Published in

MDPI, International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(19), p. 9283, 2022

DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159283

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Changes in Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Opioid-Related Outcomes in Urban Areas during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Rapid Review of the Literature

Journal article published in 2022 by Kara M. Moran, Pricila H. Mullachery ORCID, Stephen Lankenau, Usama Bilal ORCID
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Abstract

Opioid use disorders (OUDs) are increasingly common among minoritized populations, who have historically experienced limited access to healthcare, a situation that may have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a structured keyword search in Pubmed, we reviewed the literature to synthesize the evidence on changes in racial/ethnic disparities in OUD-related outcomes in urban areas during the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. Nine articles were included in the final analysis. Six found increases in OUD-related outcomes during the pandemic, with four showing a widening of disparities. Results also point to the worsening of opioid outcomes among Black and Latinx individuals related to shelter-in-place or stay-at-home orders. Studies examining the use of telehealth and access to OUD treatment showed that minoritized groups have benefited from telehealth programs. The limited number of studies in a small number of jurisdictions indicate a gap in research examining the intersection between COVID-19 and OUD-related outcomes with a focus on disparities. More research is needed to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related policies on OUD outcomes among racial/ethnic minoritized groups, including examining the impact of service disruptions on vulnerable groups with OUD.