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Background: Opioid use disorder (OUD) remains a significant health care need for women, particularly those involved in the criminal legal system (CLS). There are no studies to date that focus on the utilization of telehealth as a platform for assessment and linkage to medications to treat opioid use disorder (MOUD) at community re-entry for women, despite the fact that women have unique risk factors that may contribute to opioid relapse in the community. The purpose of this mixed-methods study is to provide an overview of the innovative use of telehealth for linking incarcerated women to community MOUD treatment in the Kentucky-hub of the Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (JCOIN). Methods: This study incorporates qualitative and quantitative data collection with MOUD providers, recovery staff involved in peer navigation services, and women who are incarcerated to understand perceptions of the use of telehealth prior to jail release as a linkage to community services. Results: Findings from this study suggest overall support for the use of telehealth between community MOUD treatment providers and women who are incarcerated using videoconferencing technology. On average, there was very little variation in provider favorable feedback related to clinical engagement or in face-to-face comparability, as well as how telehealth allowed the participant to discuss personal and sensitive issues during the clinical assessment. Conclusions: Study findings suggest benefits associated with the use of telehealth in increasing access to treatment for women with OUD. Jails are critical venues for telehealth interventions because they provide the opportunity to reach women who have been actively using illicit substances, often have advanced-stage substance use disorders which have compromised their health and mental health, and often have not been previously identified as needing treatment. Trial registration: : This study was originally registered on 8/23/19, ClinicalTrials.gov, #NCT04069624. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

At the intersection of drug policy, the opioid crisis, and fragmented care systems, persons with opioid use disorder (OUD) in the United States are significantly vulnerable to contact with the criminal legal system (CLS). In CLS settings, provision of evidence-based treatment for OUD is variable and often secondary to punitive approaches. Linkage facilitation at every touch point along the CLS Sequential Intercept Model has potential to redirect persons with OUD into recovery-oriented systems of care, increase evidence-based OUD treatment connections, and therefore reduce CLS re-exposure risk. Research in this area is still nascent. Thus, this narrative review explores the state of the science on linkage facilitation across the varied CLS contexts, including general barriers, facilitators, and opportunities for using linkage facilitation for OUD treatment and related services. Following the CLS Sequential Intercept Model, the specific CLS contexts examined include community services, police encounters, the courts (pre- and post-disposition), incarceration (pre-trial detention, jail, and prison), reentry (from jails, prisons, and unified systems), and community supervision (probation and parole). Examples of innovative linkage facilitation interventions are drawn from the Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (JCOIN). Areas for future research and policy change are highlighted to advance the science of linkage facilitation for OUD services in the CLS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recovery coaches are individuals with lived experience with recovery from substance use disorder who typically engender a greater sense of trust than found with other types of healthcare providers. However, there currently are no validated tools that measure the connection between recovery coaches and their participants. The purpose of this study was to describe the initial development of the Scales for Participant Alliance with Recovery Coach (SPARC) to measure recovery coach connection or alliance, including initial psychometric analyses. Measurement development began with five scales of the Client Evaluation of Self Treatment (treatment participation, treatment satisfaction, rapport, peer support, and social support). Adapted items were pre-tested with focus groups (n = 8) to ensure they were meaningful and accurately reflected the domains (Study 1). After modifications, the SPARC has six scales (engagement, satisfaction, rapport, motivation and encouragement, role model and community linkage). The survey was piloted with 100 individuals (Study 2) age 18 or over who had met with a recovery coach within the last six months. Most study participants were male (60%) and white (87%) with less than two years in recovery. After removing two low performing items, the items for five of the domains had acceptable internal consistency. The items for the engagement domain had a slightly lower reliability. Findings suggest that items cover relevant recovery coach roles, are internally consistent within domains, and can be easily administered to individuals engaging in recovery coaching services. Additional research is needed with a larger, more heterogenous sample to further refine items. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although informal peer support has been a central feature of recovery for people with substance use disorder (SUD), more recently there has been a stark increase in formal models of peer support. In the infancy of formalized peer support, researchers warned of potential threats to the integrity of the peer support role. Now, almost two decades into the rapid expansion of peer support, research has yet to evaluate the extent to which peer support is being implemented with fidelity and role integrity. The present study aimed to assess peer workers' perceptions of peer role integrity. Qualitative interviews were conducted with 21 peer workers in Central Kentucky. Results suggest that the role of peers is not well understood by onboarding organizations, and thus, the integrity of peer support is diluted. Findings from this study suggest room for improvement in the training, supervision, and implementation of peer support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People with substance use disorders (SUD), especially opioid use disorder (OUD) have the highest rates of unintended pregnancies (80–95%) and report unmet reproductive health needs. Women of childbearing age have some of the highest death rates from opioids and are notably rising the most rapidly, and when pregnancy does occur overdose is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality. There are numerous gender‐based health disparities and social determinants of health shaped by the distribution of power and privilege that influence the risk trajectories of people who can get pregnant or are pregnant with a substance use disorder (SUD). Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to describe how reproductive health is essential to recovery and building recovery capital for people who can get pregnant, (1) introduce a pilot implementation science study working with trained peer support coaches to promote reproductive autonomy in the community, and (2) make policy and advocacy recommendations relevant to the new reproductive health landscape in the United States. We will also describe the adaptation and feasibility of the initial pilot study where we partnered with a recovery community center to train peer recovery coaches to provide low barrier resources (contraception, pregnancy tests and prenatal vitamins) and referrals to health care. Methods: This initiative is the merging of best practices in recovery and community‐based global reproductive health, to empower people with SUD who can get pregnant in an implementation science framework. The pilot study will last 3 months in each city and aims to (1) assess and describe the effectiveness of the training of local peer recovery coaches on the link between recovery capital and reproductive health, and (2) assess the feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, scalability, sustainability, and uptake and reach of low barrier reproductive health resources (pregnancy tests, prenatal vitamins, and emergency contraception). In this paper we are only reporting the initial findings regarding adaptation and feasibility. Findings Informed by qualitative interviews with stakeholders and participants, the method of contraception was adapted from injectable to emergency to meet the needs and context of the community with SUD. Early outcomes such as uptake and acceptability indicate that this is a feasible model with peer recovery coaches and recovery community centers, with the greatest uptake of emergency contraception and pregnancy tests. Conclusion: Considering recent policies limiting access to reproductive health, innovative community‐based solutions are needed to engage and empower people who can get pregnant or are pregnant while in active drug use and in recovery. Providing low barrier reproductive health items by people with lived experience with SUD can serve as a valuable harm reduction model and improve recovery capital. Clinical Relevance: This is the first study to propose a methodology and context to implement a community‐based study merging best practices in recovery with those in reproductive health with the potential to improve recovery capital and maternal/child health trajectories for people with SUD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: In 2019, the Youth Risk Behavioral Survey (YRBS) collected sexual orientation data for the first time in Kentucky. Tobacco use behaviors and mental health status among Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual (LGB) youth is infrequently documented in southern states such as Kentucky. This study aimed to analyze self‐reported tobacco use and mental health in youth by sexual orientation. Design: Cross‐sectional survey. Sample: All participants, aged 12–19, of the 2019 Kentucky YRBS that indicated a sexual orientation. Measurements: Differences in response distributions for tobacco use and mental health measures were analyzed via chi square by sexual orientation, with additional stratification by sex. Results: A total of n = 1996 respondents were 12.8% LGB‐identified and 82.1% heterosexual‐identified. No disparities between LGB and heterosexual youth were observed in tobacco‐related behaviors for male students, but disparities were persistent for female students (p =.005 for "tried tobacco before age 13"; p =.007 for "current smoking", p =.012 for "ever smoked"). Mental health disparities between LGB and heterosexual youth were significant for males and females (p <.05, all mental health measures). Conclusions: Findings suggest that tobacco disparities in this most recent data are narrower than in previous years; however, mental health disparities persist between LGB and heterosexual youth in Kentucky. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Justice system-involved women with opioid use disorder (OUD) experience layered health risks and stigma, yet peer navigation services during reentry may support positive outcomes. This manuscript offers a program description of a women's peer navigation intervention delivered pre- and post-release from jail to remove barriers to women's access to OUD treatment, including medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD). Methods: All data were collected as part of a NIH/NIDA-funded national cooperative, the Justice Community Opioid Innovation Network (JCOIN) project. Through the larger study's intervention, women in jail with OUD are connected via videoconference to a peer navigator, who provides an initial reentry recovery assessment and 12+ weeks of recovery support sessions post-release. Qualitative analyses examined peers' notes from initial sessions with women (N = 50) and in-depth interviews with peers (N = 3). Results: Peers' notes from initial sessions suggest that women anticipate challenges to successful recovery and community reentry. More than half of women (51.9%) chose OUD treatment as their primary goal, while others selected more basic needs (e.g. housing, transportation). In qualitative interviews, peers described women's transitions to the community as unpredictable, creating difficulties for reentry planning, particularly for rural women. Peers also described challenges with stigma against MOUD and establishing relationships via telehealth, but ultimately believed their role was valuable in providing resource referrals, support, and hope for recovery. Conclusions: For women with OUD, peer navigation can offer critical linkages to services at release from jail, in addition to hope, encouragement, and solidarity. Findings provide important insights for future peer-based interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kentucky Medicaid enrollees, particularly those in the rural Appalachian region, face disproportionate smoking rates and tobacco-related disease burden relative to the rest of the United States (US). The Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandated tobacco cessation treatment coverage by the US public health insurance program Medicaid. Medicaid coverage was also expanded in Kentucky, in 2013, with laxer income eligibility requirements. This short report describes tobacco use incidence and tobacco cessation treatment utilization, comparing by Appalachian status before and after ACA-mandated cessation treatment coverage.Methods: The study design was a retrospective cross-sectional analysis from 2013 to 2015. Subjects were Medicaid enrollees with 1) diagnosis of any tobacco use (2013 n = 541,349; 2014 n = 864,183; 2015 n = 1,090,274); and/or (2) procedure claim for tobacco cessation counseling, and/or (3) pharmaceutical claim for varenicline or any nicotine replacement product. Primary measures included tobacco use incidence and proportion of users receiving cessation treatment. Analysis was via chi square testing of change by year.Results: Overall, the proportion of tobacco users utilizing cessation treatment decreased (4.75% tobacco users in 2013; 3.15% in 2015). Tobacco users receiving counseling decreased from 2.06% pre-ACA (2013) to 1.06% post-ACA (2015, p < 0.001), as did the proportion receiving nicotine replacement products post-ACA (2.69% in 2013 to 1.55% by 2015; p < 0.001). More Appalachians received cessation treatment than non-Appalachians in 2013 (2.72% vs. 2.03%), but by 2015 non-Appalachians received more treatment overall (1.50% vs. 1.65%; p < 0.001). Appalachians received more counseling and NRT, but less varenicline, than non-Appalachians.Conclusions: Utilization of all forms of tobacco cessation treatment throughout Kentucky, and particularly in rural Appalachia, remained limited despite Medicaid enrollment as well as coverage expansions. These findings suggest that barriers persist in access to tobacco cessation treatment for individuals in Medicaid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to describe lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) friendly providers' (1) smoking cessation recommendations to LGBT patients and (2) tobacco treatment practices for transgender patients. Design and Methods: In‐depth, semistructured phone interviews were conducted with 13 healthcare providers. Findings: Four overarching themes emerged: (1) providing tobacco treatment services for LGBT patients; (2) barriers to LGBT smoking cessation; (3) prescribing practices for transgender individuals taking estrogen hormone therapy; (4) provider community outreach to promote LGBT smoking cessation. Practice Implications: Holistic tobacco treatment services are needed to address LGBT‐specific barriers to tobacco cessation, such as stress, identity‐related factors, and inadequate healthcare access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To examine disparities in mental health and high‐risk alcohol use among high school students by sexual orientation, and the impact of having access to an adult with whom to talk. Design and Methods: Cross‐sectional survey, from the 2015 Kentucky Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Logistic regression estimated the relationship between being "non‐heterosexual" on mental health (e.g, suicidal ideation/attempt) and alcohol behaviors (e.g, binge drinking), controlling for demographics and "having an adult to talk to." Findings: Non‐heterosexual students were more likely to report all adverse outcomes and risk was lower among students who report "having an adult to talk to." Practice Implications: Psychiatric nurses need to assess sexual minority youth for access to positive adult relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To describe the practice of e‐cigarette marketing to vulnerable populations and to suggest strategies to help reduce e‐cigarette use. Conclusions: E‐cigarette companies target vulnerable populations through civil rights, freedom marketing, and advertising strategies, which may perpetuate continued tobacco disparities in these populations. Practice implications: Health care providers have the responsibility as social justice advocates to engage in efforts to reduce e‐cigarette use among vulnerable populations. We must increase knowledge, education, and training specific to e‐cigarettes. Awareness of marketing strategies related to vulnerable populations is necessary to develop and implement counter strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Women who smoke during pregnancy face psychosocial barriers to cessation, and women with opioid use disorder (OUD) face amplified barriers. We pilot tested a Perinatal Wellness Navigator (PWN) program for a group of high-risk perinatal women (N = 50; n = 42 with OUD) that consisted of (a) one-on-one tobacco treatment, (b) comprehensive assessment of cessation barriers, and (c) linkage to clinical/social services. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and postintervention. Participants smoked 10 fewer cigarettes per day (p =.05) at postintervention and were less dependent on nicotine (p <.01). Mean postnatal depression scores (p =.03) and perceived stress (p =.03) decreased postintervention. Participants received at least one referral at baseline (n = 106 total), and 10 participants received an additional 18 referrals at postintervention to address cessation barriers. The PWN program was minimally effective in promoting total tobacco abstinence in a high-risk group of perinatal women, but participants experienced reductions in cigarettes smoked per day, nicotine dependence, stress, and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to review the current literature describing primary care providers' (PCPs) attitudes related to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ) people. LGBTQ individuals experience significant health disparities, and these inequities may be better understood via an ecological systems framework. PCPs' actual or perceived discriminatory attitudes can lead to suboptimal treatment or health outcomes for LGBTQ people. A review of the literature from 2005 through January 2017 was completed using the Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature and PubMed (Medline) databases. The purpose, sample, measure(s), design, findings, strengths, and weaknesses of each study were examined; and findings were synthesized, summarized, and critically appraised. Eight articles were eligible for review. There was significant heterogeneity in the studies' purposes, research questions, LGBTQ population(s) of focus, and findings. Many PCPs' attitudes toward LGBTQ people were positive, but a minority of each studies' participants had negative attitudes toward LGBTQ people. Stigma and health care barriers negatively affect LGBTQ health. Interventions must address LGBTQ health disparities at the individual, mesosytem, exosystem, and macrosystem levels. Research, education, and practice strategies all must be integrated across socioecological levels as components of a population-based approach to eliminate health disparities for LGBTQ persons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) high school students as well as related environment and school‐level risk and protective factors were examined. METHODS: Data was acquired from the 2015 CDC's Youth Behavior Risk Survey for Kentucky (N = 2577). Prevalence of substance use was calculated for all high school respondents by reported sexual orientation. Multivariate analyses estimated the relationship between school and environmental‐level factors (eg, having an adult to talk to) and tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drug use via logistic regressions. Sexual orientation, gender, age, and race/ethnicity were covariates. RESULTS: LGB students used tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs more frequently than their heterosexual counterparts. More LGB teens report facing school risk factors (eg, 37% LGB vs 20% heterosexual bullied at school, p ≤ .001; 17% LGB vs 5% heterosexual ever threatened or injured at school, p < .001; 13% LGB vs 7% heterosexual involved in a school fight, p = .001). Adjusting for school related risk factors, having an adult to talk to was associated with a reduced likelihood of daily smoking (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26–0.73), past 30‐day alcohol use (aOR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.50–0.95), and ever marijuana use (aOR: 0.71; 95% CI: 0.50–1.00). CONCLUSION: Innovative strategies are needed to create safe, supportive school environments. These strategies are particularly needed in predominately rural states like Kentucky. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to (1) describe the role of smoking in the lives of women in residential substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and (2) explore perceptions of the facilitators and barriers to tobacco-free policy among women in residential SUD treatment.Methods: This was a community-engaged study using qualitative descriptive methods. We first recruited women in a residential SUD treatment facility to participate on a community research team. Interviews with staff (N = 10) and focus groups with clients (N = 42) were conducted using guides informed by the community research team. Interviews and focus groups were analyzed using content analysis.Results: There were two themes related to the role of smoking in the women's lives: (1) smoking facilitates socialization and (2) smoking as a coping mechanism. There were three themes related to the benefits of tobacco-free policy: (1) improved health, (2) support for continued abstinence from a previous tobacco-free placement (eg, prison), and (3) less grounds up-keep. Barriers to tobacco-free policy included (1) lack of an alternative coping mechanism to smoking, (2) fear that a tobacco-free policy would drive clients away, and (3) anticipation of implementation challenges.Conclusions: Many women in residential SUD treatment smoke, which they attribute to the fact that smoking is used to facilitate socialization and cope with stress. Future research is needed to develop and test messages to counter the misperception that smoking is an effective method to cope with stress. Ultimately, evidence-based tobacco-free policies are needed to reduce tobacco-related disease among women with SUDs.Implications: To promote smoking cessation among women with substance use disorders through evidence-based tobacco policy, it is necessary to first understand the role of smoking in their lives as well as facilitators and barriers to tobacco-free policy in residential treatment facilities. Participants reported that smoking facilitated socialization and served as a coping mechanism. Tobacco-free policies have many benefits, including improved health, support for continued abstinence from a previous tobacco-free placement (eg, prison), and less grounds up-keep. Barriers include the lack of an alternative coping mechanism, fear that a tobacco-free policy would drive away clients and anticipation of implementation challenges. To reduce the burden of tobacco-related morbidity and mortality among women and their children, it is necessary to catalyze a culture change in behavioral health settings to prioritize the treatment of tobacco alongside treatment of other addictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Substance use disorders (SUDs) are chronic, relapsing brain disorders associated with morbidity, mortality, and high healthcare costs. Emerging adults are particularly vulnerable, with twice the risk of developing an SUD relative to their adult or adolescent counterparts. Emerging adults in addiction and recovery are understudied. Accordingly, the concept of recovery capital has been developed to account for the internal and external resources that an individual can mobilize to recover from an SUD. To better understand the barriers that contribute to relapse, we explored recovery capital among emerging adults. The aims of this phenomenological study were to explore and describe the experience of emerging adults in recovery and to identify the barriers and facilitators to their recovery. Methods: The informants (n = 8) were 18–25 years old in recovery from SUDs. Data were collected in 2016 using semistructured interviews and subsequently analyzed in 2017 for emerging themes. Results: Informants in this study reported challenges that may be unique to their age and stage of development. Informants reported residential and financial instability as barriers to recovery. Alternatively, informants reported spirituality and visible role models in recovery as facilitators of recovery. Finally, informants reported that the role of their families changed temporally throughout the course of their addiction to facilitate their recovery. Conclusion: The results from this study suggest that the developmental tasks facing emerging adults are exacerbated in addiction and recovery, which increases the likelihood of SUD relapse. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pharmacists' role in harm reduction is expanding in many states, yet there are limited data on pharmacists' willingness to participate in harm reduction activities. This study assessed community pharmacists' willingness to participate in one harm reduction initiative: syringe/needle exchange. Methods: In 2015, all Kentucky pharmacists with active licenses were emailed a survey that examined attitudes towards participation in syringe/needle exchange. Response frequencies were calculated for community pharmacist respondents. Ordinal logistic regression estimated the impact of community pharmacist characteristics and attitudes on willingness to provide clean needles/syringes to people who inject drugs and to dispose of used syringes/needles, where both dependent variables were defined as Likert-type questions on a scale of 1 (not at all willing) to 6 (very willing). Results: Of 4699 practicing Kentucky pharmacists, 1282 pharmacists responded (response rate = 27.3%); the majority (n = 827) were community pharmacists. Community pharmacists were divided on willingness to provide clean needles/syringes, with 39.1% not willing (score 1 or 2 of 6) and 30% very willing (score 5 or 6 of 6). Few were willing to dispose of used needles/syringes, with only 18.7% willing. Community pharmacists who agreed that pharmacists could have significant public health impact by providing access to clean needles expressed 3.56 times more willingness to provide clean needles (95% CI 3.06-4.15), and 2.04 times more willingness to dispose of used needles (95% CI 1.77-2.35). Chain/supermarket pharmacists (n = 485, 58.6% of community pharmacies) were 39% less likely to express willingness to dispose of used needles (95% CI 0.43-0.87) when compared with independent community pharmacists (n = 342, 41.4% of community pharmacies). Independent pharmacists reported different barriers (workflow) than their chain/supermarket pharmacist colleagues (concerns of clientele). Conclusions: Kentucky community pharmacists were more willing to provide clean needles than to dispose of used needles. Strategies to mitigate barriers to participation in syringe/needle exchange are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) is quickly growing in the United States, despite the unknown health implications and unregulated device contents. Although research is emerging around e-cigs in general, there continues to be a lack of scientific evidence regarding the safety and risks of e-cig use on maternal and fetal health, even though adverse health effects of nicotine on maternal and fetal outcomes are documented. This review summarizes existing perceptions of e-cig use in pregnancy, based on the limited number of publications available, and highlights the necessity of conducting additional research in this field of public health. Authors conducted a literature search of scientific peer-reviewed articles published from January 2006 to October 2016, comprising more than a decade of research. Search keywords include 'tobacco use', 'electronic cigarette(s)' and 'pregnancy'. Fifty-seven publications were identified, narrowed to fifteen by screening title/abstract for potential relevance, with seven articles chosen for final inclusion. Of these seven studies, most participants not only believed e-cigs pose risks to maternal and child health but also perceived e-cigs as a safer and potentially healthier alternative to traditional cigarettes, and may assist with smoking cessation. Further research is needed to determine health implications and provide clinical guidelines for e-cig use in pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Tobacco-free policies are being rapidly adopted nationwide, yet compliance with these policies remains a challenge. This study explored college campus key informants' experiences with tobacco policies, and their perceived benefits, drawbacks, and outcomes. Participants: The sample for this study was 68 key informants representing 16 different California universities with varying tobacco policies (no smoking indoors and within 20 feet of entrances, designated smoking areas, 100% smoke-free, and 100% tobacco-free). Methods: Qualitative, descriptive study. Semistructured interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using content analysis. Results: Strategies to improve compliance ranged from a social approach to a heavy focus on punitive enforcement. Key informants from campuses using a social approach alone reported barriers to improving compliance, including a perceived lack of efficacy of the approach. However, these campuses found it challenging to incorporate enforcement through campus police or security. Conclusions: College campus decision makers should explore using a combined approach (social approach as well as formal enforcement), with enforcement primarily the responsibility of nonpolice university channels (eg, Student Affairs, employee supervisors). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]