Mary Jo Larson
Biographic Data
| ID | 5534480 |
|---|---|
| NAME | Mary Jo Larson |
| GIVEN NAMES | Mary Jo |
| FAMILY NAME | Larson |
| SIGNATURE | LARSON M J |
| AFFILIATIONS | Brandeis University |
| ORCID | 0000-0003-3417-2882 |
| VERIFIED | Yes |
| TOTAL WORKS | 19 |
| TOTAL CITATIONS | 20 |
| WORKS AS AUTHOR | 19 |
| WORKS AS EDITOR | 0 |
| FIRST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2002 |
| LATEST PUBLICATION YEAR | 2025 |
| H-INDEX | 3 |
Xylazine’s Impacts on the Community in Philadelphia
BACKGROUND: Xylazine is in 99% of the fentanyl supply in Philadelphia, PA and is on the rise throughout the United States. Perspectives about this emerging crisis among people who use opioids (PWUO) and harm reduction workers are lacking. METHODS: We conducted focus groups with PWUO and harm reduction workers in Philadelphia, PA. Discussions focused on xylazine's impact on PWUO. Transcripts were coded for thematic analysis. RESULTS: Themes across…
Implementation of a Police-Led Fentanyl Test Strip Distribution Program in Two US States
BACKGROUND: The increase of fentanyl in the North American drug supply and lack of a reliable detection method for people who use drugs (PWUDs) warrant the broad distribution of fentanyl test strips (FTS). We evaluated the impact and reach of the One2One project in Massachusetts and Maine communities where it was implemented. METHODS: An implementation evaluation occurred from January-November 2021. Through One2One, police officers and non-police…
“It was a good opportunity for us to be in touch with public health”
PURPOSE: Pharmacies have been a significant part of improving population health since before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known about the working relationships between pharmacies and public health entities. This exploratory study describes independent community pharmacists' perceptions during COVID-19 of both pre-existing and newly created relationships with public health. METHODS: This paper is based on 42 qualitative interviews con…
Adverse childhood experiences are associated with increased overdose risk in predominately Latinx adults seeking treatment for substance use disorders
We found the number of ACEs and reported heroin use significantly and positively associated with self-report of overdose in both bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses. In contrast, a positive initial screen for PTSD was only significantly associated with overdose in the bivariate analysis. Increased screening for ACEs is warranted and ACE-specific treatment is suggested for SUD treatment programs offering trauma-informed services fo…
Health effects of the #metoo movement by gender
Treatment of Low Back Pain With Opioids and Nonpharmacologic Treatment Modalities for Army Veterans
BACKGROUND: In the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) there is growing interest in the use of nonpharmacologic treatment (NPT) for low back pain (LBP) as pain intensity and interference do not decrease with opioid use. OBJECTIVES: To describe overall and facility-level variation in the extent to which specific NPT modalities are used in VHA for LBP, either alone or as adjuncts to opioid medications, and to understand associations between vetera…
Food insecurity in veteran households
Objective The present study is the first to use nationally representative data to compare rates of food insecurity among households with veterans of the US Armed Forces and non-veteran households. Design We used data from the 2005–2013 waves of the Current Population Survey – Food Security Supplement to identify rates of food insecurity and very low food security in veteran and non-veteran households. We estimated the odds and probability of food…
Missed Opportunity for Alcohol Problem Prevention Among Army Active Duty Service Members Postdeployment
Objectives. We identified to what extent the Department of Defense postdeployment health surveillance program identifies at-risk drinking, alone or in conjunction with psychological comorbidities, and refers service members who screen positive for additional assessment or care. Methods. We completed a cross-sectional analysis of 333 803 US Army active duty members returning from Iraq or Afghanistan deployments in fiscal years 2008 to 2011 with a …
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Veterans and Military Personnel
BACKGROUND: Recent reports reinforce the widespread interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), not only among military personnel with combat-related disorders, but also among providers who are pressed to respond to patient demand for these therapies. However, an understanding of utilization of CAM therapies in this population is lacking. OBJECTIVE: The goals of this study are to synthesize the content of self-report population surv…
Alcohol Use After Combat-Acquired Traumatic Brain Injury
Military personnel engage in unhealthy alcohol use at rates higher than their same age, civilian peers, resulting in negative consequences for the individual and jeopardized force readiness for the armed services. Among those returning from combat deployment, unhealthy drinking may be exacerbated by acute stress reactions and injury, including traumatic brain injury (TBI). Combat-acquired TBI is common among personnel in the current conflicts. Al…
Military Combat Deployments and Substance Use
Iraq and Afghanistan veterans experience extreme stressors and injuries during deployments, witnessing and participating in traumatic events. The military has organized prevention and treatment programs as a result of increasing suicides and posttraumatic stress disorder among troops; however, there is limited research on how to intervene with alcohol misuse and drug use that accompany these problems. This review presents statistics about post-de…
Association of Military Deployment of a Parent or Spouse and Changes in Dependent Use of Health Care Services
BACKGROUND: U.S. Armed Forces members and spouses report increased stress associated with combat deployment. It is unknown, however, whether these deployment stressors lead to increased dependent medication use and health care utilization. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the deployment of Army active duty members (sponsors) is associated with changes in dependent health care utilization. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental, pre-post study of health care…
Risk of Mortality during Four Years after Substance Detoxification in Urban Adults
Effects of trauma intervention on HIV sexual risk behaviors among women with co‐occurring disorders in substance abuse treatment
Women in substance abuse treatment often have co‐occurring mental health disorders and a history of trauma; they are also at high risk for HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases via unprotected sex. A quasi‐experimental study evaluated the effectiveness of trauma‐enhanced substance abuse treatment combined with HIV/AIDS prevention (N = 122) on reducing sexual risk behaviors compared to treatment with services‐as‐usual (N = 110). Pa…
Need and Non-Need Factors Associated with Addiction Treatment Utilization in a Cohort of Homeless and Housed Urban Poor
BACKGROUND: Research on addiction treatment utilization in indigent samples mainly has been retrospective, without measures of addictive consequences, social network influences, and motivation. Prospective assessment of factors influencing utilization could inform policy and clinical care. OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify factors associated with utilization of addiction treatment and mutual help groups among substance-dependent persons with high …
Characteristics of women engaged in treatment for trauma and co‐occurring disorders
Using data from a common cross‐site protocol administered at study enrollment, in this article we examine key characteristics of 2,729 participants in the Women, Co‐Occurring Disorders and Violence Study (WCDVS), including demographics, physical health, mental health, substance abuse, trauma experiences, parenting status, and past history of service use. These data are important because they represent the first federal initiative that addresses t…
Racial/ethnic differences in social vulnerability among women with co‐occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders
Little attention has been given to racial/ethnic differences in studies of co‐occurring disorders among women. In this article, we present findings from analyses conducted on the influence of racial/ethnic differences on the demographic and clinical profiles of 2,534 women in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration‐sponsored Women, Co‐Occurring Disorders and Violence Study. Black and Hispanic women demonstrated more disadvan…
Homeless Chronicity and Health-Related Quality of Life Trajectories Among Adults With Addictions
Chronic homelessness was associated with especially poor mental but not physical HRQOL over time. These findings reinforce a new typology of homelessness
Transforming power relationships
The risks that climate change poses for the environment and for development are well-documented, yet it has been difficult to build a consensus on measures to reduce global threats to ecological security. How can communities, NGOs, and policy-makers representing less powerful nations overcome objections to measures that aim to mitigate the global threat to environment and development? In climate change negotiations, vulnerable communities and dis…
Characteristics of women engaged in treatment for trauma and co‐occurring disorders
Using data from a common cross‐site protocol administered at study enrollment, in this article we examine key characteristics of 2,729 participants in the Women, Co‐Occurring Disorders and Violence Study (WCDVS), including demographics, physical health, mental health, substance abuse, trauma experiences, parenting status, and past history of service use. These data are important because they represent the first federal initiative that addresses t…
Racial/ethnic differences in social vulnerability among women with co‐occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders
Little attention has been given to racial/ethnic differences in studies of co‐occurring disorders among women. In this article, we present findings from analyses conducted on the influence of racial/ethnic differences on the demographic and clinical profiles of 2,534 women in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration‐sponsored Women, Co‐Occurring Disorders and Violence Study. Black and Hispanic women demonstrated more disadvan…
Effects of trauma intervention on HIV sexual risk behaviors among women with co‐occurring disorders in substance abuse treatment
Women in substance abuse treatment often have co‐occurring mental health disorders and a history of trauma; they are also at high risk for HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases via unprotected sex. A quasi‐experimental study evaluated the effectiveness of trauma‐enhanced substance abuse treatment combined with HIV/AIDS prevention (N = 122) on reducing sexual risk behaviors compared to treatment with services‐as‐usual (N = 110). Pa…
Transforming power relationships
The risks that climate change poses for the environment and for development are well-documented, yet it has been difficult to build a consensus on measures to reduce global threats to ecological security. How can communities, NGOs, and policy-makers representing less powerful nations overcome objections to measures that aim to mitigate the global threat to environment and development? In climate change negotiations, vulnerable communities and dis…
Transforming power relationships
The risks that climate change poses for the environment and for development are well-documented, yet it has been difficult to build a consensus on measures to reduce global threats to ecological security. How can communities, NGOs, and policy-makers representing less powerful nations overcome objections to measures that aim to mitigate the global threat to environment and development? In climate change negotiations, vulnerable communities and dis…
Characteristics of women engaged in treatment for trauma and co‐occurring disorders
Using data from a common cross‐site protocol administered at study enrollment, in this article we examine key characteristics of 2,729 participants in the Women, Co‐Occurring Disorders and Violence Study (WCDVS), including demographics, physical health, mental health, substance abuse, trauma experiences, parenting status, and past history of service use. These data are important because they represent the first federal initiative that addresses t…
Racial/ethnic differences in social vulnerability among women with co‐occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders
Little attention has been given to racial/ethnic differences in studies of co‐occurring disorders among women. In this article, we present findings from analyses conducted on the influence of racial/ethnic differences on the demographic and clinical profiles of 2,534 women in the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration‐sponsored Women, Co‐Occurring Disorders and Violence Study. Black and Hispanic women demonstrated more disadvan…
Homeless Chronicity and Health-Related Quality of Life Trajectories Among Adults With Addictions
Chronic homelessness was associated with especially poor mental but not physical HRQOL over time. These findings reinforce a new typology of homelessness
Need and Non-Need Factors Associated with Addiction Treatment Utilization in a Cohort of Homeless and Housed Urban Poor
BACKGROUND: Research on addiction treatment utilization in indigent samples mainly has been retrospective, without measures of addictive consequences, social network influences, and motivation. Prospective assessment of factors influencing utilization could inform policy and clinical care. OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify factors associated with utilization of addiction treatment and mutual help groups among substance-dependent persons with high …
Risk of Mortality during Four Years after Substance Detoxification in Urban Adults
Effects of trauma intervention on HIV sexual risk behaviors among women with co‐occurring disorders in substance abuse treatment
Women in substance abuse treatment often have co‐occurring mental health disorders and a history of trauma; they are also at high risk for HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases via unprotected sex. A quasi‐experimental study evaluated the effectiveness of trauma‐enhanced substance abuse treatment combined with HIV/AIDS prevention (N = 122) on reducing sexual risk behaviors compared to treatment with services‐as‐usual (N = 110). Pa…
Alcohol Use After Combat-Acquired Traumatic Brain Injury
Military personnel engage in unhealthy alcohol use at rates higher than their same age, civilian peers, resulting in negative consequences for the individual and jeopardized force readiness for the armed services. Among those returning from combat deployment, unhealthy drinking may be exacerbated by acute stress reactions and injury, including traumatic brain injury (TBI). Combat-acquired TBI is common among personnel in the current conflicts. Al…
Military Combat Deployments and Substance Use
Iraq and Afghanistan veterans experience extreme stressors and injuries during deployments, witnessing and participating in traumatic events. The military has organized prevention and treatment programs as a result of increasing suicides and posttraumatic stress disorder among troops; however, there is limited research on how to intervene with alcohol misuse and drug use that accompany these problems. This review presents statistics about post-de…
Association of Military Deployment of a Parent or Spouse and Changes in Dependent Use of Health Care Services
BACKGROUND: U.S. Armed Forces members and spouses report increased stress associated with combat deployment. It is unknown, however, whether these deployment stressors lead to increased dependent medication use and health care utilization. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the deployment of Army active duty members (sponsors) is associated with changes in dependent health care utilization. DESIGN: A quasi-experimental, pre-post study of health care…
Missed Opportunity for Alcohol Problem Prevention Among Army Active Duty Service Members Postdeployment
Objectives. We identified to what extent the Department of Defense postdeployment health surveillance program identifies at-risk drinking, alone or in conjunction with psychological comorbidities, and refers service members who screen positive for additional assessment or care. Methods. We completed a cross-sectional analysis of 333 803 US Army active duty members returning from Iraq or Afghanistan deployments in fiscal years 2008 to 2011 with a …
Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Veterans and Military Personnel
BACKGROUND: Recent reports reinforce the widespread interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), not only among military personnel with combat-related disorders, but also among providers who are pressed to respond to patient demand for these therapies. However, an understanding of utilization of CAM therapies in this population is lacking. OBJECTIVE: The goals of this study are to synthesize the content of self-report population surv…
Food insecurity in veteran households
Objective The present study is the first to use nationally representative data to compare rates of food insecurity among households with veterans of the US Armed Forces and non-veteran households. Design We used data from the 2005–2013 waves of the Current Population Survey – Food Security Supplement to identify rates of food insecurity and very low food security in veteran and non-veteran households. We estimated the odds and probability of food…
Treatment of Low Back Pain With Opioids and Nonpharmacologic Treatment Modalities for Army Veterans
BACKGROUND: In the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) there is growing interest in the use of nonpharmacologic treatment (NPT) for low back pain (LBP) as pain intensity and interference do not decrease with opioid use. OBJECTIVES: To describe overall and facility-level variation in the extent to which specific NPT modalities are used in VHA for LBP, either alone or as adjuncts to opioid medications, and to understand associations between vetera…
Health effects of the #metoo movement by gender
Adverse childhood experiences are associated with increased overdose risk in predominately Latinx adults seeking treatment for substance use disorders
We found the number of ACEs and reported heroin use significantly and positively associated with self-report of overdose in both bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses. In contrast, a positive initial screen for PTSD was only significantly associated with overdose in the bivariate analysis. Increased screening for ACEs is warranted and ACE-specific treatment is suggested for SUD treatment programs offering trauma-informed services fo…
Xylazine’s Impacts on the Community in Philadelphia
BACKGROUND: Xylazine is in 99% of the fentanyl supply in Philadelphia, PA and is on the rise throughout the United States. Perspectives about this emerging crisis among people who use opioids (PWUO) and harm reduction workers are lacking. METHODS: We conducted focus groups with PWUO and harm reduction workers in Philadelphia, PA. Discussions focused on xylazine's impact on PWUO. Transcripts were coded for thematic analysis. RESULTS: Themes across…
Implementation of a Police-Led Fentanyl Test Strip Distribution Program in Two US States
BACKGROUND: The increase of fentanyl in the North American drug supply and lack of a reliable detection method for people who use drugs (PWUDs) warrant the broad distribution of fentanyl test strips (FTS). We evaluated the impact and reach of the One2One project in Massachusetts and Maine communities where it was implemented. METHODS: An implementation evaluation occurred from January-November 2021. Through One2One, police officers and non-police…
“It was a good opportunity for us to be in touch with public health”
PURPOSE: Pharmacies have been a significant part of improving population health since before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, little is known about the working relationships between pharmacies and public health entities. This exploratory study describes independent community pharmacists' perceptions during COVID-19 of both pre-existing and newly created relationships with public health. METHODS: This paper is based on 42 qualitative interviews con…
Medicine (17 works) · Psychiatry (12 works) · Environmental health (10 works) · Psychology (7 works) · Poison control (6 works) · Political science (6 works) · Population (6 works) · Substance Abuse Treatment and Outcomes (6 works) · Clinical Psychology (5 works) · Demography (5 works)