The impact of in-house pathology services on downstaging cervical cancer in Tanzania over an 18-year period.

PURPOSE: Reducing time between cancer screening, diagnosis, and initiation of treatment is best achieved when services are available in the same hospital. Yet, comprehensive cancer centers are typically unavailable in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where resources are limited and services scattered. This study explored the impact of establishing an in-house pathology laboratory at the largest public cancer hospital in Tanzania on the downstaging of cervical cancer. METHODS: We examined clinical datasets of 8,322 cervical cancer patients treated at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI). The first period included patients treated from 2002 to 2016, before establishment of the pathology laboratory at ORCI; the second period (post-pathology establishment) included data from 2017 to 2020. Logistic regression analysis evaluated the impact of the pathology laboratory on stage of cervical cancer diagnosis. RESULTS: Patients treated during the post-pathology period were more likely to be clinically diagnosed at earlier disease stages compared to patients in the pre-pathology period (pre-pathology population diagnosed at early disease stage: 44.08%; post-pathology population diagnosed at early disease stage: 59.38%, p < 0.001). After adjustment for age, region of residence, and place of biopsy, regression results showed patients diagnosed during the post-pathology period had higher odds of early stage cervical cancer diagnosis than patients in the pre-pathology period (OR 1.35, 95% CI (1.16, 1.57), p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Integrated and comprehensive cancer centers can overcome challenges in delivering expedited cervical cancer diagnosis and treatment. In-house pathology laboratories play an important role in facilitating timely diagnosis and rapid treatment of cervical and possibly other cancers in LMICs.

Posttraumatic stress disorder in people who use drugs: syringe services program utilization, treatment need, and preferences for onsite mental health care.

BACKGROUND: Syringe services programs (SSPs) are critical healthcare access points for people with opioid use disorder (OUD) who face treatment utilization barriers. Co-locating care for common psychiatric comorbidities, like posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), at SSPs may reduce harms and enhance the health of individuals with OUD. To guide the development of onsite psychiatric care at SSPs, we collected quantitative survey data on the prevalence of PTSD, drug use patterns, treatment experiences associated with a probable PTSD diagnosis, and attitudes regarding onsite PTSD care in a convenience sample of registered SSP clients in New York City. METHODS: Study participants were administered the PTSD Checklist for the DSM-5 (PCL-5) and asked about sociodemographic characteristics, current drug use, OUD and PTSD treatment histories, and desire for future SSP services using a structured interview. Probable PTSD diagnosis was defined as a PCL-5 score ≥ 31. RESULTS: Of the 139 participants surveyed, 138 experienced at least one potentially traumatic event and were included in the present analysis. The sample was primarily male (n = 108, 78.3%), of Hispanic or Latinx ethnicity (n = 76, 55.1%), and middle-aged (M = 45.0 years, SD = 10.6). The mean PCL-5 score was 35.2 (SD = 21.0) and 79 participants (57.2%) had a probable PTSD diagnosis. We documented frequent SSP utilization, significant unmet PTSD treatment need, and high interest in onsite PTSD treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Study findings point to the ubiquity of PTSD in people with OUD who visit SSPs, large gaps in PTSD care, and the potential for harm reduction settings like SSPs to reach people underserved by the healthcare system who have co-occurring OUD and PTSD.

Impact of Telemedicine on Utilization of Psychiatric Resources in New York City during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This study sought to evaluate the impact of telepsychiatry during the COVID-19 pandemic among patients discharged from psychiatric inpatient units in the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation system. We compared patients discharged to telepsychiatry (April 2020, n = 739) and in-person follow-up (May 2019, n = 527); we collected number, timing and attendance for follow-up appointments and number and timing of emergency room (ER) visits and readmissions. We used logistic regression to evaluate the odds of having these encounters and Kaplan-Meier analyses to compare time to these encounters. Patients discharged in 2020 were more likely to have a follow-up (29.4 vs. 19.9%, p < 0.001) and an ER visit or readmission (40.5 vs. 28.7%, p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analyses showed shorter time to first follow-up (chi-square = 14.69, d.f.=1, p < 0.0001, follow-ups = 322) and ER visit or readmission (chi-square = 19.57, d.f.=1, p < 0.0001, ER visits or admissions = 450) in the 2020 cohort. In multivariable analyses, patients discharged in 2020 were more likely to have a follow-up visit (adjusted OR 1.85, 95% confidence interval 1.40, 2.45, p < 0.0001). We found an increase in psychiatric service utilization during the pandemic, with an increase in and shorter time until outpatient visits and ER visits or readmissions. Although increased use of psychiatric services during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic is encouraging, it also points to the depth of the crisis among vulnerable populations; this pattern warrants further exploration and intervention.

Daily and near-daily cannabis use is associated with HIV viral load suppression in people living with HIV who use cocaine.

Disparities remain in HIV viral load (VL) suppression between people living with HIV (PLWH) who use cocaine and those who do not. It is not known how cannabis use affects VL suppression in PLWH who use cocaine. We evaluated the relationship between cannabis use and VL suppression among PLWH who use cocaine. We conducted a secondary data analysis of 119 baseline interviews from a randomized controlled trial in the Bronx, NY (6/2012 to 1/2017). Participants were adult PLWH prescribed antiretrovirals for ≥16 weeks, who endorsed imperfect antiretroviral adherence and used cocaine in the past 30-days. In bivariate and multivariable regression analyses, we examined how cannabis use, is associated with VL suppression among PLWH who use cocaine. Participants were a mean age of 50 years; most were male (64%) and non-Hispanic black (55%). Participants with VL suppression used cocaine less frequently than those with no VL suppression (p < 0.01); cannabis use was not significantly different. In regression analysis, compared with no use, daily/near-daily cannabis use was associated with VL suppression (aOR = 4.2, 95% CI: 1.1-16.6, p < 0.05). Less-frequent cannabis use was not associated with VL suppression. Further investigation is needed to understand how cannabis use impacts HIV outcomes among PLWH who use cocaine.

First-Year Trajectories of Medical Cannabis Use Among Adults Taking Opioids for Chronic Pain: An Observational Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe first-year trajectories of medical cannabis use and identify characteristics associated with patterns of use in a cohort of adults using opioids for chronic pain. DESIGN: Latent class trajectory analysis of a prospective cohort study using data on the 14-day frequency of medical cannabis use. SETTING: A large academic medical center and four medical cannabis dispensaries in the New York City metropolitan area. SUBJECTS: Adults with chronic pain using opioids and newly certified for medical cannabis in New York between 2018 and 2020. METHODS: Using latent class trajectory analysis, we identified clusters of participants based on the 14-day frequency of medical cannabis use. We used logistic regression to determine factors associated with cluster membership, including sociodemographic characteristics, pain, substance use, and mental health symptoms. RESULTS: Among 99 participants, the mean age was 53 years; 62% were women, and 52% were White. We identified three clusters of medical cannabis use: infrequent use (n = 30, mean use = 1.5 days/14-day period), occasional use (n = 28, mean = 5.7 days/14-day period), and frequent use (n = 41, mean = 12.1 days/14-day period). Within clusters, use patterns did not vary significantly over 52 weeks. Differences were observed in two sociodemographic variables: Frequent (vs infrequent) use was associated with non-Hispanic White race/ethnicity (adjusted odds ratio 4.54, 95% confidence interval 1.49-14.29), while occasional (vs infrequent) use was associated with employment (adjusted odds ratio 13.84, 95% confidence interval 1.21-158.74). CONCLUSIONS: Three clusters of medical cannabis use patterns emerged and were stable over time. Results suggest that structural factors related to race/ethnicity and employment may be major drivers of medical cannabis use, even among adults certified for its use.

Drug use and HIV medication adherence in people living with HIV.

BACKGROUND: Opioid and cocaine use epidemics continue to be substantial in the United States and intersect with the HIV epidemic. Antiretroviral medication (ARV) adherence is critical for optimum HIV outcomes. While previous research explored harm reduction strategies to prevent HIV spread for people who use drugs (PWUD), little is known about strategies used by PWUD living with HIV to maintain ARV adherence. Methods: We explored whether PWUD modify their drug use explicitly to maintain ARV adherence, and identified factors associated with this process. We conducted 23 semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using a modified framework analysis approach. Results: Participants had a mean age of 54 years and were predominantly male (70%) and non-Hispanic black (65%). Most described periods of being able to adhere to ARVs while still using drugs, difficulty adhering to ARVs while using drugs, and abstinence/near abstinence from drug use. In exploring factors that influenced changes in drug use and ARV adherence behaviors, we noted consistent acknowledgment of the roles of family, partners, or providers. Conclusions: PWUD living with HIV often modify their drug use to improve ARV adherence. Providers caring for this population might consider family or group education models to encourage harm reduction to improve outcomes.

Field Research Experience of Medical Students: Learning and Translation from Global to Underserved US Settings.

While most medical schools in the USA provide opportunities for global health experiences, global health education is not included consistently or emphasized adequately in many medical school curricula. The City University of New York Medical School (CSOM) has a mission to educate and train students who are traditionally underrepresented in medicine to practice primary care in medically underserved communities in New York. This manuscript documents the experience of the CSOM in expanding global health education by introducing a new global health cancer training program, partnering with clinicians at the Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) in Tanzania. This manuscript illustrates the following points: (1) the CSOM curriculum that focuses on community health and social medicine; (2) the process by which students learn by developing research proposals for global cancer; (3) the field research experience and lessons learned; (4) learning about cancer and medicine in a developing country; and (5) lessons learned for translation from global to domestic underserved populations. We also suggest a checklist for future students interested in pursuing global cancer education and research, and recommendations for maximizing learning and career development of students interested in global cancer research and its application to underserved populations in the USA.

Cannabis Use is Associated with Lower Odds of Prescription Opioid Analgesic Use Among HIV-Infected Individuals with Chronic Pain.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain is common in the United States and prescribed opioid analgesics use for noncancer pain has increased dramatically in the past two decades, possibly accounting for the current opioid addiction epidemic. Co-morbid drug use in those prescribed opioid analgesics is common, but there are few data on polysubstance use patterns. OBJECTIVE: We explored patterns of use of cigarette, alcohol, and illicit drugs in HIV-infected people with chronic pain who were prescribed opioid analgesics. METHODS: We conducted a secondary data analysis of screening interviews conducted as part of a parent randomized trial of financial incentives to improve HIV outcomes among drug users. In a convenience sample of people with HIV and chronic pain, we collected self-report data on demographic characteristics; pain; patterns of opioid analgesic use (both prescribed and illicit); cigarette, alcohol, and illicit drug use (including cannabis, heroin, and cocaine) within the past 30 days; and current treatment for drug use and HIV. RESULTS: Almost half of the sample of people with HIV and chronic pain reported current prescribed opioid analgesic use (N = 372, 47.1%). Illicit drug use was common (N = 505, 63.9%), and cannabis was the most commonly used illicit substance (N = 311, 39.4%). In multivariate analyses, only cannabis use was significantly associated with lower odds of prescribed opioid analgesic use (adjusted odds ratio = 0.57; 95% confidence interval: 0.38-0.87). Conclusions/Importance: Our data suggest that new medical cannabis legislation might reduce the need for opioid analgesics for pain management, which could help to address adverse events associated with opioid analgesic use.

Development and evaluation of a community-based buprenorphine treatment intervention.

BACKGROUND: The majority of Americans with opioid use disorder remain out of treatment. Operating in 33 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico, harm reduction agencies, which provide sterile syringes and other health services to people who inject drugs, are a key venue to reach out-of-treatment opioid users. Aiming to link out-of-treatment individuals with opioid use disorder to buprenorphine treatment, we developed a community-based buprenorphine treatment (CBBT) intervention in collaboration with New York City harm reduction agencies. METHODS: Intervention development included formative data collection, feasibility testing at one harm reduction agency, and pilot testing for preliminary effectiveness at a second harm reduction agency. We used a pre-post design for both feasibility and pilot testing. In the CBBT intervention, we trained harm reduction agency staff to provide (1) buprenorphine education, (2) motivational interviewing, (3) referrals to buprenorphine-prescribing doctors, and (4) treatment retention support. We assessed feasibility by measuring staff satisfaction with the intervention and changes in knowledge about buprenorphine. We assessed preliminary effectiveness by comparing rates of buprenorphine initiation among groups of harm reduction agency clients before and after intervention implementation. RESULTS: Among staff members at the first harm reduction agency, knowledge increased from 52% correct answers pre-intervention to 79% correct post-intervention. Among clients at the second harm reduction agency, initiation of buprenorphine treatment was low and did not differ between pre- and post-intervention groups. CONCLUSIONS: The CBBT intervention was feasible and well-received, but initiation of buprenorphine treatment among harm reduction agency clients was low. More robust interventions may be necessary to increase initiation of buprenorphine treatment.

OPPORTUNISTIC SCREENING FOR DIABETES AND PREDIABETES USING HEMOGLOBIN A1C IN AN URBAN PRIMARY CARE SETTING.

OBJECTIVE: In 2010, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) endorsed hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) as 1 of 3 tests for diabetes and prediabetes screening. We describe the use of HbA1c testing for screening during routine visits in primary care clinics of an urban health care system in the U.S. METHODS: In 2013 to 2014, retrospective analyses of deidentified electronic health records over a 2-year period, January 2010 to December 2011, for academic private practices (clinic group 1) and federally-qualified Community Health Centers (clinic group 2) identified 11,885 adults without prior diabetes or recent HbA1c testing. We estimated the proportion of patients eligible for screening according to ADA and U.S. Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines and calculated the potential yield of previously undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes among those who received at least 1 HbA1c test. RESULTS: Overall, 3,316 and 5,613 patients of clinic groups 1 and 2 (75.2% of each) were eligible for screening by ADA guidelines, while only 1,764 (39.9%) of clinic group 1 and 3,799 (50.9%) of clinic group 2 were eligible by USPSTF guidelines. In those eligible by either guideline, 731 (21.4%) patients of clinic group 1 and 1,293 (21.5%) of clinic group 2 received HbA1c testing; among these, in 71 (9.7%) and 121 (9.4%) patients from clinic groups 1 and 2, respectively, HbA1c results were in the diabetes range, and in 330 (45.2%) and 733 (56.7%), results were in the prediabetes range. CONCLUSION: In urban primary care settings, appropriate HbA1c testing could result in the detection of a substantial number of previously undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetes cases needing treatment.

Characteristics of methadone maintenance treatment patients prescribed opioid analgesics.

BACKGROUND: Opioid analgesic use and disorders have dramatically increased among the general American population and those receiving methadone maintenance treatment (MMT). Most research among MMT patients focuses on opioid analgesics misuse or disorders; few studies focus on MMT patients prescribed opioid analgesics. We describe demographic, clinical, and substance use characteristics of MMT patients prescribed opioid analgesics and compare them with MMT patients not prescribed opioid analgesics. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional secondary data analysis using screening interviews from a parent study. From 2012 to 2015, we recruited adults from 3 MMT Bronx clinics. Questionnaire data included patterns of opioid analgesic use, substance use, comorbid illnesses, and demographic characteristics. Our main dependent variable was patients' report of currently taking prescribed opioid analgesics. To compare characteristics between MMT patients prescribed and not prescribed opioid analgesics, we conducted chi-square tests, t tests, and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: Of 611 MMT patients, most reported chronic pain (62.0%), hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (52.1%), and current use of illicit substances (64.2%). Of the 29.8% who reported currently taking prescribed opioid analgesics, most misused their opioid analgesics (57.5%). Patients prescribed (versus not prescribed) opioid analgesics were more likely to report human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1-2.3) and chronic pain (aOR = 7.6, 95% CI: 4.6-12.6). CONCLUSION: Among MMT patients primarily in 3 Bronx clinics, nearly one third reported taking prescribed opioid analgesics. Compared with patients not prescribed opioid analgesics, those prescribed opioid analgesics were more likely to report chronic pain and HIV infection. However, between these patients, there was no difference in illicit substance use. These findings highlight the complexity of addressing chronic pain in MMT patients.

The State of Evaluation Research on Food Policies to Reduce Obesity and Diabetes Among Adults in the United States, 2000-2011.

INTRODUCTION: Improvements in diet can prevent obesity and type 2 diabetes. Although policy changes provide a foundation for improvement at the population level, evidence for the effectiveness of such changes is slim. This study summarizes the literature on recent efforts in the United States to change food-related policies to prevent obesity and diabetes among adults. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of evidence of the impact of food policies. Websites of government, academic, and nonprofit organizations were scanned to generate a typology of food-related policies, which we classified into 18 categories. A key-word search and a search of policy reports identified empirical evaluation studies of these categories. Analyses were limited to strategies with 10 or more reports. Of 422 articles identified, 94 met these criteria. Using publication date, study design, study quality, and dietary outcomes assessed, we evaluated the strength of evidence for each strategy in 3 assessment categories: time period, quality, and study design. RESULTS: Five strategies yielded 10 or more reports. Only 2 of the 5 strategies, menu labeling and taxes on unhealthy foods, had 50% or more studies with positive findings in at least 2 of 3 assessment categories. Most studies used methods that were rated medium quality. Although the number of published studies increased over 11 years, study quality did not show any clear trend nor did it vary by strategy. CONCLUSION: Researchers and policy makers can improve the quality and rigor of policy evaluations to synthesize existing evidence and develop better methods for gleaning policy guidance from the ample but imperfect data available.

Sociopsychological tailoring to address colorectal cancer screening disparities: a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Interventions tailored to sociopsychological factors associated with health behaviors have promise for reducing colorectal cancer screening disparities, but limited research has assessed their impact in multiethnic populations. We examined whether an interactive multimedia computer program (IMCP) tailored to expanded health belief model sociopsychological factors could promote colorectal cancer screening in a multiethnic sample. METHODS: We undertook a randomized controlled trial, comparing an IMCP tailored to colorectal cancer screening self-efficacy, knowledge, barriers, readiness, test preference, and experiences with a nontailored informational program, both delivered before office visits. The primary outcome was record-documented colorectal cancer screening during a 12-month follow-up period. Secondary outcomes included postvisit sociopsychological factor status and discussion, as well as clinician recommendation of screening during office visits. We enrolled 1,164 patients stratified by ethnicity and language (49.3% non-Hispanic, 27.2% Hispanic/English, 23.4% Hispanic/Spanish) from 26 offices around 5 centers (Sacramento, California; Rochester and the Bronx, New York; Denver, Colorado; and San Antonio, Texas). RESULTS: Adjusting for ethnicity/language, study center, and the previsit value of the dependent variable, compared with control patients, the IMCP led to significantly greater colorectal cancer screening knowledge, self-efficacy, readiness, test preference specificity, discussion, and recommendation. During the followup period, 132 (23%) IMCP and 123 (22%) control patients received screening (adjusted difference = 0.5 percentage points, 95% CI -4.3 to 5.3). IMCP effects did not differ significantly by ethnicity/language. CONCLUSIONS: Sociopsychological factor tailoring was no more effective than nontailored information in encouraging colorectal cancer screening in a multiethnic sample, despite enhancing sociopsychological factors and visit behaviors associated with screening. The utility of sociopsychological tailoring in addressing screening disparities remains uncertain.

I heard about it from a friend: assessing interest in buprenorphine treatment.

BACKGROUND: In the United States, opioid abuse and dependence continue to be a growing problem, whereas treatment for opioid abuse and dependence remains fairly static. Buprenorphine treatment for opioid dependence is safe and effective but underutilized. Prior research has demonstrated low awareness and use of buprenorphine among marginalized groups. This study investigates syringe exchange participants' awareness of, exposure to, and interest in buprenorphine treatment. METHODS: Syringe exchange participants were recruited from a mobile unit performing outreach to 9 street-side sites in New York City. Computer-based interviews were conducted to determine (1) opioid users' awareness of, exposure to, and interest in buprenorphine treatment; and (2) the association between awareness or exposure and interest in buprenorphine treatment. Logistic regression models were used to examine the associations between awareness of, direct exposure (i.e., having taken buprenorphine) or indirect exposure (i.e., knowing someone who had taken buprenorphine)S to, and interest in buprenorphine treatment. RESULTS: Of 158 opioid users, 70% were aware of, 32% had direct exposure to, and 31% had indirect exposure to buprenorphine; 12% had been prescribed buprenorphine. Of 138 opioid users who had never been prescribed buprenorphine, 57% were interested in buprenorphine treatment. In multivariate models, indirect exposure was associated with interest in buprenorphine treatment (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.65, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22-5.77), but awareness and direct exposure were not. CONCLUSIONS: Syringe exchange participants were mostly aware of buprenorphine and interested in treatment, but few had actually been prescribed buprenorphine. Because indirect exposure to buprenorphine was associated with interest in treatment, future interventions could capitalize on indirect exposure, such as through peer mentorship, to address underutilization of buprenorphine treatment.

Buprenorphine treatment outcomes among opioid-dependent cocaine users and non-users.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: National treatment guidelines state that polysubstance users, including cocaine users, may not be appropriate candidates for office-based buprenorphine treatment. However, data to support this recommendation are sparse and conflicting, and the implications of this recommendation may include limiting the usefulness of buprenorphine treatment, as cocaine use is common among opioid-dependent individuals seeking buprenorphine treatment. We compared buprenorphine treatment outcomes (6-month treatment retention and self-reported opioid use over 6 months) in opioid-dependent cocaine users versus non-users who initiated buprenorphine treatment at an urban community health center. METHODS: We followed 87 participants over 6 months, collecting interview and medical record data. We used logistic regression models to test whether baseline cocaine use was associated with treatment retention and mixed effects nonlinear models to test whether baseline cocaine use was associated with self-reported opioid use. RESULTS: At baseline, 39.1% reported cocaine use. In all participants, self-reported opioid use decreased from 89.7% to 27.4% over 6 months, and 6-month treatment retention was 54.5%. We found no significant difference in 6-month treatment retention (AOR = 1.56, 95% CI: .58-4.17, p = .38) or self-reported opioid use (AOR = .89, 95% CI: .26-3.07, p = .85) between cocaine users and non-users. CONCLUSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: This study demonstrates that buprenorphine treatment retention is not worse in cocaine users than non-users, with clinically meaningful improvements in self-reported opioid use. These findings suggest that opioid-dependent cocaine users attain considerable benefits from office-based buprenorphine treatment and argue for the inclusion of these patients in office-based buprenorphine treatment programs.

Expansion of electronic health record-based screening, prevention, and management of diabetes in New York City.

To address the increasing burden of diabetes in New York City, we designed 2 electronic health records (EHRs)-facilitated diabetes management systems to be implemented in 6 primary care practices on the West Side of Manhattan, a standard system and an enhanced system. The standard system includes screening for diabetes. The enhanced system includes screening and ensures close patient follow-up; it applies principles of the chronic care model, including community-clinic linkages, to the management of patients newly diagnosed with diabetes and prediabetes through screening. We will stagger implementation of the enhanced system across the 6 clinics allowing comparison, through a quasi-experimental design (pre-post difference with a control group), of patients treated in the enhanced system with similar patients treated in the standard system. The findings could inform health system practices at multiple levels and influence the integration of community resources into routine diabetes care.

A buprenorphine education and training program for primary care residents: implementation and evaluation.

BACKGROUND: Although substance use disorders are highly prevalent, resident preparation to care for patients with these disorders is frequently insufficient. With increasing rates of opioid abuse and dependence, and the availability of medication-assisted treatment, one strategy to improve resident skills is to incorporate buprenorphine treatment into training settings. METHODS: In this study, esidency faculty delivered the BupEd education and training program to 71 primary care residents. BupEd included (1) a didactic session on buprenorphine, (2) an interactive motivational interviewing session, (3) monthly case conferences, and (4) supervised clinical experience providing buprenorphine treatment. To evaluate BupEd, the authors assessed (1) residents' provision of buprenorphine treatment during residency, (2) residents' provision of buprenorphine treatment after residency, and (3) treatment retention among patients treated by resident versus attending physicians. RESULTS: Of 71 residents, most served as a covering or primary provider to at least 1 buprenorphine-treated patient (84.5 and 66.2%, respectively). Of 40 graduates, 27.5% obtained a buprenorphine waiver and 17.5% prescribed buprenorphine. Treatment retention was similar between patients cared for by resident PCPs versus attending PCPs (90-day retention: 63.6% [n = 35] vs. 67.9% [n = 152]; P = .55). CONCLUSION: These results show that BupEd is feasible, provides residents with supervised clinical experience in treating opioid-dependent patients, and can serve as a model to prepare primary care physicians to care for patients with opioid dependence.

Widening Gaps and Disparities in the Treatment of Adolescent Alcohol and Drug Use Disorders.

INTRODUCTION: The overall prevalence of alcohol use disorders and drug use disorders in adolescents has been declining in recent years, yet little is known about treatment use for these disorders among adolescents. This study aimed to examine the patterns and demographics of treatment of alcohol use disorders, drug use disorders, and both conditions among U.S. adolescents. METHODS: This study used publicly available data for adolescents aged 12-17 years from the annual cross-sectional surveys of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2011-2019. Data were analyzed between July 2021 and November 2022. RESULTS: From 2011 to 2019, fewer than 11%, 15%, and 17% of adolescents with 12-month alcohol use disorders, drug use disorders, and both conditions received treatment, respectively, with significant decreases in treatment use for drug use disorders (OR=0.93; CI=0.89, 0.97; p=0.002). Overall, treatment use in outpatient rehabilitation facilities and self-help groups was most common but decreased over the course of the study period. Extensive disparities in treatment use were further identified on the basis of adolescents' gender, age, race, family structure, and mental health. CONCLUSIONS: To improve adolescent treatment use for alcohol and drug use disorders, assessments and engagement interventions that are gender specific, developmentally appropriate, culturally sensitive, and contextually informed are especially needed.

Factors Associated with Medical Cannabis Use After Certification: A Three-Month Longitudinal Study.

Background: Over the past decade, there has been increased utilization of medical cannabis (MC) in the United States. Few studies have described sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with MC use after certification and more specifically, factors associated with use of MC products with different cannabinoid profiles. Methods: We conducted a longitudinal cohort study of adults (N=225) with chronic or severe pain on opioids who were newly certified for MC in New York State and enrolled in the study between November 2018 and January 2022. We collected data over participants' first 3 months in the study, from web-based assessment of MC use every 2 weeks (unit of analysis). We used generalized estimating equation models to examine associations of sociodemographic and clinical factors with (1) MC use (vs. no MC use) and (2) use of MC products with different cannabinoid profiles. Results: On average, 29% of the participants used predominantly high delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) MC products within the first 3 months of follow-up, 30% used other MC products, and 41% did not use MC products. Non-Hispanic White race, pain at multiple sites, and past 30-day sedative use were associated with a higher likelihood of MC use (vs. no MC use). Current tobacco use, unregulated cannabis use, and enrollment in the study during the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with a lower likelihood of MC use (vs. no MC use). Among participants reporting MC use, female gender and older age were associated with a lower likelihood of using predominantly high-THC MC products (vs. other MC products). Conclusion: White individuals were more likely to use MC after certification, which may be owing to access and cost issues. The findings that sedative use was associated with greater MC use, but tobacco and unregulated cannabis were associated with less MC use, may imply synergism and substitution that warrant further research. From the policy perspective, additional measures are needed to ensure equitable availability of and access to MC. Health practitioners should check patients' history and current use of sedative, tobacco, and unregulated cannabis before providing an MC recommendation and counsel patients on safe cannabis use. clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03268551).

Pain is not associated with worse office-based buprenorphine treatment outcomes.

Physical pain is common among individuals seeking treatment for opioid dependence. Pain may negatively impact addiction treatment. The authors prospectively studied opioid-dependent individuals initiating office-based buprenorphine treatment, comparing buprenorphine treatment outcomes (treatment retention and opioid use) among participants with and without pain (baseline pain or persistent pain). Among 82 participants, 60% reported baseline pain and 38% reported persistent pain. Overall, treatment retention was 56% and opioid use decreased from 89% to 26% over 6 months. In multivariable analyses, the authors found no association between pain and buprenorphine treatment outcomes. Opioid-dependent individuals with and without pain can achieve similar success with buprenorphine treatment.