The intersection of gender and drug use-related stigma: A mixed methods systematic review and synthesis of the literature

Meyers, Stephanie A.; Earnshaw, Valerie A.; D'Ambrosio, Brittany; Courchesne, Natasia S.; Werb, Dan; Smith, Laramie R.

doi:10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.108706

Cited by 77 publications

(59 citation statements)

References 94 publications

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“…We have previously demonstrated that women of childbearing age were less likely to have initiated treatment than men [ 18 , 26 ]. A global systematic review reported women who use drugs experience multiple stigmas related to societal expectations of womanhood, stereotypes of promiscuity, drug use stigma for women in healthcare, and gender-based violence contributing to a higher vulnerability and disengagement with health services [ 27 ]. Pregnancy and childbirth could also disproportionately affect younger women to delay treatment initiation.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Timely Hepatitis C RNA Testing and Treatment in the Era of Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy among People with Hepatitis C in New South Wales, Australia

Yousafzai

Alavi

Valerio

et al. 2022

Viruses

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This study aimed to identify the factors associated with timely (within four weeks) HCV RNA testing and timely (within six months) DAA initiation following HCV notification in the DAA era. We conducted a cohort study of people with an HCV notification in NSW, Australia. Notifications of positive HCV serology were linked to administrative datasets. Weights were applied to account for spontaneous clearance. Logistic regression analyses were performed. Among 5582 people with an HCV notification during 2016–2017, 3867 (69%) were tested for HCV RNA, including 2770 (50%) who received timely testing. Among an estimated 3925 people with chronic HCV infection, 2372 (60%) initiated DAA therapy, including 1370 (35%) who received timely treatment. Factors associated with timely HCV RNA testing included age (≥30 years), female sex, non-Aboriginal ethnicity, country of birth being Australia, and no history of drug dependence. Factors associated with timely treatment were age (≥30 years), male sex, non-Aboriginal ethnicity, country of birth being Australia, no history of drug dependence, and HCV/HIV co-infection. In the DAA era, 50% of people with an HCV notification did not receive timely HCV RNA testing. Most people with an HCV infection received therapy; however, DAA initiation was delayed among many.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Timely Hepatitis C RNA Testing and Treatment in the Era of Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy among People with Hepatitis C in New South Wales, Australia

Yousafzai

Alavi

Valerio

et al. 2022

Viruses

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“…Demographic characteristics. Respondents were asked about demographic factors including employment status, gender, education, age, income, and marital status [ 53 , 59 , 60 ]. Respondents’ employment status was measured by a single question asking about the title of their current job.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

How Anti-Substance Abuse Campaigns Influence Substance Abusers’ Psychological Health in Chinese Communities: The Mediating Role of Perceived Stigma

Zeng

Cheng

et al. 2022

IJERPH

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The current study explored how anti-substance abuse campaigns influence substance abusers’ psychological health through the perception of stigma. The study is based on a sample of substance abusers who received community-based treatments (n = 3457) and used structural equation modeling to estimate the role of perceived stigma in mediating between perceptions of overstatement of harm conveyed in anti-substance abuse campaigns and psychological outcomes. The results revealed that substance abusers’ perception of overstatement of the harm caused by the substances and substance abusers enhanced their perceived stigma and impaired their psychological health in terms of anxiety, depression, and somatization, through both direct and indirect pathways. The results advocate for proper strategies in the design of anti-substance abuse campaigns. Possible initiatives to reduce substance abusers’ perceived stigma are recommended.

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“…The self-identification of problematic use was complicated for participants in the study by feelings of shame and the fear of experiencing discrimination. Women who use drugs may be more susceptible to feeling stigmatised than men (Meyers et al, 2021) , and are reported to be more likely to experience stigma as a barrier to treatment (Green, 2006). Countering stigma is a key competency for professionals working with this group (Bielenberg, Swisher, Lembke, & Haug, 2021).…”

Section: Working With Stigmamentioning

confidence: 99%

“There’s a big tag on my head”: exploring barriers to treatment seeking with women who use methamphetamine in Sydney, Australia

Clifford

Gordon

Magee

et al. 2022

Preprint

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Background Australia has a high prevalence of regular use of methamphetamine (MA). While half of people who use MA regularly are women, they make up only one third of people seeking treatment for MA use disorder (MaUD). There is a lack of qualitative research into the facilitators and barriers to treatment for women who use MA regularly. The study seeks a better understanding of the experiences and treatment preferences of women who use MA, to inform person-centred changes in practice and policy that break down barriers to treatment. Methods We conducted semi-structured interviews with 11 women who frequently use MA (at least once a week), and who are not engaged in treatment. Women were recruited from health services surrounding a stimulant treatment centre at an inner-city hospital. Participants were asked about their MA use and health service needs and preferences. Thematic analysis was completed using Nvivo software. Results Three themes were developed from participants' responses around experiences of regular MA use and treatment needs: 1. Resistance of stigmatised identity including dependence; 2. Interpersonal violence; 3. Institutionalised stigma. Clear service delivery preferences were also elicited, including continuity of care, integrated health care, and provision of non-judgmental services. Conclusion Gender-inclusive health care services for people who use MA should actively work to address stigma, support a relational approach to assessment and treatment, and seek to provide structurally competent health care that is trauma and violence informed, and integrated with other services. Findings may also have application for substance use disorders other MA.

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The intersection of gender and drug use-related stigma: A mixed methods systematic review and synthesis of the literature

Cited by 77 publications

References 94 publications

Timely Hepatitis C RNA Testing and Treatment in the Era of Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy among People with Hepatitis C in New South Wales, Australia

Timely Hepatitis C RNA Testing and Treatment in the Era of Direct-Acting Antiviral Therapy among People with Hepatitis C in New South Wales, Australia

How Anti-Substance Abuse Campaigns Influence Substance Abusers’ Psychological Health in Chinese Communities: The Mediating Role of Perceived Stigma

“There’s a big tag on my head”: exploring barriers to treatment seeking with women who use methamphetamine in Sydney, Australia

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