Journal of urban health : bulletin of the New York Academy of Medicine
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Existing research indicates that justice-involved individuals use a variety of different drugs and polysubstance use is common. Research shows that different typologies of drug users, such as polydrug users versus users of a single drug, have differing types of individual-, structural-, and neighborhood-level risk characteristics. However, little research has been conducted on how different typologies of drug use are associated with HIV risks among individuals in community corrections and their intimate sex partners. ⋯ Polydrug users and mild polydrug users were also more likely to have risky sex partners and higher rates of criminal justice involvement. There is a need to provide HIV and drug use treatment and linkage to service and care for men in community correction programs, especially polydrug users. Community correction programs could be the venue to provide better access by reaching out to this high HIV risk key population with increased rates of drug use and multiple sex partners.
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Implementing Targeted Sampling: Lessons Learned from Recruiting Female Sex Workers in Baltimore, MD.
Globally, HIV prevention interventions have proven efficacious among street-based female sex workers (FSWs); yet, there is a dearth of US-based HIV prevention research among this group. The lack of research among FSWs in the USA is partially driven by challenges in recruiting members of this population. The purpose of this research is to describe how targeted sampling was employed to recruit a cohort of street-based FSWs for a study that examined the role of police in shaping the HIV risk environments of street-based FSWs in Baltimore, MD. Our research demonstrates that targeted sampling can be an advantageous strategy for recruiting hidden populations that are mobile and geographically dispersed.
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Stress, drug use, and depression are interconnected, but less is understood about sources of stress among adults with co-occurring drug use and depressive symptoms. The current study aimed to identify sources of stress and correlates among these adults. Data come from a cross-sectional baseline survey, including participants (n = 336) 18 to 55 years old, who reported past 6-month heroin or cocaine use and depressive symptoms. ⋯ Past 6-month injection drug use (aPR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.04-1.58), perceived lack of control over drug use (aPR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.10-1.70), and drug use stigma was associated with an increased prevalence of high drug network stress (aPR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.05-1.65). Stress is a complex construct, including distinct sources and correlates. Further understanding of sources of stress is beneficial in recognizing potentially modifiable challenges faced by individuals who use drugs and experience depressive symptoms.
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Editorial Comment
Expanding a Comprehensive Strategy for Overdose Prevention in the USA.