People Who Research Articles

Do People Who Drive Trucks Care About the Environment?

By adhering to a hierarchy of environmentalism, we lose the chance to understand others’ relationships with the environment and build solidarity in fighting climate change.

Financial Vulnerability and Its Association with HIV Transmission Risk Behaviors Among People Who Inject Drugs in Kyrgyzstan.

The Family Resource Scale (FRS) is a three-factor financial vulnerability (FV) measure. FV may impact HIV transmission risks. Cross-sectional data from 279 people who inject drugs (PWID) in Kyrgyzstan surveyed April-October 2021 was used to validate the FRS and estimate associations between FV on past 6-month injection and sexual HIV risk outcomes. The three-factor FRS reflected housing, essential needs, and fiscal independence, and had good internal reliability and structural validity. Greater cumulative, housing, and essential needs FRS scores were associated with increased relative risk on public injection (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.03 [1.01, 1.04]; aRR [95% CI]: 1.06 [1.02, 1.09]; aRR [95% CI]: 1.06 [1.03, 1.08], respectively, all p < 0.001) and preparing injections with unsafe water sources (aRR [95% CI]: 1.04 [1.02, 1.07]; aRR [95% CI]: 1.09 [1.04, 1.15]; aRR [95% CI]: 1.08 [1.03, 1.14], respectively, all p < 0.001). Results suggest that PWID housing- and essential needs-related FV may exacerbate injection HIV transmission risks. Reducing PWIDs' FV may enhance the HIV response in Kyrgyzstan.

Prevalence of Tuberculosis among People Who Use Drugs in Iran: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Drug use, especially injecting drug use, is associated with a higher risk of tuberculosis (TB). This study aimed to systematically review the prevalence of TB among people who use drugs (PWUD) in Iran. A systematic search was conducted in international and national databases. All studies that provided data on the prevalence of TB among PWUD based on screening tests and diagnosis from 1990 up to August 2019 were assessed. Meta-analysis was performed on the prevalence of active TB among people who inject drugs (PWID). Overall, nine studies were included. The studies were carried out from 1994 to 2012 in seven out of the 31 provinces of Iran. Seven studies provided data on the prevalence of TB diagnosis among 1087 PWID. The pooled prevalence of TB diagnosis was 10.1% (95% CI: 4.5, 15.8) in studies carried out in hospitals and 0.54% (95% CI: 0.04, 1.04) in other settings. The present review suggests an approximately 40 times higher prevalence of TB among PWID compared to the general population. However, most of the included studies were conducted on a subpopulation of drug users, and caution should be exercised when generalizing the findings.

Correlates of Recent HIV Testing Among People Who Inject Drugs in Rural Areas: A Multi-site Cross-Sectional Study, 2018-2020.

The Rural Opioid Initiative surveyed 2693 people who inject drugs (PWID) in eight rural U.S. areas in 2018-2020 about self-reported HIV testing in the past 6 months. Correlates of interest included receipt of any drug-related services, incarceration history, and structural barriers to care (e.g., lack of insurance, proximity to syringe service programs [SSP]). Overall, 20% of participants reported receiving an HIV test within the past 6 months. Multivariable generalized estimating equations showed that attending substance use disorder (SUD) treatment (OR 2.11, 95%CI [1.58, 2.82]), having health insurance (OR 1.42, 95%CI [1.01, 2.00]) and recent incarceration (OR 1.49, 95%CI [1.08, 2.04]) were positivelyassociated with HIV testing, whileexperiencing aresource barrier to healthcare (inability to pay, lack of transportation,inconvenient hours, or lack of child care) had inverse(OR 0.73, 95%CI [0.56, 0.94]) associationwithHIV testing. We found that the prevalence of HIV testing among rural PWID is low, indicating an unmet need for testing. While SUD treatment or incarceration may increase chances for HIV testing for rural PWID, other avenues for expanding HIV testing, such as SSP, need to be explored.

“The Service, I Could Not Do without It…”: A Qualitative Study Exploring the Significance of Meals on Wheels among Service Users and People Who Refer Them to the Service

Meals on Wheels (MoWs) is a social care service providing daily meals and social contact to adults who need support to live in the community. Considering the rising number of adults who need help with shopping for food and preparing meals in England, MoWs could be essential for these individuals; yet little is known about the experiences of MoWs service users and people who refer them to MoWs (“referrers”), with the service. The aim of this study was to explore different dimensions of the MoWs service from the perspectives of MoWs service users and referrers. Semistructured interviews were conducted in May–July 2022 with seven service users and 21 referrers, recruited from four MoWs providers across England, and analysed thematically. Participants indicated that benefits of the service encompassed the daily provision of a hot, nutritious meal, an informal welfare check, the service’s efficiency and reliability in promoting independent living and reducing pressures on families and carers, and the daily friendly interactions in reducing social isolation. The pandemic was not perceived to have affected participants’ experiences with MoWs but longer interactions between drivers who deliver the meals and service users would be welcomed to reduce isolation further. Despite the cost-of-living crisis and an increase in MoWs prices, participants perceived that MoWs are value-for-money due to the social care benefits derived from the service. The wide range of benefits exerted by MoWs suggests that the service should be recognised as a crucial preventative resource in maintaining the wellbeing and independence of adults with care and support needs and suggests that MoWs forms an essential part of the care package that people with care and support needs receive in England.

Identifying barriers and facilitators to COVID-19 vaccination uptake among People Who Use Drugs in Canada: a National Qualitative Study

BackgroundPeople Who Use Drugs (PWUD) have lower vaccination uptake than the general population, and disproportionately experience the burden of harms from vaccine-preventable diseases. We conducted a national qualitative study to: (1) identify the barriers and facilitators to receiving COVID-19 vaccinations among PWUD; and (2) identify interventions to support PWUD in their decision-making.MethodsBetween March and October 2022, semi-structured interviews with PWUD across Canada were conducted. Fully vaccinated (2 or more doses) and partially or unvaccinated (1 dose or less) participants were recruited from a convenience sample to participate in telephone interviews to discuss facilitators, barriers, and concerns about receiving COVID-19 vaccines and subsequent boosters, and ways to address concerns. A total of 78 PWUD participated in the study, with 50 participants being fully vaccinated and 28 participants partially or unvaccinated. Using thematic analysis, interviews were coded based on the capability, opportunity, and motivation-behavior (COM-B) framework.ResultsMany partially or unvaccinated participants reported lacking knowledge about the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly in terms of its usefulness and benefits. Some participants reported lacking knowledge around potential long-term side effects of the vaccine, and the differences of the various vaccine brands. Distrust toward government and healthcare agencies, the unprecedented rapidity of vaccine development and skepticism of vaccine effectiveness were also noted as barriers. Facilitators for vaccination included a desire to protect oneself or others and compliance with government mandates which required individuals to get vaccinated in order to access services, attend work or travel. To improve vaccination uptake, the most trusted and appropriate avenues for vaccination information sharing were identified by participants to be people with lived and living experience with drug use (PWLLE), harm reduction workers, or healthcare providers working within settings commonly visited by PWUD.ConclusionPWLLE should be supported to design tailored information to reduce barriers and address mistrust. Resources addressing knowledge gaps should be disseminated in areas and through organizations where PWUD frequently access, such as harm reduction services and social media platforms.

Travel during Pregnancy: A Web-Based Survey of People Who Have Been Pregnant within the Past 10 Years

Travel is frequent among many populations, including pregnant people. The focus of this online survey was to better understand the travel practices of people who have been pregnant within the last ten years. An online survey was conducted for three months through social media posts on Facebook and Twitter. Previously pregnant people were asked questions about where they traveled, if they cancelled any travel plans, and travel-related discussions with their obstetric provider. During the three months the survey was open, 469 participants completed the survey. A total of 390 (83.2%) participants traveled domestically, while 114 (24.3%) traveled internationally or between non-contiguous states within the United States of America (USA). Of these respondents, 170 (44.2%) of the domestic travelers and 69 (61.1%) of the international travelers reported discussing travel plans with their OB provider. Additionally, 49 (10.5%) participants cancelled at least one domestic trip and 30 (6.41%) cancelled at least one international trip. Regarding travel discussions, 6 (3.6%) participants who traveled domestically and 2 (2.9%) who traveled internationally reported that their OB provider initiated the conversation. Many pregnant people choose to travel domestically and internationally. However, it is also clear that not all travelers discuss plans with their OB provider, and in few cases does the provider initiate the conversation. Given the frequency with which people travel, pregnant people and their OB providers should have conversations regarding travel to minimize potential risks.

Perceptions of COVID-19 and the Use of Health Information Technology Among People Who Are Uninsured: Multimethod Survey Study.

As of May 2023, the novel SARS-CoV-2 has claimed nearly 7 million lives globally and >1.1 million lives in the United States. Low-income populations are often disproportionately affected by risk factors such as lifestyle, employment, and limited health literacy. These populations may lack the knowledge of appropriate infection precautions or have reduced access to care during illness, particularly in countries without universal health care. We aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of COVID-19, including symptoms and risk factors among uninsured individuals seeking care at a free medical clinic, and to obtain respondents' perceptions of and suggestions for adapting a mobile health (mHealth) app to an uninsured population known to have low health literacy. We conducted a prospective multimethod survey study with a convenience sample of uninsured adults seeking care at 3 free clinics in the United States. Respondents were questioned about their risk for and awareness of COVID-19 symptoms, COVID-19 testing, current technology use, and the use of technology to facilitate their health regarding COVID-19. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics (eg, frequencies and mean differences). In addition, a small subset of respondents from one of the clinics (n=10) participated in interviews to provide feedback about the design of a COVID-19 web-based smartphone (mHealth) app. The survey respondents (N=240) were 53.8% (n=129) female, were primarily White (n=113, 47.1%), and had a mean age of 50.0 (SD 11.67; range 19-72) years. Most respondents (162/222, 73%) did not think that they were at risk for COVID-19. Although respondents reported only moderate confidence in their knowledge of the short- and long-term symptoms of COVID-19, their knowledge of the symptoms aligned well with reports published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the most common acute (590/610, 96.7%) and long-term (217/271, 80.1%) symptoms. Most respondents (159/224, 71%) reported an interest in using the mHealth app to gain additional information regarding COVID-19 and available community resources. Respondents who were interviewed provided suggestions to improve the mHealth app but had overall positive perceptions about the potential usefulness and usability of the app. It was encouraging that the knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms aligned well with the reports published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and that respondents were enthusiastic about using an mHealth app to monitor symptoms. However, it was concerning that most respondents did not think they were at a risk of contracting COVID-19.

Novel Technological Advances to Protect People Who Exercise or Work in Thermally Stressful Conditions: A Transition to More Personalized Guidelines

Background: Prevention plays a key role in ensuring health and safety and is particularly important in scenarios when life is threatened. Adverse thermal conditions are experienced by billions of people daily, affecting the human capacity for thermoregulation and increasing the risks of life-threatening accidents, diseases, and fatalities. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a new, freely accessible method that will ultimately allow health, as well as exercise and labour organizations, to predict and potentially mitigate the physiological strain experienced by people who exercise or work in thermally stressful environmental conditions. Methods: First, we used concurrent technological advances and thermophysiological modelling to (i) develop a mobile phone application that predicts the physiological heat strain experienced by individuals conducting physical activity in adverse environmental conditions, and (ii) provide them with individualized heat mitigation strategies. Second, to examine the construct validity of the newly developed mobile phone application, core body temperature was recorded using gastrointestinal thermometry in 37 healthy soldiers during different activities. These data were used to examine the predictive capacity of our application in pre-classifying individuals with an increased risk of experiencing elevated physiological heat strain during work based on the guidelines (core body temperature ≥ 38 °C) of the World Health Organization. Results: The core body temperature predictions made by the mobile phone application were positively related (r = 0.57, p &lt; 0.05) with the actual physiological measurements taken by our participants (mean absolute error: 0.28 °C). More importantly, our application correctly predicted 93% of occurrences of elevated physiological heat strain and 90% of those that were not (overall accuracy: 92%). Conclusions: Mobile phone applications integrating thermophysiological models can predict the physiological heat strain experienced by an individual, but it remains to be studied whether the suggested heat mitigation strategies can reduce or prevent adverse impacts.

Hepatitis C Virus-HIV Coinfection in the United States Among People Who Inject Drugs: Data Needed for Ending Dual Epidemics.

The overlapping epidemics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) and HIV infection stem from underlying behaviors and health disparities among disproportionately affected populations, especially people who inject drugs (PWID). Characterizing the prevalence of HCV-HIV coinfection offers improved data to address these underlying determinants of health. We performed a literature search for articles that describe US populations, were published during 2005-2021, and summarized evidence of the prevalence of HCV infection in recent HIV clusters and outbreaks among PWID. In population- and community-based studies, HCV antibody prevalence among PWID with HIV ranged from 10.7% to 71.4%, depending on the setting and study design. HCV-HIV coinfection ranged from 70% to 94% among 5 larger HIV clusters or outbreaks among PWID during 2014-2021; where characterized, HCV diagnosis preceded HIV detection by a median of 4 to 5 years. Robust modernized surveillance is needed to support and measure the progress of city, state, and national activities for ending the HIV epidemic and eliminating hepatitis C. Developing and leveraging surveillance systems can identify missed opportunities for prevention, evaluate care, and build capacity for outbreak investigation. In addition, improved data on injection drug use are crucial to inform efforts for improved HCV and HIV testing, prevention, and treatment in settings that serve PWID. By providing data in a wholistic, integrated manner, public health surveillance programs can support efforts to overcome inefficiencies of disease-specific silos, accelerate delivery of preventive and clinical services, and address the excess disease burden and health disparities associated with HCV-HIV coinfection.

A Brief Peer-Led Intervention to Increase COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake Among People Who Inject Drugs in San Diego County: Results From a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

We evaluated the impact of a brief peer-led intervention on COVID-19 vaccination among people who inject drugs (PWID) presenting at syringe services program (SSP) locations in San Diego County, California. Between March and July 2022, PWID aged ≥18 years without recent voluntary COVID-19 testing who were not up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations received a single-session motivational interviewing intervention (LinkUP) or an attention-matched didactic control condition from trained peer counselors at SSP sites randomized by week. Following either 30-minute session, counselors offered referrals to local vaccination services. Multivariable log binomial regression via generalized estimating equations assessed LinkUP effects on (1) acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination referrals immediately postintervention and (2) COVID-19 vaccine uptake at 6-month follow-up. COVID-19 vaccination outcomes were obtained on 135 (90.6%) of 149 participants. In multivariable analysis, participants receiving LinkUP had greater acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination referrals than controls (adjusted relative risk, 3.50; 95% CI, 1.01-12.2) and were marginally more likely to report receiving a new COVID-19 vaccine dose (adjusted relative risk, 1.57; 95% CI, .99-2.48). After 6 months, 20% reported receiving a new vaccine dose; however, if COVID-19 vaccine had been available at SSPs, this proportion could have been as high as 34.3% (45.3% LinkUP vs 24.3% control; P = .01). A brief peer-led SSP-based intervention significantly improved COVID-19 vaccination among PWID. Further improvements could likely be obtained by supporting SSPs to offer COVID-19 vaccination on-site instead of relying on referrals. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05181657.

Changes in Plasma TPH2, GDNF, Trk-b, BDNF, and proBDNF in People Who Died by Suicide.

Recent studies have shown that neuropeptides and neurotrophic factors may be involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of suicide. However, the current research on this aspect is still insufficient. Our study aimed to explore the biological patterns of suicide deaths, including levels of BDNF, proBDNF, BDNF/proBDNF, Trk-b, GDNF, and TPH2. The researchers selected 25 normal control patients matched by age with 30 suicide deaths. We used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays to detect the levels of BDNF, proBDNF, BDNF/proBDNF, Trk-b, GDNF, and TPH2 in the plasma of suicide and control subjects. proBDNF, BDNF/proBDNF, Trk-b, GDNF, and TPH2 levels are shown as the median (25th-75th percentile). BDNF levels are shown as the mean (standard error of the mean). (1) The levels of plasma TPH2 and proBDNF in people who died by suicide were significantly higher than those in the control group. (2) The plasma levels of GDNF and BDNF/proBDNF in the suicide group were obviously lower than those in the control group. (3) There was no significant difference in plasma BDNF or Trk-b concentrations between the suicide group and the control group.Plasma TPH2, GDNF, and proBDNF levels are related to suicide. Plasma neurotrophic factor markers may predict suicide risk.

Violence Victimization, Homelessness, and Severe Mental Illness Among People Who Use Opioids in Three U.S. Cities.

This study examined the associations between violence victimization, homelessness, and severe mental illness (SMI) among people who use opioids (PWUOs) in three U.S. cities. We analyzed data from a cross-sectional survey conducted from May 2019 to February 2020 across three study sites: Los Angeles, CA; Las Vegas, NV; and Atlanta, GA. We used multivariable regressions to examine how multiple victimizations and housing situation are associated with SMI. Based on K-6 scale, nearly half (44.2%) were screened positive for SMI. Meanwhile, 69.7% of the participants reported experiencing some kind of violence in their lifetime, and more than half (51.9%) reported experiencing recent violence (in the past 6 months). The most common form of lifetime violence was emotional (59.5%), followed by physical and intimate partner violence (IPV) (56.1 and 34.9%, respectively), and 34.9% of all participants reported experiencing multiple forms of victimization in the past 6 months. Participants who reported homelessness were more likely to report having experienced recent violence victimization (p < .001). In multivariable models, experiencing recent victimization was significantly associated with SMI (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.85, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.46, 2.38]), as was homelessness (AOR = 1.57, 95% CI [1.15, 2.14]), after adjusting for study covariates. Among those with moderate and SMI (n = 927), only 22% were currently receiving mental health services, and those who reported having experienced any forms of violence in the past 6 months were more likely to utilize mental health services than those who had not experienced any recent violence victimization (25 vs. 17.9%, p < .05). To improve mental health and wellness among this high priority population, mental health facilities and syringe service programs may consider screening for experiences of violence and using trauma-informed mental health approaches. Harm reduction interventions must be responsive to the diverse individual and structural-level needs of PWUOs, especially those experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity. Holistic strategies and services are needed to meet the social and structural needs of this population.

Technology-Based Interventions in Tobacco Use Treatment Among People Who Identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latina/o, and American Indian/Alaska Native: Scoping Review.

Although tobacco use has significantly declined in the general population, traditional tobacco use treatment uptake and success rates remain disproportionately low among people who identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latina/o, and American Indian/Alaska Native. Technology-based interventions (TBIs) for tobacco use are promising alternatives to traditional tobacco use treatments. This scoping review aims to investigate the extent to which the use of digital TBIs in tobacco use treatment research promotes health equity among people who identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latina/o, and American Indian/Alaska Native. This scoping review identifies US-based studies (between January 2000 and March 2021) that enlist TBIs for tobacco use treatment and include people who identify as African American/Black, Hispanic/Latina/o, and American Indian/Alaska Native at ≥50% of the sample when combined; features studies that are also race and ethnicity conscious; and highlights health equity-promoting insights from included studies. In 85% (22/26) of the studies, the largest proportion of the sample was African American/Black, most participants had low socioeconomic status, and recruitment was most commonly from medical settings. In total, 58% (15/26) of the studies were race and ethnicity conscious, and 67% (10/15) of these studies sought to partner with potential end users. An array of TBIs were represented; however, SMS text messaging was most prevalent. Most TBIs were combined with other evidence-based intervention components (eg, nicotine replacement therapy). Approximately one-third of the studies (8/26, 31%) required participants to have their own device or internet access. The majority were underpowered to detect substantial differences. The modest number of studies, particularly for persons who identify as Hispanic/Latina/o and American Indian/Alaska Native, demonstrates the limited application of TBIs for tobacco use and that additional research is needed to determine the extent to which TBIs for tobacco use promote health equity among these populations. RR2-10.2196/34508.

Leveraging Policy Changes Made in Response to COVID-19 to Advance Telehealth and Novel Treatment Approaches for People Who Use Opioids: Qualitative Perspectives From Two Rural North Carolina Counties.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a catalyst for telehealth services for people who use opioids; however, the data show dramatic increases in opioid overdose deaths and ongoing lack of treatment options in North Carolina, particularly among rural residents. We conducted a listening session and qualitative interviews with 10 health care professionals, administrators, and community partners providing services for individuals who use opioids in Granville and Vance counties. Data were analyzed with an applied thematic approach. Participants described several benefits of rapid expansion of telehealth services during the pandemic. Continued improvements in access to high-speed internet will be critical to maintain progress in rural areas. Participants advocated for integrated, co-located ser-vices and improved referral processes to minimize cost and burden of attending multiple appointments across sites. Integrated services could include medication for opioid use disorder (MOUD), mental/behavioral health support, primary medical care, and harm reduction services. Participants supported novel community-based strategies, such as mobile clinics, and described a need for after-hours and crisis services for opioid recovery in the region. The study was exploratory in nature and elicited the perspectives of providers serving two rural counties in North Carolina, which may not be generalizable to broader populations. We did not include the perspectives of people who use opioids in this study but will do so in upcoming research. Participants were strong proponents of the benefits of telehealth and identified strategies for continuing recent progress in rural access to opioid treatment through novel integrated and community-based approaches.

Psychotic-Like Experiences and Concurrent Substance Use Among People Who Use New Psychoactive Substances

Background New psychoactive substances (NPS) are a group of substances that mimic established drugs, e.g., cannabinoids, stimulants, and opioids. NPS use has been associated with psychotic-like experiences, but current research is limited. This study focused on NPS use and psychotic-like experiences in persons attending substance use services in South-West Finland. The primary aim was to evaluate if NPS use associates with psychotic-like experiences, and if the association is independent of comorbid psychotic illness. As a secondary aim, this study evaluated concurrent substance use among people who use NPS. Methods The study was based on a voluntary and anonymous survey administered on-site for people attending substance use services. The survey was conducted in 17 substance use service centers in South-West Finland in 2019, totaling 219 respondents. Information on substance use, service use due to psychotic episodes, and comorbid psychotic illness was collected. A validated PROD questionnaire was used for information on psychotic-like experiences. Results In all, 17% of 219 participants (n = 38) reported NPS use. After adjustments with comorbid psychotic illness, age, and gender, NPS use associated with PROD-screen positivity, i.e., reporting at least three psychotic-like symptoms. NPS use also associated with service use due to substance-induced psychotic episodes, and extensive use of several substances. Conclusions In this study, NPS use associated with psychotic-like experiences independently of comorbid psychotic illness. However, as NPS use is also associated with heavy use of several substances, this study implicates concurrent substance use as a confounding factor when studying NPS use, which should be considered in future research.

HIV Testing and HIV Positivity Among People Who Inject Drugs (PWIDs) With and Without History of High-Risk Behaviors: Findings From a Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS) Survey in Southern Thailand

People who inject drugs (PWIDs) may engage in other behaviors with high risk of HIV transmission to various extents. However, data are scarce regarding differences in HIV testing and HIV positivity among PWIDs with and without high-risk behaviors. Such data can help inform stakeholders with regard to program prioritization. The objective of this study was to assess the extent that lifetime and past-year histories of HIV tests and HIV positivity varied by history of high-risk behaviors among PWIDs. We conducted a cross-sectional study with respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in the deep south provinces of Thailand during late 2019 thru early 2020. Data collection was done using structured questionnaire with face-to-face interviews. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression analyses. A total of 283 PWIDs gave verbal informed consent, and 282 PWIDs participated in the interview ( n = 282 PWIDs). Approximately 44.6% of the participants never had an HIV test. Participants with history of high-risk behaviors had significantly higher odds of lifetime HIV testing than participants with no history of high-risk behaviors (Adjusted OR = 2.94; 95% CI [1.11, 7.78]). Among participants with lifetime history of HIV tests, those with history of high-risk behaviors had significantly higher odds of being HIV-positive than those with no history of high-risk behaviors (Adjusted OR = 2.44; 95% CI [0.73, 8.17]). Stakeholders should consider encouraging those without history of high-risk behaviors not to be complacent about HIV testing, and ensure that those with high-risk behaviors have full access to HIV care when they test positive.

Evaluating Effects of Gender, Education and Age on the Identity of People Who Stutter

Adult onset stuttering is a condition that refers to a stutter where an adult who has previously shown age-appropriate communication skills suddenly starts facing dysfluency in his speech. Previous studies assert that those who stutter are more likely to experience the negative psychological and emotional impacts of stuttering on their identity. Interaction between a person who stutters (PWS) and others around him comes together to develop PSW’s identity. This study examined how PWS’s gender, education and age affect the CSI constructions using the Concealable Stigmatized Identity (CSI) constructs. Salience, centrality, and disclosure were the factors against which the relation of gender, age and education was examined. The study concluded that the relationship that gender and age have with three constructs of CSI remained insignificant. However, education has a significant relationship with the constructs.

A Study on the Life History of Three People Who Turned Their Career transition in Old Age

A Study on the Life History of Three People Who Turned Their Career transition in Old Age

Cannabidiol as a Harm Reduction Strategy for People Who Use Drugs: A Rapid Review.

The drug poisoning crisis throughout North America necessitates novel harm reduction approaches. Emerging evidence suggests that cannabidiol (CBD) may have some utility as a harm reduction modality for those with problematic substance use. This rapid review aimed to synthesize available evidence on CBD as a potential harm reduction tool for people who use drugs while providing clinical and research insights. A systematic search in EMBASE, MEDLINE, CENTRAL, and CINAHL was completed in July 2022. For inclusion, studies had to meet the following criteria: (1) drawn from an adult population of people who use drugs; (2) investigates CBD as an intervention for problematic substance use or harm reduction-related outcomes; (3) be published after the year 2000 and in English; and (4) be primary research or a review article. A narrative synthesis was used to group outcomes relevant to harm reduction and provide clinical and research insights. We screened 3,134 records, of which 27 studies (5 randomized trials) were included. The evidence remains limited, but available studies support the potential utility of CBD to reduce drug-induced craving and anxiety in opioid use disorder. There were low-quality studies suggesting that CBD may improve mood and general well-being of people who use drugs. Evidence suggests that CBD monotherapy may not be an adequate harm reduction strategy for problematic substance use but rather an adjunct to the standard of care. Low-quality evidence suggests that CBD may reduce drug cravings and other addiction-related symptoms and that CBD may have utility as an adjunct harm reduction strategy for people who use drugs. However, there is a significant need for more research that accurately reflects CBD dosing and administration regimens used in a real-world context.