Peer Reviewed Journal Article

Substance Use Among Rural Adolescents with Incarcerated Parents: Evidence From a State-Wide Sample

This study links parental incarceration to adolescent substance use in rural communities. The data is state-specific and pulls from the 2019 Minnesota Student Survey in which adolescents self-reported experiences. Results concluded that parental incarceration was associated with higher substance use and expanded prevention and intervention strategies for adolescents could help reduce the rates.
Posted Date
01/26/24

Prevalence of Fentanyl in Methamphetamine and Cocaine Samples Collected by Community-based Drug Checking Services

Using data from 77 harm reduction programs in 25 US states, researchers found that 12-15% of powder methamphetamine and powder cocaine also contained fentanyl although the prevalence varied geographically. Prevalence of fentanyl in crystal methamphetamine and crack cocaine was lower. Heroin and xylazine were also found in unregulated stimulants. Xylazine reduced the ability to detect fentanyl. 

Posted Date
10/23/23

Competencies, Training Needs, and Turnover Among Rural Compared With Urban Local Public Health Practitioners

Researchers analyzed survey responses to the 2021 Public Health Workforce Interest and Needs Survey to compare rural and urban skill proficiencies, training needs, turnover risk, and experiences of bullying due to work as a public health professional. Among the findings, rural staff had higher likelihood than urban staff of reporting proficiencies in community engagement, data-based decision-making, and in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Rural staff were also more likely than urban staff to report leaving because of stress, experiences of bullying, and avoiding situations that made them think about COVID-19.
Posted Date
10/10/23

Variation in HIV Transmission Behaviors Among People Who Use Drugs in Rural US Communities

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 Date
08/25/23

Community Member Perspectives On Adapting The Cascade Of Care For Opioid Use Disorder For A Tribal Nation In The United States

Researchers interviewed 20 individuals – clinicians, peer support specialists, cultural practitioners, and others familiar with OUD treatment – in a Minnesota tribal community.  The Cascade of Care model measures the quality of outcomes at each stage of treatment, from diagnosis to long-term maintenance, and was first proposed in 1998 as an approach to care for HIV/AIDS. 
Posted Date
07/28/23

Stigmatizing Imagery For Substance Use Disorders: A Qualitative Exploration

A recent study, Stigmatizing Imagery For Substance Use Disorders: A Qualitative Exploration, explored the use of stigmatizing and non-stigmatizing imagery in the field of substance use disorders and law enforcement. While the discussion of stigmatizing language has been around, the discussion of stigmatizing imagery is important to have as it may have effects on treatment, recovery, and reintegration. The qualitative study interviewed people with lived substance use disorder experience who identified stigmatizing imagery and the possible implications it could have.
Posted Date
07/21/23

Providers' Perspective on Barriers to Rural Health Care

Researchers interviewed primary care physicians in rural, western Pennsylvania to get their views on barriers to rural health care. There were three key themes that came out of the report including cost and insurance, geographic dispersion, and provider shortages/burnout. The providers also made suggestions on possible solutions and gave information on ways they have helped address the situation
Posted Date
06/02/23

Care Coordination Between Rural Primary Care and Telemedicine for OUD

The study tested a care coordination model in six rural primary care sites during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, July 2020 to January 2021. Each clinic tracked patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) as they received medication treatment delivered by an external telemedicine provider.
Posted Date
04/28/23