scholarly journals Emerging Opportunities to Improve Treatment Access for Substance Use Disorders and Other Comorbid Health Issues Among Women Enrolled in WIC

2022 ◽  
pp. 152483992110690
Author(s):  
Yukiko Washio ◽  
Bradley N. Collins ◽  
Linda M. Kilby

Women living in underserved communities are at an increased risk for substance use disorders and other comorbid health issues, a public health concern that was exacerbated as the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. In response to the challenges the pandemic presented, services delivered by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) adapted nimbly, including WIC nutrition managers’ and counselors’ efforts to provide reactive referrals of clients raising concern about substance misuse and related consequences. This adaptation signaled an opportunity to consider integrating more proactive, evidence-based strategies for substance use disorders such as standardized brief assessments, advice, and referral procedures (i.e., Screening, Brief Interventions, and Referral to Treatment [SBIRT]), as part of routine WIC operations. Integration of such routine practice would improve the quality of care WIC provides to their clients and families, while addressing a major gap in public health by connecting clients at high risk for substance use disorders and substance-related problems to much needed services. Given the adaptability of WIC to reactively manage the wide array of psychosocial and mental health problems that increased during the pandemic, opportunities exist for future research to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy of proactive implementation of brief screening, advice, and treatment referral to reduce substance-related harm among women living in underserved communities.

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-52
Author(s):  
Michele Schmitter ◽  
Jeroen Vermunt ◽  
Eric Blaauw ◽  
Stefan Bogaerts

Purpose Given the complex association between substance use disorders (SUD), comorbid mental health problems and criminal recidivism in forensic patients, homogenous patient classes can contribute to a refined treatment. This paper aims to construct those classes in forensic patients (N = 286) diagnosed with SUD, unconditionally released between 2004 and 2013 of one of ten Dutch forensic psychiatric centers. Design/methodology/approach Retrospective data were derived from electronic patient files. Classes were based on the Dutch risk assessment tool, the Historisch Klinisch Toekomst-Revisie (Historical Clinical Future–Revised [HKT-R]) and identified by means of explorative Latent Class Analysis in Latent Gold version 5.1. In a three-step approach, posterior class memberships were related to external variables (i.e. diagnoses, type of drug and type of offence). Findings Four classes were identified that differ in the risk of recidivism, as well as Axis I and II diagnoses and type of drug consumption. Practical implications This study informed on the heterogeneity of forensic patients with SUD and identified four homogenous classes that differ in important variables for the treatment approach. Based on these classes, a more refined treatment approach can be developed. Possible treatment approaches are discussed, but future research is needed to provide evidence. Originality/value This study is the first to identify classes within forensic patients with SUD and, therefore, sets the first step to develop a tailored treatment approach based on characteristics informative for treatment.


2020 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 226-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephanie Yarnell ◽  
Luming Li ◽  
Brian MacGrory ◽  
Louis Trevisan ◽  
Paul Kirwin

2005 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-112 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cortney A. Franklin ◽  
Noelle E. Fearn ◽  
Travis W. Franklin

Research points to the importance of adequate health care in women’s prisons. This is especially important as female inmates are faced with a host of unique and distinct needs, in particular, an increased risk of HIV/AIDS infection. This risk presents a significant public health concern as the majority of female offenders receive limited screening, treatment, education, and counseling related to HIV/AIDS infection and transmission while in prison. Additionally, when these women return to their communities, they are generally ill-equipped to prevent the transmission of their disease. Further, their heath concerns become the responsibility of an already overburdened public health system. Effective medical care in prison alleviates inmates’ growing medical needs and protects the public from the transmission of HIV/AIDS. This study identifies the current state of HIV/AIDS among female inmates in correctional institutions nation wide. We argue that mandatory AIDS screening for all inmates and gender-specific educational programming will lower the rate of transmission and the prevalence of high-risk behaviors, thus reducing pre- and post-release health threats. Future research directions and policy implications are discussed.


2009 ◽  
Vol 3;12 (3;5) ◽  
pp. 487-491
Author(s):  
Paul J. Christo

Background: Physician impairment is a serious public health issue affecting not only physicians, but also their families, colleagues, and patients. Physician impairment is used most often to refer to substance use disorders, which involve both substance abuse and substance dependence and/or addiction. Objective: This article aims to describe the problem of physician impairment within the context of substance use disorders. The concept of recovery and several strategies for effective recovery are explored. Discussion: Experts now define impairment as an enduring condition that if left untreated is not amenable to remission and cure. In terms of functional capacity, impairment renders the physician unable to provide competent medical services, with serious flaws in professional judgment. Herein, we define the scope of the problem, consider several theories to explain the reason physicians may be prone to develop substance use disorders, discuss diagnosis and reporting, as well as treatment and prognosis, and identify several relapse prevention strategies. Conclusion: Physician impairment is a real and significant public health concern; however, recovery is feasible and the data support favorable odds of recovery and a return to clinical practice among those seeking appropriate treatment, counseling, and relapse prevention strategies. Key words: Physician impairment, substance use disorder, prevention, relapse, recovery, dependence, substance abuse, Physician Health Programs (PHPs).


2005 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 227-235 ◽  
Author(s):  
RENEE D. GOODWIN ◽  
JUDITH S. BROOK ◽  
PATRICIA COHEN

Objective. The goal of this study is to determine the association between panic attacks in adolescence and the risk of personality disorders during young adulthood.Method. Data were drawn from the Children in the Community Study, a longitudinal epidemiological study of psychopathology across the life-course in 717 individuals in the community. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to determine the association between panic attacks during adolescence in 1983 and the risk of personality disorders during young adulthood in 1993, adjusting for differences in sociodemographic characteristics, adolescent personality disorders, and co-morbid depressive and substance use disorders.Results. Panic attacks during adolescence (in 1983) were associated with an increased risk of any DSM-IV personality disorder (in 1993) during young adulthood, which persisted after adjusting for differences in sociodemographic characteristics, adolescent personality disorders, and co-morbid depressive and substance use disorders. Panic attacks were associated with a statistically significantly increased risk of Cluster A, B, and C personality disorders.Conclusions. These data provide initial evidence that panic attacks early in life are a marker or risk factor for the development of personality disorders in young adulthood. Replication of these findings is needed, as is more in-depth investigation into the mechanism of this link. If replicated in future research, these results may reveal a novel potential pathway for identifying youth at high risk for personality disorders.


2020 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
pp. 93-102
Author(s):  
Thaís dos Reis Vilela ◽  
Marina Monzani da Rocha ◽  
Neliana Buzi Figlie ◽  
Sandra Cristina Pillon ◽  
Alessandra Diehl ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objective To investigate the association between exposure to domestic violence and increased risk of internalizing and externalizing problems and substance use among adolescents living with relatives with substance use disorder (SUD) at a low-income community of São Paulo, Brazil. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 102 adolescents aged 12-17 years (M = 14.2, SD = 1.7) who were living with relatives suffering from SUD. Outcomes were measured using the Youth Self-Report (YSR), psychosocial stress factors questionnaire, Drug Use Screening Inventory (DUSI) and Phrase Inventory of Intrafamily Child Abuse (PIICA). Results The sample presented high prevalence of emotional/behavioral problems with YSR’s scores in the clinical range for Internalizing Problems (24.5%), Externalizing Problems (21.6%), and Total Problems (26.5%). The presence of mental health problems predicted substance use (PR = 2.22; 95% CI = 1.2-4.13), and substance use predicted increased risk of mental health problems. Alcohol use predicted more than double the risk of emotional/behavioral problems (PR = 2.01; 95% CI = 1.08-3.76), while illicit drug use was associated with an almost threefold increase in the prevalence of Internalizing (PR = 2.87; 95% CI = 1.19-6.89) and Externalizing Problems (PR = 3.3; 95% CI = 1.35-8.04). Conclusion Adolescents of relatives with SUD are at risk of developing emotional and behavioral problems. These findings reinforce the need to develop public mental health policies, which include protective interventions to adolescents living in families affected by substance use disorders.


2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 161-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vijaya Murali ◽  
Sabitha Jayaraman

SummaryIt has long been recognised that substance use disorders and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are common comorbid conditions. It is clear that treating one condition while leaving the other leads to increased morbidity and mortality in this patient population. However, engaging patients in treatment is extremely challenging, which is a huge public health concern. This article focuses on various sexually transmitted infections seen in the substance misuse population and means of primary, secondary and tertiary prevention.Declaration of interestNone.Learning objectives•Be aware of the current extent of comorbidity between substance use disorders and STIs•Learn about primary, secondary and tertiary prevention of STIs in people with substance use disorders•Understand the links between high-risk sexual behaviour and illicit drug use, as shown by current evidence


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel B. Rosoff ◽  
Joyce Yoo ◽  
Falk W. Lohoff

ABSTRACTBackgroundObservational studies suggest smoking, cannabis use, alcohol consumption, cannabis use, and substance use disorders (SUDs) may play a role in the susceptibility for respiratory infections and disease, including coronavirus 2019 (COVID-2019). However, causal inference is challenging due to comorbid substance use.MethodsUsing genome-wide association study data of European ancestry (data from >1.7 million individuals), we performed single-variable and multivariable Mendelian randomization to evaluate relationships between smoking, cannabis use, alcohol consumption, SUDs, and respiratory infections.ResultsGenetically predicted lifetime smoking was found to be associated with increased risk for hospitalized COVID-19 (odds ratio (OR)=4.039, 95% CI 2.335-6.985, P-value=5.93×10−7) and very severe hospitalized COVID-19 (OR=3.091, 95% CI, 1.883-5.092, P-value=8.40×10−6). Genetically predicted lifetime smoking was also associated with increased risk pneumoniae (OR=1.589, 95% CI, 1.214-2.078, P-value=7.33×10−4), lower respiratory infections (OR=2.303, 95% CI, 1.713-3.097, P-value=3.40×10−8), and several others. Genetically predicted cannabis use disorder (CUD) was associated with increased bronchitis risk (OR=1.078, 95% CI, 1.020-1.128, P-value=0.007).ConclusionsWe provide strong genetic evidence showing smoking increases the risk for respiratory infections and diseases even after accounting for other substance use and abuse. Additionally, we provide find CUD may increase the risk for bronchitis, which taken together, may guide future research SUDs and respiratory outcomes.


Author(s):  
Sarah C Snow ◽  
Gregg C Fonarow ◽  
Joseph A Ladapo ◽  
Donna L Washington ◽  
Katherine Hoggatt ◽  
...  

Background: Several cardiotoxic substances contribute to the development of heart failure (HF). The burden of comorbid substance use disorders (SUD) among patients with HF is under-characterized. Objectives: To describe the national burden of comorbid SUD (tobacco, alcohol, or drug use disorders) among hospitalized HF patients in the U.S. Methods: We used data from the 2014 National Inpatient Sample to calculate the proportion of hospitalizations for a primary HF admission with tobacco, alcohol, or drug use disorder diagnoses, accounting for demographic factors. Drug use disorder analysis was further sub-divided into specific illicit substance categories. Results: There were a total of 989,080 HF hospitalizations of which 35.3% (n=348,995) had a documented SUD. Tobacco use disorder (TUD) was most common (n= 327,220, 33.1%) followed by drug use disorder (DUD) (n=34,600, 3.5%) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) (n=34,285, 3.5%). Female sex was associated with less TUD (OR 0.59; 95% CI, 0.58-0.60), AUD (OR 0.23; 95% CI, 0.22-0.25) or DUD (OR 0.58; 95% CI 0.55-0.62). Tobacco, alcohol, cocaine, and opioid use disorders were highest among HF patients age 45 to 55, while cannabis and amphetamine use was highest in those <45 years. Native American race (versus White) was associated with increased risk of AUD (OR 1.67; 95% CI 1.27-2.20). Black race was associated with increased risk of AUD (OR 1.09; 95% CI 1.02-1.16) or DUD (OR 1.63; 95% CI 1.53-1.74). Medicaid insurance (versus Medicare) was associated with greater TUD (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.23-1.32), AUD (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.62-1.87), and DUD (OR 2.15; 95% CI 2.01-2.30). Decreasing quartiles of median household income were associated with increasing SUD. Conclusions: Comorbid SUD disproportionately affects certain HF populations, including men, younger age groups, lower SES patients, and race/ethnic minorities. Further research on interventions to improve prevention and treatment of SUD among hospitalized HF patients are needed given the high rates of SUD in this population. Systematically screening hospitalized HF patients for SUD may reveal opportunities for treatment and secondary prevention.


SAGE Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 215824401773458 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naim Fanaj ◽  
Erika Melonashi

Mental health problems related to the psychological trauma of war still represent a public health concern in postwar Kosovo. Despite the universal character of exposure to trauma, there are suggestions that the manifestation posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or related psychosocial factors might vary across cultures. The aim of the present article was to provide a critical overview of research on PTSD in the specific sociocultural context of Kosovo by examining prevalence rates, as well as related demographic and psychosocial variables. For this purpose, 51 studies were evaluated. Results showed that, even 10 years postwar prevalence rates for PTSD are still high among civilians exposed to trauma, refugees, and veterans. As regards psychiatric and psychological constructs correlating with PTSD, studies suggested the following: anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, anger, and revenge thoughts. Moreover, socioeconomic factors and social support were identified as highly influential on quality of life of individuals with PTSD. Nonetheless the studies considered for review had numerous methodological problems such as sample size, self-selection, nonrandomized process, and lack of control groups, findings of existing studies still need to be carefully considered and future research is necessary.


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