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Ratshisusu L, Simani OE, Blackard JT, Selabe SG. The Impact of Drugs and Substance Abuse on Viral Pathogenesis-A South African Perspective. Viruses 2024; 16:971. [PMID: 38932263 PMCID: PMC11209167 DOI: 10.3390/v16060971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Illicit drug and alcohol abuse have significant negative consequences for individuals who inject drugs/use drugs (PWID/UDs), including decreased immune system function and increased viral pathogenesis. PWID/UDs are at high risk of contracting or transmitting viral illnesses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). In South Africa, a dangerous drug-taking method known as "Bluetoothing" has emerged among nyaope users, whereby the users of this drug, after injecting, withdraw blood from their veins and then reinject it into another user. Hence, the transmission of blood-borne viruses (BBVs) is exacerbated by this "Bluetooth" practice among nyaope users. Moreover, several substances of abuse promote HIV, HBV, and HCV replication. With a specific focus on the nyaope drug, viral replication, and transmission, we address the important influence of abused addictive substances and polysubstance use in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lufuno Ratshisusu
- HIV and Hepatitis Research Unit, Department of Virology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 0208, South Africa; (O.E.S.); (J.T.B.); (S.G.S.)
| | - Omphile E. Simani
- HIV and Hepatitis Research Unit, Department of Virology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 0208, South Africa; (O.E.S.); (J.T.B.); (S.G.S.)
| | - Jason T. Blackard
- HIV and Hepatitis Research Unit, Department of Virology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 0208, South Africa; (O.E.S.); (J.T.B.); (S.G.S.)
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0595, USA
| | - Selokela G. Selabe
- HIV and Hepatitis Research Unit, Department of Virology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 0208, South Africa; (O.E.S.); (J.T.B.); (S.G.S.)
- National Health Laboratory Service, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Pretoria 0208, South Africa
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Muthelo L, Mbombi MO, Mphekgwana P, Mabila LN, Dhau I, Tlouyamma J, Nemuramba R, Mashaba RG, Mothapo K, Ntimana CB, Maimela E. Exploring Roles of Stakeholders in Combating Substance Abuse in the DIMAMO Surveillance Site, South Africa. Subst Abuse 2023; 17:11782218221147498. [PMID: 36875745 PMCID: PMC9974617 DOI: 10.1177/11782218221147498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Background The increasing prevalence of substance abuse in rural areas of Limpopo Province is a concern for most stakeholders including the families, South Africa Police Service, and social workers. Combating Substance Abuse requires the active roles of various stakeholders in the rural community, due to limited resources for prevention, treatment, and recovery. Purpose To report on the roles of stakeholders in tackling Substance Abuse during the awareness campaign conducted in the deep rural community of Limpopo Province, DIMAMO surveillance area. Methods Qualitative narrative design was adopted to explore the roles of stakeholders in combating Substance Abuse during the awareness campaign conducted in the deep rural community. The population consisted of different stakeholders who play an active role in reducing Substance Abuse. The triangulation method was used for data collection (interviews, observations, and taking field notes during presentations). Purposive sampling was used to select all the available stakeholders who actively combat substance abuse in the communities. Thematic narrative analysis was used to analyze the interviews conducted with and content presented by the stakeholders to generate the themes. Results The prevalence of Substance Abuse among the youth in the Dikgale community is high with a growing trend of Crystal Meth, "nyaope," and Cannabis(marijuana). The prevalence is worsened by the diverse challenges experienced by the families and stakeholders which impact the strategies targeted to combat Substance Abuse. Conclusion The findings indicated the need for strong collaborations among the stakeholders (including school leadership) to successfully combat Substance Abuse in rural areas. The findings demonstrated a need for a well-capacitated healthcare services with adequate rehabilitation centers and well-trained healthcare providers for combating Substance Abuse to minimize victim stigmatization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livhuwani Muthelo
- Department of Nursing Science, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
| | | | - Peter Mphekgwana
- Research Administration and Development, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
| | | | - Inos Dhau
- Department of Geography and Environmental Studies, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
| | - Joseph Tlouyamma
- Department of Computer Science, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
| | - Rathani Nemuramba
- DIMAMO Population Health Research Centre, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
| | - Reneilwe Given Mashaba
- DIMAMO Population Health Research Centre, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
| | - Katlego Mothapo
- DIMAMO Population Health Research Centre, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
| | - Cairo Bruce Ntimana
- DIMAMO Population Health Research Centre, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
| | - Eric Maimela
- Department of Public Health, University of Limpopo, Polokwane, South Africa
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Varshney K, Browning SD, Debnath SK, Shet P, Shet D. A Systematic Review of Risk Factors and Consequences of Nyaope Usage: The Illicit Street Drug Containing HIV Antiretrovirals. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:558-577. [PMID: 35895149 PMCID: PMC9908705 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03791-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
South Africa currently has the highest number of cases of HIV in the world. HIV antiretrovirals (ARVs) are publicly available across the country to address this crisis. However, a consequence of widely available ARVs has been the diversion of these drugs for recreational usage in a drug cocktail commonly known as "nyaope" or "whoonga," which poses a significant public health concern. To better understand nyaope, we conducted a systematic review investigating the risks and consequences associated with its usage. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, searches were conducted in eight different databases and screened thereafter. Articles were eligible for inclusion if they included analysis of least one nyaope user and considered either demographics, risk factors, or consequences of usage. Data extracted included study characteristics and limitations, as well as demographic factors, risk factors for usage in the general population, and consequences. Quality assessments were performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute's tools. Searches produced a total of 228 articles and, after screening, a total of 19 articles were eligible for inclusion. There was a pooled total of 807 nyaope users, all in South Africa. Major risk factors for usage were being male, unemployed, not completing secondary education, pressure from peer groups, having HIV, prior use of cannabis, and to a lesser extent, usage of other substances such as alcohol and tobacco. While young adults tend to be at high-risk, evidence indicates that adolescents are also at-risk. Consequences of usage include high rates of infection, cortical atrophy, depression, and addiction. Addiction was shown to lead to individuals stealing from friends and family to pay for the drugs. HIV-positive nyaope users were more likely to partake in risk behaviours and tended to have high viral loads. Nyaope's rise has been linked to many health and social issues. Considering that this may also disrupt HIV control efforts in South Africa, there is an urgent need to address the rise of nyaope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karan Varshney
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons St, Waurn Ponds, Geelong, VIC, 3216, Australia. .,College of Population Health, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA.
| | | | - Sujit K. Debnath
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Mumbai, India
| | - Pavan Shet
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, 75 Pigdons St, Waurn Ponds, Geelong, VIC 3216 Australia
| | - Darshan Shet
- School of Pharmacy, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Owolabi J. Drug Epidemiology as a Critical Subject of Global Health, Mental Health, and Health Equity: Advances, Trends, and Contemporary Issues. Subst Abuse Rehabil 2022; 13:111-116. [DOI: 10.2147/sar.s384987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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Lefoka MH, Netangaheni RT. Factors associated with smoking and transitioning to nyaope injection amongst women in the City of Tshwane Municipality: A self-report by women. Health SA 2022; 27:1775. [PMID: 35937427 PMCID: PMC9350489 DOI: 10.4102/hsag.v27i0.1775] [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: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Substance use disorder has emerged as a key health and social challenge in South Africa (SA). It is projected that about 15% of South African youth, especially young women are prone to engage in drug use and the prospects of coming into contact with nyaope, a highly addictive drug, are higher. Nyaope is mainly smoked, but the prevalence of injecting it is increasing in most regions. Aim This study aimed to explore and describe the perception of women, who use nyaope, about the factors contributing to nyaope smoking and transitioning to injecting nyaope amongst women in the City of Tshwane Municipality (CoT), Gauteng. Setting The research was conducted within Community Oriented Substance Use Programme sites across the CoT Municipality. Methods Qualitative research methods were utilised to explore and describe the perceptions of the participants on factors contributing to the use of nyaope amongst women residing in the CoT. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews and thematically analysed. Results Intimate partner influence (IPI), peer pressure, being misled by friends, weight loss, lack of effective coping mechanisms and counteracting other drugs contributed to women smoking nyaope. Additionally, a need for an intense high, IPI, influence by the social network, curiosity and cost-effectiveness contributed to women transitioning from smoking to injecting nyaope. Conclusion The study has established factors contributing to smoking and transition to injecting nyaope as viewed by women residing in the CoT. Contribution This research affirms that women are influenced by different factors to use and transition to injecting Nyaope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moganki H. Lefoka
- Community Oriented Substance Use Programme, Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa,Department of Sociology, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Robert T. Netangaheni
- Department of Health Studies, Faculty of Human Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
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Mathibela F, Skhosana RM. I just knew that something was not right! Coping strategies of parents living with adolescents misusing substances. J Subst Abuse Treat 2020; 120:108178. [PMID: 33298304 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsat.2020.108178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Substance misuse is a major problem affecting young people of all races, globally and in South Africa. This article focuses on the coping strategies of parents living with adolescents misusing substances. It is based on a study that received an in-depth understanding of the experiences, challenges, and coping strategies of parents living with adolescents abusing chemical substances in the community of Ramotse in Hammanskraal, Gauteng. A qualitative research approach with purposive and snowball sampling was used. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using Tesch's eight steps. Data verification was conducted using Guba's model. The findings showed that most parents living with adolescents misusing substances are struggling to cope with their day-to-day lives. The findings highlighted the following themes which were: Parents avoided talking to adolescents to avoid pain and hurt, parents received comfort in their religion by praying or going to church, parents get spiritual support from the church and their pastors, parents opted to give the adolescents money and finally parents shared that they still have hope that their adolescent child's behaviour will change.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Mathibela
- Social Work Department, University of South Africa, South Africa.
| | - R M Skhosana
- Social Work Department, University of South Africa, South Africa.
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Card M, McGlynn K. Primary health care nurses’ perceptions of the socio-ecology of mental illness among patients: An exploratory study. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY IN AFRICA 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/14330237.2020.1842599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Card
- Department of Psychology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Kim McGlynn
- Department of Psychology, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Groenewald C, Essack Z. “I started that day and continued for 2 years”: A case report on adolescent ‘whoonga’ addiction. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2019.1642408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Candice Groenewald
- Human and Social Development Unit, Human Sciences Research Council Durban Regional Office, Berea, South Africa
| | - Zaynab Essack
- Human and Social Development Unit, Human Sciences Research Council, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
- School of Law, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
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