Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: timeframes: Group 1 (2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)(2010)(2011)(2012)(2013)(2014)(2015)(2016)(2017)(2018) and Group 2 (2018)(2019)(2020)(2021)(2022).Studies included reported individual-level survival outcomes following naloxone administration in community-based OEND programs.Data were analyzed by population group, naloxone route, dose, training duration, and geographic location. ResultsIn the first group of 41 studies conducted between 2003 and 2018, overall survival after naloxone administration in community settings was 97.3%.When stratified by population, survival rates were highest among people who use drugs (PWUD) (98.3%), followed by family or community members (95.0%), and law enforcement personnel (92.4%).The second group of studies (2018-2022) demonstrated similarly high effectiveness, even as illicit fentanyl became increasingly prevalent, confirming that naloxone distribution remained effective despite the more potent opioid landscape.At the community level, areas where overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) programs were implemented saw reductions in overdose mortality of up to 46%, underscoring not only the individual-level benefit but also the broader population impact of these interventions. ConclusionCommunity-based naloxone distribution programs are highly effective at reducing opioid overdose deaths, with sustained high survival rates even amid the rise of fentanyl.The findings support broader implementation and access to naloxone in community settings. CritiqueStrengths include a large number of studies, robust meta-analytic methods, and real-world applicability.Limitations include reliance on passive follow-up, potential publication bias, lack of control groups, and Article #1: Naloxone Distribution Programs Fischer LS, Asher A, Stein R, et al.: Effectiveness of naloxone distribution in community settings to reduce opioid overdose deaths among people who use drugs: a systematic review and meta-analysis.BMC Public Health.2025;25:1135.h t t p s : / / d o i . o r g / 1 0 . 1 1 8 6 / s 1 2 8 8 9 -0 2 5 -2 2 2 1 0 -8.Background Over 111,000 overdose deaths occurred in the U.S. during the 12 months ending July 2023, with over three-quarters involving opioids.Naloxone can reverse opioid overdoses but remains underutilized in community settings.Community-based overdose education and naloxone distribution (OEND) programs have expanded but still face barriers such as stigma, cost, and limited access.Research Question How effective are community-based naloxone distribution programs at reducing opioid overdose deaths among people who use drugs and other laypersons in non-clinical settings?Methods Systematic review and meta-analysis of peer-reviewed studies (2003)(2004)(2005)(2006)(2007)(2008)(2009)(2010)(2011)(2012)(2013)(2014)(2015)(2016)(2017)(2018)(2019)(2020)(2021)(2022), divided into two
Source: Journal of Medical Toxicology
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,990
OpenAlex ID: W4416916526
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