The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people who use drugs in three Canadian cities: a cross-sectional analysis

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

Published: May 16, 2024

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic had a disproportionate impact on the health and wellbeing of people who use drugs (PWUD) in Canada. However less is known about jurisdictional commonalities differences exposure impacts pandemic-related restrictions competing social risks among PWUD living large urban centres. Methods Between May 2020 March 2021, leveraging infrastructure from ongoing cohorts PWUD, we surveyed 1,025 participants Vancouver ( n = 640), Toronto 158), Montreal 227), Canada to describe basic, health, harm reduction needs. Results Among participants, awareness protective measures was high; however, between 10 24% each city-specific sample reported being unable self-isolate. Overall, 3–19% experiencing homelessness after onset pandemic, while 20–41% that they went hungry more often than usual. Furthermore, 8–33% an overdose during though most indicated no change frequency compared pre-pandemic period. Most receiving opioid agonist therapy past six months treatment continuity (87–93%), 32% 22% missing doses due service disruptions. There were some reports difficulty accessing supervised consumption sites all three sites, drug checking services Vancouver. Conclusion Findings suggest experienced difficulties meeting essential needs pandemic. These findings can inform preparedness planning for future public emergencies.

Language: Английский

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Getting Better, Together: An Integrated, Online Group Psychotherapy Programme for Mental and Physical Health

Counselling and Psychotherapy Research, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 25(1)

Published: Jan. 5, 2025

ABSTRACT Background Social distancing during the COVID‐19 pandemic was associated with increases in sedentary behaviours, alcohol and illicit substance use weight gain. Early lockdowns mandated social also led to symptoms of anxiety, depression other mental health symptoms. During pandemic, a major shift healthcare service delivery telehealth occurred group psychotherapy delivered online effective decreasing loneliness. Objective The overall goal this study assess initial effectiveness an eight‐session, comprehensive programme improve physical for adults who were impacted by pandemic. This pilot promoted activity, nutrition, behavioural healthy living. Method After creating our multidisciplinary programme, we partnered local department, community centre media recruit N = 53 members from southern Texas, USA. We thoroughly screened participants using structured clinical interview standardised assessments. A total n 50 eligible placed into groups based on availability 41 completed all sessions. Most female between ages 18 40 years, Caucasian or Hispanic descent. sample included both those met criteria diagnosis did not. Groups, average, had 5–7 began August 2020 ended February 2021. Future clinicians researchers may wish adapt treatment (including manual) guide future research efforts. Results Compared baseline, reported significant reductions anxiety loneliness improved satisfaction their level participation activities. Participants enjoying socialisation format. Conclusions Our demonstrated evidence supporting multidisciplinary, biopsychosocial outcomes. randomised controlled trials are needed establish efficacy inform potential, broader implementation programme. Public Significance Statement found that integrated, acceptance commitment therapy, motivational interviewing interpersonal reducing makes it especially useful reaching socially isolated adults, such as rural settings.

Language: Английский

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Differences by race and ethnicity in drug use patterns, harm reduction practices and barriers to treatment among people who use drugs in Rhode Island

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

Published: March 20, 2025

Abstract Background As in much of the United States, there have been significant increases overdose deaths among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic/Latinx populations Rhode Island over past decade. Given shifting dynamics epidemic, is an urgent need for focused interventions that address specific needs diverse communities. This study explores differences drug use patterns, harm reduction behaviors types barriers to treatment by race ethnicity. Methods utilized baseline data from Prescription Illicit Drug Study (RAPIDS). We assessed sociodemographic characteristics, practices, type, a cross-sectional analysis people who drugs (PWUD), stratified ethnicity (non-Hispanic white, Black, other race, Hispanic). Chi-square tests independence ANOVA were used identify statistically Results Among 509 participants, median age was 43, majority men (64%). Non-Hispanic participants reported significantly less regular unregulated opioids, such as heroin (10%) fentanyl (12%), compared white (39% 33%, respectively). experience responding overdoses: only 39% had ever administered naloxone 34% performed rescue breathing, 67% 57% respectively. Despite few practices Current enrollment highest those (38%) lowest (7%). Conclusions These findings suggest are response exposure between PWUD belonging racial ethnic groups, indicating enhanced investment education, distribution access PWUD.

Language: Английский

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Patterns of opioid toxicity deaths after the implementation of COVID-19 emergency measures in Ontario, Canada: a weekly interrupted time series

International Journal of Drug Policy, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 139, P. 104797 - 104797

Published: April 9, 2025

Language: Английский

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“It's something we're connected to”: Acceptability and adoption of overdose detection technologies implemented in San Francisco permanent supportive housing

Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 209694 - 209694

Published: April 1, 2025

The transition from homelessness to permanent supportive housing (PSH) is associated with solitary drug use, which heightens the risk for fatal overdose. Overdose detection technologies show promise in reducing overdose environments. We conducted a longitudinal, mixed-methods study 50-unit single-room occupancy PSH building San Francisco, California-tracing implementation of wall-mounted, push-activated (Brave Buttons) that alert designated responders potential onsite emergencies, including Between May 2021 and February 2022, we 35 days naturalistic observation as well serial, semi-structured interviews 8 staff (e.g., services coordinators, front desk clerks, custodians) 5 tenant specialists, who promoted sensitized residents Brave Buttons prior their installation. administered surveys all residents, assessing acceptability uses Buttons. calculated descriptive statistics regarding Button installations activations using administrative device data. Through inductive, iterative thematic analysis, synthesized participant narratives identify early expectations, determinants, adaptive strategies bolster adoption Despite high demand prevention solutions, specialists initially expressed doubts towards building, citing resident mistrust novel surveillance properties, liability related (failed) responses, capacity willingness respond activations. Responding these anticipated constraints, group hosted "engagement sessions" build affinity/trust leveraged specialists' rapport technology sensitization. By December 2021, were voluntarily installed 72 % rooms used multiple purposes, overdoses safety/wellness checks. also helped formalize informal systems care among strengthened connections between staff. Adaptive strategic planning, responsive emerging sources opposition, was critical addressing perceived barriers building.

Language: Английский

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The COVID-19 Crises: The Threats, Uncertainties and Risks in Entrepreneurial Development

Risks, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 11(5), P. 89 - 89

Published: May 8, 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic and its different waves brought several complications to people’s social lives massively affected business activities worldwide. Accordingly, in this study, we explored the various threats, uncertainties, risks that are faced by entrepreneurship, propensity, development. We applied a deductive approach study utilized cross-sectional data collected through questionnaire. based study’s findings on 320 valid cases. By employing structural equation modeling (SEM), reveal factors, such as quality of environment (QoBE) access financial resources (AtFR,) have positive significant impact entrepreneurial propensity (EP). On other hand, two namely uncertainties caused (UoCOVID-19) risk perceptions (RPoCOVID-19), negative effect EP. This provide valuable information about and, particular, development EP among university students. In addition, guide support policymakers higher authorities understanding business-related factors for developing Further, these creation conducive environments even during global or another natural disaster. Finally, contribute empirical evidence enrich previous research health, business, management.

Language: Английский

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Changes to opioid overdose deaths and community naloxone access among Black, Hispanic and White people from 2016 to 2021 with the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic: An interrupted time‐series analysis in Massachusetts, USA

Addiction, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 118(12), P. 2413 - 2423

Published: Aug. 28, 2023

Abstract Background and Aims The onset of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic was associated with a surge in opioid overdose deaths Massachusetts, particularly affecting racial ethnic minority communities. We aimed to compare impact on fatalities naloxone distribution from community‐based programs across groups Massachusetts. Design Interrupted time‐series. Setting Cases Opioid (OODs) among non‐Hispanic White, Black, Hispanic other race people USA (January 2016 June 2021). Measurements Rate OODs per 100 000 people, rate kits distributed ratio death as measure availability. applied five imputation strategies using complete data different periods account for missingness ethnicity data. Findings Before COVID‐19 February 2020), declined White [0.2% monthly reduction (95% confidence interval = 0.0–0.4%)], yet relatively constant all population groups. increased (0.8–1.2% increase) OOD 1.1% (0.8–1.4%) 1.0% (0.2–1.8%). After (March 2020+), Black experienced an immediate increase [63.6% (16.4–130%)], whereas rates remained similar. Trends rescue kit did not substantively change any groups, compensate this group. Conclusions With pandemic, there no compensatory distribution. For stable continued increase.

Language: Английский

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Trends in deaths following drug use in England before, during, and after the COVID-19 lockdowns

Frontiers in Public Health, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 11

Published: Sept. 29, 2023

This research aimed to describe how the characteristics of deaths following drug use changed during COVID-19 pandemic in England, and this can inform future strategy support health social care people who drugs emergency scenarios.All reported National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths which occurred between January 2018 December 2021 inclusive were extracted for analysis. Exponential smoothing models constructed determine any differences forecasted vs. actual trends.Following first lockdown period England there significant increases proportion died at home beyond 95% confidence bounds exponential model concurrent decreases hospital. Whilst overall attributable opioids did not significantly deviate from trend, methadone-related heroin/morphine-related death bounds. The concluded as suicide increased, those implicating antidepressant use. There no changes other classes, alcohol combination with psychoactive drugs, or decedent demographics (gender, age, user status). A small number due had infection itself listed a cause (n = 23).For impact restrictions was greater than that virus itself. these needs be pre-emptively adapted mitigate against specific risk factors fatal overdose associated scenarios.

Language: Английский

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Differences by race and ethnicity in drug use patterns, harm reduction practices and barriers to treatment among people who use drugs in Rhode Island

Research Square (Research Square), Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: Aug. 16, 2024

Background: As in much of the United States, there have been significant increases overdose deaths among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic/Latinx populations Rhode Island over past decade. Given shifting dynamics epidemic, is an urgent need for focused interventions that address specific needs diverse communities. This study explores differences drug use patterns, harm reduction behaviors types barriers to treatment by race ethnicity. Methods: This utilized baseline data from Prescription Illicit Drug Study (RAPIDS). We assessed sociodemographic characteristics, practices, type, a cross-sectional analysis people who drugs (PWUD), stratified ethnicity (non-Hispanic white, Black, other race, Hispanic). Chi-square tests independence ANOVA were used identify statistically Results: Among 509 participants, median age was 43, majority men (64%). Non-Hispanic participants reported significantly less regular unregulated opioids, such as heroin (10%) fentanyl (12%), compared white (39% 33%, respectively). experience responding overdoses: only 39% had ever administered naloxone 34% performed rescue breathing, 67% 57% respectively. Despite few practices Current enrollment highest those (38%) lowest (7%). Conclusions: These findings suggest are response exposure between PWUD belonging racial ethnic groups, indicating enhanced investment education, distribution access PWUD.

Language: Английский

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Exploring trends in benzodiazepine-positive fatal drug overdoses in Tennessee, 2019–2021

Annals of Medicine, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 55(2)

Published: Dec. 1, 2023

Background Benzodiazepine-positive overdoses increased between 2019 and 2021 in Tennessee. We sought to determine the changes number characteristics of prescription illicit benzodiazepine-positive fatal drug during this period.

Language: Английский

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