Intimate Partner Violence Among Service Members and Veterans: Differences by Sex and Rurality.

Among military service members and veterans (SMVs), factors unique to military service may contribute to an elevated risk of experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization. Although rurality has been established as a risk factor for IPV, differences in IPV victimization by rural- urban dwelling location, SMV status, and sex have not been explored. The purpose of this study was to estimate the rate of IPV victimization in rural and urban areas in the United States by SMV status and sex.

Validity and Reliability of the Empowered Veteran Index-Short Form (EVI-SF).

Purpose: Veteran empowerment may include connection, community impact, and personal growth. At least one valid and reliable tool has been developed to measure the aforementioned framework: the empowered veteran index (EVI). However, there is a need for a shorter measure to prevent survey fatigue.

Social Determinants Associated with Substance Use and Treatment Seeking in Females of Reproductive Age in the United States.

Females of reproductive age (FoRA; 15-49 years) are the demographic most likely to be diagnosed with a substance use disorder. Preventative treatment prior to or during pregnancy is critical. Stigma and social inequities can delay access to care.

A Geospatial Analysis of Social and Structural Determinants of Health and High HIV Prevalence in Alabama, USA.

Objective: This study utilizes geospatial analytic techniques to examine HIV hotspots in Alabama leveraging Medicaid utilization data.

Methods: This cross-sectional study leveraged Medicaid utilization data from Alabama's 67 counties, averaging 9,861 Medicaid recipients aged > 18 years old per county. We used Alabama Medicaid administrative claims data from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2020, to identify individuals with HIV.

A machine learning model for the prediction of unhealthy alcohol use among women of childbearing age in Alabama.

Introduction: This study utilizes a machine learning model to predict unhealthy alcohol use treatment levels among women of childbearing age.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, women of childbearing age (n = 2397) were screened for alcohol use over a 2-year period as part of the AL-SBIRT (screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment in Alabama) program in three healthcare settings across Alabama for unhealthy alcohol use severity and depression. A support vector machine learning model was estimated to predict unhealthy alcohol use scores based on depression score and age.

Addressing Gaps and Saving Lives: Doulas' Role in Addressing Substance Use and Mental Health Challenges Among Pregnant and Postpartum Clients-A Scoping Review.

Objectives: Doulas are a potential resource for addressing substance use and mental health challenges that pregnant and postpartum individuals experience. We sought to review peer-reviewed literature that examines Doulas' role in addressing these challenges to highlight the need for more research in this area.

Methods: We conducted a scoping review (2001-2021) to identify articles that examine the way in which Doulas address maternal substance use and mental health challenges in their clients.

Is Subjective Cognitive Decline Associated with Behavioral Health Outcomes Among Mothers?

Objectives: Studies suggests that pregnancy can alter the maternal neurological function of the brain (i.e., result in cognitive decline) in a way that remains prevalent well into middle and older adulthood.

Survey of barriers and opportunities for prescribing buprenorphine for opioid use disorder in Alabama.

Opioid-related overdose deaths have significantly increased in the USA and in Alabama. Despite this, medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) remains significantly underutilized. Thus, this study aims to gain a better understanding of clinicians' viewpoints on potential barriers and opportunities that are likely to impact and improve the access to MOUD, especially buprenorphine prescribing.

Opioid Use Disorder Among the Economically Disadvantaged in the Rural South.

Objective: This study aimed to identify county-level hotspots and associated risk factors for opioid use disorder (OUD) in the state of Alabama.

Methods: Using 2015 to 2019 Alabama Medicaid administrative claims data, Medicaid recipients with OUD were identified. We performed local indicators of spatial association analysis to identify hotspots of OUD rates.

Chronic disease multimorbidity and substance use among African American men: veteran-non-veteran differences.

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to explore the extent to which prior military service may moderate the relationship between chronic disease multimorbidity and substance use among African American men in the United States.

Design: Data for this cross-sectional study was downloaded from the 2016 -2019 United States (US) National Survey on Drug Use and Health. We estimated three survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression models, where use of each of the following substances served as the dependent variables: illicit drugs, opioids, and tobacco.

Perspectives on a good death: A comparative study of veterans and civilians.

This study aimed to identify any differences between veterans and non-veterans in the importance of domains of the Good Death Inventory. Participants were recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk to complete a Qualtrics survey on the importance of the 18 domains of the Good Death Inventory scale. Logistic regression models were then used to analyze any differences between veterans ( = 241) and nonveterans ( = 1151).

"I am busy enough…": Navigating challenges experienced by Medicaid providers serving pregnant people living with substance use disorders in Alabama.

Purpose: Perinatal substance use is a clinical and public health concern. The purpose of the study was to understand the perspectives and experiences of perinatal healthcare providers serving pregnant people who receive Medicaid and are living with a substance use disorder.

Design And Methods: We conducted a secondary data analysis of the responses from perinatal healthcare providers who completed a survey to assess the state of Alabama's capability to effectively identify and treat individuals with substance use disorder.

Cigarette Use among Parents with Children in the Home: A Comparison of Civilian Parents and Parents with a Military Connection.

We tested the null hypothesis of equal likelihood of cigarette use among parents with a military connection and parents without a military connection, and independently compared risk factors for cigarette use. We obtained National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data from 2015 to 2019 survey waves. We delimited analysis to 2-parent households who reported children aged <18 years living with them.

The Good Death Among Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color: Which Aspects of a Good Death Are Most Important?

A good death is one where a patient's preferences and wishes are fully respected. The purpose of this study was to determine which aspects of a good death are most important to Black/Indigenous, and/or people of color (BIPOC). Participants were recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk, and then directed to complete a quantitative survey indicating the importance of each item on the Good Death Inventory.

Psychological Resilience and Cognitive Function Among Older Military Veterans.

The purpose of this study was to explore the association between psychological resilience and cognitive function in military veterans. We obtained public-use data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) for this cross-sectional study of military veterans aged 52 to 101 years ( = 150). We estimated a multivariable linear regression model in which cognitive function served as the dependent variable and psychological resilience served as the independent variable.

Effectiveness of remote interventions in improving caregiver stress outcomes for caregivers of people with traumatic brain injury.

Objective: Caregiver stress is the term used to define the adverse effects of caregiving, and its prevalence among caregivers of people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) is amplified by the suddenness of brain injury. This systematic review aimed to identify whether remote interventions can be helpful in minimizing those financial, emotional, and physical stressors associated with caring for a person with TBI.

Method: Studies were located by searching the following databases: PsycINFO, PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, Academic Search Premier, CINAHL, Medline, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials.

Medication-assisted treatment and self-help group participation among military veterans with opioid or alcohol use disorder.

Introduction: Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is a combination of behavioural therapy and medications to assist with recovery and has been administered to individuals with alcohol and opioid withdrawal symptoms. Military veterans seeking MAT could have barriers preventing them from receiving the care they desire. The present study sought to compare outcomes in individuals who received MAT or those who participated in self-help groups for opioid or alcohol use disorder.

False negative AUDIT screening results among patients in rural primary care settings.

: The objective of this study was to examine the incidence of false-negative screening results on a tool measuring alcohol use - the United States Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test Consumption (US-AUDIT-C).: A sample of patients (n = 4,023) in Alabama completed the US-AUDIT-C prior to a medical visit as part of a screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment (AL-SBIRT) program. We calculated the incidence of false negative US-AUDIT-C screens based on recommendations for safe alcohol consumption.

Social Determinants of Opioid Use among Patients in Rural Primary Care Settings.

Opioid use and misuse are a widespread problem across the United States. Identifying and targeting social determinants of opioid use may help to identify predictive factors to influence intervention and policy. The purpose of this study was to identify social determinants of opioid use frequency among patients seeking primary care in rural Alabama healthcare facilities.

Pregnancy and Binge Drinking: An Intersectionality Theory Perspective Using Veteran Status and Racial/Ethnic Identity.

Objectives: Alcohol use during pregnancy is a critical public health issue that results in several adverse outcomes for both mother and child. While the prevalence of and consequences of binge drinking among pregnant women is well-documented in the literature, little is known about the intersectional effect of racial/ethnic identity and veteran status. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of binge drinking among pregnant women using the intersectionality of racial/ethnic identity and veteran status.

Experiences of Military Veterans in a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program.

Posttraumatic stress disorder commonly occurs among U.S. military veterans.

Alcohol misuse among older military veterans: an intersectionality theory perspective.

Background: Alcohol misuse among older adults is an emerging public health issue. Older veterans are particularly at risk of developing substance use dependency due to the enduring impacts of military service. The purpose of this study was to test the theory of intersectionality on alcohol misuse by veteran status and age, veteran status and sex, and veteran status and race.

Polysubstance abuse associated with more frequent opioid use among patients in rural primary care settings.

Objective: Opioid use is a continuing problem for the United States. Individuals who use opioids have a high risk of misuse, especially with prescription opioids. Substances that are often used in combination with opioids include methamphetamines, sedatives, and benzodiazepines, as well as tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana, but not in a medical setting.