Perceived racial/ethnic discrimination and cigarette smoking behaviors among a sample of people with HIV.

This study was a secondary analysis of baseline data from a clinical trial of an intensive group-based smoking cessation treatment for people with HIV (PWH) who smoke. It examined the cross-sectional relationship between perceived ethnic discrimination (PED) and cigarette smoking variables (i.e., nicotine dependence, motivation to quit smoking, self-efficacy to quit smoking) among PWH and explored whether depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between PED and smoking variables. Participants (N = 442; Mage = 50.6; 52.8% Male; 56.3% Black, non-Hispanic; 6.3% White, non-Hispanic; 13.3% Hispanic; 87.7% unemployed; 81.6% single) completed measures of demographics, cigarette smoking, depressive symptoms, and PED. Greater PED was related to lower self-efficacy to quit smoking, greater perceived stress, and greater depressive symptoms. In addition, depressive symptoms mediated the relationship between PED and two cigarette smoking variables (i.e., nicotine dependence, self-efficacy to quit smoking). Findings highlight the need for smoking interventions to target PED, self-efficacy, and depressive symptoms to improve smoking cessation variables among PWH.

Values and preferences towards medical cannabis among people living with chronic pain: a mixed-methods systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: To explore values and preferences towards medical cannabis among people living with chronic pain. DESIGN: Mixed-methods systematic review. DATA SOURCES: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO from inception to 17 March 2020. STUDY SELECTION: Pairs of reviewers independently screened search results and included quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods studies reporting values and preferences towards medical cannabis among people living with chronic pain. REVIEW METHODS: We analysed data using meta-narrative synthesis (quantitative findings were qualitised) and tabulated review findings according to identified themes. We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to assess certainty of evidence. RESULTS: Of 1838 initial records, 15 studies proved eligible for review. High to moderate certainty evidence showed that patient's use of medical cannabis for chronic pain was influenced by both positive (eg, support from friends and family) and negative social factors (eg, stigma surrounding cannabis use). Most patients using medical cannabis favoured products with balanced ratios of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), or high levels of CBD, but not high THC preparations. Many valued the effectiveness of medical cannabis for symptom management even when experiencing adverse events related to concentration, memory or fatigue. Reducing use of prescription medication was a motivating factor for use of medical cannabis, and concerns regarding addiction, losing control or acting strangely were disincentives. Out-of-pocket costs were a barrier, whereas legalisation of medical cannabis improved access and incentivised use.Low to very low certainty evidence suggested highly variable values towards medical cannabis among people living with chronic pain. Individuals with pain related to life-limiting disease were more willing to use medical cannabis, and preferred oral over inhaled administration. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings highlight factors that clinicians should consider when discussing medical cannabis. The variability of patients' values and preferences emphasise the need for shared decision making when considering medical cannabis for chronic pain.

Treatment barriers among individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health problems: Examining gender differences.

BACKGROUND: Despite the narrowing gender gap in the prevalence of substance use disorders, women continue to be vastly underrepresented in substance use services. Relational factors, family responsibilities, mental health, and stigma may present unique barriers encountered by women. AIMS: The aims of this study were to examine: (1) gender differences in substance use treatment barriers, (2) gender differences in perceptions of stigmatization for seeking substance use treatment, and symptoms of depression, anxiety, and trauma-related stress, and (3) whether perceived stigmatization and mental health symptoms are associated with greater barriers among women. METHODS: One hundred adults (50% self-identified women) from a substance use and concurrent disorders program in Ontario, Canada, completed a questionnaire package containing measures of sociodemographic information, substance use, mental health, perceived stigma, and substance use treatment barriers. RESULTS: Women reported more barriers related to family responsibilities, relational factors, and mental health (p < .01), and higher levels of perceived stigma (p < .01) compared to men. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from this study contribute to our understanding of treatment barriers and perceived stigmatization among women. This knowledge may be used to aid in the development and delivery of accessible, gender-responsive services that address these barriers and challenge the stigma attached to substance use among women.