (aPR=1.15, 95% CI=1.06, 1.24), and injection equipment sharing (aPR=1.08, 95% CI=1.03, 1.13) were more prevalent among residents who resided further than the average distance to the nearest SSP. CONCLUSIONS Greater distance to an SSP was associated with increased sharing behaviors. Improved access to an SSP and subsequent decreases in sharing behaviors could reduce transmission of HIV and HCV among PWID. Accessibility should be taken into account when planning provision of SSPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ari Whiteman
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Mailstop E-46, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, Atlanta, GA, USA.
| | - Janet Burnett
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Mailstop E-46, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Senad Handanagic
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Mailstop E-46, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Cyprian Wejnert
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Mailstop E-46, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
| | - Dita Broz
- Division of HIV/AIDS Prevention, National Center for HIV, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1600 Clifton Rd NE, Mailstop E-46, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA
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The Growing Problem of Hepatitis C Virus Infection: The Case of West Virginia. Health Care Manag (Frederick) 2020; 39:2-11. [PMID: 31876587 DOI: 10.1097/hcm.0000000000000278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most significant public health problems currently facing the United States, especially in West Virginia. If it is undetected and left untreated, the likelihood of sustaining a treatment response decreases. While early identification has been identified as a critical focus in trying to obtain better health outcomes, new drug treatments appear promising, if somewhat expensive. West Virginia is a predominantly rural state, where the incidence of HCV is 9 times the national average and Medicaid costs for treatment amounted to more than $27 million from 2014 to 2016. The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review of the effects of early identification and treatment for patients infected with HCV as it relates to West Virginia. A comprehensive systematic review was limited to 58 articles published from 2008 to 2018 and were in English. Findings from this review identified early detection as the first line of a preventive strategy to help reduce the evolving epidemic and that oral medications could reduce the risk of liver cancer and death. The cost associated with hospitalization of HCV more than tripled from $20 963 in 2005 to $64 867 in 2011 with the average charge per hospitalization at $53 626 due to HVC. The lack of adequate treatment options has led to increasing (and even more expensive) hospital care for untreated HCV. These facts suggest that this state might be facing an expected financial health care crisis due to its increasingly drug-related HCV-infected population.
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18
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Antwi SO, Petrick JL, Campbell PT, Norez DA, Stevens VL, Liao LM, Roberts LR, Patel T, McGlynn KA. One-carbon metabolism-related micronutrients intake and risk for hepatocellular carcinoma: A prospective cohort study. Int J Cancer 2020; 147:2075-2090. [PMID: 32285447 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Deficient intake of micronutrients involved in one-carbon metabolism (eg, choline, methionine, vitamin B12 and folic acid) leads to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development in rodents, but is under-investigated in humans. We investigated the association between one-carbon metabolism-related micronutrient intake and HCC risk in a prospective cohort of 494 860 participants with 16 years of follow-up in the NIH-AARP study. Dietary intakes and supplement use were ascertained at baseline using a food-frequency questionnaire. Total intake (diet plus supplements) of the following one-carbon metabolism-related micronutrients were calculated: folate, methionine and vitamins B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 and B12 . These micronutrients were examined both individually and simultaneously, with adjustment for covariates. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Over the 16-year follow-up period, 647 incident HCC cases were diagnosed. When examined individually, higher total vitamin B3 intake was associated with a lower HCC risk (HRQ5 vs Q1 = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.42-0.85; Ptrend = .008), and the association remained significant when all six micronutrients were examined simultaneously (HRQ5 vs Q1 = 0.32; 95% CI = 0.18-0.55; Ptrend < .0001). Among participants with >3 years of follow-up, higher total vitamin B3 intake was again associated with lower risk (HRQ5 vs Q1 = 0.37; 95% CI = 0.20-0.68; Ptrend = .001), whereas higher total vitamin B6 intake was associated with higher risk (HRQ5 vs Q1 = 2.04; 95% CI = 1.02-4.07; Ptrend = .04). Restricted cubic spline analyses showed a dose-response inverse association between total vitamin B3 intake and HCC risk, and dose-response positive association between total vitamin B6 intake and HCC risk. The study suggests that higher vitamin B3 intake is associated with lower HCC risk, whereas higher vitamin B6 intake is associated with increased risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel O Antwi
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Jessica L Petrick
- Slone Epidemiology Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Peter T Campbell
- Behavioral and Epidemiology Research Group, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Daniel A Norez
- Health Science Center, University of Florida, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Victoria L Stevens
- Behavioral and Epidemiology Research Group, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Linda M Liao
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, The National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Lewis R Roberts
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Tushar Patel
- Department of Transplantation, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Katherine A McGlynn
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, The National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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19
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Kåberg M, Weiland O. Hepatitis C elimination - Macro-elimination. Liver Int 2020; 40 Suppl 1:61-66. [PMID: 32077600 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In 2016 the WHO set a goal to obtain an 80% reduction in new chronic HCV cases, requiring a level of diagnosis of 90%, treatment coverage of 80% and resulting in a 65% reduction in HCV-related deaths by 2030. This goal is easier to reach in specific populations such as people who inject drugs (PWID), men who have sex with men (MSM) or blood-transfusion recipients before screening for HCV became mandatory and in high-income regions. It is much more difficult to achieve macro-elimination throughout the population especially in low-income areas with underdeveloped infrastructures, a high prevalence of HCV and limited economic resources. To achieve the WHO goals by 2030, awareness of HCV must increase and the cascade of care must be improved and implemented. Diagnostic procedures and treatment should be affordable and universally available. At the end of 2017 fewer than 15 countries were on track to reach these goals by 2030.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Kåberg
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,The Stockholm Needle Exchange, Stockholm Centre for Dependency Disorders, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ola Weiland
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Division of Infectious Diseases, Karolinska Institutet at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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20
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Behzadifar M, Behzadifar M, Bragazzi NL. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection in people who inject drugs in Iran. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:62. [PMID: 31937278 PMCID: PMC6961327 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-8175-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the major public health challenges generating a relevant burden. High-risk groups, including people who inject drugs (PWID), are at serious risk for developing HCV. In recent years, several investigations have been conducted in Iran to assess the prevalence e of HCV among PWID. The aim of the present study was to synthesize the literature performing a comprehensive search and meta-analysis. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was carried out from January 2000 to September 2019. Several international databases, namely Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, ISI/Web of Science, PsycINFO, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library and the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), as well as Iranian databases (Barakathns, SID and MagIran), were consulted. Eligible studies were identified according to the following PECOS (population, exposure, comparison/comparator, outcome and study type) criteria: i) population: Iranian population; ii) exposure: injection drug users; iii) comparison/comparator: type of substance injected and level of substance use, iv) outcome: HCV prevalence; and v) study type: cross-sectional study. After finding potentially related studies, authors extracted relevant data and information based on an ad hoc Excel spreadsheet. Extracted data included the surname of the first author, the study journal, the year of publication, the number of participants examined, the type of diagnostic test performed, the number of positive HCV patients, the number of participants stratified by gender, the reported prevalence, the duration of drug injection practice and the history of using a shared syringe. RESULTS Forty-two studies were included. 15,072 PWID were assessed for determining the prevalence of HCV. The overall prevalence of HCV among PWID in Iran was computed to be 47% (CI 95: 39-56). The prevalence ranged between 7 and 96%. Men and subjects using a common/shared syringe were 1.46 and 3.95 times more likely to be at risk, respectively. CONCLUSION The findings of the present study showed that the prevalence of HCV among PWIDs in Iran is high. The support and implementation of ad hoc health-related policies and programs that reduce this should be put into action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoud Behzadifar
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Meysam Behzadifar
- Health Management and Economics Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Nicola Luigi Bragazzi
- School of Public Health, Department of Health Sciences (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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21
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Foot drop with a popliteal artery aneurysm due to heroin use: A case report. Turk J Phys Med Rehabil 2019; 64:284-287. [PMID: 31453523 DOI: 10.5606/tftrd.2018.2124] [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: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Drug addiction has become an important problem worldwide, and the number of heroin users has been rapidly increasing. There are serious complications related to intravenous drug use. Sharing injectors and using them multiple times cause septic and infective complications. Another important aspect of intravenous drug use is that it potentiates vascular damage. Contaminated injectors may induce pseudoaneurysms when applied directly into the vessel, endothelium, or surrounding tissues. Infected pseudoaneurysms may provoke necrosis, rupture, bleeding, and some dramatic results such as loss of extremity or death. Herein, we report a female case who had a history of long-term substance abuse in whom foot drop developed with a popliteal artery aneurysm.
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Rich KM, Bia J, Altice FL, Feinberg J. Integrated Models of Care for Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder: How Do We Prevent HIV and HCV? Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2019; 15:266-275. [PMID: 29774442 PMCID: PMC6003996 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-018-0396-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review To describe models of integrated and co-located care for opioid use disorder (OUD), hepatitis C (HCV), and HIV. Recent Findings The design and scale-up of multidisciplinary care models that engage, retain, and treat individuals with HIV, HCV, and OUD are critical to preventing continued spread of HIV and HCV. We identified 17 models within primary care (N = 3), HIV specialty care (N = 5), opioid treatment programs (N = 6), transitional clinics (N = 2), and community-based harm reduction programs (N = 1), as well as two emerging models. Summary Key components of such models are the provision of (1) medication-assisted treatment for OUD, (2) HIV and HCV treatment, (3) HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, and (4) behavioral health services. Research is needed to understand differences in effectiveness between co-located and fully integrated care, combat the deleterious racial and ethnic legacies of the “War on Drugs,” and inform the delivery of psychiatric care. Increased access to harm reduction services is crucial. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s11904-018-0396-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Rich
- Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Joshua Bia
- Frank H. Netter School of Medicine, Quinnipiac University, North Haven, CT, USA
| | - Frederick L Altice
- Section of Infectious Diseases, AIDS Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.,Centre of Excellence on Research in AIDS (CERIA), University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Judith Feinberg
- Departments of Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry and Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, Morgantown, WV, USA.
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Allen ST, Grieb SM, O'Rourke A, Yoder R, Planchet E, White RH, Sherman SG. Understanding the public health consequences of suspending a rural syringe services program: a qualitative study of the experiences of people who inject drugs. Harm Reduct J 2019; 16:33. [PMID: 31109339 PMCID: PMC6528286 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-019-0305-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Syringe services programs (SSPs) are evidence-based interventions that are associated with decreases in prevalence and incidence rates of HIV and viral hepatitis among people who inject drugs (PWID). SSPs are also effective conduits to deliver overdose prevention resources among PWID. In December 2015, the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department (KCHD) in West Virginia implemented a SSP; however, the program was indefinitely suspended in early 2018 following policy changes that would have forced the program to operate in ways that conflicted with established best practices. The purpose of this research is to explore the public health implications of the suspension of the KCHD SSP among rural PWID. METHODS We conducted semi-structured interviews with 27 PWID (59.3% male, 88.9% White) to explore access to sterile injection equipment and overdose prevention resources, high-risk injection practices, and HIV risk perceptions following the KCHD SSP suspension. Participants were recruited from street locations frequented by PWID. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. We employed an iterative, modified constant comparison approach to systematically code and synthesize textual interview data. RESULTS Participants described the KCHD SSP as providing a variety of harm reduction services to PWID and being able to speak honestly with SSP staff about their drug use without fear of stigmatization. The suspension of the KCHD SSP fundamentally changed the public health landscape for PWID, ushering in a new era of increased risks for acquiring bloodborne infections and overdose. PWID described more frequently injecting with used syringes and engaging in a range of high-risk injection practices after the SSP was suspended. PWID also discussed having decreased access to naloxone and being less likely to get routinely tested for HIV following the KCHD SSP suspension. CONCLUSIONS This research demonstrates that the suspension of a SSP in rural West Virginia increased risks for HIV/HCV acquisition and overdose among PWID. The suspension of the SSP led to community-wide decreases in access to sterile injection equipment and naloxone among PWID. The suspension of the KCHD SSP should be viewed as a call to action for sustaining evidence-based interventions in the face of sociopolitical forces that attempt to subvert public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean T Allen
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
| | - Suzanne M Grieb
- Center for Child and Community Health Research, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21224, USA
| | - Allison O'Rourke
- DC Center for AIDS Research, Department of Psychology, George Washington University, 2125 G St. NW, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - Ryan Yoder
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Elise Planchet
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Rebecca Hamilton White
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Susan G Sherman
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 624 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
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Davis SM, Kristjansson AL, Davidov D, Zullig K, Baus A, Fisher M. Barriers to using new needles encountered by rural Appalachian people who inject drugs: implications for needle exchange. Harm Reduct J 2019; 16:23. [PMID: 30940136 PMCID: PMC6444507 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-019-0295-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Using a new needle for every injection can reduce the spread of infectious disease among people who inject drugs (PWID). No previous study has examined new needle use barriers among PWIDs residing in the rural Appalachian part of the United States, an area currently in the midst of a heroin epidemic. Objective Therefore, our primary aim was to explore self-reported barriers to using a new needle by PWID attending a needle exchange program (NEP). Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey of PWID attending two NEPs in rural West Virginia located in the heart of Central Appalachia. A convenience sample of PWID (n = 100) completed the Barriers to Using New Needles Questionnaire. Results The median number of barriers reported was 5 (range 0–19). Fear of arrest by police (72% of PWID “agreed” or “strongly agreed”) and difficulty with purchasing needles from a pharmacy (64% “agreed” or “strongly agreed”) were the most frequently cited barriers. Conclusions/Importance Congruent with previous findings from urban locations, in rural West Virginia, the ability of PWID to use a new needle obtained from a needle exchange for every injection may be compromised by fear of arrest. In addition, pharmacy sales of new needles to PWID may be blunted by an absence of explicit laws mandating nonprescription sales. Future studies should explore interventions that align the public health goals of NEPs with the occupational safety of law enforcement and health outreach goals of pharmacists. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12954-019-0295-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M Davis
- Department of Health Policy, Management, and Leadership, School of Public Health, Robert C. Byrd Health Sciences Center, West Virginia University, PO Box 9190, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA. .,Department of Emergency Medicine, West Virginia University, PO Box 9149, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.
| | - Alfgeir L Kristjansson
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, West Virginia University, PO Box 9190, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Danielle Davidov
- Department of Emergency Medicine, West Virginia University, PO Box 9149, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.,Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, West Virginia University, PO Box 9190, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Keith Zullig
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, West Virginia University, PO Box 9190, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Adam Baus
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, West Virginia University, PO Box 9190, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
| | - Melanie Fisher
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, West Virginia University, PO Box 9163, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA
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Al Wahaibi N, Al Lawati A, Al Ruqeishy F, Al Khatri A, Al-Farsi Y, Juma TMA, Al Hinai F, Al-Sibani N, Mahadevan S, Al-Adawi S. The characteristics and patterns of utilization of healthcare services among Omanis with substance use disorders attending therapy for cessation. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210532. [PMID: 30703131 PMCID: PMC6354979 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is indicated that Oman is witnessing an increase in issues pertinent to alcohol and psychoactive substance use. AIM The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of Omanis with substance use disorder attending a specialized hospital in Oman and the pattern of their utilization of healthcare services. A related aim was to ascertain the age group most vulnerable to alcohol and substance use in Oman. METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care center specialized for treatment of those engaging in substance use in Oman. The participants in the study were selected from a convenience sample among patients seeking consultation at the center for alcohol and substance use. A six-part questionnaire was designed to obtain information regarding socio-demographic background, clinical history, healthcare utilization and perceived hurdles to access. Chi-square analyses were used to evaluate the significance of differences among categorical data. Logistic regression modelling was used to obtain measures of association after adjusting for confounding factors. RESULTS Among the patients (n = 293) seeking cessation therapy, 99% were male and less than 30 years of age. Peer influences on the initiation of substance use were significant. Most patients had a history of polysubstance use, including intravenous substance use. Cannabis and alcohol were the first substances consumed by most patients and Hepatitis C and psychiatric disorders were found to be the most common co-morbidities. The participants that reported use of cannabis and benzodiazepines were more likely to perceive "improvement" upon receiving treatment. CONCLUSION This study indicated that males below 30 years of age with a history of polysubstance use were likely to attend a hospital specialized in treating substance use disorder in Oman. This study identified information regarding socio-demographic background, risk factors and perceived hurdles to healthcare that could serve as groundwork for further studies conducted on newly emerging issues of substance use in Oman.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabila Al Wahaibi
- Wadi Kabir Health Centre, Directorate General of Health Services, Muscat Governorate, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Anwaar Al Lawati
- Ruwi Health Centre, Directorate General of Health Services, Muscat Governorate, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Falaah Al Ruqeishy
- Muscat Health Centre, Directorate General of Health Services, Muscat Governorate, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | | | - Yahya Al-Farsi
- Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, Sultan Qaboos University, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Muscat, Oman
| | - Tahira M. A. Juma
- Directorate of Health Services, Muttrah, Muscat Governorate, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Fatma Al Hinai
- Directorate of Health Services, Muttrah, Muscat Governorate, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Nasser Al-Sibani
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Sangeetha Mahadevan
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Samir Al-Adawi
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
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Cotter TG, Stier MW, Aronsohn A. PRO: Needle Exchange Programs Should Be Instituted to Reduce Hepatitis C Virus Transmission. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2019; 12:170-172. [PMID: 30988937 PMCID: PMC6446444 DOI: 10.1002/cld.739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2018] [Revised: 06/10/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas G. Cotter
- Center for Liver Diseasesthe University of Chicago MedicineChicagoIL
| | - Matthew W. Stier
- Center for Liver Diseasesthe University of Chicago MedicineChicagoIL
| | - Andrew Aronsohn
- Center for Liver Diseasesthe University of Chicago MedicineChicagoIL
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27
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Lazarus JV, Safreed-Harmon K, Hetherington KL, Bromberg DJ, Ocampo D, Graf N, Dichtl A, Stöver H, Wolff H. Health Outcomes for Clients of Needle and Syringe Programs in Prisons. Epidemiol Rev 2018; 40:96-104. [PMID: 29659780 DOI: 10.1093/epirev/mxx019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
High levels of drug dependence have been observed in the prison population globally, and the sharing of injecting drug equipment in prisons has contributed to higher prevalence of bloodborne diseases in prisoners than in the general population. Few prison needle and syringe programs (PNSPs) exist. We conducted a systematic review to assess evidence regarding health outcomes of PNSPs. We searched peer-reviewed databases for data relating to needle and syringe programs in prisons. The search methodology was conducted in accordance with accepted guidelines. Five studies met review inclusion criteria, and all presented evidence associating PNSPs with one or more health benefits, but the strength of the evidence was low. The outcomes for which the studies collectively demonstrated the strongest evidence were prevention of human immunodeficiency virus and viral hepatitis. Few negative consequences from PNSPs were observed, consistent with previous evidence assessments. More research is needed on PNSP effectiveness, and innovative study designs are needed to overcome methodological limitations of previous research. Until stronger evidence becomes available, policymakers are urged to recognize that not implementing PNSPs has the potential to cause considerable harm, in light of what is currently known about the risks and benefits of needle and syringe programs and PNSPs and about the high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus and viral hepatitis in prisons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and Infections, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Barcelona Institute of Global Health, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kelly Safreed-Harmon
- Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and Infections, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Barcelona Institute of Global Health, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kristina L Hetherington
- Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and Infections, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Daniel J Bromberg
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Denise Ocampo
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health, Hospital Clínic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Niels Graf
- Institute of Addiction Research, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Anna Dichtl
- Institute of Addiction Research, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Heino Stöver
- Institute of Addiction Research, Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Hans Wolff
- Division of Prison Health, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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28
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Davis SM, Davidov D, Kristjansson AL, Zullig K, Baus A, Fisher M. Qualitative case study of needle exchange programs in the Central Appalachian region of the United States. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205466. [PMID: 30312333 PMCID: PMC6185728 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Central Appalachian region of the United States is in the midst of a hepatitis C virus epidemic driven by injection of opioids, particularly heroin, with contaminated syringes. In response to this epidemic, several needle exchange programs (NEP) have opened to provide clean needles and other supplies and services to people who inject drugs (PWID). However, no studies have investigated the barriers and facilitators to implementing, operating, and expanding NEPs in less populous areas of the United States. Methods This qualitative case study consisted of interviews with program directors, police chiefs, law enforcement members, and PWID affiliated with two NEPs in the rural state of West Virginia. Interview transcripts were coded inductively and analyzed using qualitative data analysis software. Final common themes related to barriers and facilitators of past program openings, current program operations, and future program plans, were derived through a consensus of two data coders. Results Both NEPs struggled to find existing model programs, but benefited from broad community support that facilitated implementation. The largest operational barrier was the legal conundrum created by paraphernalia laws that criminalize syringe possession. However, both PWID and law enforcement appreciated the comprehensive services provided by these programs. Program location and transportation difficulties were additional noted barriers. Future program operations are threatened by funding shortages and bans, but necessitated by unexpected program demand. Conclusion Despite broad community support, program operations are threatened by growing participant volumes, funding shortages, and the federal government’s prohibition on the use of funds to purchase needles. Paraphernalia laws create a legal conundrum in the form of criminal sanctions for the possession of needles, which may inadvertently promote needle sharing and disease transmission. Future studies should examine additional barriers to using clean needles provided by rural NEPs that may blunt the effectiveness of NEPs in preventing disease transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M. Davis
- Department of Health Policy, Management, and Leadership, West Virginia University, Morgantown, United States of America
- Department of Emergency Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Danielle Davidov
- Department of Emergency Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, United States of America
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, United States of America
| | - Alfgeir L. Kristjansson
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, United States of America
| | - Keith Zullig
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, United States of America
| | - Adam Baus
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, United States of America
| | - Melanie Fisher
- Department of Medicine, Section of Infectious Diseases, West Virginia University, Morgantown, United States of America
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29
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Das S, Opoku J, Allston A, Kharfen M. Detecting spatial clusters of HIV and hepatitis coinfections. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0203674. [PMID: 30226849 PMCID: PMC6143237 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0203674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with HIV infection in the United States are often affected by chronic viral hepatitis. These coinfected people with either HBV or HCV are at increased risk for serious, life-threatening complications. Coinfections with viral hepatitis may also complicate the delivery of anti-retroviral therapy (ART) by escalating the risk of drug-related hepatoxicity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 10 percent of people with HIV in the United States also have HBV, and 25 percent also have HCV coinfection. With the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and the increased life-expectancy of HIV patients, clinicians are more likely to be confronted with issues related to co-infection and the management challenges that they present, especially in resource-limited settings. The purpose of this analysis was to identify geographical clusters of HIV- (HBV/HCV) co-infection and compared to the geographical clusters of not co-infected using DC, Department of Health surveillance data. The results of the analysis will be used to target resources to areas at risk. METHODS HIV and Hepatitis surveillance data were matched among cases diagnosed between 1980 and 2016. HIV-hepatitis co-infected and the not co-infected spatial clusters were detected using discrete Poisson model. Kulldorff's spatial scan statistic method was implemented in the free software tool called SaTScan which has been widely adopted for detecting disease cluster. The analysis was conducted by tracts, but for visualization, ease of interpretation and assist in policy making the tract map was overlaid with the ward map using ArcGIS 10.5.1. RESULTS Between 1980 and 2016, there were 12,965 diagnosed cases of HIV, of which 2,316 HIV/Hepatitis matches were identified. Of the 2316 co-infected people living in DC, 25 percent (N = 590) of people had HBV, and 75 percent (N = 1,726) had HCV. Out of 12,965 diagnosed cases, remaining 10,649 did not have any co-infections (not co-infected). IDU (27.16 percent) and MSM (32.86 percent) were the highest mode of transmission for co-infected population. African-American were reported 83.64 percent (N = 1,937) among co-infection population. Three clusters were identified for both co-infected population in DC. The largest cluster radius for co-infected analysis covers wards 6, 7 and 8 as well as large parts of 2 and 5 (p < 0.001). Multiple clusters were identified for not co-infected population (p < 0.001). IDU (n = 450) was the highest mode of transmission for the co-infected clusters. For all clusters combined of not co-infected population highest mode of transmission were MSM (n = 2,534). This analysis also showed racial disparity, economic deprivation and lack of education were prominent in the co-infected clusters. CONCLUSION We identified locations of high risk clusters where enhanced hepatitis and HIV prevention, treatment, and care can help combat the epidemic. The clusters radius expands into the neighboring state of Maryland as well. The findings from this analysis will be used to target area based public health policy and healthcare interventions for HIV-hepatitis. It is recommended based on the analysis that needle exchange programs can successfully control new HIV infections as well as hepatitis co-infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suparna Das
- Strategic Information Division HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Administration (HAHSTA), District of Columbia Department of Health, Government of the District of Columbia, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Jenevieve Opoku
- Strategic Information Division HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Administration (HAHSTA), District of Columbia Department of Health, Government of the District of Columbia, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Adam Allston
- Strategic Information Division HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Administration (HAHSTA), District of Columbia Department of Health, Government of the District of Columbia, Washington DC, United States of America
| | - Michael Kharfen
- HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, STD and TB Administration (HAHSTA), District of Columbia Department of Health, Government of the District of Columbia, Washington DC, United States of America
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Pimpin L, Cortez-Pinto H, Negro F, Corbould E, Lazarus JV, Webber L, Sheron N. Burden of liver disease in Europe: Epidemiology and analysis of risk factors to identify prevention policies. J Hepatol 2018; 69:718-735. [PMID: 29777749 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 407] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 05/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The burden of liver disease in Europe continues to grow. We aimed to describe the epidemiology of liver diseases and their risk factors in European countries, identifying public health interventions that could impact on these risk factors to reduce the burden of liver disease. As part of the HEPAHEALTH project we extracted information on historical and current prevalence and mortality from national and international literature and databases on liver disease in 35 countries in the World Health Organization European region, as well as historical and recent prevalence data on their main determinants; alcohol consumption, obesity and hepatitis B and C virus infections. We extracted information from peer-reviewed and grey literature to identify public health interventions targeting these risk factors. The epidemiology of liver disease is diverse, with variations in the exact composition of diseases and the trends in risk factors which drive them. Prevalence and mortality data indicate that increasing cirrhosis and liver cancer may be linked to dramatic increases in harmful alcohol consumption in Northern European countries, and viral hepatitis epidemics in Eastern and Southern European countries. Countries with historically low levels of liver disease may experience an increase in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in the future, given the rise of obesity across most European countries. Liver disease in Europe is a serious issue, with increasing cirrhosis and liver cancer. The public health and hepatology communities are uniquely placed to implement measures aimed at reducing their causes: harmful alcohol consumption, child and adult obesity, and chronic infection with hepatitis viruses, which will in turn reduce the burden of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Helena Cortez-Pinto
- Departamento de Gastrenterologia, CHLN, Laboratório de Nutrição, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Francesco Negro
- Divisions of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Clinical Pathology, University Hospitals of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Jeffrey V Lazarus
- Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; CHIP, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Øster Alle 56, 5. sal, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Nick Sheron
- University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom.
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Taherkhani R, Farshadpour F. Global elimination of hepatitis C virus infection: Progresses and the remaining challenges. World J Hepatol 2017; 9:1239-1252. [PMID: 29312527 PMCID: PMC5745585 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v9.i33.1239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Today, with the introduction of interferon-free direct-acting antivirals and outstanding progresses in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the elimination of HCV infection seems more achievable. A further challenge is continued transmission of HCV infection in high-risk population specially injecting drug users (IDUs) as the major reservoir of HCV infection. Considering the fact that most of these infections remain undiagnosed, unidentified HCV-infected IDUs are potential sources for the rapid spread of HCV in the community. The continuous increase in the number of IDUs along with the rising prevalence of HCV infection among young IDUs is harbinger of a forthcoming public health dilemma, presenting a serious challenge to control transmission of HCV infection. Even the changes in HCV genotype distribution attributed to injecting drug use confirm this issue. These circumstances create a strong demand for timely diagnosis and proper treatment of HCV-infected patients through risk-based screening to mitigate the risk of HCV transmission in the IDUs community and, consequently, in the society. Meanwhile, raising general awareness of HCV infection, diagnosis and treatment through public education should be the core activity of any harm reduction intervention, as the root cause of failure in control of HCV infection has been lack of awareness among young drug takers. In addition, effective prevention, comprehensive screening programs with a specific focus on high-risk population, accessibility to the new anti-HCV treatment regimens and public education should be considered as the top priorities of any health policy decision to eliminate HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Taherkhani
- the Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr 7514633341, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Farshadpour
- the Persian Gulf Tropical Medicine Research Center, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr 7514633341, Iran
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