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The study explores the intersection of sexually and gender diverse people and opioid use disorder

BOSTON, Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- A pivotal new retrospective cohort study from published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry assesses opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment differences in sexually and gender diverse (SGD) people, as compared to straight and cisgender people. This research underscores unique treatment considerations for SGD communities with OUD.

The study, titled "," explores the intersection of OUD and the specific needs of SGD patients. Key findings of the study include that straight/heterosexual patients were more likely than sexually diverse patients to be prescribed buprenorphine, methadone, and naloxone. Cisgender patients were also more likely to be prescribed buprenorphine than transgender and gender diverse patients. Transgender and gender diverse patients, however, were more likely to be prescribed oral naltrexone than cisgender patients. Regarding visit utilization, SGD patients had higher proportions of behavioral health visits, as compared to the straight/heterosexual patients.

"This is the first study to conduct detailed analysis of access to both medication and psychotherapy for OUD among sexually and gender diverse patients, including careful comparison with straight and cisgender patients to better understand disparities," explained Dr. Alex Keuroghlian, Director of the Division of Education and Training at The Fenway Institute and senior author of the study.

"Our research highlights the urgent need for tailored interventions that consider the unique experiences of SGD people with OUD," said study lead author, Dr. Michal McDowell, a Child Psychiatry Fellow and Researcher at The Fenway Institute. "By understanding disparities in buprenorphine prescribing in particular, we can implement practice delivery changes to address this challenge. Additionally, we can consider where SGD patients feel most at home receiving OUD care and offer services tailored accordingly." In addition, the study team emphasized the need for follow-up qualitative patient and provider focused research to understand why these treatment disparities and differences exist.

As the opioid epidemic continues to affect communities nationwide, this study serves as a reminder of the importance of delivering culturally tailored, sensitive, and inclusive healthcare. It calls for the implementation of clinical frameworks that promote equitable access to treatment for all people.

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Founded in 1971, advocates for and delivers innovative, equitable, accessible health care, supportive services, and transformative research and education. We center LGBTQIA+ people, BIPOC individuals, and other underserved communities to enable our local, national, and global neighbors to flourish. The Fenway Institute at Fenway Health is an interdisciplinary center for research, training, education and policy development focusing on national and international health issues.

Media Contact

Christopher Viveiros, Fenway Health, 6177217494, [email protected],

SOURCE Fenway Health