Resources
9 Results (showing 1 - 9)
Results sorted by updated date (oldest first)
Results sorted by updated date (oldest first)
Posted 8/25/2023 (updated 3/26/2024)
As HIV transmission via injection drugs are increasing, knowing the variation in which the the transmission occurs can be beneficial in treatment and intervention. Authors of the study look into the frequency and distribution of HIV transmission behaviors among people who use drugs in rural areas to possibly determine if interventions could be universally effective. Data collected in the study suggests that there are many variations in the transmission behaviors.
Posted 3/16/2022 (updated 3/27/2024)
Background: Sharp exacerbations of the US overdose crisis are linked to polysubstance use of synthetic compounds. Xylazine is a veterinary tranquilizer, long noted in the street opioid supply of Puerto Rico, and more recently Philadelphia. Yet its national trends, geographic distribution, and health risks are poorly characterized. Methods: In this sequential mixed-methods study, xylazine was increasingly observed by ethnographers in Philadelphia among drug-sellers and people who inject drugs (PWID). Subsequently, we systematically searched for records describing xylazine-present overdose mortality across the US and assessed time trends and overlap with other drugs
Posted 10/12/2020 (updated 3/29/2024)
This article discusses findings from a study published in the Journal of Viral Hepatitis which addresses the question of HCV testing frequency in people who inject drugs.
Posted 7/7/2021 (updated 4/2/2024)
Background: Injecting drug users (IDUs) are at increased risk of acquiring and transmitting HIV and other bloodborne pathogens through the multi-person use of syringes. Although research has shown that increased access to syringes through syringe exchange programs (SEPs) is an effective strategy to reduce risky injection practices many areas of the United States still do not have SEPs. In the absence of SEPs, legislation allowing pharmacies over-the-counter sales of syringes has also been shown to reduce syringe sharing. The success of pharmacy sales however is limited by other legal stipulations, such as drug paraphernalia laws, which in turn may contribute to fear among IDUs about being caught purchasing and carrying syringes.
Posted 11/4/2020 (updated 4/3/2024)
The opioid crisis has disproportionally affected Appalachia. One of the potentially
lethal and costly complications associated with IV drug use is infective endocarditis (IE). The goal of this study was to assess the trend and costs of substance abuse associated IE admissions in Southern West Virginia.
Posted 11/10/2020 (updated 4/3/2024)
In the context of the trends in Oregon SUD metrics and the increasing infectious complications related to IDU in other jurisdictions and their implications for HIV and HCV transmission, we sought to 1) describe statewide trends in IDU-related serious bacterial infections (SBI) hospitalizations overall and by SBI type and drug use diagnosis, 2) assess IDU-related SBI diagnoses among individuals living with HIV and HCV, and 3) and determine the annual costs of IDU-related SBI overall and by SBI type.
Posted 11/11/2020 (updated 4/3/2024)
West Virginia leads the nation in overdose death rate and both counties where participants were interviewed for this study were considered to be at risk for an HIV outbreak among people who inject drugs. This study asked the question ‘What on-the-ground environmental factors among PWIH could be contributing to this overdose rate?
Posted 1/27/2021 (updated 4/4/2024)
The current study examined the accuracy of sensory discernment strategies by measuring study participants’ descriptions of the last opioid injected and checked with a fentanyl test strip (FTS) by that test's positive/negative result. The primary objective was to determine associations between FTS results and descriptions of the illi it opioid's physical appearance and physiological effects.
Engagement in drug treatment following nonfatal overdose among people who inject drugs in Appalachia
Posted 6/2/2021 (updated 4/10/2024)
Immediately after experiencing a non-fatal overdose, many people who inject drugs (PWID) engage in harm-minimizing behavior change, including engagement in drug treatment. To inform the implementation of tailored interventions designed to facilitate drug treatment engagement in rural communities, we sought to identify correlates of starting any form of drug treatment after their most recent overdose among PWID who reside in a rural county in West Virginia.