Rates Of Misuse Research Articles

Similarities and Differences in Alcohol & Other Drug Dependence Among Hispanic/Latino Subgroups: A Disaggregation Approach

BackgroundHispanic/Latino (H/L) heritage civilians out-number all other non-White ethnic groups in the United States. When studied as one group, H/L diversity is ignored, including rates of drug misuse. This study's aim was to examine H/L diversity regarding drug dependence by disaggregating how the burdens of active alcohol or other drug dependence (AODD) might change if we were to address syndromes drug by drug. MethodStudying non-institutionalized H/L residents from the National Surveys on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) 2002-2013 probability samples, we utilized online Restricted-use Data Analysis System variables to identify ethnic heritage subgroups and active AODD via computerized self-interviews. We estimated case counts of AODD with analysis-weighted cross-tabulations and variances from Taylor series. Radar plots disclose AODD variations when we simulate the reductions of drug-specific AODD one by one. ResultsFor all H/L heritage subgroups, the most substantial AODD decline might be achieved by reducing active alcohol dependence syndromes, followed by declines of cannabis dependence. The burdens due to active syndromes attributed to cocaine and pain relievers vary somewhat across subgroups. For the Puerto Rican subgroup, our estimates reveal potentially important burden reduction if active heroin dependence can be decreased. ConclusionA sizeable reduction in the H/L population health burden attributable to AODD syndromes might be achieved via the effective decline of alcohol and cannabis dependence among all subgroups. Future research includes a systematic replication with recent NSDUH survey data, as well as various stratifications. If replicated, the need for targeted drug-specific interventions among H/L will become unequivocal.

Racial inequities in opioid use disorder management: can the anesthesiologist improve outcomes?

Racial inequities in opioid use disorder management: can the anesthesiologist improve outcomes?

Walking the Benzodiazepine High Wire.

The number of benzodiazepine (BZD) prescriptions has substantially increased over the past decade, leading to a parallel rise in rates of misuse and overdose. These increases have prompted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to update its "boxed warning" and have caused organizations to revisit prescribing guidelines. Concurrently, strong evidence from clinical trials supports the anxiolytic efficacy of BZDs. Although antidepressants and psychotherapy remain preferred treatments for chronic anxiety, BZDs remain helpful in treating acute or severe and persistent anxiety that does not respond to first-line therapy. Provider and patient education, coupled with prescribing surveillance, may be preferable to an overly stringent regulatory approach to guiding BZD use.

Workplace Exposures and Prescription Drug Misuse Among Nurses.

This study examined the association between workplace exposure and prescription drug misuse in nurses. Studies have found RNs and other health providers have higher rates of prescription misuse than the general population and have suggested that workplace exposures along with excessive job demands create circumstances fostering misuse. Survey data from 1170 RNs on workplace exposures (availability, frequency of administration, knowledge of substances, and workplace controls) were described by workplace, position, and specialty. Exposures were then related to prescription drug misuse using logistic regression. Each workplace exposure was associated with past year prescription drug misuse. An index combining all exposures was significantly related to misuse ( P = 0.001), and odds of misuse increased by 38% for each point increase in the exposure index. Consideration of the health and well-being of nurses at higher odds of exposure to prescription drugs with misuse potential is warranted. Workplace support to help nurses maintain and restore their health should be a priority.

Glucocorticoids Misuse among Premenopausal Women in Southern Iraq

Background: The non-prescription usage of these medications is high because of their spectacular response and various available formulations, despite the fact that they have several negative effects.GCs misuse is an important problem that has been inadequately addressed in Iraq. The purpose of female misuse of GCs is to become beautiful, plump, and seductive (fat body, which is culturally acceptable in some communities) through weight gain or marriage. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the causes of GCs misuse among reproductive women in the South of Iraq.Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted on 251 reproductive-aged women who were misusing GCs for any cause and attending Thi-Qar Specialized Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolism Center (TDEMC). They were evaluated for demographic characteristics, medical and social histories, and then examined carefully for any signs of GCs misuse.Results: The mean ages of women were 33.21±8.6 years, BMI 30.68±7.3 Kg/m², and 208 (82.9%) women were either overweight or obese. The 251 subjects misuse glucocorticoids most were married: 195 (77.7%); of medium social class: 142 (56.6%); lived in the city center: 198 (78.9%).Two hundred and one (80.1%) patients obtained the drug from the pharmacy and 18 (7.2%) from street vendors.Nearly all women had many features of GCs-induced adverse effects, weight gain was the highest side effect in 234 (93.2%) patients, and there were many misconceptions about their safety as 41.8% thought that using GCs was safe, and 45.8% did not feel guilty about using those medications.About 90 of them (35.9%) were still misusing drugs during the time of the meeting, 53 (21.1%) reported that physicians recommended them at the first time for using glucocorticoids and the majority 198 (78.9%) were misusing GCs by themselves, friends, or first-degree family to become beautiful or marry.Conclusions: This study showed high misuse of GCs among females in The-Qar, Iraq. The relatively high rate of misuse of these drugs can be attributed to a lack of awareness of their chronic adverse effects, their widespread availability at pharmacies, plus their dramatic and quick response. Therefore, educational programs have to be implemented to inform the public about the adverse effects of GCs and the problems of misuse of drugs.

"It's the Environment, Not Me": Experiences shared by transgender and gender diverse adults living in Texas.

Transgender and gender diverse people (TGD) experience elevated rates of behavioral health problems, including depression, anxiety, substance misuse, and suicidality. Minority stressors (e.g., discrimination and victimization) contribute to these poor health outcomes. A salient form of discrimination is the use of gender nonaffirming language, such as using incorrect pronouns or names, yet less is known about other environmental stimuli that may be reined as affirming or nonaffirming. A recent study uncovered the impact symbols (e.g., flags, stickers) may have on invoking positive or negative feelings among TGD youth in the Midwest. Our study further investigates this phenomenon with TGD adults in Texas. During Summer 2021, 3 researchers conducted audio-recorded semistructured focus groups and interviews with 11 participants who identified as transgender, gender nonconforming, or nonbinary. Interview topics included gender-affirming and nonaffirming language, positive and negative experiences, nonsupportive and supportive symbolism, and coping mechanisms. In this manuscript, we present findings regarding symbolism. Within our two primary themes, supportive and nonsupportive symbolism, subthemes emerged. Supportive symbolism includes flags and signage, written and oral language and communication, and representation of diversity. Nonsupportive symbolism includes extreme patriotism and religious symbols and highly gendered settings. Further, Texas-specific culture and a meter of safety were identified as being related to interacting with and observing an array of symbols. Symbolism can have a profound impact on someone's identity development, expression, emotions, coping mechanisms, and access to and engagement with social environments, exemplifying the importance of understanding geographic and cultural-specific mechanisms within environments TGD people occupy.

Identification of factors associated with smoking cessation in patients with coronary artery diseases. Findings from a large nationwide cohort of smoking cessation services

Abstract In patients with coronary artery diseases (CAD) (i.e. prior myocardial infarction (MI) or angina), smoking cessation (SC) is a major prevention goal. From a large French national database of SC services, we aimed to describe social, medical and smoking characteristics, as well as predictive factors of SC in men and women with CAD. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of smokers with CAD who visited a SC service and were included in the nationwide database of SC services (CDTnet). Endpoint was the abstinence rate, defined as SC maintained for at least 28 consecutive days, confirmed by an exhaled carbon monoxide <10 ppm. Results Among the 4,532 smokers with CAD (myocardial infarction and angina), 21% (948) were women. The mean age was 55 years in both sexes. Two-thirds had consulted after a hospital contact and nearly half (45%) smoked more than 20 cigarettes per day. Compared to men, women presented more often with anxio-depression symptoms (57% vs 41%) and respiratory diseases (38% vs 28%), were less educated (65% vs 73% had at least one degree), suffered less often from other cardiovascular diseases such as stroke or peripheral arterial disease (16% vs 21%) and much lower rate of alcohol misuse (9% vs 25%). Finally, 82% of smokers received Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) at the first consultation. The abstinence rate achieved was similar in women and men (54%). Factors positively associated with SC in women were: having more than one previous quit attempt, having a level of education ≥ first secondary school diploma) (OR=1.42; CI95% [1.04–1.95]) and using an electronic cigarette at the first consultation (OR=2.74; CI95% [1.22–6.58]). In men, these factors were: being employed (OR=1.25; CI95% [1.08–1.45]), declaring high confidence in quitting (OR=1.24; CI95% [1.07–1.44]) and using NRT (OR=1.41; CI95% [1.13–1.74]). Psychiatric or respiratory diseases were negatively associated with SC in both men and women. In men, the factors negatively associated with SC were: smoking at home, having diabetes, using cannabis and presenting with high nicotine dependence. Among women, living with a smoker hampered SC. Conclusion Our findings on a large nationwide cohort from SC services showed that in smokers with prior MI or angina, it is important to take into account comorbidities, particularly psychiatric and respiratory disorders, in order to improve smoking cessation rates. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Other. Main funding source(s): This work was supported by IReSP and INCa through a call for doctoral grants launched in 2019

33.1 Early Adolescent Substance Use During the Pandemic in the ABCD Study

33.1 Early Adolescent Substance Use During the Pandemic in the ABCD Study

S709 Proton-Pump Inhibitor Infusion Misuse in the Community Hospital Setting

Introduction: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the most potent acid suppressants available. Several studies have shown that in hospitalized patients with acute upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding from peptic ulcer disease, high-dose PPI therapy via continuous infusion reduces the rate of high-risk bleeding lesions (active bleeding, visible vessel, adherent clot) on initial endoscopy. While the benefits of PPI infusions have been clearly described for these specific indications, they are often over-prescribed to inpatients. Our study aim was to determine the rate of misuse in a tertiary care community hospital setting. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at Lankenau Medical Center, a 370 bed community hospital. The usage of pantoprazole infusion was determined among hospitalized patients between March 1, 2018 and March 1, 2021 through review of the EPIC electronic medical record system. Appropriate candidates for pantoprazole infusion were defined as patients with hematemesis, melena, coffee-ground emesis, or hematochezia with hemodynamic instability. All other indications were categorized as inappropriate. Variables including age, sex, race, serum hemoglobin at the time of PPI infusion initiation, and antiplatelet use were collected. The rate of PPI infusion misuse was determined. Factors which significantly affected utilization of PPI infusion were determined through multivariate analysis. Results: A total of 348 pre-endoscopic PPI infusions were ordered during the three-year period. Approximately 35% of these prescriptions were ordered without an appropriate indication. The mean age of patients who were prescribed PPI infusions was 68.8 years. 48.6% were on an antiplatelet agent. The only significant variable between patients who were given a PPI infusion for an appropriate versus inappropriate indication was age, where the mean patient age was 68.8 compared to 71.1 years (p=0.04). Patient sex, race, antiplatelet use, and hemoglobin value did not significantly affect PPI infusion use. (Table) Conclusion: Pre-endoscopic PPI infusion was prescribed inappropriately in 34.8% of patients in a community hospital setting. Misuse of this drug leads to unnecessary healthcare costs and reflects poor understanding among prescribers of its appropriate clinically indicated uses. While PPIs are generally regarded as safe, misuse can increase the risk of adverse side effects. A follow-up study looking at a quality improvement intervention will follow this study. Table 1. - Characteristics and Multivariate Analysis of PPI Infusion Misuse Inappropriate PPI Infusion No Yes Total p-value n = 227 n = 121 n = 348 Age (Mean/SD) 67.6 (14.8) 71.1 (15.1) 68.8 (15.0) 0.04 Sex 0.571 Male 131 (57.7%) 66 (54.6%) 197 (56.6%) Female 96 (42.3%) 55 (45.5%) 151 (43.4%) Race 0.705 White 104 (46.0%) 59 (48.8%) 163 (47.0%) Black 112 (49.6%) 55 (45.5%) 167 (48.1%) Other 10 (4.4%) 7 (5.8%) 17 (4.9%) Ethnicity 0.12 Not Hispanic 225 (99.6%) 116 (97.5%) 341 (98.8%) Hispanic 1 (0.4%) 3 (2.5%) 4 (1.2%) Total Number of Antiplatelets 0.629 0 121 (53.3%) 58 (47.9%) 179 (51.4%) 1 70 (30.8%) 41 (33.9%) 111 (31.9%) 2 36 (15.9%) 22 (18.2%) 58 (16.7%) Antiplatelet Type (n = 169 Yes Only) Aspirin 103 (45.4%) 61 (50.4%) 164 (47.1%) 0.37 Clopidogrel 36 (15.9%) 23 (19.0%) 59 (17.0%) 0.456 Ticagrelor 4 (1.8%) 4 (3.3%) 8 (2.3%) 0.456 Prasugrel 1 (0.4%) 0 1 (0.3%) 1 Last Hemoglobin (Mean/SD, g/dl) 8.9 (2.6) 8.6 (2.9) 8.8 (2.7) 0.344 Missing Hemoglobin 19 8 27 Transfusion Units (median/IQR) 2 (0-6) 2 (0-4) 2 (0-5) 0.478

Pathways into Opioid Dependence: Evidence from Practice Variation in Emergency Departments

We use practice variation across physicians to uncover the role of medical care in causing opioid dependence. Using health records of 2 million US veterans with emergency department visits, we find that quasi-random assignment to a top (versus bottom) decile prescribing provider significantly increases subsequent opioid use and misuse rates. Instrumental variable results show that opioid prescription receipt leads to a 20 percent increase in the probability of long-term prescription opioid use and sizable increases in the development of opioid use disorder and opioid overdose mortality. We find suggestive evidence of transition into illicit opioids due to prescription opioid exposure. (JEL I11, I12, I18)

Ke ala i ka Mauliola: Native Hawaiian Youth Experiences with Historical Trauma.

Native Hawaiians (NH), like other Indigenous peoples, continue to experience the subversive impacts of colonization. The traumatic effects of colonization, especially the forced relocation from land that sustained their life and health, have led to complex, interconnected health disparities seen today. NHs have described a collective feeling of kaumaha (heavy, oppressive sadness) resulting from mass land dispossession, overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, cultural loss, and early loss of loved ones. Although historical trauma is linked to high rates of substance misuse, depression, suicidality, and other mental health disparities in American Indian populations. However, the link between NH historical trauma and health disparities among NHs has been less explored. This qualitative study used Indigenous talk story interviews with 34 NH ʻōpio (youth) and ka lawelawe (service providers) to explore how NH ʻōpio understand and experience historical trauma. Eight themes and 35 sub-themes were identified covering individual, community, and systemic domains representing the first step in addressing NH historical trauma.

Benzodiazepine use disorder: A cross-sectional study at a tertiary care center in Lebanon.

Benzodiazepines are medications used for the treatment of multiple conditions including anxiety disorders, insomnia, agitation, and seizures. They are the most prescribed psychiatric medications and the third most misused drugs among adults and adolescents in the US. This study aims to assess the patient utilization patterns and benzodiazepine use disorder among Lebanese patients. A cross-sectional study was performed on Lebanese patients presenting to the Emergency Department of the American University of Beirut Medical Center (AUBMC), between November 11th, 2019, and May 30th, 2020. Institutional review board approved the study, and an informed consent was obtained from patients. A total of 244 patients were included in the final analysis. A total of 154 (63.1%) patients were found to have benzodiazepine use disorder as per the DSM-V criteria with the majority (64%) being females and young adults aged 18 to 40 years. The most common medication was alprazolam, and anxiety was the most common reason for benzodiazepine use. The majority (88%) of patients obtained their medications using a physician’s prescription. More than half of users were not satisfied with the physician’s instructions and lacked knowledge about side effects and abuse potential. The high rate of benzodiazepine misuse among our young adults highlights an important public health concern that requires interventions and policy implementation.

Three Cooperative Extension initiatives funded to address Michigan's opioid crisis.

People living with opioid use disorder and those experiencing other types of substance misuse are part of a public health crisis in the United States. Rates of opioid misuse, overdose, and opioid-related deaths within different subpopulations show where prevention efforts must focus. Through concerted efforts, aligned with common goals, a statewide community-based educational organization (Michigan State University Extension) has demonstrated ability to acquire multi-year funding from varied sources of state and federal funds that has produced robust support for statewide projects and collaborations. Researchers, educators, public health program managers, and other practitioners can benefit from learning how three funded initiatives in one state resulted in improved awareness and access for individuals and healthcare organizations. By sharing our implementation of health educational programs and presentations, other states' can adopt these evidence-based strategies for similar outreach. Cooperative Extension in Michigan delivers program series and one-time education to the public on the self-management of chronic conditions and pain, mindfulness for stress reduction, anger management, and opioid misuse prevention, treatment, and recovery. These evidence- and research-based health programs implemented by Extension staff teach participants common aspects of prevention such as self-management care, communication skills, self-efficacy, and goal setting or personal health action plans. Education aims to reduce dependency on opioids, prevent opioid misuse and share non-pharmacological solutions to pain management for those living with chronic conditions or at risk for developing dependence. The funded initiatives targeted rural residents, older adults, health care providers, and people living with chronic pain who may have access to prescription opioids. In addition to direct education, projects supported local communities with the development of coalitions, including the training of community partners to become program facilitators thereby increasing community capacity for prevention programs, and through the creation of patient referrals from healthcare settings to community-based education. In rural areas, Cooperative Extension plays a crucial role in connecting community resources to address healthy aging, and chronic disease or chronic pain self-management education. Community partners engaged in public health education and promotion, and healthcare providers alike may not be aware that Cooperative Extension plays a vital role in providing community-based health education.

Rates of Opioid Misuse Amongst Patients Receiving Pain Management for Sickle Cell Disease in An Urban Setting

Background and Objective: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is known to cause acute severe pain episodes known as vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC) mainly treated with opioid analgesics. Since the opioid epidemic there is an interest in determining the opioid misuse potential in these patients. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to determine the rates of opioid misuse among patients with SCD by assessing the rate of unexpected drug screening results in a sickle cell disease clinic. Methods: This was a retrospective chart review study conducted at the outpatient sickle cell disease clinic. The primary independent variables were the prescribed opioid medications while the primary dependent variable was the collected opioid metabolite. Descriptive statistics, linear regression and multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted using SPSS version 24. Results: A total of 100 participants were recruited from July 1, 2018, to June 30, 2020 with 71 included in the analysis. The total mean of morphine milligram equivalents (MME) for all participants was 71.1±104.9 with 71% of participants having a daily calculated MME of <90MME. The odds of misusing an opioid were 6.72 times higher (P<.02) if a participant used marijuana compared to a participant who didn’t. In addition, the odds of misusing an opioid were 2.47 times higher (P<.04) if the patient was prescribed an opioid daily dose greater than 90 MME as opposed to a daily dose less than 90 MME. Conclusion: Participants who consumed greater than 90 MME’s per day and utilized marijuana were more likely to misuse opioids.

Associations between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Quality of Life and Alcohol Misuse among UK Veterans

Prior research has shown that those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) have persistent reductions in quality of life (QoL), and higher rates of alcohol misuse. As such, it is important that we explore QoL and alcohol misuse on PTSD diagnosis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the association between PTSD, QoL and alcohol misuse among United Kingdom (UK) veterans. 163 UK veterans who sought help for a mental health disorder were recruited to take part. Linear regressions were used to assess the association between probable PTSD, QoL and alcohol misuse. Pearson’s correlation analyses were used to assess the relationship between PTSD symptom clusters and QoL domains. We found unadjusted regressions showed evidence that, compared to those without PTSD, those with PTSD had lower QoL scores on physical health, psychosocial, social relationships and environment domains. Adjusting for age, sex, and outcome variables, only associations with the physical health domain and psychosocial domain remained statistically significant. Correlation analyses between PTSD and QoL domains showed the strongest negative correlations between the functional impairment and physical health domain, and between the functional impairment and psychosocial domain. We found that those with probable PTSD had lower QoL and higher alcohol misuse scores.

Systematic review: Rates of psychopathology, substance misuse, and neuropsychological dysfunction among transitional age youth experiencing homelessness.

Transitional age youth experiencing homelessness (TAY-EH) bear a disproportionate burden of morbidity and mortality related to psychopathology, substance use disorders (SUD), and neuropsychological dysfunction. Prior reviews examining these conditions are now nearly a decade old, have focused on younger adolescent populations, or have utilized nonsystematic approaches. To our knowledge, no prior reviews have reported on all three of these domains in an integrated fashion. Here, we provide a contemporary, critical synthesis of the literature on the functioning of TAY-EH in North America within these three domains. Based upon PRISMA guidelines, a search of PubMed, Medline, and PsycInfo databases was conducted, including literature published between January 2015 and June 2021. The initial search yielded 2024 citations; 104 underwent full text review and 32 met inclusion criteria, with a final aggregate sample size of 13,516. Studies revealed elevated rates of mood disorders, PTSD, anxiety disorders, and alcohol misuse. There is insufficient data to draw generalizable conclusions regarding neuropsychological functioning, other SUD, or other psychiatric diagnoses. No studies reported on co-occurrence of disorders among or between the domains of psychopathology, SUD, and neuropsychological dysfunction. Four studies used structured interviews for diagnoses, with the remainder relying upon brief screeners or self-report measures. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review to provide integrated findings on psychopathology, SUD, and neuropsychological dysfunction among TAY-EH. Further research using structured, DSM-based tools is needed to characterize rates of single and co-occurring conditions to inform tailored treatment interventions.

Severe mental illness, common mental disorders, and neurodevelopmental conditions amongst 9088 lower court attendees in London, UK

BackgroundCourt Mental Health Liaison and Diversion Services (CMHLDS) have developed in some countries as a response to the over-representation of mental illness and other vulnerabilities amongst defendants presenting to criminal justice (or correctional) systems. This study examined the characteristics and rates of mental disorder of 9088 defendants referred to CMHLDS.MethodThe study analysed service level data, obtained from the National Health Service’s mental health data set, to examine characteristics relating to gender, ethnicity and comorbidity of common mental and neurodevelopmental disorders at five CMHLDS across London between September 2015 and April 2017.ResultsThe sample included 7186 males (79.1%) and 1719 females (18.9%), the gender of 183 (2%) were not recorded. Of those referred, 6616 (72.8%) presented with an identifiable mental disorder and 503 (5.5%) with a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD). Significantly higher rates of schizophrenia were reported amongst Black defendants (n = 681; 37.2%) and Asian defendants (n = 315; 29%), while higher rates of depression were found amongst White defendants (n = 1007; 22.1%). Substance misuse was reported amongst 2813 defendants (31%), and alcohol misuse amongst 2111 (23.2%), with significantly high rates of substance and alcohol misuse amongst defendants presenting with schizophrenia or personality disorder.ConclusionsThis is one of the largest studies to examine mental health needs and vulnerabilities amongst defendants presenting to CMHLDS. It will enable an improved understanding of the required service designs and resources required to manage the healthcare pathways for people attending CMHLDS.

Development and preliminary effectiveness of a smartphone-based, just-in-time adaptive intervention for adults with alcohol misuse who are experiencing homelessness.

Adults experiencing homelessness have much higher rates of alcohol misuse than housed individuals. This study describes the development and preliminary effectiveness of a smartphone-based, just-in-time adaptive intervention (JITAI) to reduce alcohol use among adults experiencing homelessness. We conducted a pilot trial (N= 41; mean age [SD]=45.2 [11.5]; 19.5% women) of the Smart-T Alcohol JITAI where participants completed brief ecological momentary assessments (EMAs) each day, received personalized treatment messages following each EMA, and accessed on-demand intervention content for 4 weeks. The prediction algorithm and treatment messages were developed based on an independent but similar sample as part of the trial. We examined three drinking outcomes: daily drinking (yes/no), drinks per day, and heavy episodic drinking, controlling for scores on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) at baseline, age, and sex using quadratic growth curve models. Over the 4-week period, participants showed a decline in all alcohol use outcomes. Participants also reported high levels of satisfaction with the JITAI. Use of the Smart-T Alcohol JITAI was well received and provided encouraging evidence that it may reduce any drinking, drinks per day, and heavy episodic drinking among adults experiencing homelessness.

Do US State Breach Notification Laws Reduce Firm Data Breaches?

We ask whether US state laws requiring notification when firms suffer data breaches actually decrease data breaches. From 2003-2018, 50 states and the District of Columbia enacted breach notification laws (BNLs) mandating firms to notify states after suffering data breaches, undertake breach mitigation, pay fines for non-compliance, and be liable for damages to the public and private individuals. BNLs were supposed to reduce data breaches and create a market for data privacy, wherein firms could strike their preferred balance of data security for and cost to consumers. We find no evidence supporting this supposition. Results from multi-state difference-in-difference analyses indicate no significant change in annual breach counts or breach magnitudes following BNL enactment. Results also indicate no significant long-term change in rates of identity thefts, fraud, and related data misuse. These non-effects persist for different firms, time-periods, and types of BNLs. We conjecture that inconsistent state notification standards and inadequate state dissemination of information about firm leaders and laggards in data security explain BNL ineffectiveness to date. We propose a new US federal regime to address these shortcomings and let a national BNL achieve goals state BNLs clearly failed to meet.

Mental distress and substance use among rural Black South African youth who are not in employment, education or training (NEET).

South Africa (SA) has one of the highest rates of youth unemployment and youth who are not in employment, education or training (NEET), even higher among Black South Africans. SA's NEET rates are 3 times those of UK; 5.4 times of Germany; 1.3 times of Brazil; and 2.5 times of Malaysia. Given that youths between 15 and 24 years of age make up 24% of the total population, these are significant challenges for the economy and further fuel the cyclical, pervasive and enduring nature of poverty. We hypothesised that rural youth who are NEET would have a greater prevalence of mental disorders and higher rates of substance use compared to their non-NEET counterparts. The objective of the study is to determine the differences in rates of psychological distress and substance use between NEET and non-NEET rural African 14- to 24-year-old young men. The study took place in a remote and rural district municipality in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. We divided the district's five sub-municipalities into two clusters (large and small) and randomly selected one from each cluster for inclusion in the study. We further randomly selected wards from each sub-municipality and then rural settlements from each ward, for inclusion in the study. We recruited young men as part of a larger study to explore sociocultural factors important in gender-based violence in rural SA. We compared 15- to 19-year old and 20- to 24-year old youth NEET and non-NEET on rates of psychological distress symptoms (depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, hopelessness and worthlessness) and substance misuse (including alcohol, cannabis, other recreational drugs) using a Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) statistics at p < .005 level of significance level. About 23% of the 355 male participants were NEET. There were no statistically significant differences in psychological distress or substance use between youth NEET and non-NEET, controlling for age. The study highlights difficult transitions to post-secondary education and work for Black youth in rural SA where opportunities for employment are limited. Education, training and employment appear to offer limited benefit.