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Hui J, Reddon H, Fairbairn N, Choi J, Milloy MJ, Socias ME. Prevalence and Correlates of Heavy Alcohol use among People Living with HIV who use Unregulated Drugs in Vancouver, Canada. AIDS Behav 2024:10.1007/s10461-024-04341-y. [PMID: 38662276 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-024-04341-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Among people living with HIV (PLWH), heavy alcohol use is associated with many negative health consequences. However, the impacts of heavy alcohol use are not well described for PLWH who use drugs. Thus, we investigated the prevalence and correlates of heavy alcohol use among a cohort of people who use drugs (PWUD) living with HIV in Vancouver, Canada. We accessed data from an ongoing community-recruited prospective cohort of PLWH who use drugs with linked comprehensive HIV clinical monitoring data. We used generalized linear mixed-effects modeling to identify factors longitudinally associated with periods of heavy alcohol use between December 2005 and December 2019. Of the 896 participants included, 291 (32.5%) reported at least one period with heavy alcohol use. Periods of recent incarceration (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR] = 1.48, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.01-2.17), encounters with police (AOR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.37-2.56), and older age (AOR = 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02-1.07) were positively associated with heavy alcohol use. Engagement in drug or alcohol treatment (AOR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.42-0.70) and male gender (AOR = 0.46; 95% CI: 0.27-0.78) were negatively associated with heavy alcohol use. We observed that heavy alcohol use was clearly linked to involvement with the criminal justice system. These findings, together with the protective effects of substance use treatment, suggest the need to expand access for drug and alcohol treatment programs overall, and in particular through the criminal justice system to reduce alcohol-related harms among PLWH who use drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Hui
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
| | - Hudson Reddon
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada.
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada.
| | - Nadia Fairbairn
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - JinCheol Choi
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - M-J Milloy
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
| | - Maria Eugenia Socias
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, 2775 Laurel Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1M9, Canada
- British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, 1045 Howe Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 2A9, Canada
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Gjersing L, Helle MK. Injecting Alone is More Common among Men, Frequent Injectors and Polysubstance Users in a Sample of People Who Inject Drugs. Subst Use Misuse 2021; 56:2214-2220. [PMID: 34565289 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2021.1981388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Injecting alone increases the risk of a fatal overdose. We examined the extent of such behavior in a sample of people who inject drugs (PWID) and the typical characteristics of those injecting alone at least once during the past four weeks. A cross-sectional study. PWID recruited from the street and from low-threshold services in seven Norwegian cities in September 2017 (n = 359). Associations between characteristics and injecting alone were examined using logistic regression analysis. The independent variables were gender (female/male), age, having received overdose-prevention education (no/yes), and, in the past four weeks; homelessness/shelter use (no/yes), in opioid substitution treatment (no/yes), injecting ≥ four days a week (no/yes), and substances injected (opioids only/opioids and other/other only/central stimulants (CS) only/CS and other/CS and opioids/CS, opioids and other). The adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were reported. Of the 359 PWID, 84.4% reported having injected alone. Males were more likely than females to inject alone (aOR = 1.88 95% CI 1.00-3.54). Furthermore, those injecting frequently (aOR = 1.99 95% CI 1.02-3.86) and those injecting multiple substances (CS, opioids and other) (aOR = 2.94 95% CI 1.01-8.58) were more likely to inject alone compared to those injecting less frequently and opioids only. Although not statistically significant, the effect sizes in the logistic regression models suggest that polysubstance use may be driven by CS use. Injecting alone was common in our sample of PWID, and male gender, frequent injecting and polysubstance injecting were associated with this behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linn Gjersing
- Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Concurrent Alcohol and Opioid Use Among Harm Reduction Clients. Addict Behav 2020; 100:106027. [PMID: 31683186 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2019.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Harm reduction services infrequently address alcohol use among clients using opioids, despite the evaluated risk of overdose or medical consequences for clients with viral infections. The purpose of this study is to assess concurrent alcohol and opioid use among syringe services and overdose prevention program participants predominately in southern Ohio and northern Kentucky. METHODS This is a cross-sectional study using self-report data (n = 1,142) pooled across regional overdose prevention programs and a mobile syringe services program. The outcome variable was concurrent use categorized as no concurrent alcohol, prescription opioid or heroin use; alcohol and heroin or prescription opioid use; and alcohol, prescription opioid and heroin use in the past three months. RESULTS The sample was predominantly white (95%), 56% were male and the mean age was 33 years old. Forty-seven percent of the clients had no concurrent use of alcohol and opioids; 20.1% reported concurrent use of alcohol and either heroin or prescription opioids; and 33.4% reported concurrent use of alcohol, heroin and prescription opioids in the past 3 months. Lifetime suicidal ideation and non-opioid drug use were associated with concurrent alcohol and opioid use in the multivariable model. CONCLUSION Harm reduction clients with concurrent alcohol and opioid use may warrant enhanced overdose prevention services. Syringe services and overdose prevention program participants may benefit from education or a brief intervention on alcohol consumption.
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Klimas J, Fairgrieve C, Tobin H, Field C, O'Gorman CSM, Glynn LG, Keenan E, Saunders J, Bury G, Dunne C, Cullen W. Psychosocial interventions to reduce alcohol consumption in concurrent problem alcohol and illicit drug users. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018; 12:CD009269. [PMID: 30521696 PMCID: PMC6517179 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd009269.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Problem alcohol use is common among people who use illicit drugs (PWID) and is associated with adverse health outcomes. It is also an important factor contributing to a poor prognosis among drug users with hepatitis C virus (HCV) as it impacts on progression to hepatic cirrhosis or opioid overdose in PWID. OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions to reduce alcohol consumption in PWID (users of opioids and stimulants). SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Drugs and Alcohol Group trials register, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and PsycINFO, from inception up to August 2017, and the reference lists of eligible articles. We also searched: 1) conference proceedings (online archives only) of the Society for the Study of Addiction, International Harm Reduction Association, International Conference on Alcohol Harm Reduction and American Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence; and 2) online registers of clinical trials: Current Controlled Trials, ClinicalTrials.gov, Center Watch and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials comparing psychosocial interventions with other psychosocial treatment, or treatment as usual, in adult PWIDs (aged at least 18 years) with concurrent problem alcohol use. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used the standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS We included seven trials (825 participants). We judged the majority of the trials to have a high or unclear risk of bias.The psychosocial interventions considered in the studies were: cognitive-behavioural coping skills training (one study), twelve-step programme (one study), brief intervention (three studies), motivational interviewing (two studies), and brief motivational interviewing (one study). Two studies were considered in two comparisons. There were no data for the secondary outcome, alcohol-related harm. The results were as follows.Comparison 1: cognitive-behavioural coping skills training versus twelve-step programme (one study, 41 participants)There was no significant difference between groups for either of the primary outcomes (alcohol abstinence assessed with Substance Abuse Calendar and breathalyser at one year: risk ratio (RR) 2.38 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.10 to 55.06); and retention in treatment, measured at end of treatment: RR 0.89 (95% CI 0.62 to 1.29), or for any of the secondary outcomes reported. The quality of evidence for the primary outcomes was very low.Comparison 2: brief intervention versus treatment as usual (three studies, 197 participants)There was no significant difference between groups for either of the primary outcomes (alcohol use, measured as scores on the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) or Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) at three months: standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.07 (95% CI -0.24 to 0.37); and retention in treatment, measured at three months: RR 0.94 (95% CI 0.78 to 1.13), or for any of the secondary outcomes reported. The quality of evidence for the primary outcomes was low.Comparison 3: motivational interviewing versus treatment as usual or educational intervention only (three studies, 462 participants)There was no significant difference between groups for either of the primary outcomes (alcohol use, measured as scores on the AUDIT or ASSIST at three months: SMD 0.04 (95% CI -0.29 to 0.37); and retention in treatment, measured at three months: RR 0.93 (95% CI 0.60 to 1.43), or for any of the secondary outcomes reported. The quality of evidence for the primary outcomes was low.Comparison 4: brief motivational intervention (BMI) versus assessment only (one study, 187 participants)More people reduced alcohol use (by seven or more days in the past month, measured at six months) in the BMI group than in the control group (RR 1.67; 95% CI 1.08 to 2.60). There was no difference between groups for the other primary outcome, retention in treatment, measured at end of treatment: RR 0.98 (95% CI 0.94 to 1.02), or for any of the secondary outcomes reported. The quality of evidence for the primary outcomes was moderate.Comparison 5: motivational interviewing (intensive) versus motivational interviewing (one study, 163 participants)There was no significant difference between groups for either of the primary outcomes (alcohol use, measured using the Addiction Severity Index-alcohol score (ASI) at two months: MD 0.03 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.08); and retention in treatment, measured at end of treatment: RR 17.63 (95% CI 1.03 to 300.48), or for any of the secondary outcomes reported. The quality of evidence for the primary outcomes was low. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found low to very low-quality evidence to suggest that there is no difference in effectiveness between different types of psychosocial interventions to reduce alcohol consumption among people who use illicit drugs, and that brief interventions are not superior to assessment-only or to treatment as usual. No firm conclusions can be made because of the paucity of the data and the low quality of the retrieved studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Klimas
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDSBC Centre on Substance Use611 Powell StreetVancouverBCCanadaV6A 1H2
- School of Medicine, University College DublinHealth Science Centre, Belfield, UCDDublinIrelandD4
| | - Christopher Fairgrieve
- BC Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDSBC Centre on Substance Use611 Powell StreetVancouverBCCanadaV6A 1H2
| | - Helen Tobin
- University College DublinSchool of MedicineDublinIreland
| | - Catherine‐Anne Field
- National University of Ireland GalwayCollege of Medicine, Nursing, & Health Sciences, School of Health SciencesGalwayIreland
| | - Clodagh SM O'Gorman
- Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of LimerickGraduate Entry Medical SchoolLimerickIreland
- Graduate Entry Medical School, University of LimerickDepartment of PaediatricsLimerickIreland
| | - Liam G Glynn
- Graduate Entry Medical School, University of LimerickGeneral PracticeLimerickIreland
| | - Eamon Keenan
- Health Service ExecutiveAddiction ServicesBridge House, Cherry Orchard HospitalBallyfermotDublinIreland10
| | - Jean Saunders
- Graduate Entry Medical School, University of LimerickStatistical Consulting Unit/ Applied Biostatistics Consulting Centre /CSTARLimerickIreland
| | - Gerard Bury
- University College DublinSchool of MedicineDublinIreland
| | - Colum Dunne
- Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of LimerickGraduate Entry Medical SchoolLimerickIreland
- Faculty of Education and Health Sciences, University of LimerickCentre for Interventions in Infection, Inflammation & Immunity (4i)LimerickIreland
| | - Walter Cullen
- University College DublinSchool of MedicineDublinIreland
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General practitioners tackle complex addictions: how complex interventions can assist in dealing with addiction. Ir J Psychol Med 2018. [DOI: 10.1017/ipm.2016.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
ObjectivesSubstance use disorder treatment is a complex problem. Complex problems require complex interventions, ideally tested via randomised controlled trials.MethodsComplex interventions are best developed in stages, using established implementation frameworks.Results and ConclusionsStarting with a historical patient case study, we explore how treatment of this challenging population group has been approached, how an evidence-based framework has informed formulation of a complex health intervention and how this has been progressed via the UK’s Medical Research Council (MRC) approach.
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Gjersing L, Bretteville-Jensen AL. Patterns of substance use and mortality risk in a cohort of 'hard-to-reach' polysubstance users. Addiction 2018; 113:729-739. [PMID: 28987019 DOI: 10.1111/add.14053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To examine the mortality risk in a cohort of 'hard-to-reach' polysubstance users and its putative associations with substance use. Specifically, we estimated all-cause mortality risk as a function of individual substance use indicators, and then as a function of their complex, 'real-life' patterns as identified through latent class analysis (LCA). DESIGN Prospective cohort study among street- and low-threshold service-recruited polysubstance users included between September and November 2013 and followed through the National Cause of Death Registry until 31 October 2015. SETTING Seven Norwegian cities. PARTICIPANTS A total of 884 users of illegal opioids and/or stimulants. Of these, 357 were in opioid substitution treatment (OST) at the time of inclusion. Forty-four participants died during follow-up. MEASUREMENTS Primary outcome: all-cause mortality risk. Unadjusted and adjusted Cox proportional hazard (PH) regression models (covariates: male, age, homelessness/shelter use, overdose experience, OST status, years of injecting, individual substance use indicators, city, use patterns). LCA models estimated separately for those in and those not in OST due to measurement invariance. FINDINGS The crude mortality rate was 2.52 per 100 person-years. Standardized mortality ratio was 26.11 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 10.06-54.87] for women and 10.71 (95% CI = 6.39-16.81) for men. No single drug use indicator, such as 'heroin injection' or 'number of drugs used', was associated with the mortality risk. However, meaningful use patterns were identified; three OST and non-OST patterns each. The non-OST patterns 'polysubstance injectors' [hazard ratio (HR) = 3.45, 95% CI = 0.98-12.14] and 'low frequent injectors' (HR = 3.17, CI = 1.05-9.56) were associated significantly with the mortality risk even when adjusted for other known risk factors. CONCLUSIONS In a Norwegian prospective cohort study, 'hard-to-reach' polysubstance users had a more than 10 times higher mortality risk than the general population. Mortality risk was not a function of any single drug use indicator, but two distinct combinations of substances, frequencies and routes of administration were associated with the mortality risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linn Gjersing
- Department of Drug Policy, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Klimas J, Wood E, Nosova E, Milloy MJ, Kerr T, Hayashi K. Prevalence of Heavy Alcohol Use Among People Receiving Methadone Following Change to Methadose. Subst Use Misuse 2018; 53:270-275. [PMID: 28605308 PMCID: PMC5726952 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2017.1302960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A recent switch in methadone formulation from methadone (1 mg/mL) to Methadose (10 mg/mL) in British Columbia (BC), Canada, was associated with increased reports of opioid withdrawal and increases in illicit opioid use. Impacts on other forms of drug use have not been assessed. Since alcohol use is common among people receiving Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), we assessed if switch was associated with increased prevalence of heavy alcohol use. METHODS Drawing on data from two open prospective cohort studies of people who inject drugs in Vancouver, BC, generalized estimating equations (GEE) model examined relationship between methadone formulation change and heavy alcohol use, defined by National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). A sub-analysis examined relationship with heavier drinking defined as at least eight drinks per day on average in last six months. RESULTS Between June 2013 and May 2015, a total of 787 participants on methadone were eligible for the present analysis, of which 123 (15.6%) reported heavy drinking at least once in last six months. In an unadjusted GEE model, Methadose use was not significantly associated with an increased likelihood of heavy drinking [Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.03; 95% Confidence interval (CI) = 0.87-1.21]. Methadose use was not significantly associated with an increased likelihood of drinking at least eight drinks daily on average (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.72-1.65). CONCLUSIONS Despite reported changes in opioid use patterns coinciding with the change, there appeared to be no effect of the methadone formulation change on heavy drinking in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Klimas
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, CANADA, V6Z 1Y6
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Coombe Healthcare Centre, Dolphins barn, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Evan Wood
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, CANADA, V6Z 1Y6
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, CANADA, V6Z 1Y6
| | - Ekaterina Nosova
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, CANADA, V6Z 1Y6
| | - M-J Milloy
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, CANADA, V6Z 1Y6
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, CANADA, V6Z 1Y6
| | - Thomas Kerr
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, CANADA, V6Z 1Y6
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, CANADA, V6Z 1Y6
| | - Kanna Hayashi
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, CANADA, V6Z 1Y6
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Blusson Hall, Room 11300, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC, CANADA, V5A 1S6
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Marshall AD, Grebely J, Dore GJ, Treloar C. ‘I didn’t want to let it go too far.’ The decisions and experiences of people who inject drugs who received a liver disease assessment as part of a liver health promotion campaign: The LiveRLife study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017; 47:153-160. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Tsui JI, Mirzazadeh A, Hahn JA, Maher L, Bruneau J, Grebely J, Hellard M, Kim AY, Shoukry NH, Cox AL, Prins M, Dore G, Lauer G, Lloyd A, Page K. The effects of alcohol on spontaneous clearance of acute hepatitis C virus infection in females versus males. Drug Alcohol Depend 2016; 169:156-162. [PMID: 27816863 PMCID: PMC5328754 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 10/11/2016] [Accepted: 10/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Approximately one quarter of persons exposed to hepatitis C virus (HCV) will spontaneously clear infection. We undertook this study to investigate the impact of alcohol on likelihood of HCV spontaneous viral clearance stratified by sex groups. METHODS Pooled data from an international collaboration of prospective observational studies of incident HIV and HCV infection in high-risk cohorts (the InC3 Study) was restricted to 411 persons (or 560.7 person-years of observation) with documented acute HCV infection and data regarding alcohol use. The predictor of interest was self-reported alcohol use at or after estimated date of incident HCV infection and the outcome was HCV spontaneous clearance. Sex stratified Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate the association between alcohol and spontaneous clearance, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, and IFNL4 genotype. RESULTS The median age was 28.5 years, 30.4% were women, 87.2% were white, and 71.8% reported alcohol use at or after incident infection. There were 89 (21.6%) cases of spontaneous clearance observed, 39 (31.2%) among women and 50 (17.5%) in men (p<0.01). Overall, spontaneous clearance occurred less frequently among participants who drank alcohol compared to those who did not drink (18.9% v. 28.5%, p=0.03). After adjustment for other covariates, alcohol was significantly and independently associated with lower relative hazards for spontaneous clearance of HCV in women (AHR=0.35; 95% CI: 0.19-0.66; p=0.001) but not in men (AHR=0.63; 95% CI: 0.36-1.09; p=0.10). CONCLUSION Results indicate that abstaining from drinking alcohol may increase the likelihood of spontaneous clearance among women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith I. Tsui
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, 325 9th Avenue Seattle, WA 98104, USA,Corresponding author (JT)
| | - Ali Mirzazadeh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, Second Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Judith A. Hahn
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, 550 16th Street, Second Floor, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, 3333 California Street, Suite 430, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA
| | - Lisa Maher
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Wallace Wurth Building, UNSW Australia, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Wallace Wurth Building, UNSW Australia, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Arthur Y. Kim
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Naglaa H. Shoukry
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Université de Montréal, 900 Rue Saint-Denis, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Andrea L. Cox
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, 1830 E. Monument Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Maria Prins
- Cluster Infectious Diseases, GGD Public Health Service of Amsterdam, Nieuwe Achtergracht 100, 1018 WT Amsterdam, Postbus 2200, 1000 CE Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gregory Dore
- The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Wallace Wurth Building, UNSW Australia, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Georg Lauer
- Harvard Medical School, 25 Shattuck St, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Andrew Lloyd
- University of New South Wales, School of Medical Sciences, Wallace Wurth Building, UNSW Australia, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Kimberly Page
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Preventive Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131 USA
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Henihan AM, McCombe G, Klimas J, Swan D, Leahy D, Anderson R, Bury G, Dunne CP, Keenan E, Lambert JS, Meagher D, O'Gorman C, O'Toole TP, Saunders J, Shorter GW, Smyth BP, Kaner E, Cullen W. Feasibility of alcohol screening among patients receiving opioid treatment in primary care. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2016; 17:153. [PMID: 27816057 PMCID: PMC5097838 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-016-0548-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Identifying and treating problem alcohol use among people who also use illicit drugs is a challenge. Primary care is well placed to address this challenge but there are several barriers which may prevent this occurring. The objective of this study was to determine if a complex intervention designed to support screening and brief intervention for problem alcohol use among people receiving opioid agonist treatment is feasible and acceptable to healthcare providers and their patients in a primary care setting. Methods A randomised, controlled, pre-and-post design measured feasibility and acceptability of alcohol screening based on recruitment and retention rates among patients and practices. Efficacy was measured by screening and brief intervention rates and the proportion of patients with problem alcohol use. Results Of 149 practices that were invited, 19 (12.8 %) agreed to participate. At follow up, 13 (81.3 %) practices with 81 (62.8 %) patients were retained. Alcohol screening rates in the intervention group were higher at follow up than in the control group (53 % versus 26 %) as were brief intervention rates (47 % versus 19 %). Four (18 %) people reduced their problem drinking (measured by AUDIT-C), compared to two (7 %) in the control group. Conclusions Alcohol screening among people receiving opioid agonist treatment in primary care seems feasible. A definitive trial is needed. Such a trial would require over sampling and greater support for participating practices to allow for challenges in recruitment of patients and practices. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12875-016-0548-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Marie Henihan
- Graduate Entry Medical School, Faculty of Education & Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Geoff McCombe
- Graduate Entry Medical School, Faculty of Education & Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin , Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Jan Klimas
- Graduate Entry Medical School, Faculty of Education & Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin , Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.,British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1Y6, Canada
| | - Davina Swan
- Graduate Entry Medical School, Faculty of Education & Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin , Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.,Addictions Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, 4 Windsor Walk, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8BB, UK
| | - Dorothy Leahy
- Graduate Entry Medical School, Faculty of Education & Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Rolande Anderson
- Addiction Counsellor, Suite 33, The Morrison Chambers, 32, Nassau Street, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Gerard Bury
- UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin , Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Colum P Dunne
- Graduate Entry Medical School, Faculty of Education & Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Eamon Keenan
- Addiction Services, Health Services Executive, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John S Lambert
- UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin , Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - David Meagher
- Graduate Entry Medical School, Faculty of Education & Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Clodagh O'Gorman
- Graduate Entry Medical School, Faculty of Education & Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Tom P O'Toole
- Brown-Alpert Medical School, Providence, Rhode Island, USA.,Department of Veterans' Affairs, Washington DC, USA
| | - Jean Saunders
- Graduate Entry Medical School, Faculty of Education & Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.,CSTAR Centre, University of Limerick (UL), Limerick, Ireland
| | - Gillian W Shorter
- Trinity Centre for Practice and Healthcare Innovation, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bobby P Smyth
- Trinity Centre for Practice and Healthcare Innovation, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eileen Kaner
- Institute of Health and Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Walter Cullen
- Graduate Entry Medical School, Faculty of Education & Health Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland. .,UCD School of Medicine, University College Dublin , Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland. .,Department of Veterans' Affairs, Washington DC, USA.
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12
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Fairbairn N, Hayashi K, Milloy MJ, Nolan S, Nguyen P, Wood E, Kerr T. Hazardous Alcohol Use Associated with Increased Sexual Risk Behaviors Among People Who Inject Drugs. Alcohol Clin Exp Res 2016; 40:2394-2400. [PMID: 27638501 DOI: 10.1111/acer.13216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 08/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol is associated with a multitude of severe health consequences. While risk behaviors related to illicit drug use are commonly studied among people who inject drugs (PWID), the role of alcohol use has received substantially less attention in this population. We explored whether drug and sexual risk behaviors as well as experiences of violence were associated with hazardous alcohol use in a cohort of PWID. METHODS Analyses were conducted using observational data from a prospective cohort of community-recruited HIV-negative PWID in Vancouver, Canada. We used the U.S. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism definition of hazardous alcohol use (i.e., >14 drinks/wk or >4 drinks on 1 occasion for men, and >7 drinks/wk or >3 drinks on 1 occasion for women). We used multivariable generalized estimating equations (GEE) to identify the factors associated with hazardous alcohol use. RESULTS Between 2006 and 2012, 1,114 HIV-negative individuals were recruited, and 186 (16.7%) reported hazardous alcohol use in the previous 6 months at baseline. In multivariable GEE analyses, having multiple sex partners (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.25), history of sexually transmitted infection (AOR = 1.50), experiencing violence (AOR = 1.36), and incarceration (AOR = 1.29) were each independently associated with hazardous alcohol use. Caucasian ethnicity (AOR = 0.56), ≥ daily heroin injection (AOR = 0.81), and engagement in addiction treatment (AOR = 0.84) were negatively associated with hazardous alcohol use (all p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS A considerable proportion of PWID reported hazardous alcohol use, which was independently associated with reporting sexual, but not drug-related, HIV risk behaviors and experiencing recent violence. Findings suggest a need to integrate regular screening and evidence-based alcohol interventions into treatment efforts for PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Fairbairn
- Urban Health Research Initiative, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kanna Hayashi
- Urban Health Research Initiative, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - M-J Milloy
- Urban Health Research Initiative, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Seonaid Nolan
- Urban Health Research Initiative, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Paul Nguyen
- Urban Health Research Initiative, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Evan Wood
- Urban Health Research Initiative, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Thomas Kerr
- Urban Health Research Initiative, British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada. .,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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13
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Parashar S, Collins AB, Montaner JSG, Hogg RS, Milloy MJ. Reducing rates of preventable HIV/AIDS-associated mortality among people living with HIV who inject drugs. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2016; 11:507-513. [PMID: 27254749 PMCID: PMC5055433 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The modern antiretroviral therapy (ART) era has seen substantial reductions in mortality among people living with HIV. However, HIV-positive people who inject drugs (PWIDs) continue to experience high rates of suboptimal HIV-related outcomes. We review recent findings regarding factors contributing to premature and preventable mortality among HIV-positive PWID, and describe the promise of interventions to improve survival in this group. RECENT FINDINGS The current leading causes of death among HIV-positive PWID are HIV/AIDS-related causes, overdose, and liver-related causes, including infection with hepatitis C virus. Elevated mortality levels in this population are driven by social-structural barriers to ART access and adherence, particularly criminalization and stigmatization of drug use. In contexts where opioid substitution therapy and ART adherence support programs are widely accessible, evidence highlights comparable levels of survival among HIV-positive PWID and people living with HIV who do not inject drugs. SUMMARY The life-saving benefits of ART can be realized among HIV-positive PWID when it is paired with strategies that address barriers to evidence-based medical care. Joint administration of ART and opioid substitution therapy, as well as repeal of punitive laws that criminalize drug users, are urgently needed to reduce HIV and injection-related mortality among PWID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surita Parashar
- aBritish Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, VancouverbFaculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, BurnabycDepartment of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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14
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Klimas J, Wood E, Nguyen P, Dong H, Milloy MJ, Kerr T, Hayashi K. The Impact of Enrolment in Methadone Maintenance Therapy on Initiation of Heavy Drinking among People Who Use Heroin. Eur Addict Res 2016; 22:210-4. [PMID: 27045681 PMCID: PMC4862898 DOI: 10.1159/000444513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is equivocal evidence regarding whether people who use heroin substitute heroin for alcohol upon entry to methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). We aimed to examine the impact of MMT enrolment on the onset of heavy drinking among people who use heroin. METHODS We derived data from prospective, community-based cohorts of people who inject drugs in Vancouver, Canada, between December 1, 2005, and May 31, 2014. Multivariable extended Cox regression analysis examined the effect of MMT enrolment on the onset of heavy drinking among people who used heroin at baseline. RESULTS In total, 357 people who use heroin were included in this study. Of these, 208 (58%) enrolled in MMT at some point during follow-up, and 115 (32%) reported initiating heavy drinking during follow-up for an incidence density of 7.8 events (95% CI 6.4-9.5) per 100 person-years. The incidence density of heavy drinking was significantly lower among those enrolled in MMT at some point during follow-up compared to those who did not (4.6 vs. 16.2; p < 0.001). MMT enrolment was not significantly associated with time to initiate heavy drinking (adjusted relative hazard (ARH) 1.27; 95% CI 0.78-2.07) after adjustment for relevant demographic and substance-use characteristics. Age and cannabis use were the only variables that were independently associated with the time to onset of heavy drinking (ARH 0.74; 95% CI 0.58-0.94 and ARH 2.06; 95% CI 1.32-3.19, respectively). CONCLUSION In this study, MMT enrolment did not predict heavy drinking and may even appear to decrease the initiation of heavy drinking. Our findings suggest younger age and cannabis use may predict heavy drinking. These findings could help inform on-going discussions about the effects of opioid agonist therapy on alcohol consumption among people who use heroin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Klimas
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, CANADA, V6Z 1Y6
- School of Medicine and Medical Science, University College Dublin, Coombe Healthcare Centre, Dolphins barn, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Evan Wood
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, CANADA, V6Z 1Y6
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, CANADA, V6Z 1Y6
| | - Paul Nguyen
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, CANADA, V6Z 1Y6
| | - Huiru Dong
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, CANADA, V6Z 1Y6
| | - M-J Milloy
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, CANADA, V6Z 1Y6
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, CANADA, V6Z 1Y6
| | - Thomas Kerr
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, CANADA, V6Z 1Y6
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, CANADA, V6Z 1Y6
| | - Kanna Hayashi
- British Columbia Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, CANADA, V6Z 1Y6
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, St. Paul's Hospital, 608-1081 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, CANADA, V6Z 1Y6
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