Abigail K Winiker
Biographic Data
| ID | 5877315 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Abigail K Winiker |
| GIVEN NAMES | Abigail K |
| FAMILY NAME | Winiker |
| SIGNATURE | WINIKER A K |
| AFFILIATIONS | Johns Hopkins University |
| ORCID | 0000-0002-0146-1920 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 20 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 4 |
| AUTHOR COUNT | 20 |
| EDITOR COUNT | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2019 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2026 |
| H-INDEX | 1 |
Gentrification, policing, and potential pathways to health
Harm reduction vending machines
“Especially Being Homeless, They Just Think You’re Infected with Covid or Something”
People experiencing homelessness with a substance use disorder are a highly structurally vulnerable population, facing a unique burden of compounding stigma, discrimination, and adverse health outcomes. Evidence remains mixed on best practices for housing interventions designed to best meet the needs of this population. Ten people with a history of injection drug use experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic were interviewed between …
‘ They just kind of disappeared’
Background Social networks shape substance use behaviors and health outcomes among people who inject drugs (PWID), yet the ways in which large-scale crises influence network dynamics, particularly through positive changes, remains underexplored. We examine the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on social networks of PWID and subsequent changes to substance use behaviors.Methods Twenty-eight in-depth interviews were conducted between July 2021 and Februar…
Police experiences with cannabis legalization and perceptions of broader drug policy reform
Experiences of a drug decriminalization policy among police and people who use drugs in Baltimore City
Drug decriminalization aims to reduce the harms of punitive enforcement while improving police-community relations. Baltimore City implemented de facto decriminalization in 2020, declining to prosecute simple drug possession cases. We examined perspectives of 26 people who use drugs (PWUD) and 22 police officers on policy impacts using semi-structured interviews conducted in 2023–2024. Using post-structural policy analysis, we explored support fo…
Navigating US illicit drug market volatility
The US illicit drug market is increasingly unreliable, with new and often harmful adulterants contributing to overdose risk among people who use drugs. In this context, it is crucial to examine whether people who inject drugs (PWID) are aware of these changes and if so, how they are adapting to inform harm reduction interventions and programs. In-depth interviews were conducted with 23 PWID between July 2022 and January 2023. Interviews explored …
“All You Can Do is What You Know to Do”
Community-based distribution of naloxone has continued to serve as an important strategy in combatting the U.S. opioid overdose crisis. People who use drugs are first responders in this crisis, administering and disseminating knowledge about naloxone among their social networks. However, it is unclear how knowledge of naloxone evolves over time and across individuals, especially amid a volatile, unregulated drug market. OBJECTIVES: We conducted 2…
“A Lot of Times, We Feel Disposable. Do you Understand? Like We Could Just Be Thrown Away.” Characterizing Consumer Perspectives on Substance Use Treatment Gaps
Background Participatory models can facilitate the design of substance use treatment programs that are best equipped to support their end users, yet many structural barriers limit people who use drugs from effectively engaging in decision-making roles. This study explored how well substance treatment programs are meeting the needs of a group of people who inject drugs (PWID), highlighting a persisting misalignment between their perceived treatmen…
They Talk about the Weather, but No One Does Anything about It’
Understanding everyday conversations about climate change may provide insights into framing the issue to promote climate change action. As part of a longitudinal online study in the US launched in June 2021, 805 respondents were asked if they had discussed climate change with a friend or family member in the prior month; if not, why not, and if yes, they were asked to delineate the conversation topic. Concurrent mixed methods were used to analyze…
Multilevel experiences of carceral violence in Los Angeles, California
Transgender women face a disproportionate burden of carceral violence, or violence related to policing and the criminal legal system, with transgender women of colour experiencing even greater disparities. Several frameworks conceptualise the mechanisms through which violence impacts transgender women. However, none of them directly explore the role of carceral violence, particularly as it is experienced by transgender women themselves. Sixteen i…
What I should be doing is harm reduction, if I'm doing my job right”
Barriers to Assessing and Treating Trauma in Primary Care and Opportunities for Improvement
Background: Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) is a best practice for treating individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD), and primary care-based MOUD management can reduce treatment barriers among OUD patients. Individuals with OUD experience disproportionately high rates of trauma and violence, highlighting the importance of addressing trauma, mental health, and substance use concurrently. However, clear guidelines for trauma-informed tr…
Overdose Experiences among People Who Inject Drugs in West Virginia
Background: As overdose remains a major public health concern in the United States, it is important to understand the experiences people who inject drugs (PWID) have with overdose. Past experiences during such emergencies are an important determinant of future behavior, including help seeking, which can be lifesaving. Methods: We explored experiences with overdose, using data from 21 in-depth interviews collected from PWID in a rural county in We…
No one runs alone
Associations between social network characteristics and sexual minority disclosure concern among Black men who have sex with men living with and without HIV
In addition to the pervasive anti‐Black racism faced by Black people in the United States, Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) face sexual minority stigma and, among BMSM living with HIV, HIV‐related stigma. These multilevel social forces shape social networks, which are important sources of resources, support, and behavior regulation. This study quantitatively examined the relationship between social network characteristics and sexual minorit…
Associations between depressive symptoms and identity-specific social support among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) in Baltimore City, Maryland
Results indicate that BMSM-specific social support is protective against depressive symptoms even in the context of other socioeconomic and structural vulnerabilities, suggesting that strengths-based interventions focused on building community and mutual support among BMSM may be valuable tools to prevent depression and promote positive mental health outcomes for members of this population
The Relationship between Social Norms, Avoidance, Future Orientation, and Willingness to Engage in Climate Change Advocacy Communications
This study examined factors associated with willingness to engage in communication behaviors related to climate change advocacy. Data were collected as part of an online, longitudinal US study beginning in March 2020. Outcomes included willingness to post materials online, contact state legislators, and talk with peers about climate change. Covariates included climate change-related social norms, avoidance of climate change information, and perce…
“When You're Getting High… You Just Don't Want to Be Around Anybody.” A Qualitative Exploration of Reasons for Injecting Alone
Background Rates of death from opioid overdose continue to rise in the United States. One harm reduction strategy designed to reduce fatal overdose risk among people who inject drugs (PWID) is an advisory to not use drugs alone. However, the feasibility and acceptability of this message have not been evaluated. Objectives: This paper explores the drug use practices of young PWID related to injecting alone and reasons for doing so. Methods: From 2…
An examination of grit in black men who have sex with men and associations with health and social outcomes
AIMS: This study sought to examine the prevalence and correlates of grit in a sample of Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) in Baltimore, Maryland. METHODS: A trained research assistant administered the Short-Grit and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scales and surveyed participants of a community-based behavioral health intervention for demographic, health, and sexual behaviors. RESULTS: Of 239 participants, two-thirds sc…
Associations between social network characteristics and sexual minority disclosure concern among Black men who have sex with men living with and without HIV
In addition to the pervasive anti‐Black racism faced by Black people in the United States, Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) face sexual minority stigma and, among BMSM living with HIV, HIV‐related stigma. These multilevel social forces shape social networks, which are important sources of resources, support, and behavior regulation. This study quantitatively examined the relationship between social network characteristics and sexual minorit…
An examination of grit in black men who have sex with men and associations with health and social outcomes
AIMS: This study sought to examine the prevalence and correlates of grit in a sample of Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) in Baltimore, Maryland. METHODS: A trained research assistant administered the Short-Grit and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scales and surveyed participants of a community-based behavioral health intervention for demographic, health, and sexual behaviors. RESULTS: Of 239 participants, two-thirds sc…
An examination of grit in black men who have sex with men and associations with health and social outcomes
AIMS: This study sought to examine the prevalence and correlates of grit in a sample of Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) in Baltimore, Maryland. METHODS: A trained research assistant administered the Short-Grit and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression (CES-D) scales and surveyed participants of a community-based behavioral health intervention for demographic, health, and sexual behaviors. RESULTS: Of 239 participants, two-thirds sc…
“When You're Getting High… You Just Don't Want to Be Around Anybody.” A Qualitative Exploration of Reasons for Injecting Alone
Background Rates of death from opioid overdose continue to rise in the United States. One harm reduction strategy designed to reduce fatal overdose risk among people who inject drugs (PWID) is an advisory to not use drugs alone. However, the feasibility and acceptability of this message have not been evaluated. Objectives: This paper explores the drug use practices of young PWID related to injecting alone and reasons for doing so. Methods: From 2…
Associations between depressive symptoms and identity-specific social support among Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) in Baltimore City, Maryland
Results indicate that BMSM-specific social support is protective against depressive symptoms even in the context of other socioeconomic and structural vulnerabilities, suggesting that strengths-based interventions focused on building community and mutual support among BMSM may be valuable tools to prevent depression and promote positive mental health outcomes for members of this population
The Relationship between Social Norms, Avoidance, Future Orientation, and Willingness to Engage in Climate Change Advocacy Communications
This study examined factors associated with willingness to engage in communication behaviors related to climate change advocacy. Data were collected as part of an online, longitudinal US study beginning in March 2020. Outcomes included willingness to post materials online, contact state legislators, and talk with peers about climate change. Covariates included climate change-related social norms, avoidance of climate change information, and perce…
Barriers to Assessing and Treating Trauma in Primary Care and Opportunities for Improvement
Background: Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) is a best practice for treating individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD), and primary care-based MOUD management can reduce treatment barriers among OUD patients. Individuals with OUD experience disproportionately high rates of trauma and violence, highlighting the importance of addressing trauma, mental health, and substance use concurrently. However, clear guidelines for trauma-informed tr…
Overdose Experiences among People Who Inject Drugs in West Virginia
Background: As overdose remains a major public health concern in the United States, it is important to understand the experiences people who inject drugs (PWID) have with overdose. Past experiences during such emergencies are an important determinant of future behavior, including help seeking, which can be lifesaving. Methods: We explored experiences with overdose, using data from 21 in-depth interviews collected from PWID in a rural county in We…
No one runs alone
Associations between social network characteristics and sexual minority disclosure concern among Black men who have sex with men living with and without HIV
In addition to the pervasive anti‐Black racism faced by Black people in the United States, Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) face sexual minority stigma and, among BMSM living with HIV, HIV‐related stigma. These multilevel social forces shape social networks, which are important sources of resources, support, and behavior regulation. This study quantitatively examined the relationship between social network characteristics and sexual minorit…
They Talk about the Weather, but No One Does Anything about It’
Understanding everyday conversations about climate change may provide insights into framing the issue to promote climate change action. As part of a longitudinal online study in the US launched in June 2021, 805 respondents were asked if they had discussed climate change with a friend or family member in the prior month; if not, why not, and if yes, they were asked to delineate the conversation topic. Concurrent mixed methods were used to analyze…
Multilevel experiences of carceral violence in Los Angeles, California
Transgender women face a disproportionate burden of carceral violence, or violence related to policing and the criminal legal system, with transgender women of colour experiencing even greater disparities. Several frameworks conceptualise the mechanisms through which violence impacts transgender women. However, none of them directly explore the role of carceral violence, particularly as it is experienced by transgender women themselves. Sixteen i…
What I should be doing is harm reduction, if I'm doing my job right”
Navigating US illicit drug market volatility
The US illicit drug market is increasingly unreliable, with new and often harmful adulterants contributing to overdose risk among people who use drugs. In this context, it is crucial to examine whether people who inject drugs (PWID) are aware of these changes and if so, how they are adapting to inform harm reduction interventions and programs. In-depth interviews were conducted with 23 PWID between July 2022 and January 2023. Interviews explored …
“All You Can Do is What You Know to Do”
Community-based distribution of naloxone has continued to serve as an important strategy in combatting the U.S. opioid overdose crisis. People who use drugs are first responders in this crisis, administering and disseminating knowledge about naloxone among their social networks. However, it is unclear how knowledge of naloxone evolves over time and across individuals, especially amid a volatile, unregulated drug market. OBJECTIVES: We conducted 2…
“A Lot of Times, We Feel Disposable. Do you Understand? Like We Could Just Be Thrown Away.” Characterizing Consumer Perspectives on Substance Use Treatment Gaps
Background Participatory models can facilitate the design of substance use treatment programs that are best equipped to support their end users, yet many structural barriers limit people who use drugs from effectively engaging in decision-making roles. This study explored how well substance treatment programs are meeting the needs of a group of people who inject drugs (PWID), highlighting a persisting misalignment between their perceived treatmen…
Gentrification, policing, and potential pathways to health
Harm reduction vending machines
“Especially Being Homeless, They Just Think You’re Infected with Covid or Something”
People experiencing homelessness with a substance use disorder are a highly structurally vulnerable population, facing a unique burden of compounding stigma, discrimination, and adverse health outcomes. Evidence remains mixed on best practices for housing interventions designed to best meet the needs of this population. Ten people with a history of injection drug use experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic were interviewed between …
‘ They just kind of disappeared’
Background Social networks shape substance use behaviors and health outcomes among people who inject drugs (PWID), yet the ways in which large-scale crises influence network dynamics, particularly through positive changes, remains underexplored. We examine the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on social networks of PWID and subsequent changes to substance use behaviors.Methods Twenty-eight in-depth interviews were conducted between July 2021 and Februar…
Police experiences with cannabis legalization and perceptions of broader drug policy reform
Experiences of a drug decriminalization policy among police and people who use drugs in Baltimore City
Drug decriminalization aims to reduce the harms of punitive enforcement while improving police-community relations. Baltimore City implemented de facto decriminalization in 2020, declining to prosecute simple drug possession cases. We examined perspectives of 26 people who use drugs (PWUD) and 22 police officers on policy impacts using semi-structured interviews conducted in 2023–2024. Using post-structural policy analysis, we explored support fo…
Medicine (12 works) · Psychology (12 works) · HIV, Drug Use, Sexual Risk (11 works) · Opioid Use Disorder Treatment (10 works) · Psychiatry (8 works) · Social Psychology (8 works) · Sociology (7 works) · Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes (7 works) · Mental health (5 works) · Political science (5 works)