Citation

Schalkoff CA, Lancaster KE, Gaynes BN, Wang V, Pence BW, Miller WC, Go VF. Subst. Abuse 2019; ePub(ePub): 1-35.

Affiliation

Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill , Chapel Hill , North Carolina , USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/08897077.2019.1635555

PMID

31403903

Abstract

Background/aims: To examine trends in rural Appalachian opioid and related drug epidemics during the past 10 years, including at-risk populations, substance use shifts and correlates, and associated infections. Methods: We conducted this review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines. Seven databases were searched for quantitative studies, published between January 2006 and December 2017, of drug use, drug-related mortality, or associated infections in rural Appalachia. Results: Drug-related deaths increased in study states, and a high incidence of polydrug toxicity was noted. Rural substance use was most common among young, white males, with low education levels. A history of depression/anxiety was common among study populations. Prescription opioids were most commonly used, often in conjunction with sedatives. Women emerged as a distinct user subpopulation, with different routes of drug use initiation and drug sources. Injection drug use was accompanied by risky injection behaviors and was associated with hepatitis C. Conclusions: This review can help to inform substance use intervention development and implementation in rural Appalachian populations. Those at highest risk are young, white males who often engage in polysubstance use and have a history of mental health issues. Differences in risk factors among other groups and characteristics of drug use in rural Appalachian populations that are conducive to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) spread also warrant consideration.

Language: en

Keywords

Drug epidemic; hepatitis C; opioids; rural Appalachia; substance use