Increases in ‘deaths of despair’ during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States and the United Kingdom

Public Health, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 218, P. 92 - 96

Published: Feb. 27, 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted mental health, health-related behaviours such as drinking and illicit drug use the accessibility of health social care services. How these shocks affected 'despair'-related mortality in different countries is less clear. This study uses public data to compare deaths from alcohol, drugs suicide United States Kingdom identify similarities or differences impact on important non-COVID causes death across consider implications trends.

Language: Английский

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Impact of COVID-19 among people who use drugs: A qualitative study with harm reduction workers and people who use drugs

Harm Reduction Journal, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 19(1)

Published: July 2, 2022

Abstract Background Fatal drug overdoses in the USA hit historical records during COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout pandemic, people who used drugs had greater odds of contracting COVID-19, increased use due to COVID-related stress, and heightened levels anxiety depression. This qualitative study examined specific ways pandemic negatively impacted drugs. Methods Qualitative interviews with 24 20 substance harm reduction workers were conducted. Data from analyzed using applied thematic analysis identify emergent themes based on a priori research goals. Results Thematic identified several common experiences among These included mental distress financial strain social isolation; use; risky drug-seeking behaviors changes markets; reduced access reduction, treatment, recovery support services. Conclusions Our highlighted critical systemic failures that contributed rise overdose deaths Addressing these challenges through policy reform improved funding models will ensure sustainability services increase treatment highly vulnerable

Language: Английский

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The impact of relaxing restrictions on take-home doses during the COVID-19 pandemic on program effectiveness and client experiences in opioid agonist treatment: a mixed methods systematic review

Substance Abuse Treatment Prevention and Policy, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 18(1)

Published: Sept. 30, 2023

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented relaxation of restrictions on take-home doses in opioid agonist treatment (OAT). We conducted a mixed methods systematic review explore the impact these changes program effectiveness and client experiences OAT. Methods protocol for this was registered PROSPERO (CRD42022352310). From Aug.–Nov. 2022, we searched Medline, Embase, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Web Science, Cochrane Register Controlled Trials, grey literature. included studies reporting quantitative measures retention treatment, illicit substance use, overdose, health, quality life, or satisfaction using qualitative examine with during pandemic. critically appraised Mixed Appraisal Tool. synthesized data vote-counting by direction effect presented results harvest plots. Qualitative were analyzed thematic synthesis. used convergent segregated approach integrate findings. Results Forty included. Most from North America (23/40) United Kingdom (9/40). synthesis limited potential confounding, but suggested association between increased treatment. There no evidence use overdose. findings indicated that reduced clients’ exposure unregulated substances stigma minimized work/treatment conflicts. Though some clients reported challenges managing their medication, dominant narrative one appreciation, anxiety, renewed sense agency identity. integrated analysis burden as explanation improved revealed variation individual relationships use. identified critical gap patient-important outcomes. Conclusion associated experience found despite expansion previously ineligible groups. Including outcome policy, development, planning is essential ensuring decisions around accurately reflect value clients.

Language: Английский

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The impact of Covid-19 on harm reduction policies in Iran: an interrupted time series analysis

Harm Reduction Journal, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 22(1)

Published: Jan. 7, 2025

Language: Английский

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Lessons from COVID-19: Perspectives of Senior Managers and Decision-Makers in Substance use Services in Wales

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 10, 2025

Background The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted substance use services, potentially exacerbating existing inequities in access to treatment. This study examines the perspectives of senior managers and decision-makers Wales regarding equity issues services during pandemic. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen from various organisations field Wales. Interviews autumn 2020. Data analysed using thematic analysis identify key themes related Results Key findings highlighted significant disparities between third sector statutory NHS particularly PPE, recognition as essential workers. rapid shift digital service provision exposed a divide, excluding vulnerable users. However, also accelerated innovations delivery, such introduction long-acting injectable buprenorphine revised take-home medication policies. Long-term concerns included economic impact on populations, potential increases mental health use, funding uncertainties for services. Conclusions exacerbated while driving innovation. Findings suggest need greater support strategies address sustained ensure equitable These insights can inform policy practice develop more resilient preparation any future crises.

Language: Английский

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City-level drug policies in Portugal: the COVID-19 pandemic as an analyzer of harm reduction responsiveness in Porto and Lisbon

Harm Reduction Journal, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 22(1)

Published: March 12, 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic health crisis and its potential implications for people who use drugs (PWUD) created permissive conditions toward social innovation experimentation. Still, it also exposed gaps in harm reduction approaches. Harm responsiveness was informed by the priorities defined at local level, so not applied uniformly different regions. This paper intends to contribute analysis of during outbreak comparing adaptations implementation municipal services support street-involved (SI) PWUD two Portuguese cities– Porto Lisbon. study aims shed light on city-level drug policies Portugal. is based a comparative qualitative experiences Reduction (HR) professionals regarding responses interviews with SI (n = 22, 12 10 Lisbon) online focus groups (N 12, 6 Lisbon). teams Lisbon implemented contingency plans proactive respond pandemic-related emerging needs. However, revealed contrasting impacts among There were relevant differences they received from City Council PWUD. While approach described as restrictive zero-tolerance towards use, Lisbon´s strategy reduction-focused inclusive. participants better results accessibility adherence services. constraints must be contextualized ongoing debates Moreover, are crucial map opportunities challenges implementing Drug Decriminalization Model contexts.

Language: Английский

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Alcohol minimum unit pricing and people experiencing homelessness: A qualitative study of stakeholders' perspectives and experiences

Drug and Alcohol Review, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 42(1), P. 81 - 93

Published: Sept. 28, 2022

Abstract Introduction Minimum unit pricing (MUP) may reduce harmful drinking in the general population, but there is little evidence regarding its impact on marginalised groups. Our study first to explore perceptions of MUP among stakeholders working with people experiencing homelessness following introduction Scotland May 2018. Methods Qualitative semi‐structured interviews were conducted 41 professional from statutory and third sector organisations across Scotland. We explored their views homelessness, service provision implications for policy. Data analysed using thematic analysis. Results Participants suggested that had negligible if any discernible services support them. Most providers felt insufficiently informed about prior implementation. reported where consequences these populations evident, they primarily anticipated although some groups negatively affected. People have complex needs addition alcohol addiction, changes way work need be considered future MUP‐related discussions. Discussion Conclusions This suggests despite initial concerns potential unintended MUP, many did not materialise levels anticipated. As a population‐level health policy, likely beneficial without address use needs. The additional certain (e.g., no recourse public funds) considered.

Language: Английский

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Adapting to changing risk environments: examining overdose risk and socio-spatial patterns of unstably housed people who use drugs during converging public health crises

Drugs Education Prevention and Policy, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 1 - 11

Published: March 5, 2024

Background The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the US overdose crisis and disproportionately impacted unstably housed people who use drugs. Measures to address within context of produced differential effects, particularly among Examining how drugs adapted shifting risk environments is imperative responding future crises.

Language: Английский

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Using digital technology to reduce drug-related harms: a targeted service users’ perspective of the Digital Lifelines Scotland programme

Harm Reduction Journal, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 21(1)

Published: July 1, 2024

Abstract Background Deaths due to drug overdose are an international issue, causing estimated 600,000 global deaths in 2019. Scotland has the highest rate of drug-related Europe, with those most deprived areas at greater risk than affluent areas. There is a paucity research on digital solutions, particularly from perspective who use drugs additionally access harm reduction and homelessness support services. The Digital Lifelines programme (DLS) provides vulnerable people use/d devices connect Methods This paper reports evaluation DLS service users accessed services for harms. A mixed methods approach was used including online-survey ( n = 19) semi-structured interviews 21). Survey data were analysed descriptively interview through inductive coding, informed by Technology, People, Organisations Macroenvironmental factors (TPOM) framework, investigate use, access, availability devices, people’s experiences perceptions them. Results Most participants lived social/council housing (63.2%, 12), many alone (68.4%, 13). They mainly over 40 years old city. Participants described desire privacy, knowledge, education, placed nascent social personal value devices. pointed person-centred individuality provision as one reasons routinely engage Service experienced increased sense there palpable community, connection belonging developed programme, interaction Conclusions presents unique which documents DLS. illustrated life improvement collective individual feeling responsibility towards themselves inclusion potential provide avenues can safely constructively society improve outcomes. foundation further cultivate insight solutions this emerging area.

Language: Английский

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Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on family carers of those with profound and multiple intellectual disabilities: perspectives from UK and Irish Non-Governmental Organisations

BMC Public Health, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 22(1)

Published: Nov. 16, 2022

Abstract Background Family carers of people with profound and multiple intellectual disabilities (PMID) experienced a reduction in healthcare services due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many subsequently turned Non-Governmental Organisations who worked support families. However, little research has sought capture experiences family or identify effective interventions which might them. To address these concerns we explored views sector workers across UK Ireland supported families PMID during We also explore their on characteristics online programmes for carers. Methods This study employed qualitative design using focus groups participants ( n = 24) from five Ireland. A group guide included questions challenges, supports, coping resources helped lockdown restrictions. Focus were held online, audio recorded transcribed verbatim. The resulting transcripts pseudonymised subjected thematic analysis. Findings Four themes identified (i) ‘mental emotional health’, (ii) ‘they shout loudest’ (fighting services), (iii) ‘lack trust statutory services’ (iv) ‘creating an programme’. Mental health emerged as most prominent theme three subthemes named ‘isolation’, ‘fear COVID-19’ ‘the exhaustion caring’. Conclusions pandemic increased vulnerability already experiencing difficulties accessing supports While have been crucial lifeline there is urgent need services, including programmes, partnership adequately needs.

Language: Английский

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