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Caught in the Crossfire of the Syndemic

Gina Dobbs1, Susanne A Fogger

  • 1Gina Dobbs, DNP, MSN, FNP-BC, CRNP, University of Alabama at Birmingham. Susanne A. Fogger, DNP, CRNP, PMHNP-BC, CARN-AP, FAANP, School of Nursing, University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Journal of Addictions Nursing
|September 5, 2018
PubMed

Insights

The opioid epidemic fuels infectious diseases like HIV, creating a syndemic. Integrated nursing care is vital for prevention and treatment in at-risk populations.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • The opioid epidemic is a major public health crisis.
  • Opioid abuse, particularly via injection or insufflation, creates pathways for infectious disease transmission.
  • The concept of a syndemic describes the synergistic interaction of multiple diseases and social factors, worsening health outcomes.

Observation:

  • Opioid use is linked to increased vulnerability to infectious diseases, including HIV.
  • The intersection of the opioid and infectious disease epidemics creates a syndemic, intensifying disease burden.
  • A case study highlights the risks faced by individuals caught in this crossfire.

Findings:

  • Individuals misusing opioids are at significant risk for HIV infection.
  • The current crisis exemplifies a syndemic, where the opioid epidemic exacerbates infectious disease spread.
  • Nurses play a crucial role in identifying at-risk patients and integrating care.

Implications:

  • There is a critical need to recognize patients at risk for HIV due to opioid use.
  • Integrated prevention and treatment strategies are essential for managing this syndemic.
  • Nurses are uniquely positioned to implement and lead these integrated care efforts.

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