Substance Abuse Research Articles

Ethnoracial variation in school victimization and adolescent substance use

Adolescent substance abuse is a pressing public health concern. While a large literature has investigated factors linked to adolescent substance use and its outcomes, less research considers the intersection of race-ethnicity, school victimization, and substance use. The present study uses nationally representative data from the 2009–2019 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (n = 66,906) and insights from stress process and critical race perspectives to examine ethnoracial variation in associations between school victimization (i.e., bullied, threatened with a weapon, and feeling unsafe on the way to school) and use of substances (i.e., hard drugs, tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana). Results showed that all victimization measures were associated with significant increases in using all four substances. Compared with whites, Native Americans experienced higher odds of using most substances while Asians and Blacks were generally less likely to use substances. Race-ethnicity moderated victimization-substance use associations, but patterns diverged based on victimization form and substance under consideration. Threats involving a weapon were linked to greater hard drug use for white and Hispanic adolescents than Blacks. School safety concerns were associated with larger increases in Asian adolescents’ hard drug use than whites, Blacks, and Hispanics, and greater marijuana use for Hispanic and white adolescents relative to Blacks. This study complicates the significance of school victimization for substance use such that race-ethnicity factors to a great extent into the presence of associations.

"The efficiency of treatment practices in adolescents diagnosed with substance use disorder".

Substance abuse has been an increasingly common entity among youth, that has turned into one of the major concerns for almost all countries in the world. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of inpatient and outpatient treatment practises for adolescent diagnosed with susbtance use disorder (SUD). Participants included 30 adolescents with SUD in the outpatient unit, 30 in the inpatient unit, and a control group of 30 adolescents without psychiatric diagnoses. Measurements were taken at the beginning and end of an 8-week treatment program using CGAS and HoNOSCA scales. The 8-week treatment program significantly improved overall functioning and reduced psychiatric symptoms, with greater improvements observed in the inpatient group. Inpatient treatment resulted in better overall functioning and symptom improvement in adolescents with SUD. Long-term follow-up studies are needed.

Diversity of Chemsex Experiences among Men Who Have Sex with Men: Results from the French ANRS PaacX Study Using Q-Methodology.

Chemsex is mostly approached through the prism of risk-taking, neglecting the pleasure and social linking dimensions. However, feedback from the field and few studies highlights a diversity of chemsex practices and relationships to chemsex (RtC). Using Q-methodology, we identified the main RtC and their divergences and convergences, to help develop tailored prevention and care programs. Q-methodology enables the exploration of complex subjective structures and provides a multifaceted picture of a phenomenon. In 2019-2020, we asked 126 men who have sex with men living in France and practicing chemsex to rank order 37 statements. RtC were defined through by-person factor analysis and interpreted using a holistic process. Five RtC emerged, highlighting various motivations for practicing chemsex, relationships to substance use and to sexuality, and regulation strategies implemented: (1) From compensation to fulfillment; (2) The pleasure-seeking manager; (3) Between addiction and management; (4) From curiosity to the destruction of sexuality; and (5) From the hope of compensation to disillusion. Respondents all agreed on two statements: the need to first accept oneself as a drug user in order to be able to manage drug use, and the possibility of harm reduction during chemsex sessions. Our results are the first to elicit the main RtC and the intricacies between the dimensions at stake. The five analysis-based narratives derived from RtC might facilitate discussion during interviews or support groups on chemsex, and could serve as a standardized survey tool. Our findings advocate longitudinal studies to identify factors associated with shifting from one RtC to another.

Assessment of pharmacological effects and abuse potential of 5F-EDMB-PICA, CUMYL-PEGACLONE, and NM-2201 in mice.

The newly emerging synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) 5F-EDMB-PICA, CUMYL-PEGACLONE, and NM-2201 have been observed to produce effects by activating cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors. Nevertheless, the pharmacological effects and potential for abuse of these three substances remain to be studied. These substances have yet to be regulated in many countries. We investigated the safety, pharmacological effects, rewarding effects, and cannabinoid withdrawal of 5F-EDMB-PICA, CUMYL-PEGACLONE, and NM-2201. This study evaluated the drug safety and the cannabinoid-specific pharmacological effects of the three substances through acute toxicity experiments (in which the LD50 of each substance was obtained) and tetrad experiments (comprising assessments of hypothermia, analgesia, locomotion inhibition, and catalepsy). Furthermore, the conditioned place preference (CPP) experiments and withdrawal experiments were conducted to evaluate the rewarding effect and cannabinoid withdrawal potential of the substances in question. The results demonstrated that all three drugs exhibited certain acute toxic effects and could potentially induce tetrad effects. The data were analyzed using non-linear regression, and the corresponding ED50 values and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were obtained. The rank order of potency was determined to be CUMYL-PEGACLONE > 5F-EDMB-PICA > NM-2201. In the CPP experiments, it was demonstrated that 5F-EDMB-PICA significantly induced an increase in CPP score at a dose of 0.3mg/kg, while NM-2201 caused an increase in CPP score and a significant aversion effect at a dose of 2 and 3mg/kg, respectively. It is noteworthy that all three types of SCs were observed to produce a significant biphasic effect, indicating that CPP scores were biphasic for all compounds. Following the administration of the CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant, a notable increase in head twitches and paw tremors was observed, indicating that these three SCs induce cannabinoid withdrawal through the mediation of CB1 receptors. The results of this study indicated that these SCs possess cannabinoid-specific pharmacological effects and abuse potential, which provides substantial experimental data to support the future regulation of these substances.

Music-Based Therapy for the Treatment of Perioperative Anxiety and Pain-A Randomized, Prospective Clinical Trial.

Background: Music-based intervention has been advocated as a nonpharmacologic approach for the perioperative control of pain and anxiety in surgical patients. However, its impact on patients with preoperative anxiety has not been clearly established. Our study aimed to examine the impact of music-based intervention administered before, during, and after surgery on postoperative opioid consumption and pain levels, as well as preoperative anxiety, depression, and pain catastrophizing. We hypothesized that, compared to a control group, music-based intervention would be effective in reducing opioid requirements and mood disorders. Methods: This study was a single-center, prospective, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Inclusion criteria isame-day or observation surgery. Exclusion criteria included American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status IV, use of spinal anesthesia, PROMIS Anxiety T-scores ≤ 57.4 and ≥74.1, preoperative chronic opioid use, transgender surgery, and history of drug or alcohol abuse. Music-based intervention was developed by a certified music therapist. Each patient was randomized to receive standard of care (SC) or SC plus music-based intervention before, during, and after surgery. The primary end point was postoperative oral morphine equivalents (OMEs) over 5 days following surgery using the area under the curve (AUC)Secondary end points were PROMIS Anxiety, PROMIS Depression scores Pain Catastrophizing Scale scores, postoperative nausea and vomiting, time of hospital discharge, and patient satisfaction (0 = totally unsatisfied to 10 = completely satisfied). Results: A total of 75 patients were randomized to a music-based intervention (n = 33) or control (n = 42) group. Patients in the music-based intervention group consumed 56.7% less opioids than those in the control group (AUC was 2.8 in the music-based intervention group vs. 6.4 in the control group, absolute standardized mean difference (aSMD) = 0.34 (-0.17, 0.85)). No difference in pain scores was recorded between groups. Music-based intervention also reduced anxiety on postoperative day (POD)2 (aSMD = 0.38 (-0.16, 0.91)), depression on POD2 (aSMD = 0.31 (-0.23, 0.84)) and POD4 (aSMD = 0.24 (-0.29, 0.77)), and pain catastrophizing on POD1 (aSMD = 0.24 (-0.3, 0.77)). Conclusions: Our data support the use of music-based intervention to reduce postoperative opioid requirements. Music-based intervention may also reduce anxiety, depression, and pain catastrophizing.

“You Should Get That Checked Out”: An Exploratory Analysis of Health-Related Discussions on Reddit

Abstract Introduction/Objective Social media has become a widely-used way for people to share opinions about healthcare and medical topics. Social media data can be leveraged to understand patient concerns and provide insight into why patients may turn to an internet forum, rather than the healthcare system, for health advice. Data collected on users’ questions and discussions can be used to better manage healthcare resources, including laboratory tests. We aimed to investigate Reddit posts discussing medical conditions and characterize their implications. Methods/Case Report We collected one year of Reddit posts containing the phrases “get tested” and “get checked.” An initial selection of posts was manually read by the authors to categorize the issues discussed in the posts into conditions. An automated script was then developed to assign additional posts to conditions, based on keywords. Condition assignment was performed on the entire one-year Reddit dataset. Related conditions were grouped into broader medical topics. Analysis of the condition assignments was then performed to assess condition and medical topic frequencies in medical condition-focused subreddits and general (non-medical-focused) subreddits. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) Among all conditions, STIs, eye disorders, anxiety, and pregnancy had the highest post frequency. Of the broader medical topics, the most frequent were psychiatry and mental health; genitourinary and reproductive health; infectious disease; and endocrinology, nutrition, and metabolism. Overall, conditions that appeared most frequently as a top-five condition in general subreddits included addiction and drug use, ADHD, abuse, and STIs. These conditions may be associated with fear of stigmatization. Conclusion Overall, we find that health discussions center on certain topics on Reddit. These topics may represent areas where people feel more comfortable discussing their health online, and where the healthcare system could focus additional outreach and resources. They may also shed light on how laboratory tests can be best managed.

Mild Encephalopathy/Encephalitis with Reversible Splenial Lesions after Amphetamine and Opioid Use.

A 47-year-old woman with a history of substance abuse, depression, and insomnia experienced a collapse. Upon arrival at the hospital, the patient displayed low systolic blood pressure, confusion, dehydration, and renal failure. Urine tests confirmed an amphetamine and opioid overdose. Her condition fluctuated with reduced consciousness, myoclonic movements, fever, and suspected psychogenic seizures. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed abnormalities in the splenium of the corpus callosum, which later resolved. The patient's condition gradually improved without any specific treatment. This unique case represents the first report of mild encephalopathy/encephalitis with reversible splenial lesions associated with amphetamine and opioid use.

To study impact of drug abuse in adolescence

Adolescent drug usage can lead to a variety of outcomes that are different from those associated with adult drug use. Alcohol is a common illicit substance in youth, and the molecular mechanisms behind alcohol-induced neuro inflammation, brain injury, and behavioural dysfunction caused by ethanol are not fully understood. In the adult brain, alcoholism is associated with a higher chance of neuropsychiatric diseases. Adolescent alcohol use can cause long-lasting modifications to the control of cytokines and the sensitivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which can impact neuropathology and behaviour long into adulthood... Synthetic androgens used for muscle and strength gain, especially in adolescence, are called alcoholic androgenic steroids (AAS). Adult neuropathology and alcoholism can be prevented and treated using AAS, an anabolic steroid.

Adverse childhood experiences, brain function, and psychiatric diagnoses in a large adult clinical cohort.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are linked to higher rates of psychiatric disorders in adults. Previous neuroimaging studies with small samples have shown associations between ACEs and alterations in brain volume, connectivity, and blood flow. However, no study has explored these associations in a large clinical population to identify brain regions that may mediate the relationship between ACEs and psychiatric diagnoses. This study aims to evaluate how patient-reported ACEs are associated with brain function in adults, across diagnoses. We analyzed 7,275 adults using HMPAO SPECT scans at rest and during a continuous performance task (CPT). We assessed the impact of ACEs on brain function across psychiatric diagnoses and performed mediation analyses where brain functional regions of interest acted as mediators between patient-reported ACEs and specific psychiatric diagnoses. We further evaluated the risk of being diagnosed with specific classes of mental illnesses as a function of increasing ACEs and identified which specific ACE questions were statistically related to each diagnosis in this cohort. Increased ACEs were associated with higher activity in cognitive control and default mode networks and decreased activity in the dorsal striatum and cerebellum. Higher ACEs increased the risk of anxiety-related disorders, substance abuse, and depression. Several brain regions were identified as potential mediators between ACEs and adult psychiatric diagnoses. This study, utilizing a large clinical cohort, provides new insights into the neurobiological mechanisms linking ACEs to adult psychiatric conditions. The findings suggest that specific brain regions mediate the effects of ACEs on the risk of developing mental health disorders, highlighting potential targets for therapeutic interventions.

Adolescent mental health services in West Africa: a comparative analysis of Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Niger

BackgroundAdolescent mental health (AMH) is a critical issue worldwide, particularly in West Africa, where it is intensified by socio-economic, cultural, and security challenges. Insecurity and the presence of mining sites expose adolescents to hazardous environments, substance abuse, and adulterated alcohol, further aggravating their mental health. Despite these severe issues, research on AMH in this region remains limited. This study aims to analyze the provision of AMH services in Burkina Faso, Ghana, and Niger, highlighting the unique challenges these countries face within the broader West African healthcare context.MethodsThe study adopted a multi-stage, stratified sampling design to collect data from primary healthcare centers (PHCs) in the three countries. Using STATA.17, Descriptive analysis was conducted on the data related to availability of AMH services, types of mental health disorders treated, resources available, and OPD attendance rates. The analysis also incorporated factors such as the rural-urban divide and the presence of national guidelines for AMH services.ResultsThe findings reveal a significant shortfall in the provision of AMH services across the region, with less than 30% of PHCs across all the countries offering these services. The study also highlights a pronounced rural-urban disparity in AMH service availability, a general absence of national guidelines for AMH care, and low OPD attendance rates.ConclusionThe study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive policy reform and targeted interventions to enhance AMH services in West Africa. Key policy reforms should include the development and implementation of national guidelines for AMH care and integration of AMH services into primary healthcare. Additionally, efforts should focus on capacity building through the training of mental health professionals, increasing public awareness to reduce stigma, and ensuring equitable resource allocation across rural and urban areas. Improving AMH care is essential not only for the well-being of adolescents but also for driving broader socio-economic development in the region.

Postoperative Outcomes in Opium Substance Abuse Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study

Postoperative Outcomes in Opium Substance Abuse Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study

Evaluasi Sosialisasi Pencegahan Penggunaan Narkoba di Wilayah Jakarta: Studi pada Kelompok SLTP dan SLTA

Drug use by adolescents in Jakarta is an urgent public health problem. Many outreach programs have been created to stop drug abuse in schools. However, it is still unclear whether these programs are effective, especially in terms of how they can change students' knowledge, views, and behaviors. The focus of this study is students of Junior High School (SLTP) and Senior High School (SLTA) in Jakarta to evaluate how effective the socialization program for drug use prevention is. This research uses a qualitative approach, which involves in-depth interviews and focused group discussions. Data were collected from 20 students, 10 teachers, and 5 facilitators of socialization programs in high schools (SLTP) and high schools in Jakarta. The thematic analysis method is used to analyze the data to find patterns, themes, and perceptions related to program effectiveness. As a result of the socialization program, students understand the dangers of drugs better. Changes in attitudes and behaviors, however, are not always clearly visible. Most students stated an increase in their awareness. However, there is uncertainty about how this knowledge can be applied. The absence of parental support, irrelevant materials, and time constraints are some of the problems found by teachers and facilitators in running the program. The results of the drug prevention socialization program in Jakarta have succeeded in improving students' understanding, but it is difficult to consistently change attitudes and behaviors. Recommendations for improvement include increased parent participation, better socialization materials, and program adjustments to meet student needs.

Impact of mental disorders on the all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease outcomes in adults with new-onset type 1 diabetes: A nationwide cohort study

AimsThis population-based study aimed to investigate the impact of mental disorders on the risk of mortality and cardiovascular disease (CVD) outcomes in adults with new-onset type 1 diabetes. Materials and methodsWe included 17,429 patients with new-onset type 1 diabetes without CVD from the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. Mental disorders include depression, bipolar, persistent affective and other affective disorders, anxiety, eating disorders, personality and behavioral disorders, and substance abuse. Individuals with or without mental disorders were matched 1:1 by age, sex, and year of the index date. The primary outcomes were all-cause mortality and composite CVD events. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models. ResultsDuring a median follow-up of 7.99 years, all-cause mortality (composite CVD outcomes) occurred in 1,562 patients (1,993 patients with CVD outcomes) with mental disorders and 1,211 patients (1,611 patients with CVD outcomes) without mental disorders. The adjusted HR for all-cause mortality and composite CVD outcomes in patients with mental disorders was 1.35 and 1.32, respectively, compared to those without mental disorders. The aHR for the all-cause mortality and composite CVD events was 1.27 and 1.28 in the subgroup with one mental disorder and 1.57 and 1.43 in the subgroup with multiple mental disorders, compared to those without mental disorders. ConclusionsMental disorders are associated with an elevated risk of all-cause mortality and CVD in adults with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes. Early detection and greater attention to premature death and CVD development are required in patients with new-onset type 1 diabetes and mental disorders.

Experimental Testing of a Short Model of Integrative Psychotherapeutic Intervention to Reduce Suicidal Behavior and Ideation in Depressed Patients Admitted to the Psychiatric Ward

<p>This study investigates the efficacy of a short-term integrative psychotherapeutic intervention designed to reduce suicidal behavior and ideation in depressed patients admitted to a psychiatric ward. Suicidal risk, influenced by mental health disorders, personal crises, social isolation, substance abuse, and trauma, is typically treated with pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy. The study focuses on combining various psychotherapeutic techniques including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) into a cohesive intervention program.</p><p>The intervention, delivered over four weeks, included six modules encompassing psychoeducation, behavioral activation, cognitive restructuring, mindfulness practices, and personal development strategies. Participants were divided into an experimental group receiving both the psychotherapeutic intervention and medication and a control group receiving only medication.</p><p>The study measured changes in hopelessness and depression using the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS), Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and the DASS-21R depression scale. The study concludes that integrative psychotherapeutic intervention significantly improves psychological outcomes for depressed patients at risk of suicide, offering a viable complement to pharmacological treatments. These findings support the potential of combining cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness techniques for the holistic management of depression and suicidal ideation in clinical settings.</p>Results indicated significant reductions in hopelessness and depression among the experimental group. Specifically, the BHS and MADRS scores showed substantial decreases post-intervention, highlighting the immediate efficacy of the integrated psychotherapeutic approach. However, the DASS-21R results did not demonstrate statistically significant differences.

A Small-molecule Antagonist Radiotracer for Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of the Mu Opioid Receptor.

The opioid crisis is a catastrophic health emergency catalyzed by the misuse of opioids that target and activate the mu opioid receptor. Traditional radioligands used to study the mu opioid receptor are often tightly regulated owing to their abuse and respiratory depression potential. In the present study, we sought to design and characterize a library of 24 non-agonist ligands for the mu opioid receptor. Ligands were evaluated for the binding affinity, intrinsic activity, and predicted blood-brain barrier permeability. Several ligands demonstrated single-digit nM binding affinity for the mu opioid receptor while also demonstrating selectivity over the delta and kappa opioid receptors. The antagonist behavior of 1A and 3A at the mu opioid receptor indicate that these ligands would likely not induce opioid-dependent respiratory depression. Therefore, these ligands can enable a safer means to interrogate the endogenous opioid system. Based on binding affinity, selectivity, and potential off-target binding, [ 11 C] 1A was prepared via metallophotoredox of the aryl-bromide functional group to [ 11 C]methyl iodide. The nascent radiotracer demonstrated brain uptake in a rhesus macaque model and accumulation in the caudate and putamen. Naloxone was able to reduce [ 11 C] 1A binding, though the interactions were not as pronounced as naloxone's ability to displace [ 11 C]carfentanil. These results suggest that GSK1521498 and related congeners are amenable to radioligand design and can offer a safer way to query opioid neurobiology.

Legal Study Analysis of Criminal Law Policy in the Implementation of Integrated Assessment for Drug Abusers based on Law Number 35 of 2009 Concerning Narcotics

Drug crimes pose a serious threat with detrimental effects on the global community, including Indonesia. Drugs are classified as extraordinary crimes that harm physical, mental, social, and economic health. Drug abusers are not criminals who should be imprisoned but individuals who need medical and social rehabilitation, as regulated in Law Number 35 of 2009 on Narcotics. However, the implementation of rehabilitation faces challenges, such as a lack of synchronization among law enforcement agencies and the low number of abusers receiving rehabilitation. This study uses normative juridical research methods with a statute approach, conceptual approach, and case approach. Secondary data were obtained from legal literature and relevant regulations. The results of the study show that the integrated assessment mechanism, involving both medical and legal evaluations, plays a crucial role in determining whether drug abusers are eligible for rehabilitation or imprisonment. However, various obstacles hinder its implementation, such as differing legal interpretations, sectoral egos among institutions, and inconsistencies in placing drug abusers in rehabilitation centers. Moreover, the criminal law policy that prioritizes rehabilitation as a solution requires reform to be more effective in preventing drug-related crimes. The study recommends improving coordination among law enforcement agencies and revising regulations to ensure rehabilitation is prioritized in handling drug abuse cases, aiming to create a more humane and effective justice system.

Exploring Public Emotions on Obesity During the COVID-19 Pandemic Using Sentiment Analysis and Topic Modeling: Cross-Sectional Study.

Obesity is a chronic, multifactorial, and relapsing disease, affecting people of all ages worldwide, and is directly related to multiple complications. Understanding public attitudes and perceptions toward obesity is essential for developing effective health policies, prevention strategies, and treatment approaches. This study investigated the sentiments of the general public, celebrities, and important organizations regarding obesity using social media data, specifically from Twitter (subsequently rebranded as X). The study analyzes a dataset of 53,414 tweets related to obesity posted on Twitter during the COVID-19 pandemic, from April 2019 to December 2022. Sentiment analysis was performed using the XLM-RoBERTa-base model, and topic modeling was conducted using the BERTopic library. The analysis revealed that tweets regarding obesity were predominantly negative. Spikes in Twitter activity correlated with significant political events, such as the exchange of obesity-related comments between US politicians and criticism of the United Kingdom's obesity campaign. Topic modeling identified 243 clusters representing various obesity-related topics, such as childhood obesity; the US President's obesity struggle; COVID-19 vaccinations; the UK government's obesity campaign; body shaming; racism and high obesity rates among Black American people; smoking, substance abuse, and alcohol consumption among people with obesity; environmental risk factors; and surgical treatments. Twitter serves as a valuable source for understanding obesity-related sentiments and attitudes among the public, celebrities, and influential organizations. Sentiments regarding obesity were predominantly negative. Negative portrayals of obesity by influential politicians and celebrities were shown to contribute to negative public sentiments, which can have adverse effects on public health. It is essential for public figures to be mindful of their impact on public opinion and the potential consequences of their statements.

Psychosocial and pandemic-related circumstances of suicide deaths in 2020: Evidence from the National Violent Death Reporting System.

To describe and explore variation in 'pandemic-related circumstances' among suicide decedents during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. We identified pandemic-related circumstances using decedents' text narratives in the 2020 National Violent Death Reporting System. We use time-series analysis to compare other psychosocial characteristics (e.g., mental health history, interpersonal difficulties, financial strain) of decedents pre-pandemic (2017/2018: n = 56,968 suicide and n = 7,551 undetermined deaths) to those in 2020 (n = 31,887 suicide and n = 4,100 undetermined). We characterize common themes in the narratives with pandemic-related circumstances using topic modeling, and explore variation in topics by age and other psychosocial circumstances. In 2020, n = 2,502 (6.98%) narratives described pandemic-related circumstances. Compared to other deaths in 2020 and to the pre-pandemic period, decedents with pandemic-related circumstances were older and more highly educated. Common themes of pandemic-related circumstances narratives included: concerns about shutdown restrictions, financial losses, and infection risk. Relative to decedents of the same age that did not have pandemic-related circumstances in 2020, those with pandemic-related circumstances were more likely to also have financial (e.g., for 25-44 years, 43% vs. 12%) and mental health (76% vs. 66%) psychosocial circumstances, but had similar or lower prevalence of substance abuse (47% vs. 49%) and interpersonal (40% vs. 42%) circumstances. While descriptive, these findings help contextualize suicide mortality during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and can inform mental health promotion efforts during similar public health emergencies.

Bible reading and human flourishing among U.S. military families

Bible reading and human flourishing among U.S. military families Sung Joon Jang and Byron R. Johnson, inspire us with their research on Bible reading and human flourishing among U.S. military families. Military service can create unique challenges for active and retired members and their families, such as frequent deployments or relocations and family separation. It also brings into their home lives the mental and physical consequences of war after tours of duty and post-combat experiences. Prior research shows that these stressors tend to have lasting, detrimental effects on the well-being of military personnel, veterans, and their families, including mental illness, poor health, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, marital and family problems, suicide, and domestic violence.

Factors associated with delayed admission to the burn unit: A major burn center’s experience

BackgroundTimely admission to the burn unit is crucial. Ideal burn care requires prompt interventions such as wound and body temperature management, infection control, and fluid resuscitation to prevent complications like burn progression and infection. In this study, we identify specific factors and outcomes associated with delayed admission to a regional burn center. MethodsPatients admitted to a large urban burn center from January 2015 to December 2023 were retrospectively queried, with subsequent collection of demographic and outcome variables from chart review. Descriptive statistics, Welch’s t-tests of unequal variances, and Chi-square analysis were performed. Multiple logistic regression was performed to explore the association between delayed admission and ICU stay, ventilator requirements, and mortality. ResultsA total of 3137 patients were included in the study. Approximately 63.4 % of patients were admitted within 24 h, while 36.6 % had a significant delay in care of over 24 h after injury. Male patients were likely to experience delayed admission (39.0 vs. 31.8 %, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in age between the two cohorts (38.6 vs. 39.7 years, p = 0.199). There was no significant difference in time to admission by racial background (p = 0.061). Total body surface area burned (TBSA) varied between the delayed and control cohorts (15.5±18.7 % vs. 8.2±12.9 %, p < 0.001). Patients who were single (p < 0.001) and lived alone (p = 0.011) were more likely to experience a delay in burn unit admission. Homelessness (p < 0.001), substance abuse disorder (p < 0.001), and uninsured status (p < 0.001) were also associated with delayed admission. In regression analysis when controlling for TBSA, delay in care was significantly associated with a greater requirement for ICU stay (p < 0.001) and mechanical ventilation (p = 0.021) but was not associated with increased mortality (p = 0.232). ConclusionSociodemographic variables such as homelessness, lack of social support, and substance abuse are associated with delayed burn unit admission. Knowledge of these factors can inform future interventions to improve outcomes for vulnerable patients, promoting better recovery and long-term outcomes after burn injury.