Food access among people who inject drugs in West Virginia

Abstract Background The substance use epidemic in the United States continues to drive high levels of morbidity and mortality, particularly among people who inject drugs (PWID). Poor access food often co-occurs with drug contributes associated sequelae, such as risks for HIV diabetes. objective this study was examine factors adequate PWID a rural Appalachian community. Methods Cross-sectional surveys were used collect data aged 18 older Cabell County, West Virginia. Frequency hunger sociodemographic, structural characteristics measured. Adequate defined reporting ‘never’ going bed hungry at night past six months. Pearson’s ? 2 t -tests multivariable logistic regression identify access. Results Only 71 individuals (17%) reported never Adjusted odds having higher completed school (aOR 2.94; P = 0.010) usually alone 1.97; 0.025), lower female 0.51; 0.037), experienced homelessness 0.23, < 0.001), recently arrested 0.50 0.047), engaged receptive sharing injection equipment 0.52, 0.035). Conclusions We found extremely low population Appalachia are vulnerable overdose infectious disease transmission. Integrated interventions promoting needed improve public health wellbeing Appalachia.