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The Economic Impact of the Opioid Crisis in the United States

Description

This study examines the economic impact of the opioid crisis in the United States. Primarily testing the years 2007-2018, I gathered data from the Census Bureau, Centers for Disease Control, and Kaiser Family Foundation in order to examine the relative impact of a one dollar increase in GDP per Capita…

This study examines the economic impact of the opioid crisis in the United States. Primarily testing the years 2007-2018, I gathered data from the Census Bureau, Centers for Disease Control, and Kaiser Family Foundation in order to examine the relative impact of a one dollar increase in GDP per Capita on the death rates caused by opioids. By implementing a fixed-effects panel data design, I regressed deaths on GDP per Capita while holding the following constant: population, U.S. retail opioid prescriptions per 100 people, annual average unemployment rate, percent of the population that is Caucasian, and percent of the population that is male. I found that GDP per Capita and opioid related deaths are negatively correlated, meaning that with every additional person dying from opioids, GDP per capita decreases. The finding of this research is important because opioid overdose is harmful to society, as U.S. life expectancy is consistently dropping as opioid death rates rise. Increasing awareness on this topic can help prevent misuse and the overall reduction in opioid related deaths.

ContributorsRavi, Ritika Lisa (Author) / Goegan, Brian (Thesis director) / Hill, John (Committee member) / Department of Economics (Contributor) / Department of Information Systems (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)

Created2019-05

A Cross-State Longitudinal Study of Opioid-Related Deaths Associated with Opioid and Naloxone Prescribing and Prevention Laws

Description

More than 40% of all U.S. opioid overdose deaths in 2016 involved a prescription opioid, with more than 46 people dying every day from overdoses involving prescription opioids, (CDC, 2017). Over the years, lawmakers have implemented policies and laws to address the opioid epidemic, and many of these vary from…

More than 40% of all U.S. opioid overdose deaths in 2016 involved a prescription opioid, with more than 46 people dying every day from overdoses involving prescription opioids, (CDC, 2017). Over the years, lawmakers have implemented policies and laws to address the opioid epidemic, and many of these vary from state to state. This study will lay out the basic guidelines of common pieces of legislation. It also examines relationships between 6 state-specific prescribing or preventative laws and associated changes in opioid-related deaths using a longitudinal cross-state study design (2007-2015). Specifically, it uses a linear regression to examine changes in state-specific rates of opioid-related deaths after implementation of specific policies, and whether states implementing these policies saw smaller increases than states without these policies. Initial key findings of this study show that three policies have a statistically significant association with opioid related overdose deaths are—Good Samaritan Laws, Standing Order Laws, and Naloxone Liability Laws. Paradoxically, all three policies correlated with an increase in opioid overdose deaths between 2007 and 2016. However, after correcting for the potential spurious relationship between state-specific timing of policy implementation and death rates, two policies have a statistically significant association (alpha <0.05) with opioid overdose death rates. First, the Naloxone Liability Laws were significantly associated with changes in opioid-related deaths and was correlated with a 0.33 log increase in opioid overdose death rates, or a 29% increase. This equates to about 1.39 more deaths per year per 100,000 people. Second, the legislation that allows for 3rd Party Naloxone prescriptions correlated with a 0.33 log decrease in opioid overdose death rates, or a 29% decrease. This equates to 1.39 fewer deaths per year per 100,000 people.

ContributorsDavis, Joshua Alan (Author) / Hruschka, Daniel (Thesis director) / Gaughan, Monica (Committee member) / School of Human Evolution & Social Change (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)

Created2019-05

The Arizona Global Development Network and The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: A Case Study of Arizona’s NGOs

Description

The Arizona Global Development Network (AGDN) is a group of diverse nonprofit organizations within the state. This network is a platform for member organizations to collaborate and exchange ideas on a wide range of topics regarding international development. Announced in 2016, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) consists of…

The Arizona Global Development Network (AGDN) is a group of diverse nonprofit organizations within the state. This network is a platform for member organizations to collaborate and exchange ideas on a wide range of topics regarding international development. Announced in 2016, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) consists of 17 goals determined by the United Nations to address complex issues regarding human health, inequality and the environment around the globe. This self-designed code categorization study and semi-structured qualitative interviews aimed to explore Arizona’s international impacts and its alignment to the SDGs. First, the study completed a comprehensive observation of the information presented on these organizations’ websites. Second, interviews were conducted with representatives from each organization. The findings of this study provide an in-depth understanding of the network’s contributions to the wider, international community.

ContributorsRegorgo, Ray Gerard Lunar (Author) / Cruz-Torres, Maria (Thesis director) / Gutierrez, Veronica (Committee member) / Ortiz, Anna (Committee member) / School of Human Evolution & Social Change (Contributor) / School of Politics and Global Studies (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)

Created2021-05

Advancing the Implementation of Medication-Assisted Treatment in Residential Treatment

Description

Abstract
Objective: To assess the attitudes and knowledge of behavioral health technicians (BHTs)
towards opioid overdose management and to assess the effect of online training on opioid
overdose response on BHTs’ attitudes and knowledge, and the confidence to identify and
respond to opioid overdose situations.

Design/Methods: Pre-intervention Opioid Overdose Knowledge Scale (OOKS) and Opioid
Overdose Attitude…

Abstract
Objective: To assess the attitudes and knowledge of behavioral health technicians (BHTs)
towards opioid overdose management and to assess the effect of online training on opioid
overdose response on BHTs’ attitudes and knowledge, and the confidence to identify and
respond to opioid overdose situations.

Design/Methods: Pre-intervention Opioid Overdose Knowledge Scale (OOKS) and Opioid
Overdose Attitude Scale (OOAS) surveys were administered electronically to five BHTs in
2020. Data obtained were de-identified. Comparisons between responses to pre-and post-surveys questions were carried out using the standardized Wilcoxon signed-rank statistical test(z). This study was conducted in a residential treatment center (RTC) with the institutional review board's approval from Arizona State University. BHTs aged 18 years and above, working at this RTC were included in the study.

Interventions: An online training was provided on opioid overdose response (OOR) and
naloxone administration and on when to refer patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) for
medication-assisted treatment.

Results: Compared to the pre-intervention surveys, the BHTs showed significant improvements
in attitudes on the overall score on the OOAS (mean= 26.4 ± 13.1; 95% CI = 10.1 - 42.7; z =
2.02; p = 0.043) and significant improvement in knowledge on the OOKS (mean= 10.6 ± 6.5;
95% CI = 2.5 – 18.7; z =2.02, p = 0.043).

Conclusions and Relevance: Training BHTs working in an RTC on opioid overdose response is
effective in increasing attitudes and knowledge related to opioid overdose management. opioid
overdose reversal in RTCs.

Keywords: Naloxone, opioid overdose, overdose education, overdose response program

ContributorsQuie, Georgette (Author) / Guthery, Ann (Thesis advisor)

Created2021-04-12

Advancing the Implementation of Medication-Assisted Treatment in Residential Treatment

Description

Objective: To assess the attitudes and knowledge of behavioral health technicians (BHTs) towards opioid overdose management and to assess the effect of online training on opioid overdose response on BHTs’ attitudes and knowledge, and the confidence to identify and respond to opioid overdose situations. Design/Methods: Pre-intervention Opioid Overdose Knowledge Scale (OOKS) and Opioid Overdose Attitude…

Objective: To assess the attitudes and knowledge of behavioral health technicians (BHTs) towards opioid overdose management and to assess the effect of online training on opioid overdose response on BHTs’ attitudes and knowledge, and the confidence to identify and respond to opioid overdose situations. Design/Methods: Pre-intervention Opioid Overdose Knowledge Scale (OOKS) and Opioid Overdose Attitude Scale (OOAS) surveys were administered electronically to five BHTs in 2020. Data obtained were de-identified. Comparisons between responses to pre-and post-surveys questions were carried out using the standardized Wilcoxon signed-rank statistical test(z). This study was conducted in a residential treatment center (RTC) with the institutional review board's approval from Arizona State University. BHTs aged 18 years and above, working at this RTC were included in the study. Interventions: An online training was provided on opioid overdose response (OOR) and naloxone administration and on when to refer patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) for medication-assisted treatment. Results: Compared to the pre-intervention surveys, the BHTs showed significant improvements in attitudes on the overall score on the OOAS (mean= 26.4 ± 13.1; 95% CI = 10.1 - 42.7; z = 2.02; p = 0.043) and significant improvement in knowledge on the OOKS (mean= 10.6 ± 6.5; 95% CI = 2.5 – 18.7; z =2.02, p = 0.043). Conclusions and Relevance: Training BHTs working in an RTC on opioid overdose response is effective in increasing attitudes and knowledge related to opioid overdose management. opioid overdose reversal in RTCs.

ContributorsQuie, Georgette (Author) / Guthery, Ann (Thesis advisor) / Arizona State University. College of Nursing & Healthcare Innovation (Contributor)

Created2021-04-12

Research and Design of an Epilepsy Clinic in Developing Countries Based on Sustainability and Ambient Environment

Description

Worldwide there are over 50 million people suffering from epilepsy, eighty percent (80%) of whom live in low to middle income countries. Of that eighty percent (80%) of people suffering from this disease, seventy-five percent (75%) do not receive treatment. The current design and treatment methods of epilepsy have many…

Worldwide there are over 50 million people suffering from epilepsy, eighty percent (80%) of whom live in low to middle income countries. Of that eighty percent (80%) of people suffering from this disease, seventy-five percent (75%) do not receive treatment. The current design and treatment methods of epilepsy have many limitations in these specific countries. These limitations include: lack of education about the disease leading to stigmas surrounding it, inability to afford treatment options, and the absence of healthcare practitioners who specialize in the treatment of neurological illnesses. Additionally, the healthcare system worldwide is a large contributor to climate change calling for a need to implement sustainable practices in both the treatment of patients and creation of healthcare centers. This thesis has been developed in order to theorize the design of a clinic that can be beneficial to epileptics in developing countries and to the environment. Through the methodology of case studies and research on existing strategies implemented in specific hospitals, we were able to focus on three main aspects that should be taken into consideration for an epilepsy clinic: the ambient environment, sustainability, and target demographic - developing countries. The idea ambient environment, it was found, plays a large role in the healing process through reduction of stress on patients. From there the most important features specific to epilepsy were able to be considered and synthesized for the best possible theoretical design of a clinic focused on the treatment and diagnosis of epilepsy in a developing country.

ContributorsPenrose, Nicole Ellen Youzhi (Co-author) / Gonzalez, Bianca (Co-author) / Vallerand, Olivier (Thesis director) / Brunner, Lori (Committee member) / School of Human Evolution & Social Change (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)

Created2019-05

Devil Crate - Changing the Food Culture at ASU Tempe

Description

There are issues at the Arizona State University Tempe campus with the culture of food and many of these issues stem from the dining halls. To determine the extent of this problem, our group conducted research on the Tempe campus through student surveys and in person discussions. What we found…

There are issues at the Arizona State University Tempe campus with the culture of food and many of these issues stem from the dining halls. To determine the extent of this problem, our group conducted research on the Tempe campus through student surveys and in person discussions. What we found were limitations in both the healthy options and hours of operations at the dining halls. Students also showed general dissatisfaction with their diets. Our solution is the Devil Crate, a subscription box that conveniently delivers healthy food along with a personal touch. The recipes, health information and tips inside the subscription box are given to motivate students to eat healthy. We also realized that this solution could potentially solve another issue facing our community, which is food waste. The sustainably sourced food allows the price of Devil Crate to be lowered while eliminating the waste of produce. Once this solution was formulated, a test trial was conducted to measure the demand for such a product among students. The Devil Crate was produced, sold, and delivered to 2 students, both of whom were pleased and willing to recommend Devil Crate to others. The end goal is to incorporate Devil Crate into the meal plans to offer more options in this limited food environment and promote healthy eating among students.

ContributorsDemangone, Michael Richard (Co-author) / Pham, Emily (Co-author) / Anderson, Andrew (Co-author) / Van Vleck, Calista (Co-author) / Byrne, Jared (Thesis director) / Sebold, Brent (Committee member) / School of Human Evolution & Social Change (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)

Created2020-05