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Feigelman W, Cerel J, Gorman BS, Xiao Y. Sexual Assault Victimization in Premature Female Mortalities: Evidence from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health. J Psychoactive Drugs 2024; 56:288-298. [PMID: 37061922 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2023.2202346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Previous research has documented many behavioral problems associated with being a female victim of sexual assault, but little attention has been devoted to whether this experience might be related to premature mortalities. We investigated this utilizing the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health survey, collected from over 10,000 adolescent females in 1995, whose premature deaths (n = 65) were noted in 2007 in National Death Index records. Significant associations were found between females with a substance misuse history and their premature deaths, but not with being a sexual assault victim. The subset of respondents (n = 208) evincing both these characteristics showed significantly higher risks of dying prematurely, as did those females with early histories of drug misuse alone. Yet, adolescent females with histories of drug misuse who also attempted suicide (n = 214) did not show similar elevated risks of dying prematurely compared to others without these experiences. This exploratory evidence points to an affinity between both being a female sexual assault victim and having an early history of misusing drugs, putting such people at heightened risks for dying prematurely, suggesting the potential benefits of counseling and supportive services for those so affected.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julie Cerel
- School of Social Work, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | | | - Yunyu Xiao
- Population Health Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
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2
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Fleury MJ, Cao Z, Grenier G, Huỳnh C. Predictors of Death From Physical Illness or Accidental/Intentional Causes Among Patients With Substance-Related Disorders. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY. REVUE CANADIENNE DE PSYCHIATRIE 2023; 68:163-177. [PMID: 36317322 PMCID: PMC9974654 DOI: 10.1177/07067437221136461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study identified patient clinical and sociodemographic characteristics, and, more originally, service use patterns as predictors of death from physical illness or accidental/intentional causes. METHODS A cohort of 19,015 patients with substance-related disorders (SRD) from 14 addiction treatment centers was investigated using Quebec (Canada) health administrative databases. Death was studied over a 3-year period (April 1, 2013, to March 31, 2016), and most predictors from 4 years to 12 months prior to the time of death, using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS Frequent emergency department (ED) use strongly predicted both causes of death, suggesting that outpatient care responded inadequately to patient needs. Only receipt of specialized SRD and psychiatric care significantly decreased the risk of death from physical illness, with trends toward significance for accidental/intentional death. Hospitalization, greater material deprivation and having SRD-chronic physical illnesses or alcohol-related disorders most strongly predicted risk of death from physical illness. Sociodemographic characteristics, mainly social deprivation, were more likely to predict accidental/intentional death. CONCLUSIONS Outpatient services could be improved by increasing outreach and motivational interventions and, for ED and hospital units, better screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment, particularly for men and socially deprived patients at high risk of accidental/intentional death. Patients with more severe health conditions, notably older or materially deprived men at higher risk of death from physical illness, could benefit from programs like assertive community treatment or intensive case management that respond well to diverse and continuous patient needs. Collaborative care between SRD and health services could also be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Josée Fleury
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Zhirong Cao
- Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Guy Grenier
- Douglas Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Christophe Huỳnh
- Institut Universitaire sur les Dépendances, Centre Intégré Universitaire de Santé et des Services Sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal, Montreal, Canada
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Scarpa S, Grahn R, Lundgren LM. Compulsory care of individuals with severe substance use disorders and alcohol- and drug-related mortality: A Swedish registry study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1106509. [PMID: 36741106 PMCID: PMC9889928 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1106509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM This study used 17 year of Swedish registry data (2003-2019) for 25,125 adults assessed for their severity of substance use to identify the baseline factors predicting the risk of being court-ordered into compulsory care and examine the association between admission to compulsory care and mortality risks due to alcohol- or drug-related causes. METHODS AND MATERIALS Addiction Severity Index (ASI) assessment data were linked to register data on demographic characteristics, compulsory care, and alcohol- and drug-related mortality. Cox regression models were used to identify baseline factors predictive of post-assessment admission to compulsory care in the 5 years post-substance use assessment. Discrete-time random-effect logistic regression models were used to examine the association between compulsory care duration and alcohol or drug-related mortality risks. Propensity score matching was used for validation. RESULTS The first models identified that younger age, female gender, and ASI composite scores for drug use, mental health and employment were significantly associated with the risk of placement in compulsory care for drugs other than alcohol. Female gender and ASI composite scores for alcohol, drug use and employment were significantly associated with compulsory care treatment for alcohol use. The second models showed that older individuals and men were more likely to die due to alcohol-related causes, while younger individuals and men were more likely to die due to drug-related causes. Length of stay in compulsory care institutions significantly increased the likelihood of dying due to substance use-related causes. Propensity scores analyses confirmed the results. CONCLUSION In Sweden, a significant concern is the higher likelihood of women and young individuals to be court-ordered to compulsory care. Although compulsory care is often advocated as a life-saving intervention, our findings do not provide strong support for this claim. On the contrary, our findings show that admission to compulsory care is associated with a higher risk of substance use-related mortality. Factors such as compulsory care often not including any medical or psychological therapy, together with relapse and overdose after discharge, may be possible contributing factors to these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Scarpa
- Department of Social Work, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Robert Grahn
- Department of Social Work, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Lena M Lundgren
- Department of Social Work, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.,Graduate School of Social Work, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
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Drug use disorder and risk of incident and fatal prostate cancer among Swedish men: a nationwide epidemiological study. Cancer Causes Control 2021; 33:213-222. [PMID: 34743253 PMCID: PMC8776671 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-021-01513-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Men with drug use disorders (DUD) may potentially be at high risk for prostate cancer mortality because of delayed diagnosis and/or undertreatment. In this study, we aimed to investigate prostate cancer incidence, mortality, and stage at time of diagnosis among men with DUD compared to the general male population in Sweden. Methods We performed a follow-up study based on Swedish national register data for the period January 1997–December 2016. The study was based on 1,361,532 men aged 50–75 years at inclusion, of whom 9,259 were registered with DUD. Cox regression analysis was used to compute adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for incident and fatal prostate cancer, and cancer stage at time of diagnosis, associated with DUD. Results DUD was associated with a slightly increased risk of incident prostate cancer (HR: 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.14, p = 0.048) and substantially higher risk of fatal prostate cancer (HR: 1.59, 95% CI 1.40–1.82, p < 0.001), adjusted for age, socioeconomic factors, and comorbidities related to tobacco smoking and alcohol use disorder. No association was found between DUD and prostate cancer stage at diagnosis. Conclusions Men with DUD have an increased risk of fatal prostate cancer, possibly related to undertreatment in this patient population. Our findings should raise attention among medical staff and decision-makers towards a disadvantaged group of men in need of easily accessible prostate cancer evaluation and treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10552-021-01513-2.
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Bista S, Nathan S, Rawstorne P, Palmer K, Ferry M, Williams M, Hayen A. Mortality among young people seeking residential treatment for problematic drug and alcohol use: A data linkage study. Drug Alcohol Depend 2021; 228:109030. [PMID: 34592701 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2021.109030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Young people with problematic alcohol and other drug (AOD) use are often referred to residential treatment. Subsequent mortality rates among this high-risk group is not known. This study estimates mortality rates and determines causes of death amongst young people referred to residential treatment in Sydney, Australia. DESIGN Retrospective data linkage study. Data of young people (13-18 years) referred to a residential treatment service 2001-2015 (n = 3256) linked with Australian death registration data, and followed up to 16 years (2001-2016). METHODS Mortality rates (CMRs) and standardised mortality ratios (SMRs, age-, gender-, calendar-year-adjusted) calculated using population mortality rates. Causes of death were analysed using ICD-10 codes for AOD-induced, AOD as contributory and non-AOD related causes. RESULTS During follow-up of the cohort (28,838 person-years), 63 people died (71.4 % males; 48 % Indigenous; median age at death = 21.9 years; median follow-up = 5.1years), with 76 % dying before aged 25 years. Overall mortality (SMR = 4.91, 95 % CI: 3.8-6.2; CMR = 2.18/1000 person-years, 95 % CI: 1.7-2.8) was significantly higher than age-gender-matched general population, particularly in females (SMR = 9.55; males: SMR = 4.11; RR: 2.3, 95 % CI: 1.3-4.1). SMRs were not significantly different between treatment groups (SMRs>5.5) and non-attend group (SMR = 3.7) (p = 0.359). Two-thirds of deaths involved AOD, with AOD-induced deaths comprising 42 % and AOD as contributory for 22 % deaths. Overdose, mainly opioids (including opiates), suicide, and transport accidents were major causes of deaths. CONCLUSION Very high mortality rates, particularly among females, and the high incidence of overdose and suicide emphasise early screening for those at high-risk, targeted and culturally appropriate interventions, and maximised continuing after-care accessible to young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarita Bista
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sally Nathan
- School of Population Health, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | | | - Mark Ferry
- Ted Noffs Foundation Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Megan Williams
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; National Centre for Cultural Competence, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew Hayen
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Dahlman D, Li X, Magnusson H, Sundquist J, Sundquist K. Cervical cancer among Swedish women with drug use disorders: A nationwide epidemiological study. Gynecol Oncol 2020; 160:742-747. [PMID: 33390327 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2020.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Cervical cancer incidence and mortality has decreased after introduction of national screening in Sweden, but women with drug use disorders (DUD) are less likely to participate in screening programs. We aimed to investigate cervical cancer incidence and mortality among women with DUD compared to the general female population in Sweden. METHODS We conducted a cohort study based on Swedish national register data for the period January 1997-December 2015. Data was collected for 3,838,248 women aged 15-75 years of whom 50,858 had DUD. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for incident and fatal cervical cancer were calculated for women with and without DUD using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS DUD was significantly associated with incident cervical cancer (HR = 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39-1.61), but not fatal cervical cancer (HR = 1.25, 95% CI: 0.91-1.71), after adjusting for age, educational attainment, social welfare, region of residence, marital status and HIV infection. CONCLUSION Women with DUD were thus identified as a risk group for incident cervical cancer, which calls for attention from clinicians and policy makers. It is possible that non-attendance in cancer screening and other healthcare seeking barriers may affect the risk of incident cervical cancer among women with DUD but more research on this topic is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Disa Dahlman
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Xinjun Li
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Hedvig Magnusson
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Jan Sundquist
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden; Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA; Center for Community-based Healthcare Research and Education (CoHRE), School of Medicine, Shimane University, Japan
| | - Kristina Sundquist
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden; Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA; Center for Community-based Healthcare Research and Education (CoHRE), School of Medicine, Shimane University, Japan
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7
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Dahlman D, Magnusson H, Li X, Sundquist J, Sundquist K. Drug use disorder and risk of incident and fatal breast cancer: a nationwide epidemiological study. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2020; 186:199-207. [PMID: 33156489 PMCID: PMC7940313 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-020-05998-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Breast cancer is one of the most common cancer forms in women and it is often detected by screening. However, women with drug use disorders (DUD) are less likely to be reached by screening programs. In this study, we aimed to investigate breast cancer incidence, mortality and stage at time of diagnosis among women with DUD compared to the general female population in Sweden. Methods We performed a follow-up study based on Swedish national register data for the period January 1997–December 2015. The study was based on 3,838,248 women aged 15–75 years, of whom 50,858 were registered with DUD. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for incident and fatal breast cancer, and cancer stage at time of diagnosis, were calculated for women with and without DUD using Cox regression analysis. Results DUD was associated with incident breast cancer (HR 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.14, p = 0.0069), fatal breast cancer (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.42–1.82, p < 0.001), and stage IV breast cancer, i.e. metastasis at diagnosis (HR 2.06, 95% CI 1.44–2.95, p < 0.001). Conclusions Women with DUD were identified as a risk group for incident, fatal and metastasized breast cancer, which calls for attention from clinicians and policy makers. Cancer screening attendance and other healthcare seeking barriers are likely to affect the risk increase among women who use drugs; however, more research is needed on the underlying mechanisms. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s10549-020-05998-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Disa Dahlman
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Box 503 22, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Hedvig Magnusson
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Box 503 22, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Xinjun Li
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Box 503 22, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Jan Sundquist
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Box 503 22, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine At Mount Sinai, New York, USA.,Center for Community-Based Healthcare Research and Education (CoHRE), School of Medicine, Shimane University, Matsue, Japan
| | - Kristina Sundquist
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Box 503 22, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine At Mount Sinai, New York, USA.,Center for Community-Based Healthcare Research and Education (CoHRE), School of Medicine, Shimane University, Matsue, Japan
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Swain RS, Taylor LG, Braver ER, Liu W, Pinheiro SP, Mosholder AD. A systematic review of validated suicide outcome classification in observational studies. Int J Epidemiol 2020; 48:1636-1649. [PMID: 30907424 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyz038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Suicidal outcomes, including ideation, attempt, and completed suicide, are an important drug safety issue, though few epidemiological studies address the accuracy of suicidal outcome ascertainment. Our primary objective was to evaluate validated methods for suicidal outcome classification in electronic health care database studies. METHODS We performed a systematic review of PubMed and EMBASE to identify studies that validated methods for suicidal outcome classification published 1 January 1990 to 15 March 2016. Abstracts and full texts were screened by two reviewers using prespecified criteria. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive value for suicidal outcomes were extracted by two reviewers. Methods followed PRISMA-P guidelines, PROSPERO Protocol: 2016: CRD42016042794. RESULTS We identified 2202 citations, of which 34 validated the accuracy of measuring suicidal outcomes using International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes or algorithms, chart review or vital records. ICD E-codes (E950-9) for suicide attempt had 2-19% sensitivity, and 83-100% positive predictive value (PPV). ICD algorithms that included events with 'uncertain' intent had 4-70% PPV. The three best-performing algorithms had 74-92% PPV, with improved sensitivity compared with E-codes. Read code algorithms had 14-68% sensitivity and 0-56% PPV. Studies estimated 19-80% sensitivity for chart review, and 41-97% sensitivity and 100% PPV for vital records. CONCLUSIONS Pharmacoepidemiological studies measuring suicidal outcomes often use methodologies with poor sensitivity or predictive value or both, which may result in underestimation of associations between drugs and suicidal behaviour. Studies should validate outcomes or use a previously validated algorithm with high PPV and acceptable sensitivity in an appropriate population and data source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard S Swain
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology, Divisions of Epidemiology I and II, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Lockwood G Taylor
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology, Divisions of Epidemiology I and II, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Elisa R Braver
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology, Divisions of Epidemiology I and II, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Wei Liu
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology, Divisions of Epidemiology I and II, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Simone P Pinheiro
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology, Divisions of Epidemiology I and II, Silver Spring, MD, USA
| | - Andrew D Mosholder
- Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Office of Surveillance and Epidemiology, Divisions of Epidemiology I and II, Silver Spring, MD, USA
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Incidence and predictors of drug overdoses among a cohort of >10,000 patients treated for substance use disorder. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 206:107714. [PMID: 31753733 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Drug overdoses remain a significant public health burden throughout the world. This study assessed the incidence and predictors of non-fatal and fatal drug overdoses among patients with an opioid use, treated for drug use disorders (DUD) at public treatment centers in Denmark. METHODS A consecutive cohort of patients (n = 11,199) were tracked from date of first registered enrollment between the year 2000 and 2010 to first registered drug overdose, death or December 31st 2010, whichever occurred first. Competing-risks regression models were fitted to estimate the sub hazard ratios (SHRs) of non-fatal and fatal drug overdoses and confounding risk factors. RESULTS A total of 3186 (28%) patients experienced a non-fatal drug overdose during follow-up, and 572 (6%) died from an overdose. Use of benzodiazepines (SHR: 1.15 95% CI 1.03, 1.28) was significantly associated with non-fatal overdose. Intravenous drug use and previous hospitalization for a non-fatal overdose increased the risk of later non-fatal (SHR: 1.57 95% CI 1.42, 1.73) and fatal overdoses (SHR: 1.43 95% CI 1.12, 1.82). CONCLUSIONS Patients who use opioids remain at risk of overdoses for a long time after discharge from drug treatment. Besides relevant monitoring and psychosocial support in opioid maintenance treatment, there is a need for informing and educating opioid users in risk factors and preventive measures in settings where they are often difficult to access for traditional treatment services.
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Stockings E, Tran LT, Santo T, Peacock A, Larney S, Santomauro D, Farrell M, Degenhardt L. Mortality among people with regular or problematic use of amphetamines: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Addiction 2019; 114:1738-1750. [PMID: 31180607 PMCID: PMC6732053 DOI: 10.1111/add.14706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Amphetamines are the second most commonly used class of illicit drugs. We aimed to produce pooled estimates of mortality risks among people with regular or dependent use of amphetamines, with a focus upon all-cause mortality as well as specific causes of death. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis of cohorts of people with problematic use or dependence on amphetamines with data on all-cause or cause-specific mortality. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Of 4240 papers, 30 were eligible, reporting on 25 cohorts that measured all-cause mortality, drug poisoning, suicide, accidental injuries, homicide and cardiovascular mortality. Cohorts (n = 35-74 139) were in North America, several Nordic countries and Asia Pacific. MEASUREMENT Titles/abstracts were independently screened by one reviewer and excluded those reviewed by a second reviewer. Full-text screening was by two reviewers with discrepancies resolved via a third reviewer. We extracted data on crude mortality rates (CMR) per 100 person-years (py), standardized mortality ratios (SMRs). We imputed SMRs where possible if not reported by study authors. We also calculated mortality relative risks. Data were pooled using random-effects models; potential reasons for heterogeneity were explored using subgroup analyses and meta-regressions. FINDINGS Twenty-three cohorts contributed data for the pooled all-cause CMR: 1.14 per 100 py [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.92-1.42]. Pooled cause-specific mortality rates were: drug poisoning, 0.14 per 100 py (95% CI = 0.06-0.34); cardiovascular disease, 0.13 per 100 py (95% CI = 0.06-0.29); suicide, 0.20 per 100 py (95% CI = 0.07-0.55); accidental injury, 0.20 per 100 py (95% CI = 0.08-0.47) and homicide, 0.03 per 100 py (95% CI = 0.02-0.06). There was substantial heterogeneity for all pooled CMR estimates except homicide. The pooled all-cause SMR was 6.83 (95% CI = 5.27-8.84). Pooled cause-specific SMRS were: poisoning, 24.70 (95% CI = 16.67, 36.58); homicide, 11.90 (95% CI = 7.82-18.12); suicide, 12.20 (95% CI = 4.89-30.47); cardiovascular disease, 5.12 (95% CI = 3.74-7.00) and accidental injury, 5.12 (95% CI = 2.88-9.08). CONCLUSIONS People with regular or dependent amphetamine use are at elevated risk of a range of causes of mortality compared with people without regular or dependent amphetamine use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Stockings
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), UNSW Sydney, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Lucy Thi Tran
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), UNSW Sydney, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Thomas Santo
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), UNSW Sydney, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Amy Peacock
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), UNSW Sydney, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Sarah Larney
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), UNSW Sydney, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Damian Santomauro
- Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research and School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Locked Bag 500, Archerfield, 4108, Australia
| | - Michael Farrell
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), UNSW Sydney, Sydney, 2052, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), UNSW Sydney, Sydney, 2052, Australia
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Fridell M, Bäckström M, Hesse M, Krantz P, Perrin S, Nyhlén A. Prediction of psychiatric comorbidity on premature death in a cohort of patients with substance use disorders: a 42-year follow-up. BMC Psychiatry 2019; 19:150. [PMID: 31092225 PMCID: PMC6518448 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-019-2098-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We need to better understand how the use of different substances and psychiatric comorbidity influence premature death generally and cause-specific death by overdose, intoxication and somatic disorders in people with substance use disorders. METHOD A cohort of 1405 patients consecutively admitted to a Swedish detoxification unit for substance use disorders in 1970-1995 was followed-up for 42 years. Substances were identified by toxicological analyses. Mortality figures were obtained from a national registry. Causes of death were diagnosed by forensic autopsy in 594 patients deceased by 2012. Predictions were calculated by competing risks analysis. RESULTS Forty-two per cent of the cohort died during follow-up; more men than women (46.3% vs 30.4%). The standardised mortality ratio (SMR) was calculated as the ratio of observed deaths in males and females in specific age groups in the cohort versus expected deaths in corresponding groups in the general population. SMR was 5.68 for men (CI 95%; 5.04-6.11) and 4.98 (CI 95%; 4.08-5.88) for women. The crude mortality rate (number of deaths divided by number of person observation years) was 2.28% for men and 1.87% for women. Opiates predicted increased risk of premature death while amphetamine and cannabis predicted lower risk. Comorbid psychiatric disorders were identified in 378 cases and personality disorders in 763 cases. Primary psychoses or mood/depression and anxiety disorders predicted a higher risk of premature mortality. Death by overdose was predicted by male gender, younger age at admission to substance treatment, opiate use, and comorbid depression and anxiety syndromes. Cannabis and amphetamine use predicted a lower risk of overdose. Death by intoxication was predicted by male gender, use of sedatives/hypnotics or alcohol/mixed substances, primary psychoses and depression/anxiety syndromes. Premature death by somatic disorder was predicted by male gender and alcohol/mixed abuse. CONCLUSION Psychiatric comorbid disorders were important risk factors for premature drug-related death. Early identification of these factors may be life-saving in the treatment of patients with substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mats Fridell
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, SE-22100, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Martin Bäckström
- 0000 0001 0930 2361grid.4514.4Department of Psychology, Lund University, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden
| | - Morten Hesse
- 0000 0001 1956 2722grid.7048.bCentre for Alcohol and Drug Research, University of Aarhus, Bartholins Allé, 8000 Århus C, Denmark
| | - Peter Krantz
- 0000 0004 0623 9987grid.411843.bDepartment of Forensic Medicine, Lund University Hospital, SE-22185 Lund, Sweden
| | - Sean Perrin
- 0000 0001 0930 2361grid.4514.4Department of Psychology, Lund University, SE-22100 Lund, Sweden
| | - Anna Nyhlén
- 0000 0004 0623 9987grid.411843.bDepartment of Psychiatry, Malmo University Hospital, SE-20502, Malmo, Sweden
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Hjemsæter AJ, Bramness JG, Drake R, Skeie I, Monsbakken B, Benth JŠ, Landheim AS. Mortality, cause of death and risk factors in patients with alcohol use disorder alone or poly-substance use disorders: a 19-year prospective cohort study. BMC Psychiatry 2019; 19:101. [PMID: 30922325 PMCID: PMC6437965 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-019-2077-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study investigated cause of death, mortality rates and explored if baseline characteristics were associated with risk of death in patients with alcohol use disorder alone or poly-substance use disorders. METHODS This was a prospective, longitudinal study of patients followed for 19 years after entering specialized treatment for substance use disorders. At baseline 291 patients (mean age 38.3 years, standard deviation 11.4 years, 72% male) with high psychiatric co-morbidity were recruited; 130 (45%) had lifetime alcohol use disorder alone, while 161 (55%) had poly-substance use disorders. Time and causes of death were gathered from the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry. Lifetime psychiatric symptom disorders and substance use disorders at baseline were measured with The Composite International Diagnostic Interview and personality disorders at baseline were measured with The Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory II. RESULTS Patients with alcohol use disorder alone more often died from somatic diseases (58% versus 28%, p = 0.004) and more seldom from overdoses (9% versus 33%, p = 0.002) compared with patients with poly-substance use disorders. The crude mortality rate per 100 person year was 2.2 (95% confidence interval: 1.8-2.7), and the standardized mortality rate was 3.8 (95% confidence interval: 3.2-4.6) in the entire cohort during 19 years after entering treatment. Having lifetime affective disorder at baseline was associated with lower risk of death (Hazard Ratio 0.58, 95% confidence interval: 0.37-0.91). Older age was associated to increased risk of death among men (p < 0.001) and non-significantly among patients with poly-substance use (p = 0.057). The difference in association between age and risk of death was significantly different between men and women (p = 0.011) and patients with alcohol use disorder alone and poly-substance use disorders (p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS Patients with alcohol use disorder alone died more often from somatic disease than patients with poly-substance use disorders, and all subgroups of patients had an increased risk of death compared with the general population. Men with long-lasting substance use disorders are a priority group to approach with directed preventive measures for somatic health before they reach 50 years of age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arne Jan Hjemsæter
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Ottestad, Norway.
- SERAF, Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Jørgen G Bramness
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Ottestad, Norway
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Ivar Skeie
- SERAF, Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Innlandet Hospital Trust, Gjøvik, Norway
| | - Bent Monsbakken
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Ottestad, Norway
- SERAF, Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jūratė Šaltytė Benth
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne S Landheim
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Ottestad, Norway
- Department of Public Health, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
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From Substance Use Disorders in Life to Autopsy Findings: A Combined Case-Record and Medico-Legal Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16050801. [PMID: 30841557 PMCID: PMC6427694 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16050801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Several studies have shown mortality and suicide risk in substance use disorders, and autopsy findings with respect to the used substances. However, there seems to be a gap in the knowledge about substances misused in life and at death at the within-person level. Methods: All consecutive, autopsied patients during 1993 to 1997, who had been in contact with the Addiction Centre in Malmö from 1968, were investigated (365 subjects). Drug misuse in the long-term course noted in case records was related to autopsy findings. Self-inflicted death (suicide/undetermined suicide/accidental overdose) was compared with natural death. Results: Benzodiazepine misuse was associated with a high risk of autopsy findings of the substance in suicide and death of undetermined intent. It was also associated among non-misusers, but less so. An alcohol level above 1‰ was found more often in self-inflicted death. Prescription opioids at autopsy were mainly found in self-inflicted death among non-misusers. Heroin misuse was related to overdose. Central nervous system stimulants (CNS-S) and cannabis were rarely found in self-inflicted death among previous misusers. The overlap between depression in life and antidepressants at death was low. Conclusions: Benzodiazepines and alcohol seem to disinhibit suicidal tendencies. Suicide risk among users of cannabis and CNS-S may be related to other risk factors than acute use. Implications for suicide prevention are discussed.
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von Greiff N, Skogens L, Berlin M, Bergmark A. Mortality and Cause of Death-A 30-Year Follow-Up of Substance Misusers in Sweden. Subst Use Misuse 2018; 53:2043-2051. [PMID: 29578830 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2018.1452261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This article presents a 30-year follow-up study of a cohort of 1163 substance misusers who were in inpatient treatment in the early 1980s. Data was originally collected in the Swedish Drug Addict Treatment Evaluation (SWEDATE). OBJECTIVES The aim is to examine the overall mortality and identify causes of death in different groups based on self-reported most dominant substance misuse among those who have died during January 1984-December 2013. METHODS SWEDATE-data was linked to the National Cause of Death Register. Five mutually exclusive study groups were created based on self-reported most dominant substance misuse for the last 12 months before intake to treatment: Alcohol, Cannabis, Stimulants, Opiates, and Other. The Standardized Mortality Ratio (SMR) was calculated. RESULTS During the follow-up, 40% died. SMR is 10.3 for women and 11.7 for men. The study groups differed regarding SMR; 13.1 in the Alcohol group, 9.2 in the Cannabis group, 9.6 in the Stimulants group, 16.7 in the Opiates group and 10.8 in the Other group. Drug related death was the most common cause of death (28% only underlying, 19% both underlying and contributing) followed by alcohol related reasons (17% vs. 9%). CONCLUSIONS Alcohol misuse among substance abusers might have a negative impact on mortality rates. Methodological changes in how drug related deaths is registered affects the interpretation of the statistics of cause of death. Further analysis on the relation between drug related cause of death and drug misuse related death is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninive von Greiff
- a Department of Social Work , Stockholm University , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Lisa Skogens
- a Department of Social Work , Stockholm University , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Marie Berlin
- b The National Board of Health and Welfare , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Anders Bergmark
- a Department of Social Work , Stockholm University , Stockholm , Sweden
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Total and cause-specific standardized mortality ratios in patients with schizophrenia and/or substance use disorder. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0202028. [PMID: 30138449 PMCID: PMC6107156 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with schizophrenia or substance use disorder have a substantially increased mortality compared to the general population. Despite a high and probably increasing prevalence of comorbid substance use disorder in people with schizophrenia, the mortality in the comorbid group has been less studied and with contrasting results. We performed a nationwide open cohort study from 2009 to 2015, including all Norwegians aged 20-79 with schizophrenia and/or substance use disorder registered in any specialized health care setting in Norway, a total of 125,744 individuals. There were 12,318 deaths in the cohort, and total, sex-, age- and cause-specific standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated, comparing the number of deaths in patients with schizophrenia, schizophrenia only, substance use disorder only or a co-occurring diagnosis of schizophrenia and substance use disorder to the number expected if the patients had the age-, sex- and calendar-year specific death rates of the general population. The SMRs were 4.9 (95% CI 4.7-5.1) for all schizophrenia patients, 4.4 (95% CI 4.2-4.6) in patients with schizophrenia without substance use disorder, 6.6 (95% CI 6.5-6.8) in patients with substance use disorder only, and 7.4 (95% CI 7.0-8.2) in patients with both schizophrenia and substance use disorder. The SMRs were elevated in both genders, in all age groups and for all considered causes of death, and most so in the youngest. Approximately 27% of the excess mortality in all patients with schizophrenia was due to the raised mortality in the subgroup with comorbid SUD. The increased mortality in patients with schizophrenia and/or substance use disorder corresponded to more than 10,000 premature deaths, which constituted 84% of all deaths in the cohort. The persistent mortality gap highlights the importance of securing systematic screening and proper access to somatic health care, and a more effective prevention of premature death from external causes in this group.
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Aldridge RW, Story A, Hwang SW, Nordentoft M, Luchenski SA, Hartwell G, Tweed EJ, Lewer D, Vittal Katikireddi S, Hayward AC. Morbidity and mortality in homeless individuals, prisoners, sex workers, and individuals with substance use disorders in high-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet 2018; 391:241-250. [PMID: 29137869 PMCID: PMC5803132 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(17)31869-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 437] [Impact Index Per Article: 72.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2015] [Revised: 06/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inclusion health focuses on people in extremely poor health due to poverty, marginalisation, and multimorbidity. We aimed to review morbidity and mortality data on four overlapping populations who experience considerable social exclusion: homeless populations, individuals with substance use disorders, sex workers, and imprisoned individuals. METHODS For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Library for studies published between Jan 1, 2005, and Oct 1, 2015. We included only systematic reviews, meta-analyses, interventional studies, and observational studies that had morbidity and mortality outcomes, were published in English, from high-income countries, and were done in populations with a history of homelessness, imprisonment, sex work, or substance use disorder (excluding cannabis and alcohol use). Studies with only perinatal outcomes and studies of individuals with a specific health condition or those recruited from intensive care or high dependency hospital units were excluded. We screened studies using systematic review software and extracted data from published reports. Primary outcomes were measures of morbidity (prevalence or incidence) and mortality (standardised mortality ratios [SMRs] and mortality rates). Summary estimates were calculated using a random effects model. FINDINGS Our search identified 7946 articles, of which 337 studies were included for analysis. All-cause standardised mortality ratios were significantly increased in 91 (99%) of 92 extracted datapoints and were 11·86 (95% CI 10·42-13·30; I2=94·1%) in female individuals and 7·88 (7·03-8·74; I2=99·1%) in men. Summary SMR estimates for the International Classification of Diseases disease categories with two or more included datapoints were highest for deaths due to injury, poisoning, and other external causes, in both men (7·89; 95% CI 6·40-9·37; I2=98·1%) and women (18·72; 13·73-23·71; I2=91·5%). Disease prevalence was consistently raised across the following categories: infections (eg, highest reported was 90% for hepatitis C, 67 [65%] of 103 individuals for hepatitis B, and 133 [51%] of 263 individuals for latent tuberculosis infection), mental health (eg, highest reported was 9 [4%] of 227 individuals for schizophrenia), cardiovascular conditions (eg, highest reported was 32 [13%] of 247 individuals for coronary heart disease), and respiratory conditions (eg, highest reported was 9 [26%] of 35 individuals for asthma). INTERPRETATION Our study shows that homeless populations, individuals with substance use disorders, sex workers, and imprisoned individuals experience extreme health inequities across a wide range of health conditions, with the relative effect of exclusion being greater in female individuals than male individuals. The high heterogeneity between studies should be explored further using improved data collection in population subgroups. The extreme health inequity identified demands intensive cross-sectoral policy and service action to prevent exclusion and improve health outcomes in individuals who are already marginalised. FUNDING Wellcome Trust, National Institute for Health Research, NHS England, NHS Research Scotland Scottish Senior Clinical Fellowship, Medical Research Council, Chief Scientist Office, and the Central and North West London NHS Trust.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert W Aldridge
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK; The Farr Institute of Health Informatics Research, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Alistair Story
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK; The Farr Institute of Health Informatics Research, University College London, London, UK; University College London NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Stephen W Hwang
- Centre for Urban Health Solutions, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Merete Nordentoft
- Mental Health Centre Copenhagen and Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Serena A Luchenski
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK; The Farr Institute of Health Informatics Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Greg Hartwell
- Department of Social and Environmental Health Research, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Emily J Tweed
- Medical Research Council/Scottish Government Chief Scientist Office Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Dan Lewer
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK; The Farr Institute of Health Informatics Research, University College London, London, UK
| | - Srinivasa Vittal Katikireddi
- Medical Research Council/Scottish Government Chief Scientist Office Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Andrew C Hayward
- Centre for Public Health Data Science, Institute of Health Informatics, University College London, London, UK; The Farr Institute of Health Informatics Research, University College London, London, UK; Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
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Thylstrup B, Bloomfield K, Hesse M. Incremental predictive validity of the Addiction Severity Index psychiatric composite score in a consecutive cohort of patients in residential treatment for drug use disorders. Addict Behav 2018; 76:201-207. [PMID: 28846941 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2017.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Addiction Severity Index (ASI) is a widely used assessment instrument for substance abuse treatment that includes scales reflecting current status in seven potential problem areas, including psychiatric severity. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of the psychiatric composite score to predict suicide and psychiatric care after residential treatment for drug use disorders after adjusting for history of psychiatric care. METHODS All patients treated for drug use disorders in residential treatment centers in Denmark during the years 2000-2010 with complete ASI data were followed through national registers of psychiatric care and causes of death (N=5825). Competing risks regression analyses were used to assess the incremental predictive validity of the psychiatric composite score, controlling for previous psychiatric care, length of intake, and other ASI composite scores, up to 12years after discharge. RESULTS A total of 1769 patients received psychiatric care after being discharged from residential treatment (30.3%), and 27 (0.5%) committed suicide. After adjusting for all covariates, psychiatric composite score was associated with a higher risk of receiving psychiatric care after residential treatment (subhazard ratio [SHR]=3.44, p<0.001), and of committing suicide (SHR=11.45, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS The ASI psychiatric composite score has significant predictive validity and promises to be useful in identifying patients with drug use disorders who could benefit from additional mental health treatment.
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Ahlner J, Holmgren A, Jones AW. Demographics and post-mortem toxicology findings in deaths among people arrested multiple times for use of illicit drugs and/or impaired driving. Forensic Sci Int 2016; 265:138-43. [PMID: 26901639 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2016.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2015] [Revised: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple arrests for use of illicit drugs and/or impaired driving strongly suggests the existence of a personality disorder and/or a substance abuse problem. METHODS This retrospective study (1993-2010) used a national forensic toxicology database (TOXBASE), and we identified 3943 individuals with two or more arrests for use of illicit drugs and/or impaired driving. These individuals had subsequently died from a fatal drug poisoning or some other cause of death, such as trauma. RESULTS Of the 3943 repeat offenders 1807 (46%) died from a fatal drug overdose and 2136 (54%) died from other causes (p<0.001). The repeat offenders were predominantly male (90% vs 10%) and mean age of drug poisoning deaths was 5 y younger (mean 35 y) than other causes of death (mean 40 y). Significantly more repeat offenders (46%) died from drug overdose compared with all other forensic autopsies (14%) (p<0.001). Four or more drugs were identified in femoral blood in 44% of deaths from poisoning (drug overdose) compared with 18% of deaths by other causes (p<0.001). The manner of death was considered accidental in 54% of deaths among repeat offenders compared with 28% for other suspicious deaths (p<0.001). The psychoactive substances most commonly identified in autopsy blood from repeat offenders were ethanol, morphine (from heroin), diazepam, amphetamines, cannabis, and various opioids. CONCLUSIONS This study shows that people arrested multiple times for use of illicit drugs and/or impaired driving are more likely to die by accidentally overdosing with drugs. Lives might be saved if repeat offenders were sentenced to treatment and rehabilitation for their drug abuse problem instead of conventional penalties for drug-related crimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan Ahlner
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, Swedish National Board of Forensic Medicine, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anita Holmgren
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, Swedish National Board of Forensic Medicine, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Alan Wayne Jones
- Department of Forensic Genetics and Forensic Toxicology, Swedish National Board of Forensic Medicine, Linköping, Sweden; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
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Gmel G, Akre C, Astudillo M, Bähler C, Baggio S, Bertholet N, Clair C, Cornuz J, Daeppen JB, Deline S, Dermota P, Dey M, Dupuis M, Estévez N, Foster S, Gaume J, Haug S, Henchoz Y, Kuendig H, Mohler-Kuo M, N’Goran A, Schaub M, Studer J, Suris JC, Wang J. The Swiss Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors – Findings of two Waves. SUCHT-ZEITSCHRIFT FUR WISSENSCHAFT UND PRAXIS 2015. [DOI: 10.1024/0939-5911.a000380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Aim: To summarize published findings in peer-reviewed journals of the first two waves of the Swiss Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors (C-SURF), a longitudinal study assessing risk and protective factors of 5,987 young men during the phase of emerging adulthood (20 years at baseline, followed-up 15 months later). Methods: Included were 33 studies published until November 2014 focusing on substance use. Results: Substance use in early adulthood is a prevalent and stable behavior. The 12-month prevalence of nonmedical use of prescription drugs (10.6 %) lies between that of cannabis (36.4 %) and other illicit drugs such as ecstasy (3.7 %) and cocaine (3.2 %). Although peer pressure in the form of misconduct is associated with increased substance use, other aspects such as peer involvement in social activities may have beneficial effects. Regular sport activities are associated with reduced substance use, with the exception of alcohol use. Young men are susceptible to structural conditions such as the price of alcohol beverages or the density of on-premise alcohol outlets. Particularly alcohol use in public settings such as bars, discos or in parks (compared with private settings such as the home) is associated with alcohol-related harm, including injuries or violence. Being a single parent versus nuclear family has no effect on alcohol use, but active parenting does. Besides parenting, religiousness is an important protective factor for both legal and illegal substance use. Merely informing young men about the risks of substance use may not be an effective preventive measure. At-risk users of licit and illicit substances are more health literate, e. g., for example, they seek out more information on the internet than non-at-risk-users or abstainers. Discussion: There are a number of risk and protective substance use factors, but their associations with substance use do not necessarily agree with those found outside Europe. In the United States, for example, heavy alcohol use in this age group commonly takes place in private settings, whereas in Switzerland it more often takes place in public settings. Other behaviors, such as the nonmedical use of prescription drugs, appear to be similar to those found overseas, which may show the need for targeted preventive actions. C-SURF findings point to the necessity of establishing European studies to identify factors for designing specific preventive actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Gmel
- Addiction Switzerland, Lausanne
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario
- University of the West of England, Bristol
| | - Christina Akre
- Research Group on Adolescent Health, Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne
| | | | - Caroline Bähler
- Department of Health Sciences, Helsana Insurance Group, Zurich
| | - Stéphanie Baggio
- Life Course and Inequality Research Centre, University of Lausanne
| | - Nicolas Bertholet
- Alcohol Treatment Centre, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, Lausanne
| | - Carole Clair
- Department of Ambulatory Care and Community Medicine, University of Lausanne
| | - Jacques Cornuz
- Department of Ambulatory Care and Community Medicine, University of Lausanne
| | | | - Stéphane Deline
- Alcohol Treatment Centre, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, Lausanne
| | | | - Michelle Dey
- Centre for Mental Health, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Marc Dupuis
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne
| | - Natalia Estévez
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich
| | - Simon Foster
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich
| | - Jacques Gaume
- Alcohol Treatment Centre, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, Lausanne
| | - Severin Haug
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction, Zurich
| | - Yves Henchoz
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine (IUMSP), University of Lausanne Hospital Centre, Lausanne
| | | | - Meichun Mohler-Kuo
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich
| | - Alexandra N’Goran
- Department of Ambulatory Care and Community Medicine, University of Lausanne
| | - Michael Schaub
- Swiss Research Institute for Public Health and Addiction, Zurich
| | - Joseph Studer
- Alcohol Treatment Centre, Lausanne University Hospital CHUV, Lausanne
| | - Joan-Carles Suris
- Research Group on Adolescent Health, Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne
| | - Jen Wang
- Epidemiology, Biostatistics, and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich
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Cardiovascular disease among people with drug use disorders. Int J Public Health 2015; 60:659-68. [PMID: 26104131 DOI: 10.1007/s00038-015-0698-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Revised: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To present the prevalence and incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a national cohort of patients seeking treatment for drug use disorders (DUD). METHODS This is a longitudinal record linkage study of consecutive DUD treatment admissions between 2000 and 2006 from Denmark. RESULTS Of 17,642 patients seeking treatment for DUD, 828 individuals (4.53%) had a history of CVD at treatment entry. Among the remaining patients, 16,820 were traced and 1535 new incident cases of CVD were observed during a mean follow-up time of 7.5 years. The incidence of CVD was associated with intravenous drug use [subhazard ratio (SHR) = 1.41, p < 0.001], not responding to injection question (SHR = 1.23, p = 0.005), older age (SHR = 1.04 per year, p = 0.000), use of prescription methadone (SHR = 1.32, p < 0.001), use of benzodiazepines (SHR = 1.21, p = 0.005), and being referred to methadone treatment (SHR = 1.15, p = 0.022). The use of amphetamines was negatively associated with the risk of CVD within this cohort (SHR = 0.75, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Patients injecting drugs using prescribed methadone were at elevated risk for cardiovascular disease and should be monitored for CVD. Opioid medications should be evaluated in terms of their cardiovascular sequelae.
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Potential Years of Life Lost Due to Premature Mortality Among Treatment-Seeking Illicit Drug Users in Finland. J Community Health 2015; 40:1099-106. [PMID: 25967278 DOI: 10.1007/s10900-015-0035-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Premature death is a serious public health concern. The primary objective of this study was to examine premature deaths in terms of potential years of life lost (PYLL) in a cohort of 4817 treatment-seeking illicit drug users. Clients' data were linked to the Finnish national cause-of-death register and the follow-up period ranged from 31 January 1997 to 31 December 2010. PYLL before 70 years was calculated for all deaths and cause-specific deaths by gender. We observed 496 deaths (417 males and 79 females) at the end of 2010. The mean age at death was 33.8 years, 34.3 years for males (range 18-68) and 31.4 years for females (range 16-53). Overall, 17,951 life years were lost; 14,898 among males and 3053 among females. The overall PYLL rate for males was more than twice that of females (513.0/1000 vs. 243.7/1000 person-years) but the mean PYLL was higher in females than males (38.6 vs. 35.7 years). Of the total PYLL, 34.8 % was due to accidental overdose, and 24.0 % to suicide. In both genders, accidental overdose and suicide were the two top-ranking causes of PYLL. Premature deaths among drug users are a potential loss to the society. Our findings suggest that measures targeting accidental overdose and suicide are top priorities for reducing preventable loss of life.
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Hall T, Chassler D, Blom B, Grahn R, Blom-Nilsson M, Sullivan L, Lundgren L. Mortality among a national population sentenced to compulsory care for substance use disorders in Sweden: descriptive study. EVALUATION AND PROGRAM PLANNING 2015; 49:153-162. [PMID: 25577663 DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2014.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Sweden's compulsory addiction system treats individuals with severe alcohol and narcotics use disorders. Merging data from three national level register databases of those sentenced to compulsory care from 2001 to 2009 (n=4515), the aims of this study were to: (1) compute mortality rates to compare to the general Swedish population; (2) identify leading cause of mortality by alcohol or narcotics use; and (3) identify individual level characteristics associated with mortality among alcohol and narcotics users. In this population, 24% were deceased by 2011. The most common cause of death for alcohol users was physical ailments linked to alcohol use, while narcotics users commonly died of drug poisoning or suicide. Average age of death differed significantly between alcohol users (55.0) and narcotics users (32.5). Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified the same three factors predicting mortality: older age (alcohol users OR=1.28, narcotic users OR=1.16), gender [males were nearly 3 times more likely to die among narcotics users (p<.000) and 1.6 times more likely to die among alcohol users (p<.01)] and reporting serious health problems (for alcohol users p<.000, for narcotics users p<.05). Enhanced program and government efforts are needed to implement overdose-prevention efforts and different treatment modalities for both narcotic and alcohol users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor Hall
- Center for Addictions Research and Services, Boston University School of Social Work, 264 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Deborah Chassler
- Center for Addictions Research and Services, Boston University School of Social Work, 264 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Björn Blom
- Department of Social Work, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Robert Grahn
- Department of Social Work, Umeå University, SE-901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Lisa Sullivan
- Boston University School of Public Health, Crosstown Center, 801 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Lena Lundgren
- Center for Addictions Research and Services, Boston University School of Social Work, 264 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Öhlin L, Fridell M, Nyhlén A. Buprenorphine maintenance program with contracted work/education and low tolerance for non-prescribed drug use: a cohort study of outcome for women and men after seven years. BMC Psychiatry 2015; 15:56. [PMID: 25881164 PMCID: PMC4410480 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-015-0415-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A seven-year follow-up of heroin dependent patients treated in a buprenorphine-maintenance program combining contracted work/education and low tolerance for non-prescribed drug use. Gender-specific differences in outcome were analysed. METHODS A consecutively admitted cohort of 135 men and 35 women, with eight years of heroin abuse/dependence on average was admitted to enhanced buprenorphine maintenance treatment. Standardized interviews, diagnostic assessments of psychiatric disorders and psychosocial conditions were conducted at admission and at follow-ups. Outcome associated with gender was reported for abstinence, retention, psychiatric symptoms, employment and criminal convictions. RESULTS 148 patients started treatment. After seven years, 94/148 patients (64%) were retained in the program, employed and abstinent from drugs and alcohol. Women had more continuous abstinence, retention and employment than men (76% versus 60%). After one year patients with a high-risk consumption of alcohol were no longer heavy consumers of alcohol and remained so throughout the study (p < .001). All women regained custody of their children. At admission, more women than men had been admitted for psychiatric disorders (70%/44%) and to compulsory care for substance abuse (30%/18%). Initial gender differences of psychiatric co-morbidity decreased and were no longer significant after one year. More men than women had been imprisoned (62% versus 27%) or in non-institutional care (80% versus 49%). Criminal convictions were reduced from 1751 convictions at admission to 742 (58%) after seven years. Eight patients in the entire cohort died over the 7 years (0.7% per year). One patient died in the completers group while still in the program (0.1% per year). CONCLUSIONS After seven years, two thirds of the patients in the program were abstinent and employed. Convictions ceased in the completers group. One patient died in the completers group. Women had superior long-term outcome compared to men: more continuous abstinence, employment and fewer convictions. Women also lived with their children to a higher extent than men. The positive outcome highlights the importance of maintaining high structure in combining pharmacological treatment with a focus on employment and psychological treatment and low tolerance for non-prescribed drug use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leif Öhlin
- Department of Psychiatry, Lund University Hospital, SE, 221 85, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Mats Fridell
- Department of Psychology, Lund University, SE, 221 01, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Anna Nyhlén
- Department of Psychiatry, Lund University Hospital, SE, 221 85, Lund, Sweden.
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Nambiar D, Weir A, Aspinall EJ, Stoové M, Hutchinson S, Dietze P, Waugh L, Goldberg DJ. Mortality and cause of death in a cohort of people who had ever injected drugs in Glasgow: 1982-2012. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 147:215-21. [PMID: 25497590 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Revised: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To describe all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a cohort of people who had ever injected drugs (PWID) with a low prevalence of HIV over 20-30 years. METHODS Using a retrospective study design, identifying data from a cohort of PWID recruited between 1982 and 1993 through in-patient drug treatment services were linked to National Records for Scotland deaths data using probabilistic record linkage. We report all-cause and cause-specific mortality rates; standardized mortality ratios (SMR) across time, gender and age were estimated. RESULTS Among 456 PWID, 139 (30.5%) died over 9024 person-years (PY) of follow-up. Mortality within the cohort was almost nine times higher than the general population, and remained elevated across all age groups. The greatest excess mortality rate was in the youngest age group, who were 15-24 years of age (SMR 31.6, 95% CI 21.2-47.1). Drug-related deaths declined over time and mortality was significantly higher among HIV positive participants. Although SMRs declined with follow-up, the SMR of the oldest age group (45-60) was 4.5 (95% CI 3.0-6.9). There were no significant differences in all-cause mortality rates between participants who were 25 years and older at cohort entry compared to younger participants. CONCLUSION Mortality rates remained higher than the general population across all age groups. Screening services that identify a history of injecting drug use may be an opportunity to address risk factors faced by an ageing population of PWID and potentially have implications for future health care planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanya Nambiar
- Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Amanda Weir
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Esther J Aspinall
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Mark Stoové
- Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sharon Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
| | - Paul Dietze
- Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - David J Goldberg
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland, UK; Health Protection Scotland, Glasgow, UK
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25
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Onyeka IN, Beynon CM, Hannila ML, Tiihonen J, Föhr J, Tuomola P, Kuikanmäki O, Tasa N, Paasolainen M, Kauhanen J. Patterns and 14-year trends in mortality among illicit drug users in Finland: the HUUTI study. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2014; 25:1047-53. [PMID: 25151335 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2014.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2013] [Revised: 06/07/2014] [Accepted: 07/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although mortality is a known complication of illicit drug use, robust epidemiological studies on drug-related mortality in Finland are scarce. We examined all deaths, specific causes of death, and trends in mortality among a large number of illicit drug users in Finland during a 14-year period. METHODS Details of 4817 clients who sought treatment for drug use at Helsinki Deaconess Institute between 1997 and 2008 were linked to national cause of death register to identify all deaths and causes of death. Standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated to compare all-cause deaths in our study cohort with those in the general population. Trends in mortality rates were assessed using Poisson (log-linear) regression. RESULTS A total of 496 deaths occurred during 41,567.5 person-years with crude mortality rate of 1193.2 per 100,000 person-years. Mean follow-up was 8.6 years and the mean age at death was 33.8 years. Most deaths (84.1%) occurred among male clients, 189 deaths occurred in the 25-34 age-group and all-cause SMR was 8.9 [95% confidence interval (CI)=8.1-9.7]. Two-thirds (64.9%) were deaths from external causes and 35.1% from disease-related causes. The four leading causes of death were accidental poisoning/overdose (n=165), suicide (n=108), mental and behavioural disorders (n=49) and circulatory system diseases (n=45). Younger clients died from acute effects of drug use while older clients died more from chronic health conditions. A decline in annual rates was noted for all-cause mortality (P=0.01), deaths from mental and behavioural disorders (P<0.001) and suicides (P<0.001). CONCLUSION The four leading causes of death among illicit drug users are preventable. Overdose management training, drug education and other preventive measures could help reduce mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifeoma N Onyeka
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Caryl M Beynon
- Independent Research Consultant, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jari Tiihonen
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Eastern Finland, Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland; National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jaana Föhr
- Helsinki Deaconess Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | - Niko Tasa
- Helsinki Deaconess Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Jussi Kauhanen
- Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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26
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Gjersing L, Bretteville-Jensen AL. Gender differences in mortality and risk factors in a 13-year cohort study of street-recruited injecting drug users. BMC Public Health 2014; 14:440. [PMID: 24886464 PMCID: PMC4047552 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-14-440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injecting drug users (IDUs) are at risk of premature mortality. This study examined gender differences in mortality, risk factors, and causes of death among IDUs. METHODS In a 13-year cohort study including 172 street-recruited IDUs from Oslo, Norway in 1997, interview data was merged with the National Cause of Death Registry. Crude mortality rate (CMR) and indirect standardized mortality ratio (SMR) were estimated with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A log-logistic multivariate survival analysis model was estimated for the full sample. For a smaller data set (1.1.1998-31.12.2004) the influence of substitution treatment and prison were assessed using cox regression survival analysis. RESULTS Eight females and 37 males died. Acute intoxications were the most common cause of death. Women were more at risk in the short-term, but more protected in the long-term. CMR was 16.0 [95% CI 8.0, 31.9] for women and 26.0 [95% CI 18.0, 35.8]) for men. SMR was 39.4 [95% CI 0.2, 220.8]) for women and 21.3 [95% CI 5.7, 54.1] for men. More women injected heroin (98% vs. 88% [x2 = 3.5, p = 0.063]), used prescription drugs (73% vs. 52% [x2 = 5.6, p = 0.018]) and combined these to inject (45% vs. 26% [x2 = 5.9, p = 0.015]). Mixing prescription drugs in heroin injections, and sex work (only women) were associated with decreased survival time. There were no gender differences in access to substitution treatment, while significantly more men had been in prison (74% vs. 51% [x2 = 7.5, p = 0.006]). The instance of substitution treatment and prison significantly decreased the mortality risk. Prison release increased the risk, but not statistically significantly. CONCLUSIONS There were gender differences in mortality and risk factors; sex work and prison were gender specific risk factors. These factors should be investigated further to better design future preventive measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linn Gjersing
- Norwegian Institute for Alcohol and Drug Research (SIRUS), PB 565 Sentrum, Oslo 0105, Norway
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27
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Fugelstad A, Annell A, Ågren G. Long-term mortality and causes of death among hospitalized Swedish drug users. Scand J Public Health 2014; 42:364-9. [PMID: 24608092 DOI: 10.1177/1403494814525006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM To study long-term mortality and causes of death in a cohort of drug users in relation to main type of drug use and HIV-status. METHODS A total of 1640 hospitalized drug users in Stockholm was followed up from 1985 to the end of 2007. The mortality was compared with the general Swedish population and hazard ratios (HR) for the main risk indicators were calculated. The causes of death were studied, using information from death certificates. RESULTS 630 persons died during the observation period. The Standard Mortality Ratio (SMR) was 16.1 (males 13.8, females 18.5). The crude mortality rate was 2.0 % (males 2.2% and females 1.5%). The mortality rate was higher in heroin users than among amphetamine users, HR 1.96, controlled for age and other risk factors. The mortality rate among individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) was high (4.9 %), HR 2.64, compared with HIV-negative individuals. Most of the deaths were from other causes than acquired immune deficiency syndrome. One-third of deaths (227) were caused by heroin intoxication. The number of deaths from HIV-related causes decreased after 1996, when highly active anti-retroviral therapy was introduced. In all, there were 92 HIV-related deaths. Deaths from natural causes increased during the observation period. The SMR was highest for cardiovascular and gastrointestinal diseases. The results indicate a correlation between amphetamine use and death from cerebral haemorrhage. A high proportion of natural deaths were alcohol-related. CONCLUSIONS The death rate among illicit drug users was persistently high. Alcohol consumption was a contributing factor to premature death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fugelstad
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Gunnar Ågren
- National Institute of Public Health, Stockholm, Sweden
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Uosukainen H, Kauhanen J, Bell JS, Ronkainen K, Tiihonen J, Föhr J, Onyeka IN, Korhonen MJ. Mortality among clients seeking treatment for buprenorphine abuse in Finland. Drug Alcohol Depend 2013; 133:391-7. [PMID: 23896305 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2013.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2013] [Revised: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is unclear whether buprenorphine abuse is associated with a similar risk of death to other substance abuse. This study examined all-cause mortality rates and causes of deaths among clients seeking treatment for buprenorphine abuse. METHODS Structured clinical interviews were conducted with 4685 clients between January 1998 and August 2008. Records of deaths that occurred among these clients were extracted from the Official Causes of Death Register in Finland. Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed using national mortality rates over a 13-year follow-up to examine excess mortality. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to compare survival between buprenorphine and other clients. RESULTS Sixty-one of 780 (7.8%) clients who sought treatment for buprenorphine abuse and 408 of 3905 (10.4%) other clients died during the 13-year follow-up period. The most common cause of death was drug-related in buprenorphine (n=25, 41.0%) and other clients (n=142, 34.8%). Survival rates were similar among buprenorphine and other clients (log-rank χ[df=1](2)=0.215, p=0.643). The SMR was 3.0 (95% CI 2.3-3.8) and 3.1 (95% CI 2.8-3.4) for buprenorphine and other clients, respectively. Excess mortality was highest among women aged 20-29 years, and more pronounced in buprenorphine clients (SMR 27.9 [95% CI 12.6-49.0]) compared to other clients (SMR 14.0 [95% CI 9.3-19.6]). CONCLUSIONS Clients seeking treatment for buprenorphine abuse had a three times higher mortality rate than the national average, with the excess risk highest among female clients. Overall mortality rates were similar among clients seeking treatment for buprenorphine and other substance abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Uosukainen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
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29
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Quantitative analysis of amphetamine in femoral blood from drug-poisoning deaths compared with venous blood from impaired drivers. Bioanalysis 2011; 3:2195-204. [DOI: 10.4155/bio.11.222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Amphetamine is a major drug of abuse worldwide. Here we compare the concentrations of this stimulant amine in femoral blood in drug fatalities with venous blood from impaired drivers. Method: Amphetamine was determined in blood by isotope-dilution GC–MS after liquid–liquid extraction. Results: Amphetamine was the only drug identified in 36 fatalities at mean (median) and highest concentrations of 2.0 mg/l (1.5 mg/l) and 14.0 mg/l. In multiple-drug deaths (n = 383), the concentrations were 0.94 mg/l (0.4 mg/l) and 13.3 mg/l. In impaired drivers with amphetamine as the only drug (n = 6138), the concentrations were 1.0 mg/l (0.8 mg/l) and 11.9 mg/l, compared with 0.78 mg/l (0.6 mg/l) and 22.3 mg/l in multidrug users (n = 8250). Conclusion: Fatal amphetamine poisonings cannot be identified on the basis of the concentration in blood alone, owing to the development of tolerance and the toxicity of co-ingested substances.
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30
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Nyhlén A, Fridell M, Bäckström M, Hesse M, Krantz P. Substance abuse and psychiatric co-morbidity as predictors of premature mortality in Swedish drug abusers: a prospective longitudinal study 1970-2006. BMC Psychiatry 2011; 11:122. [PMID: 21801441 PMCID: PMC3163521 DOI: 10.1186/1471-244x-11-122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2010] [Accepted: 07/30/2011] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few longitudinal cohort studies have focused on the impact of substances abused and psychiatric disorders on premature mortality. The aim of the present study was to identify predictors of increased risk of drug related death and non drug related death in substance abusers of opiates, stimulants, cannabis, sedatives/hypnotics, hallucinogens and alcohol over several decades. METHODS Follow-up study of a consecutive cohort of 561 substance abusers, admitted to a detoxification unit January 1970 to February 1978 in southern Sweden, and followed up in 2006. Demographic and clinical data, substance diagnoses and three groups of psychiatric diagnoses were identified at first admission. Causes of death were coded according to ICD-10 and classified as drug related deaths or non drug related deaths. To identify the incidence of some probable risk factors of drug related premature death, the data were subjected to a competing risks Cox regression analysis. RESULTS Of 561 patients in the cohort, 11 individuals had either emigrated or could not be located, and 204/561 patients (36.4%) were deceased by 2006. The cumulative risk of drug related death increased more in the first 15 years and leveled out later on when non drug related causes of death had a similar incidence. In the final model, male gender, regular use of opiates or barbiturates at first admission, and neurosis were associated with an increased risk of drug related premature death, while cannabis use and psychosis were associated with a decreased risk. Neurosis, mainly depression and/or anxiety disorders, predicted drug related premature death while chronic psychosis and personality disorders did not. Chronic alcohol addiction was associated with increased risk of non drug related death. CONCLUSIONS The cohort of drug abusers had an increased risk of premature death to the age of 69. Drug related premature death was predicted by male gender, the use of opiates or barbiturates and depression and anxiety disorders at first admission. The predicted cumulative incidence of drug related death was significantly higher in opiate and barbiturate abusers over the observed period of 37 years, while stimulant abuse did not have any impact. Alcohol contributed to non drug related death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Nyhlén
- Dept of Psychiatry Lund University Hospital SE - 221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - Mats Fridell
- Lund University, Dept of Psychology & Vaxjo University, School of Education, Psychology and Sport Science, SE - 35195, Växjö, Sweden
| | - Martin Bäckström
- Lund University, Dept of Psychology B 213, SE - 221 00 Lund, Sweden
| | - Morten Hesse
- University of Aarhus, Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research Artillerivej 90, 2300 Copenhagen S, Denmark
| | - Peter Krantz
- Dept of Forensic Medicine Lund University Hospital, S - 221 85 Lund, Sweden
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31
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Wu LT, Woody GE, Yang C, Mannelli P, Blazer DG. Differences in onset and abuse/dependence episodes between prescription opioids and heroin: results from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. Subst Abuse Rehabil 2011; 2011:77-88. [PMID: 21686045 PMCID: PMC3114372 DOI: 10.2147/sar.s18969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To examine patterns of onset and abuse/dependence episodes of prescription opioid (PO) and heroin use disorders in a national sample of adults, and to explore differences by gender and substance abuse treatment status. METHODS: Analyses of data from the 2001-2002 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (N = 43,093). RESULTS: Of all respondents, 5% (n = 1815) reported a history of nonmedical PO use (NMPOU) and 0.3% (n = 150) a history of heroin use. Abuse was more prevalent than dependence among NMPOUs (PO abuse, 29%; dependence, 7%) and heroin users (heroin abuse, 63%; dependence, 28%). Heroin users reported a short mean interval from first use to onset of abuse (1.5 years) or dependence (2.0 years), and a lengthy mean duration for the longest episode of abuse (66 months) or dependence (59 months); the corresponding mean estimates for PO abuse and dependence among NMPOUs were 2.6 and 2.9 years, respectively, and 31 and 49 months, respectively. The mean number of years from first use to remission from the most recent episode was 6.9 years for PO abuse and 8.1 years for dependence; the mean number of years from first heroin use to remission from the most recent episode was 8.5 years for heroin abuse and 9.7 years for dependence. Most individuals with PO or heroin use disorders were remitted from the most recent episode. Treated individuals, whether their problem was heroin or POs, tended to have a longer mean duration of an episode than untreated individuals. CONCLUSION: Periodic remissions from opioid or heroin abuse or dependence episodes occur commonly but take a long time. Timely and effective use of treatment services are needed to mitigate the many adverse consequences from opioid/heroin abuse and dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Tzy Wu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - George E Woody
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania and Treatment Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Chongming Yang
- Social Science Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Paolo Mannelli
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Dan G Blazer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
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