2024
Accessibility of Opioid Treatment Programs Based on Conventional vs Perceived Travel Time Measures
Kim J, Lee J, Thornhill T, Dennett J, Lu H, Howell B, Grau L, Fiellin D, Heimer R, Gonsalves G. Accessibility of Opioid Treatment Programs Based on Conventional vs Perceived Travel Time Measures. JAMA Network Open 2024, 7: e240209. PMID: 38376839, PMCID: PMC10879949, DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.0209.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsTransit travel timeAccessibility metricsTravel timeTravel componentsAccessibility scoresTransportation burdenTravel burdenOut-of-vehicleComponents of travelConventional accessibility measuresSpatial regression modelsTravel time measurementsPublic transitTransit schedulesAccessibility measuresDeparture timeTravel time analysisTrip durationTravelOperating hoursTime analysisCross-sectional studyOpioid use disorderPolicy recommendationsDecision-making
2023
Receipt of opioid use disorder treatments prior to fatal overdoses and comparison to no treatment in Connecticut, 2016–17
Heimer R, Black A, Lin H, Grau L, Fiellin D, Howell B, Hawk K, D'Onofrio G, Becker W. Receipt of opioid use disorder treatments prior to fatal overdoses and comparison to no treatment in Connecticut, 2016–17. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2023, 254: 111040. PMID: 38043226, PMCID: PMC10872282, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.111040.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNon-medication treatmentsRelative riskOpioid overdose deathsIncidence rateMOUD treatmentOverdose deathsOpioid use disorder treatmentResults Incidence ratesRetrospective cohort studyDifferent treatment modalitiesPopulation-level effortsUse disorder treatmentFatal opioid poisoningsCohort studyOpioid poisoningTreatment modalitiesConclusion ExposurePoisoning deathsFatal overdosesTreatment exposureDisorder treatmentDeathTreatmentMethadoneRisk“It’s starting to weigh on me”: Exploring the Experiences and Support Needs of Harm Reduction Staff in Connecticut using the Social-Ecological Model
Hill K, Dunham K, Grau L, Heimer R. “It’s starting to weigh on me”: Exploring the Experiences and Support Needs of Harm Reduction Staff in Connecticut using the Social-Ecological Model. Harm Reduction Journal 2023, 20: 168. PMID: 37964261, PMCID: PMC10644636, DOI: 10.1186/s12954-023-00898-4.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSocial ecological modelSupport needsHarm reduction workersHarm reduction programmingHarm reduction servicesThematic analysis approachProvision of supportStigmatized populationsMeans of supportReduction workersInterpersonal levelCommunity levelHarm reductionDay roleReduction servicesOverdose crisisReduction programmingStaff wellbeingRole-related stressorsRole-related stressFeelings of stressBoundary settingEmotional supportPotential supportIndividual levelExploring stakeholders perspectives on TB contact investigation in Cali, Colombia: a qualitative study
Velosa J, Gómez J, Zúñiga C, Díaz G, Ferro B, Davis J, Grau L. Exploring stakeholders perspectives on TB contact investigation in Cali, Colombia: a qualitative study. Frontiers In Public Health 2023, 11: 1204862. PMID: 37564424, PMCID: PMC10411903, DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1204862.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsTB contact investigationContact investigationPublic health staffHealth workersHousehold contactsTB knowledgeTB casesTest uptakeHealth staffHousehold visitsHealth OrganizationTuberculosis case findingNational public health authoritiesPublic health authoritiesWorld Health OrganizationPublic health organizationsMiddle-income countriesTB controlCase findingThematic analysisHealth authoritiesDiagnostic testsInductive thematic analysisSemi-structured interviewsMain barriersTechnical violations and infractions are drivers of disengagement from methadone treatment among people with opioid use disorder discharged from Connecticut jails 2014–2018
Marotta P, Hass A, Viera A, Doernberg M, Barbour R, Grau L, Heimer R. Technical violations and infractions are drivers of disengagement from methadone treatment among people with opioid use disorder discharged from Connecticut jails 2014–2018. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, And Policy 2023, 18: 43. PMID: 37420271, PMCID: PMC10329353, DOI: 10.1186/s13011-023-00541-2.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConcordance between controlled substance receipt and post-mortem toxicology in opioid-detected overdose deaths: A statewide analysis
Howell B, Black A, Grau L, Lin H, Greene C, Lee H, Heimer R, Hawk K, D'Onofrio G, Fiellin D, Becker W. Concordance between controlled substance receipt and post-mortem toxicology in opioid-detected overdose deaths: A statewide analysis. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2023, 244: 109788. PMID: 36738634, PMCID: PMC9975083, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2023.109788.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPost-mortem toxicologyOverdose deathsChief Medical ExaminerBenzodiazepine prescribingBenzodiazepine prescriptionsPrimary outcomePreventable deathsOpioid overdosesOpioidsAddiction servicesBenzodiazepinesMental healthStudy periodDeathMedical examinersConcordanceStatewide analysisSubstantial numberReceiptDaysDepartmentMedicationsToxicologyFentanylPrescribingCost-Effectiveness of Smoking Cessation Approaches in Emergency Departments
Miller T, Johnson M, Dziura J, Weiss J, Carpenter K, Grau L, Pantalon M, Abroms L, Collins L, Toll B, Bernstein S. Cost-Effectiveness of Smoking Cessation Approaches in Emergency Departments. American Journal Of Preventive Medicine 2023, 65: 39-44. PMID: 36710199, PMCID: PMC10293014, DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2023.01.006.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSmoking cessation interventionNicotine replacement therapyCessation interventionsReplacement therapyEmergency departmentMulticomponent smoking cessation interventionSmoking cessation approachesEmergency department visitsEffects of briefCessation approachesQuitline referralDepartment visitsTobacco treatmentDedicated staffIntervention componentsTobacco productsDistinct interventionsInterventionLow SESUnderstudied populationTherapyHigh rateIdeal timeParticipantsQuitGeographic and temporal trends in fentanyl-detected deaths in Connecticut, 2009–2019
Lu H, Crawford F, Gonsalves G, Grau L. Geographic and temporal trends in fentanyl-detected deaths in Connecticut, 2009–2019. Annals Of Epidemiology 2023, 79: 32-38. PMID: 36669599, PMCID: PMC10163838, DOI: 10.1016/j.annepidem.2023.01.009.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2022
Successful Optimization of Tobacco Dependence Treatment in the Emergency Department: A Randomized Controlled Trial Using the Multiphase Optimization Strategy
Bernstein S, Dziura J, Weiss J, Brooks A, Miller T, Vickerman K, Grau L, Pantalon M, Abroms L, Collins L, Toll B. Successful Optimization of Tobacco Dependence Treatment in the Emergency Department: A Randomized Controlled Trial Using the Multiphase Optimization Strategy. Annals Of Emergency Medicine 2022, 81: 209-221. PMID: 36585318, PMCID: PMC9868063, DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2022.08.018.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsBrief Negotiation InterviewNicotine replacement therapyTobacco dependence treatmentEmergency departmentHospital emergency departmentReplacement therapyDependence treatmentMultiphase optimization strategyNicotine replacement therapy prescriptionTobacco dependence interventionsExhaled carbon monoxidePrimary endpointFirst doseControlled TrialsAbstinence ratesTelephone quitlinesClinical efficacyTherapy prescriptionTobacco abstinenceActive referralOdds ratioAdult smokersMulticomponent interventionPrimary analysisTherapy
2015
Prevalence and experience of chronic pain in suburban drug injectors
Heimer R, Zhan W, Grau LE. Prevalence and experience of chronic pain in suburban drug injectors. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2015, 151: 92-100. PMID: 25841984, PMCID: PMC4447527, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.03.007.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNon-medical opioid useChronic painHepatitis BOpioid useSerological testingDrug injectorsCo-occurring chronic painCurrent chronic painInjection drug useInjection drug usersCross-sectional studyInfectious disease treatmentSignificant complicationsSuccessful treatmentMonths durationOpioid overdosePharmaceutical opioidsDrug treatmentStudy populationPainDrug usersPsychological statusDrug useOlder agePast month
2014
Factors associated with hepatitis B vaccine series completion in a randomized trial for injection drug users reached through syringe exchange programs in three US cities
Bowman S, Grau LE, Singer M, Scott G, Heimer R. Factors associated with hepatitis B vaccine series completion in a randomized trial for injection drug users reached through syringe exchange programs in three US cities. BMC Public Health 2014, 14: 820. PMID: 25107530, PMCID: PMC4138371, DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-820.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsInjection drug usersSyringe exchange programsThree-dose vaccine seriesVaccine seriesVaccination ratesDrug usersHealth interventionsStandard HBV vaccination scheduleBackgroundHepatitis B virusHBV vaccination scheduleVaccine series completionVaccine-preventable infectionsSelf-rated health scoresPublic health interventionsDeterminants of completionHepatitis vaccinationVaccine scheduleVaccination schedulePersonal health statusLast visitLongstanding recommendationsPreventable infectionsB virusHealth beliefsHealth scores
2013
Drug users in Hanoi, Vietnam: factors associated with membership in community-based drug user groups
Hayes-Larson E, Grau LE, Khoshnood K, Barbour R, Khuat OT, Heimer R. Drug users in Hanoi, Vietnam: factors associated with membership in community-based drug user groups. Harm Reduction Journal 2013, 10: 33. PMID: 24268108, PMCID: PMC4176489, DOI: 10.1186/1477-7517-10-33.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsDrug user groupsResult of membershipDomains of knowledgeInjection-related harmsLongitudinal studyGreater historyDrug usePost-hoc evaluationMembershipLow statistical powerFurther longitudinal studiesQuality of lifeUser groupsFaceHigh levelsPeersMore attentionHealth issuesMultivariate modelBeingHarm reductionDrug usersKnowledge variablesHarmVariablesSeroprevalence of HIV, hepatitis B virus, and HCV among injection drug users in Connecticut: understanding infection and coinfection risks in a nonurban population.
Akselrod H, Grau LE, Barbour R, Heimer R. Seroprevalence of HIV, hepatitis B virus, and HCV among injection drug users in Connecticut: understanding infection and coinfection risks in a nonurban population. American Journal Of Public Health 2013, 104: 1713-21. PMID: 24134382, PMCID: PMC3990658, DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2013.301357.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsInjection drug usersHepatitis B virusDrug use durationSubstance abuse treatmentB virusRisk factorsCriminal justice involvementDrug usersAbuse treatmentAdult injection drug usersSeroprevalence of HIVInjection drug usePotential risk factorsSignificant predictorsUse durationMultiple viral infectionsEffective harm reduction strategiesHarm reduction strategiesJustice involvementHCV seroprevalenceInjection useInterim analysisViral infectionDrug useSerological testsAssociations Between Injection Risk and Community Disadvantage Among Suburban Injection Drug Users in Southwestern Connecticut, USA
Heimer R, Barbour R, Palacios WR, Nichols LG, Grau LE. Associations Between Injection Risk and Community Disadvantage Among Suburban Injection Drug Users in Southwestern Connecticut, USA. AIDS And Behavior 2013, 18: 452-463. PMID: 23921583, PMCID: PMC3917972, DOI: 10.1007/s10461-013-0572-3.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchMeSH KeywordsAdultConnecticutDrug UsersFemaleHarm ReductionHealth Services AccessibilityHumansInterviews as TopicLongitudinal StudiesMaleNeedle SharingPrevalenceResidence CharacteristicsRisk FactorsSocial EnvironmentSocioeconomic FactorsSubstance Abuse, IntravenousSubstance-Related DisordersSuburban Health ServicesSuburban PopulationYoung AdultConceptsHarm reduction servicesInjection riskReduction servicesAbuse treatmentInjection drug useInjection drug usersRisky injection practicesPoor social supportDisadvantaged census tractsSubstance abuse treatmentDrug abuse treatmentPatterns of heroinRespondent-driven samplingHepatitis BInfluence of residenceSevere depressionOpioid overdosesSerological testingOverdose deathsGeneral populationInjection practicesDrug usersDrug useYounger ageRisk behaviorsCultural Adaptation of an Intervention to Reduce Sexual Risk Behaviors among Patients Attending a STI Clinic in St. Petersburg, Russia
Grau LE, Krasnoselskikh TV, Shaboltas AV, Skochilov RV, Kozlov AP, Abdala N. Cultural Adaptation of an Intervention to Reduce Sexual Risk Behaviors among Patients Attending a STI Clinic in St. Petersburg, Russia. Prevention Science 2013, 14: 400-410. PMID: 23322231, PMCID: PMC4021482, DOI: 10.1007/s11121-012-0301-6.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsCognitive information processingCultural adaptationPersonal relevanceBehavioral interventionsIntervention approachesHIV risk reduction interventionsFormative investigationAlcohol useElicitation interviewsRisk reduction interventionsIntervention componentsGender differencesKey skillsSexual risk behaviorsParticipantsHealth promotion interventionsHIV/STI infectionReduction interventionsRisk behaviorsAdaptation processInformational needsInterventionPromotion interventionsUnfamiliar conceptsFocus groups
2011
Inebriation, Drinking Motivations and Sexual Risk Taking Among Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic Patients in St. Petersburg, Russia
Abdala N, Grau LE, Zhan W, Shaboltas AV, Skochilov RV, Kozlov AP, Krasnoselskikh TV. Inebriation, Drinking Motivations and Sexual Risk Taking Among Sexually Transmitted Disease Clinic Patients in St. Petersburg, Russia. AIDS And Behavior 2011, 17: 1144-1150. PMID: 22139416, PMCID: PMC3585957, DOI: 10.1007/s10461-011-0091-z.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsNon-main partnersRisk drinkingUnprotected sexSexual partnersSexual riskDisease clinic patientsAlcohol Use Disorders Identification Test criteriaMultivariate logistic regressionHIV prevention programsSexual risk behaviorsConsumption of alcoholSTD clinicClinic patientsDrinking motivationsPrevention programsRisk behaviorsLogistic regressionPatientsBehavior SurveySexInebriationSexual encountersDrinkingRiskClinicChronic pain, Addiction severity, and misuse of opioids in Cumberland County, Maine
Heimer R, Dasgupta N, Irwin KS, Kinzly M, Harvey AP, Givens A, Grau LE. Chronic pain, Addiction severity, and misuse of opioids in Cumberland County, Maine. Addictive Behaviors 2011, 37: 346-349. PMID: 22138379, DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2011.11.017.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAddiction Severity IndexBrief Pain InventoryChronic painOpioid abuseBPI scoresMisuse of opioidsCommon co-occurring conditionsSubstance abuse treatment programsCommunity-based sampleCo-occurring conditionsSubstance abuse treatmentStreet-recruited sampleOrder of onsetRespondent-driven samplingPain InventoryPain managementIllicit opioidsOpioid misuseRegular physicianOpioid abusersDaily livingPainDrug misusePrior monthTreatment programPrevalence, characteristics, and predictors of police training initiatives by US SEPs: Building an evidence base for structural interventions
Beletsky L, Grau LE, White E, Bowman S, Heimer R. Prevalence, characteristics, and predictors of police training initiatives by US SEPs: Building an evidence base for structural interventions. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2011, 119: 145-149. PMID: 21705159, PMCID: PMC3192926, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2011.05.034.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSyringe exchange programsInjection drug usersNeedle stick injuriesCommunity-based prevention initiativesPublic health benefitsStick injuriesHIV transmissionPublic health rationaleDrug usersMost program managersMultivariate analysisSyringe possessionPrevention initiativesEvidence baseHealth benefitsCommunity healthOccupational healthHealth rationaleMultivariate modelingPrevalenceStructural interventionsSEP operationsPredictorsHealthPrevious year
2010
Epidemiologic trends and geographic patterns of fatal opioid intoxications in Connecticut, USA: 1997–2007
Green TC, Grau LE, Carver HW, Kinzly M, Heimer R. Epidemiologic trends and geographic patterns of fatal opioid intoxications in Connecticut, USA: 1997–2007. Drug And Alcohol Dependence 2010, 115: 221-228. PMID: 21131140, PMCID: PMC3095753, DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2010.11.007.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPrescription opioidsOpioid typeIntoxication deathsRisk factorsDrug intoxication deathsHeroin-related deathsOpioid-related deathsFatal opioid overdoseChief Medical ExaminerOpioid intoxicationOpioid deathsDrug poisoningInjury deathsEpidemiologic trendsOpioid overdoseOpioidsDeath locationPrevention effortsDeathMedical examinersRegression analysisSignificant increasePublic healthEpidemiologyHeroinDrug Network Characteristics and HIV Risk Among Injection Drug Users in Russia: The roles of Trust, Size, and Stability
Cepeda JA, Odinokova VA, Heimer R, Grau LE, Lyubimova A, Safiullina L, Levina OS, Niccolai LM. Drug Network Characteristics and HIV Risk Among Injection Drug Users in Russia: The roles of Trust, Size, and Stability. AIDS And Behavior 2010, 15: 1003-1010. PMID: 20872063, PMCID: PMC3112286, DOI: 10.1007/s10461-010-9816-7.Peer-Reviewed Original Research