Fentanyl Testing Strips Usage and Perceptions: A Survey Analysis

Background: Fentanyl testing strips (FTS) were decriminalized in Tennessee in 2022, and since then have become a widely used tool for harm reduction efforts across the state. Considering that fentanyl has almost entirely replaced heroin and other opioids in the drug supply, we sought to explore whether FTS were in fact an impactful harm reduction strategy. This study examines the usage patterns and perceptions related to Fentanyl Testing Strips (FTS) among individuals with a history of drug use in both urban and rural contexts. Methods: The survey collected data on FTS usage, reasons for usage (of both substances and FTS), perceptions of FTS, and the perceptions of the impact of drug use on the individuals and their communities. Results: 88.9% of respondents reported a willingness to use FTS, and those reported needing an average of three per day with 83% willing to wait at least five minutes for the result. 87.8% reported that they would take additional precautions to avoid overdose in response to a positive FTS result, with such behaviors including not using or discarding the fentanyl-positive substance, acquiring naloxone, not using alone or calling a friend, or the modification of dose, speed, and/or route of ingestion. 100% of those that used amphetamines daily (including methamphetamine), whether with or without opioids, reported a willingness to take additional precautions. Conclusion: The results shed light on the importance of harm reduction strategies and the potential role of FTS in reducing the risks associated with drug use, particularly for those that use amphetamines

Planned Parenthood: LGBTQ Healthcare in Southern New England

The LGBTQ community experiences health disparities related to access to care, utilization of care, experiences of discrimination, perceptions of injustice, healthcare neglect, and inappropriate care. In addition, statistics often cite higher rates of some health outcomes, such as higher rates of mental illness and substance use in the LGBTQ community at large and HIV/AIDS for transgender women and gay and queer men (Alvy et al., 2011; Cochran et al., 2003; Coulter et al., 2015). These disparities in health and healthcare stand as an emergency beacon to both community members and organizations aimed to serve them. Organizations throughout Connecticut and Rhode Island, such as AIDS Project New Haven, True Colors in Hartford, Triangle Community Center in Norwalk, and SAGE in Providence advocate and work toward the better health of these organizations. But the question of what healthcare needs and desires among LGBTQ community members are not being met by local organizations remains uncertain. This report highlights health disparities and needs among the LGBTQ community using both previous research and the voices of community members. Through highlighting the health care experiences of community members, we illuminate some key factors that influence the health outcomes and thoughts around healthcare within the LGBTQ community. Several of the recommendations and thoughts regarding the expansion and changes to PPSNE are simple, yet poignant fixes to strengthen the comfort and confidence levels of PPSNE staff and providers into the highly comfortable strata found in the survey. This cyclical relationship between providers and patients offers a new and expansive market and community access to Planned Parenthood, with another, often expansive healthcare organization to provide care to community members. Other Planned Parenthood locations throughout the United States offer services and amplify access through specific marketing campaigns to LGBTQ community members. Utilizing these models and heeding the suggestions of community members can offer potential success to both parties, as well as potentially working toward intangible goals, like reducing stigma, increasing awareness, and spreading positive health outcomes throughout the LGBTQ community and the general community. We encourage Planned Parenthood of Southern New England to consider these these steps, and believe that doing so will improve the health status of many LGBTQ community members by dramatically increasing both accessibility and demand for high quality clinical services at PPSNE.https://elischolar.library.yale.edu/ysph_pbchrr/1051/thumbnail.jp

Relational Dimensions of Dog Ownership

The objective was to identify the perceptual dimensions which underlie the relationship between a dog and its owner. Perceptions of 248 dog owners concerning their dogs' skills and activities were assessed. A principal factor analysis yielded dimensions of freedom and privileges of a family member, advanced skills, and basic skills. Their interrelations are discussed and some consequences explored. </jats:p

LGBQ+ Mental Health Disparities/Inequities - Structural Vulnerability and Suicidality

This study will examine structural vulnerability and suicide risk

LGBQ Mental Health Disparities - Sexual Orientation Beliefs and Suicidality

In this study we will look the relationship between sexual orientation beliefs and suicidality from an interpersonal theory of suicide perspective

LGBQ+ Mental Health Disparities/Inequities - LGB Positive Identity Profiles

This study will examine what profiles look like for positive identity in sexual minorities. Likewise it will look at predictors and outcomes of said profile membership

LGBQ Mental Health Disparities/Inequities - Environmental Predictors of Sexual Orientation Belief Profiles

This study will examine the environmental predictors of sexual orientation belief profile

LGBQ Mental Health Disparities - Minority Stress and Suicidality

This study will look at minority stressors and suicidality