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Rural Health
Resources by Topic: Illicit drug use

Medication-Based Treatment Among Rural, Primary Care Patients Diagnosed With Opioid Use Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder
Explores prescribing rates of medications for opioid and alcohol use disorders (MOUD and MAUD) in primary care settings in rural and urban areas. Discusses the use of medications for treating OUD and AUD and looks for differences in utilization by rural and urban providers. Breaks down data by patient age, sex, and medication type, among other measures.
Author(s): Emily Kan, Laura-Mae Baldwin, Larissa J Mooney, et al.
Citation: Journal of Substance Use & Addiction Treatment, 164, 20933
Date: 09/2024
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Lessons for Future Pandemics: Temporal Evolution and Rural-Urban Variations in the Impacts of the COVID-19 on Opioid Use Treatment
Presents a study highlighting the lessons learned from opioid use treatment programs operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. Explores the impact of the pandemic on treatment services. Discusses the use of telehealth for both counseling and medication prescribing, as well as the challenges faced by patients trying to obtain treatment during the pandemic.
Author(s): Zhongyang He, Jonathan M. Heess, Travis Young, Zhen Lei
Citation: PLoS ONE, 19(9), e0310386
Date: 09/2024
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Evaluating Fentanyl Test Strips as a Harm Reduction Strategy in Rural and Urban Counties: Study Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial
Protocol for a study examining a harm reduction intervention which will provide education and distribute fentanyl test strips to people with recent use of illicit or street-purchased drugs in rural and urban Ohio communities. Describes study design, including selection and comparison of rural versus urban subgroups.
Author(s): Ashley Short Mejia, Gary A. Smith, Soledad A. Fernandez, et al.
Citation: Trials, 25, 587
Date: 09/2024
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Implementation of a Rural Emergency Department-initiated Buprenorphine Program in the Mountain West: A Study Protocol
Protocol for a study of emergency department (ED) initiation of buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD) in the rural Mountain West. Discusses study design, implementation strategies, and barriers to OUD treatment access and provision in rural areas.
Author(s): Natasha Seliski, Troy Madsen, Savannah Eley, et al.
Citation: Addiction Science & Clinical Practice, 19, 63
Date: 09/2024
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Rural and Urban Differences in Marijuana Use Following Passages of Medical Marijuana Laws
Presents a study on differences in marijuana use in rural and urban areas after the legalization of medical marijuana. Compares marijuana usage in rural and urban areas and breaks down data by race, sex, sexual orientation, and level of marijuana use, among other factors.
Author(s): E. Morgan, C. Dyar
Citation: Public Health, 234, 64-70
Date: 09/2024
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Syringe Access, Syringe Sharing, and Perceptions of HCV: A Qualitative Study Exploring the HCV Risk Environment in Rural Northern New England, United States
Highlights a study on syringe access for people who inject drugs (PWID), rates of syringe sharing, and perceived hepatitis C (HCV) risk in rural Northern New England. Bases findings on semi-structured interviews and breaks down data by state of residence, age, and drug of choice, among other measures.
Author(s): Eric Romo, Elyse Bianchet, Patrick Dowd, et al.
Citation: Viruses, 16(9), 1364
Date: 08/2024
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Somebody to Lean on: Understanding Self-Stigma and Willingness to Disclose in the Context of Addiction
Presents a study on self-stigma, or the unwillingness to disclose opioid use, and aims to identify factors that predict lower levels of self-stigma. Breaks down data by race, sex, age, and rural/urban location, among other measures. Discusses strategies for overcoming self-stigma.
Author(s): Qing Ma, Christopher R. Whipple, Övgü Kaynak, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 21(8), 1044
Date: 08/2024
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Appalachian Diseases of Despair
Provides information on Appalachian mortality disparities due to overdose, suicide, and alcoholic liver disease/cirrhosis among people ages 15-64. Utilizes data from the 2022 Multiple Cause of Death database broken down by Appalachian state, region, sex, and metropolitan or nonmetropolitan status.
Date: 08/2024
Sponsoring organizations: Appalachian Regional Commission, East Tennessee State University Center for Rural Health Research, NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis
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Changes in Substance Use Diagnoses in the Great Plains during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Analyzed 109,671 patient visits for alcohol use disorder, opioid use disorder, or stimulant use disorder in 7 Great Plains states between March 2019 and March 2021 to report on demographic and geographic pattern disruptions in healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic. Includes discussion of metropolitan and nonmetropolitan residency on data and policy implications regarding access to care.
Author(s): Ahmed Nahian, Lisa M. McFadden
Citation: Healthcare, 12(16)
Date: 08/2024
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Hawai'i Strategic Framework Partnerships for Success: Community Health Assessment
Examines substance use in Hawai'i, including discussion of trends, risks, and protective factors. Utilizes 2021 Hawai'i State Epidemiologic Report and County Profiles data. Identifies use and treatment disparities experienced by Native Hawaiians, rural populations, and other underserved groups.
Date: 08/2024
Sponsoring organization: State of Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division (ADAD)
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