The extent of and response to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among adults who have or are receiving care for illicit opiate use in high-income countries: A scoping review.

Abstract

Background: Illicit opiate use by all age groups is still at a record high, leading to increased morbidity and mortality and causing major public health issues. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), a type of lung disease, is one of the major diseases associated with illicit opiate use. However, treating COPD in this population group is still far from optimal in high-income countries despite good healthcare services. It is, therefore, vital to understand the extent of and responsiveness to COPD among individuals who have or are undergoing treatment for illicit opiate use in high-income countries. This scoping review aimed to review the existing literature on the extent of and response to COPD in adults in high-income countries who are receiving or have previously received treatment for opiate use.

Methods: The scoping study entailed gathering and analysing data from papers in the "Discover" database that were linked to a scoping review on the extent of and responsiveness to COPD among persons who have or are receiving care for illegal opiate use in high-income countries. The search was divided into three stages. A preliminary search for relevant research was undertaken using Google Scholar and the Library Discover database. These papers' titles and abstracts were examined to identify related keywords. Second, a systematic search of the LJMU Discover database was conducted, which comprised PubMed, Medline via EBSCO, and CINAHL via EBSCO. Third, the official websites of organisations such as the American Lung Association, the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and the World Health Organisation were searched for grey literature.

Results: 759 studies were identified using database searches. After deleting duplicate entries, 427 studies were reviewed using predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria based on their titles and abstracts. This procedure resulted in the selection of 41 studies for full- text screening against the same standards. Finally, 406 of the 427 records evaluated were rejected, leaving only 21 research to meet the inclusion criteria and be included in the final analysis.

Conclusion: In conclusion, this scoping analysis demonstrates a substantial relationship between illegal opiate use and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in high-income countries. Early screening and tailored therapies for people with a history of opioid misuse are critical for addressing this problem. Improving health outcomes requires integrated care approaches, individualised treatment, and initiatives to decrease stigma. The paper also identifies knowledge gaps, advising policymakers and researchers to prioritise data collection and collaborative research projects to address these concerns fully. By putting the study's suggestions into action, healthcare providers and policymakers may better support this vulnerable population, lowering the burden of COPD in the setting of illegal opiate use and improving overall well-being.