Danielle C Ompad

Professor of Epidemiology

Professional overview

Dr. Danielle Ompad is an epidemiologist whose work is focused in the areas of urban health, HIV, illicit drug use, and adult access to vaccines. With respect to illicit drug use, her work has spanned the entire natural history of addiction – from initiation to cessation, with particular attention paid to risk for infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, and STIs.  She has primarily worked with people who use heroin, crack, cocaine, and/or club drugs.  

In New York City, she has been examining heroin cessation among current, former, and relapsed heroin users. Working with Alliance for Public Health and the Ukrainian Institute on Public Health Policy, she analyzes harm reduction service utilization among people who inject drugs, in order to optimize service delivery in Ukraine.  Since 2013, she has served as faculty for the Fogarty-funded New York State International Training and Research Program with the goal of building research capacity in Ukraine.

Dr. Ompad’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases-funded study aims to determine if herpes simplex 1 and 2 infections explain racial disparities in HIV incidence among a cohort of young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (YMSM).  In addition, Dr. Ompad and colleagues are assessing HPV infection prevalence, persistence, and clearance among this same cohort.

Education

BS, Biology, Bowie State University, Bowie, MD

MHS, Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

PhD, Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD

Honors and awards

Excellence in Public Health Teaching Award, New York University (2014)

Excellence in Public Health Teaching Award, New York University (2013)

National Hispanic Science Network on Drug Abuse Scientific Development Travel Fellowship (2010)

Delta Omega Honorary Society, Alpha Chapter (2002)

Areas of research and study

Epidemiology

HIV/AIDS

Infectious Diseases

Social Determinants of Health

STIs

Substance Abuse

Vaccines

Publications

Publications

Development and Validation of a Provider-Specific Anticipated Stigma Scale for People Who Inject Drugs

Ompad, D. C., Ivasiy, R., Earnshaw, V. A., Huh, J., Cleland, C. M., Friedman, S. R., Schneider, J. A., Ompad, D., Bluthenthal, R. N., & Walters, S. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2026

Journal title

AIDS and behavior

Abstract

Abstract

Stigma in healthcare settings is a critical barrier to HIV prevention and treatment among people who inject drugs (PWID). While previous tools have measured anticipated stigma, few account for the intersectional and provider-specific experiences of PWID-particularly from syringe service programs (SSPs). We developed and validated the Substance Use Anticipated Provider Stigma Scale (SU-APSS), a multidimensional instrument assessing anticipated stigma from four provider types: healthcare workers, substance use treatment staff, pharmacists, and SSP personnel. Data were drawn from a cross-sectional survey of 264 PWID who were 18 or older, HIV-negative, had injected drugs and used opioids within the past 30 days, and showed visible signs of recent injection. We conducted confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) on responses from 218 participants to evaluate structural validity and used Cronbach's alpha to assess internal consistency. The CFA supported a four-factor structure with strong model fit indices (CFI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.09 [0.07, 0.11], SRMR = 0.04). All items significantly loaded onto their respective factors (loadings: 0.62-1.06). Internal consistency was high across all subscales (α = 0.85-0.96) and for the overall scale (α = 0.87). Attribution analysis revealed drug use, physical appearance, and income level as the most common perceived reasons for anticipated stigma. The SU-APSS offers a practical tool for identifying provider-specific stigma, informing stigma-reduction interventions, and evaluating implementation strategies to improve HIV prevention and care engagement among PWID.

Evaluating a Pilot Online Writing Accountability Group (WAG) for Early-Stage Faculty in Drug Use and HIV Research: A Mixed Methods Approach

Duncan, D. T., Benoit, E., Brown, K., Pham, B., Ompad, D. C., Hilliard, C., Yee, D., Furuya, A., Des Jarlais, D., & Hagan, H. (n.d.).

Publication year

2026

Journal title

Jounral of Facuty Development

Volume

in press

Abstract

Abstract

In this evaluation study, we describe a mixed-methods assessment of a newly established Writing Accountability Group (WAG) in 2022 for early-stage faculty who are committed to studying people who use drugs, sexual and gender minorities, racial/ethnic disparities, and HIV, drug use, overdose, STIs, and other health-related outcomes. To assess the pilot WAG program, we employed a convergent mixed methods design, which allows evaluation of both outcomes and process of WAG participants. Of the 28 individuals contacted, 12 participants completed the quantitative survey, assessing self-care, grant productivity, and participation barriers. Our six qualitative interviews found three primary themes: 1) assessment (evaluating the benefits of WAG sessions and its structure), 2) motivations (the consistent writing time and social interaction) and 3) accountability (enhanced commitment through social obligation and self-efficacy). 75% of participants report working on a grant or paper during the WAG session. We noted a within person increase in reported grant and paper submissions. Additionally, WAG participation decreased over time. Future WAG program should address structural and personal barriers for increased WAG attendance. 

HIV-Stigmatizing Beliefs and Attitudes as a Barrier to Early PrEP Care Continuum Engagement Among People Who Inject Drugs

Ompad, D. C., Walters, S. M., Do, H., Jaiswal, J., Khezri, M., Ivasiy, R., Friedman, S. R., Ompad, D. C., El Shahawy, O., Lim, S., Schneider, J. A., Bouris, A., Bluthenthal, R. N., Earnshaw, V. A., & Huh, J. (n.d.).

Publication year

2026

Journal title

AIDS and behavior

Abstract

Abstract

HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective prevention strategy, yet awareness, knowledge, and willingness to use it among people who inject drugs (PWID) remains inadequate despite widespread eligibility. Stigma, particularly HIV-stigmatizing beliefs and attitudes, may be a key barrier to engagement at early stages of the PrEP care continuum. We examine how HIV-stigmatizing beliefs and attitudes affect PrEP awareness, knowledge, and willingness among PWID. We surveyed 262 HIV-negative PWID in Los Angeles and Denver (2021-2023) and used structural equation modeling to examine associations between HIV-stigmatizing beliefs and attitudes (11-item validated scale with α = 0.899 and 1-factor structure) and three early PrEP outcomes: awareness, knowledge, and willingness, while controlling for race/ethnicity, gender, housing status, and conducted sub-analyses on willingness to use long-acting injectable PrEP. HIV-stigmatizing beliefs and attitudes were significantly associated with lower PrEP awareness (β - 0.212, p 

PrEP Stigma and Early PrEP Care Continuum Outcomes Among People Who Inject Drugs in Los Angeles and Denver

Khezri, M., Ivasiy, R., Schneider, J. A., Friedman, S. R., Ompad, D. C., Earnshaw, V. A., Bluthenthal, R. N., Huh, J., & Walters, S. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2026

Journal title

Drug and Alcohol Dependence

Volume

submitted

Abstract

Abstract

Background Despite high HIV risk among people who inject drugs (PWID), uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) remains low. Understanding the role of stigma toward PrEP use among PWID can inform interventions to improve engagement along the PrEP care continuum. We examined associations between PrEP stigma and early PrEP care continuum steps among PWID. Methods We analyzed data from 244 HIV-negative PWID in Los Angeles and Denver, between April 2021 and June 2023. Participants completed a survey assessing stigma toward PrEP, awareness of PrEP, willingness to take PrEP, and attempts to access PrEP. A 10-item PrEP stigma scale assessed attitudes and perceptions toward PrEP use. Results Overall PrEP stigma was low (mean 1.63, SD 0.46). Sixty-three percent of participants had heard of PrEP, 46.2% reported willingness to take PrEP, and 5.0% had attempted to access PrEP. PrEP stigma was not associated with awareness of PrEP (aOR 0.90; 95% CI: 0.47-1.70). However, higher stigma was significantly associated with lower willingness to take PrEP; each one-point increase in stigma score was associated with 76% lower odds of willingness (aOR 0.24; 95% CI: 0.11-0.51). Higher stigma was associated with lower odds of attempting to access PrEP in unadjusted analyses, but this association was not statistically significant after adjustment (aOR 0.17; 95% CI: 0.02-1.19). Conclusion Stigma toward PrEP, reflected in negative beliefs and social attitudes about PrEP use, remains an important barrier to willingness to initiate PrEP among PWID. Interventions addressing PrEP-related stigma may improve PrEP engagement and help reduce HIV transmission risk among PWID.

The geography of risk: understanding disparities in nonmedical opioid mortality and the role of socio-built environments in New Jersey

Ompad, D. C., Tempalski, B., Fong, C., Doyle, S. T., & Ompad, D. C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2026

Journal title

Harm reduction journal

Abstract

Abstract

Disparities in nonmedical opioid (NMO) mortality reflect a shifting geography of risk that presents urgent public health challenges. This study uses a socio-built environment (SBE) framework to investigate how place-based conditions shape NMO-related risks across urban, suburban, and rural municipalities in New Jersey.

“Keep them off the scaffolding!”: A qualitative study of substance use and harm reduction among construction workers in New York City

Sandh, S., Snyder, K. M., Walters, S. M., Gershon, R., Palamar, J. J., & Ompad, D. C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2026

Journal title

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Volume

submitted

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: To examine substance use patterns and harm reduction strategies among New York City construction workers (CWs). Methods: Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were conducted with 28 CWs. Transcripts were thematically coded to explore work-related stressors, substance use, workplace policies, and harm reduction practices. Results: Participants reported using substances to manage physical pain, occupational stress, and focus. Reported harms included overdose, injury, and job termination. To mitigate these risks, workers practiced "interpersonal solidarity," using passive (non-reporting) and active (workload adjustment) strategies to balance safety with job security. Employer interventions included signage, training, and naloxone access. "Random" drug testing was often perceived as reactive, typically occurring post-incident. Conclusions: Substance use serves as a coping mechanism for the physical and mental demands of construction. Workers frequently rely on informal peer networks to navigate the conflict between safety and employment.

"It's Whack, It's Not Gonna Work": Feasibility of Sociocentric Network Recruitment for Interventions Among Black, Latine, and Caribbean Priority Populations in New York City

Ompad, D. C., Shrader, C.-H. H., Robinson, C., Hassan, M., Brown, B., Lee, J.-Y. Y., Smith, M., Latkin, C., Schneider, J. A., Ompad, D. C., & Duncan, D. T. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

AIDS education and prevention : official publication of the International Society for AIDS Education

Volume

37

Issue

4

Page(s)

288-311

Abstract

Abstract

Black, Latine, and Caribbean (BLC) sexual and gender minorities (SGM) face structural HIV inequities. Sociocentric interventions may address these barriers, but it is unclear if respondent-driven sampling (RDS) can recruit existing BLC SGM friendship groups or if sociocentric HIV prevention interventions are feasible.

"Once You're Labeled a Drug User, You Might as Well Stay the F*** Home": Adverse Police Experiences Among People Who Inject Drugs

Ompad, D. C., Trombley, C., El-Shahawy, O., Frank, D., Ompad, D. C., Jaiswal, J., Earnshaw, V. A., & Walters, S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Substance use & misuse

Page(s)

1-9

Abstract

Abstract

Despite the growing relevance of rural areas in the overdose crisis, research on rural people who inject drugs and their experiences with law enforcement remains limited. This research examines how rural policing and stigma uniquely shape the lives of people who inject drugs.

Depression among people living with tuberculosis and tuberculosis/HIV coinfection in Ukraine : a cross-sectional study

Salnikova, A., Makarenko, O., Sereda, Y., Kiriazova, T., Lunze, K., DeHovitz, J., & Ompad, D. C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Global Health Action

Volume

18

Issue

1

10.1080/16549716.2024.2448894

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Depressive disorders are associated with poor treatment outcomes, physical health, and quality of life among people living with TB (PLWTB) and TB/HIV (PLWTBHIV). Data on depression among PLWTB/HIV are limited in Ukraine. Objectives: This cross-sectional study aimed to examine depression risk and its correlates and describe the willingness to seek depression treatment among PLWTB/HIV in Ukraine. Methods: This secondary analysis included patients with and without HIV who initiated TB treatment within 30 days in two tertiary hospitals in Kyiv and Odesa. A survey was conducted from February 2021 to October 2022 and reviewed patients’ health records. We used the Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D) to indicate risk for clinical depression. Factors associated with depressive symptoms were identified using logistic regression. Results: The sample included 209 participants (n = 100 with TB; n = 109 with TB/HIV). The mean age of participants was 43 (SD = 11) years; 66% of sample identified as male. Approximately 28% of participants were at risk for clinical depression; of whom 66% were willing to seek therapeutic or medical help. HIV coinfection (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 2.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.46,6.20), past 30 days illicit drug use (aOR = 3.57, 95% CI = 1.18,11.60), TB stigma (moderate stigma aOR = 7.40, 95% CI = 2.22,34.1; high stigma aOR = 15.50, 95% CI = 4.52,73.20), and unemployment status (aOR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.12,4.60) were significantly associated with the odds of depressive symptoms among PLWTB. Conclusion: Findings support integration of a brief depression screening tool into routine clinical care of PLWTB/HIV and highlight the importance of linking TB/HIV care with mental health services.

Depression among people living with tuberculosis and tuberculosis/HIV coinfection in Ukraine: a cross-sectional study

Ompad, D. C., Salnikova, A., Makarenko, O., Sereda, Y., Kiriazova, T., Lunze, K., DeHovitz, J., & Ompad, D. C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Global health action

Volume

18

Issue

1

Page(s)

2448894

Abstract

Abstract

Depressive disorders are associated with poor treatment outcomes, physical health, and quality of life among people living with TB (PLWTB) and TB/HIV (PLWTBHIV). Data on depression among PLWTB/HIV are limited in Ukraine.

Depression and anxiety among people living with HIV and key populations at risk for HIV in the Eastern European and Central Asian region: a scoping review

Ompad, D. C., Pashalishvili, M., Zurashvili, T., Imerlishvili, E., Salnikova, A., Ompad, D. C., & Djibuti, M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

BMJ public health

Volume

3

Issue

2

Page(s)

e002114

Abstract

Abstract

This scoping review aimed to map the literature on depression and anxiety among people living with HIV and key populations in the Eastern European and Central Asian (EECA) region. The review assessed the burden of these disorders, identified inconsistencies in measurement approaches and highlighted gaps to inform future research and policy efforts.

Genetic Characterization of Plasmodium falciparum Histidine-Rich Protein 2 Deletions and Their Impact on Malaria Interventions in Odisha, India

Mohanty, S., Jones, A. M., Dash, S., Chhatria, S. R., Padhan, T. K., Mohanty, S., Carlton, J. M., Ompad, D. C., Kessler, A., & Sahu, P. K. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene

Volume

112

Issue

3

Page(s)

601-609

10.4269/ajtmh.24-0330

Abstract

Abstract

Diagnostic escape via Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) histidine-rich protein 2 (pfhrp2) gene deletions is a major potential hurdle for global malaria elimination efforts. We investigated the prevalence of pfhrp2 gene deletions in 15 malaria-endemic villages in the state of Odisha, India, and modeled their impact on an ongoing in-country malaria intervention program. We found that 61.6% of subpatent P. falciparum infections (i.e., rapid diagnostic test [RDT]-negative and positive by polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) had pfhrp2 gene deletions, which were predominantly located in the exon 2 region (96.2%) and largely identified in samples from febrile individuals (82.6%). DNA sequencing and protein diversity features were characterized in a subset of samples from individuals with subpatent infections carrying intact pfhrp2 exon 2 loci. Our analyses revealed novel amino acid repeat motifs (231–293 amino acids), and these variant repeat sequences differed from those of RDT1/PCR1 samples. We also evaluated the state-sponsored mass screening and treatment intervention in the context of pfhrp2 gene deletions. We found that mass screening and treatment conducted alongside additional interventions (e.g., long-lasting insecticidal net distribution, indoor residual spraying) reduced the relative risk of infection for both P. falciparum parasites harboring a pfhrp2 deletion (adjusted relative risk ratio [aRRR] 5 0.3; 95% CI 5 0.1–1.0) and P. falciparum parasites with intact pfhrp2 genes (aRRR 5 0.4; 95% CI 5 0.2–1.1) when compared with the use of mass screening and treatment by RDT alone. Combined, our findings highlight the need for alternative diagnostic targets and tools as India moves toward its goal of malaria elimination by 2030.

Harms associated with injecting in public spaces: a global systematic review and meta-analysis

Ompad, D. C., Khezri, M., Kimball, S., McKnight, C., Rouhani, S., Bunting, A. M., Karamouzian, M., Ompad, D. C., & Des Jarlais, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

The International journal on drug policy

Volume

140

Page(s)

104819

Abstract

Abstract

Despite increasing backlash against harm reduction efforts and the need to understand the risk environments encountered by people who inject drugs (PWID), a quantitative systematic review on public injecting and associated health and drug-related outcomes is lacking. We aimed to summarize the global evidence on the prevalence and harms associated with injecting in public spaces.

Macro-level determinants of gender differences in the prevalence of major depression and alcohol use disorder in the United States and across Europe

Hagen, D., Bambra, C., Ompad, D. C., & Goldmann, E. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Journal of Affective Disorders

Volume

370

Page(s)

301-312

10.1016/j.jad.2024.10.082

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Major depressive disorder (MDD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) are leading psychiatric causes of burden of disease. Although research has found pronounced gender differences in these disorders, the magnitude of these differences varies substantially between settings. However, integrated analyses of both disorders are lacking, limiting the comparability of findings. Moreover, few studies conceptualize political and socio-cultural characteristics as separate macro-level determinants of gender differences. This paper analyzes the association between gender differences in the prevalence of both MDD and AUD with social policy expenditures and indicators of gender equality. Methods: Data for adults from the U.S. Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2006/2008 (n = 234,020) and the European Social Survey 2014 (n = 30,416) were used. Cross-sectional analyses were conducted using modified Poisson regression models adjusted for individual-level and macro-level covariates; multiplicative and additive interaction were evaluated. Results: Social policy expenditures and support for gender equality were negatively associated with gender differences in AUD in Europe (p < 0.001), with the male excess prevalence varying between 26.1 % at lowest and 9.4 % at highest observed levels of expenditures, and between 23.3 % at lowest and 6.8 % at highest levels of gender equality. In the U.S., state-level reproductive rights were negatively associated with gender differences in AUD (p = 0.036). No equivalent effects were observed for gender differences in MDD. Conclusion: The prevalence of AUD among men and women tends to converge in settings with higher levels of social policy generosity and gender equality, respectively. This effect does not seem to apply to gender differences in MDD in either setting.

Prevalence of dignity denial among people who inject drugs in Los Angeles, California and Denver, Colorado

Leonard, S. I., Renson, A., Bluthenthal, R. N., Friedman, S. R., Earnshaw, V. A., Ivasiy, R., Ompad, D. C., Schneider, J. A., Huh, J., & Walters, S. M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Harm Reduction Journal

Volume

submitted

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Stigma produces significant risk for negative health outcomes among people who inject drugs, including infections, overdose, and mental health disorders. One understudied mechanism that overlaps with social stigma is dignity denial (i.e., attacks on one’s ability to feel or develop self-respect). Methods: Using survey measures of personal and witnessed experiences of dignity denial in a sample of 470 people who inject drugs in Los Angeles, California and Denver, Colorado, we described the frequency of these experiences and the perceived reasons for and sources of them. Results: Participants were male (77.1%), heterosexual (80.7%), white (52.1%), under the federal poverty line (52.8%), and experiencing unstable housing or homelessness (83.7%). Most (75.4%) participants reported experiencing dignity denial in the past three months, with a quarter reporting it daily; most (68.3%) also had witnessed it. The most common perceived reasons for dignity denial were drug use and socioeconomic factors, and the most common source was, strangers, followed by other community members and law enforcement. Conclusions: Findings indicate experiences of dignity denial are common among people who inject drugs and that those experiencing unstable housing or homelessness might be particularly vulnerable to these attacks. This suggests that dignity denial should be considered in future work as a relevant mechanism of stigmatization that upholds structural oppression of people who inject drugs and, potentially, other marginalized people, too.

Studies on cognitive performance among older people living with HIV in eastern Europe and central Asia: a scoping review

Ompad, D. C., Imerlishvili, E., Gustafson, D. R., Pashalishvili, M., Ompad, D. C., & Djibuti, M. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

BMJ open

Volume

15

Issue

6

Page(s)

e094427

Abstract

Abstract

Despite the growth of the population of older people living with HIV (PLWH), data on cognitive disorders among older PLWH, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, are scarce. These data are especially underrepresented in the literature from eastern Europe and central Asia (EECA).

“Even in death they discriminate against you”: A qualitative study of intersectional stigma and HIV care among Black, Latiné, and Caribbean SGM in New York City

Hassan, M., Robinson, C., Fanjoy, C., de Lespinasse, C., Bailey, R., Hamner, A., Hunter, E., Ailliams, R., Bond, K., Ompad, D. C., Duncan, D. T., & Shrader, C.-H. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Critical Public Health

Volume

submitted

Abstract

Abstract

Intersecting identities and systemic factors shape stigma, and access to HIV care among Black, Latiné, and Caribbean sexual and gender minoritized people (SGM). We sought to explore the relationship between intersectional stigma and HIV-related care among this population. We recruited 18 participants using convenience sampling, from HIV-services and SGM serving community-based organizations in New York City (NYC). We conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews to assess behavioral vulnerability, HIV prevention/treatment uptake, and experiences of intersectional stigma and discrimination. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using the general inductive approach. A total of 18 participants completed an in-depth interview. Most participants reported migrating to NYC (n=8), being US-born (n=11), living with HIV (n=12), and being adherent to antiretroviral therapy or preexposure prophylaxis (n=15). Of participants, 14 identified as a cisgender man, 2 as non-binary/fluid, and 2 as a transgender woman. Participants identified racially/ethnically as non-Latiné Black (n=8), Latiné (n=5), and Black-Caribbean (n=4). We identified a total of 17 subthemes grouped into five themes: 1) Intersecting stigma and discrimination 2) HIV, health, and social service accessibility 3) Mental health 4) Substance use 5) Community and connection. Community-based organizations and peer networks emerged as key sources of support and successful healthcare navigation. Future HIV-prevention and care strategies can incorporate culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and community-based approaches to improve HIV-related outcomes for this population.

"He's used drugs - he's biased! He's not a drug user - what would he know!": A cross-sectional, online study of drug researchers' experiential knowledge of drug use and disclosure

Ompad, D. C., Ompad, D. C., Shrader, C.-H. H., Snyder, K. M., Netherland, J., Vakharia, S. P., & Walker, I. (n.d.).

Publication year

2024

Journal title

Drug and alcohol dependence reports

Volume

12

Page(s)

100256

Abstract

Abstract

Despite the recognized value of experiential knowledge, drug use and disclosure of drug use within the drug research community is rarely discussed or studied.

The impact of the 2014 military conflict in the east of Ukraine and the Autonomous Republic of the Crimea among patients receiving opioid agonist therapies

Ompad, D. C., Meteliuk, A., Sazonova, Y., Goldmann, E., Xu, S., Liutyi, V., Liakh, T., Spirina, T., Lekholetova, M., Islam, Z., & Ompad, D. C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2024

Journal title

Journal of substance use and addiction treatment

Volume

160

Page(s)

209312

Abstract

Abstract

Opioid agonist therapies (OAT) for people with opioid use disorders (OUD) have been available in Ukraine since 2004. This study assessed the effect of 2014 Russian invasion of Ukraine on OAT re-enrollment and retention in conflict areas.

Creation and Validation of a New Socio-built Environment Index Measure of Opioid Overdose Risk for Use in Both Non-urban and Urban Settings

Williams, L. D., Kolak, M., Villanueva, C., Ompad, D. C., & Tempalski, B. (n.d.).

Publication year

2023

Journal title

Journal of Urban Health

Volume

100

Issue

5

Page(s)

1048-1061

10.1007/s11524-023-00754-7

Abstract

Abstract

A great deal of literature has examined features of the physical built environment as predictors of opioid overdose and other substance use-related outcomes. Other literature suggests that social characteristics of settings are important predictors of substance use outcomes. However, there is a dearth of literature simultaneously measuring both physical and social characteristics of settings in an effort to better predict opioid overdose. There is also a dearth of literature examining built environment as a predictor of overdose in non-urban settings. The present study presents a novel socio-built environment index measure of opioid overdose risk comprised of indicators measuring both social and physical characteristics of settings — and developed for use in both urban and non-urban settings — and assesses its validity among 565 urban, suburban, and rural New Jersey municipalities. We found that this novel measure had good convergent validity, based on significant positive associations with a social vulnerability index and crime rates, and significant negative associations with a municipal revitalization index and high school graduation rates. The index measure had good discriminant validity, based on lack of association with three different racial isolation indices. Finally, our index measure had good health outcome-based criterion validity, based on significant positive associations with recent overdose mortality. There were no major differences between rural, suburban, and urban municipalities in validity analysis findings. This promising new socio-built environment risk index measure could improve ability to target and allocate resources to settings with the greatest risk, in order to improve their impact on overdose outcomes.

Evaluating the effect heterogeneity of malaria camp interventions in hard-to-reach areas of Odisha State, India

Kim, S., Sahu, P. K., Padhan, T. K., Mohanty, S., Haque, M. A., Mohanty, S., Kessler, A., Ompad, D. C., Carlton, J., & Tozan, Y. (n.d.).

Publication year

2023

Abstract

Abstract

~

How the rural risk environment underpins hepatitis C risk : Qualitative findings from rural southern Illinois, United States

Walters, S. M., Frank, D., Felsher, M., Jaiswal, J., Fletcher, S., Bennett, A. S., Friedman, S. R., Ouellet, L. J., Ompad, D. C., Jenkins, W., & Pho, M. T. (n.d.).

Publication year

2023

Journal title

International Journal of Drug Policy

Volume

112

10.1016/j.drugpo.2022.103930

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has increased among persons who inject drugs (PWID) in the United States with disproportionate burden in rural areas. We use the Risk Environment framework to explore potential economic, physical, social, and political determinants of hepatitis C in rural southern Illinois. Methods: Nineteen in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with PWID from August 2019 through February 2020 (i.e., pre-COVID-19 pandemic) and four with key informants who professionally worked with PWID. Interviews were recorded, professionally transcribed, and coded using qualitative software. We followed a grounded theory approach for coding and analyses. Results: We identify economic, physical, policy, and social factors that may influence HCV transmission risk and serve as barriers to HCV care. Economic instability and lack of economic opportunities, a lack of physically available HCV prevention and treatment services, structural stigma such as policies that criminalize drug use, and social stigma emerged in interviews as potential risks for transmission and barriers to care. Conclusion: The rural risk environment framework acknowledges the importance of community and structural factors that influence HCV infection and other disease transmission and care. We find that larger structural factors produce vulnerabilities and reduce access to resources, which negatively impact hepatitis C disease outcomes.

I Don’t Believe a Person Has to Die When Trying to Get High : Overdose Prevention and Response Strategies in Rural Illinois

Walters, S. M., Felsher, M., Frank, D., Jaiswal, J., Townsend, T., Muncan, B., Bennett, A. S., Friedman, S. R., Jenkins, W., Pho, M. T., Fletcher, S., & Ompad, D. C. (n.d.).

Publication year

2023

Journal title

International journal of environmental research and public health

Volume

20

Issue

2

10.3390/ijerph20021648

Abstract

Abstract

Background: Overdose is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among people who inject drugs. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is now a major driver of opioid overdose deaths. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 participants (19 persons who inject drugs and 4 service providers) from rural southern Illinois. Data were analyzed using constant comparison and theoretical sampling methods. Results: Participants were concerned about the growing presence of fentanyl in both opioids and stimulants, and many disclosed overdose experiences. Strategies participants reported using to lower overdose risk included purchasing drugs from trusted sellers and modifying drug use practices by partially injecting and/or changing the route of transmission. Approximately half of persons who inject drugs sampled had heard of fentanyl test strips, however fentanyl test strip use was low. To reverse overdoses, participants reported using cold water baths. Use of naloxone to reverse overdose was low. Barriers to naloxone access and use included fear of arrest and opioid withdrawal. Conclusions: People who inject drugs understood fentanyl to be a potential contaminant in their drug supply and actively engaged in harm reduction techniques to try to prevent overdose. Interventions to increase harm reduction education and information about and access to fentanyl test strips and naloxone would be beneficial.

The effectiveness of malaria camps as part of the malaria control program in Odisha, India

Ompad, D. C., Ompad, D. C., Padhan, T. K., Kessler, A., Tozan, Y., Jones, A. M., van Eijk, A. M., Sullivan, S. A., Haque, M. A., Pradhan, M. M. M., Mohanty, S., Carlton, J. M., & Sahu, P. K. (n.d.).

Publication year

2023

Journal title

Scientific reports

Volume

13

Issue

1

Page(s)

22998

Abstract

Abstract

Durgama Anchalare Malaria Nirakaran (DAMaN) is a multi-component malaria intervention for hard-to-reach villages in Odisha, India. The main component, malaria camps (MCs), consists of mass screening, treatment, education, and intensified vector control. We evaluated MC effectiveness using a quasi-experimental cluster-assigned stepped-wedge study with a pretest-posttest control group in 15 villages: six immediate (Arm A), six delayed (Arm B), and three previous interventions (Arm C). The primary outcome was PCR + Plasmodium infection prevalence. The time (i.e., baseline vs. follow-up 3) x study arm interaction term shows that there were statistically significant lower odds of PCR + Plasmodium infection in Arm A (AOR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.17, 0.74) but not Arm C as compared to Arm B at the third follow-up. The cost per person ranged between US$3-8, the cost per tested US$4-9, and the cost per treated US$82-1,614, per camp round. These results suggest that the DAMaN intervention is a promising and financially feasible approach for malaria control.

The effectiveness of malaria camps as part of the malaria control program in Odisha, India

Ompad, D. C., Padhan, T. K., Kessler, A., Tozan, Y., Jones, A. M., van Eijk, A. M., Sullivan, S. A., Haque, M. A., Pradhan, M. M., Mohanty, S., Carlton, J. M., & Sahu, P. K. (n.d.).

Publication year

2023

Journal title

Scientific reports

Volume

13

Issue

1

10.1038/s41598-023-46220-x

Abstract

Abstract

Durgama Anchalare Malaria Nirakaran (DAMaN) is a multi-component malaria intervention for hard-to-reach villages in Odisha, India. The main component, malaria camps (MCs), consists of mass screening, treatment, education, and intensified vector control. We evaluated MC effectiveness using a quasi-experimental cluster-assigned stepped-wedge study with a pretest–posttest control group in 15 villages: six immediate (Arm A), six delayed (Arm B), and three previous interventions (Arm C). The primary outcome was PCR + Plasmodium infection prevalence. The time (i.e., baseline vs. follow-up 3) x study arm interaction term shows that there were statistically significant lower odds of PCR + Plasmodium infection in Arm A (AOR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.17, 0.74) but not Arm C as compared to Arm B at the third follow-up. The cost per person ranged between US$3–8, the cost per tested US$4–9, and the cost per treated US$82–1,614, per camp round. These results suggest that the DAMaN intervention is a promising and financially feasible approach for malaria control.