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Furulund E, Druckrey-Fiskaaen KT, Carlsen SEL, Madebo T, Fadnes LT, Lid TG. Healthy eating among people on opioid agonist therapy: a qualitative study of patients' experiences and perspectives. BMC Nutr 2024; 10:70. [PMID: 38705977 PMCID: PMC11071228 DOI: 10.1186/s40795-024-00880-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
People with substance use disorders often have unhealthy diets, high in sweets and processed foods but low in nutritious items like fruits and vegetables, increasing noncommunicable disease risks. This study investigates healthy eating perceptions and barriers among individuals with opioid use disorder undergoing opioid agonist therapy. Interviews with 14 participants at opioid agonist therapy clinics in Western Norway, using a semi-structured guide and systematic text condensation for analysis, reveal that most participants view their diet as inadequate and express a desire to improve for better health. Barriers to healthy eating included oral health problems, smoking habits, and limited social relations, while economic factors were less of a concern for the participants. Participants did find healthy eating easier when they were in social settings. This study underscores the importance of understanding and addressing these barriers and facilitators to foster healthier eating patterns in this population, potentially enhancing overall health and well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Einar Furulund
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Bergen Addiction Research, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Karl Trygve Druckrey-Fiskaaen
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Bergen Addiction Research, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Siv-Elin Leirvåg Carlsen
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Bergen Addiction Research, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tesfaye Madebo
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Bergen Addiction Research, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars T Fadnes
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Bergen Addiction Research, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Torgeir Gilje Lid
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
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Druckrey-Fiskaaen KT, Vold JH, Madebo T, Midgard H, Dalgard O, Leiva RA, Fadnes LT. Liver stiffness and associated risk factors among people with a history of injecting drugs: a prospective cohort study. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2024; 19:21. [PMID: 38532435 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-024-00603-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persons with opioid use disorders (OUD) and persons with substance use disorders (SUD) who inject substances have a reduced life expectancy of up to 25 years compared with the general population. Chronic liver diseases are a substantial cause of this. Screening strategies based on liver stiffness measurements (LSM) may facilitate early detection, timely intervention, and treatment of liver disease. This study aims to investigate the extent of chronic liver disease measured with transient elastography and the association between LSM and various risk factors, including substance use patterns, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, alcohol use, body mass index, age, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol among people with OUD or with SUD who inject substances. METHODS Data was collected from May 2017 to March 2022 in a cohort of 676 persons from Western Norway. The cohort was recruited from two populations: Persons receiving opioid agonist therapy (OAT) (81% of the sample) or persons with SUD injecting substances but not receiving OAT. All participants were assessed at least once with transient elastography. A linear mixed model was performed to assess the impact of risk factors such as HCV infection, alcohol use, lifestyle-associated factors, and substance use on liver stiffness at baseline and over time. Baseline was defined as the time of the first liver stiffness measurement. The results are presented as coefficients (in kilopascal (kPa)) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS At baseline, 12% (n = 83) of the study sample had LSM suggestive of advanced chronic liver disease (LSM ≥ 10 kPa). Advanced age (1.0 kPa per 10 years increments, 95% CI: 0.68;1.3), at least weekly alcohol use (1.3, 0.47;2.1), HCV infection (1.2, 0.55;1.9), low HDL cholesterol level (1.4, 0.64;2.2), and higher body mass index (0.25 per increasing unit, 0.17;0.32) were all significantly associated with higher LSM at baseline. Compared with persistent chronic HCV infection, a resolved HCV infection predicted a yearly reduction of LSM (-0.73, -1.3;-0.21) from baseline to the following liver stiffness measurement. CONCLUSIONS More than one-tenth of the participants in this study had LSM suggestive of advanced chronic liver disease. It underscores the need for addressing HCV infection and reducing lifestyle-related liver risk factors, such as metabolic health factors and alcohol consumption, to prevent the advancement of liver fibrosis or cirrhosis in this particular population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Trygve Druckrey-Fiskaaen
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Jørn Henrik Vold
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tesfaye Madebo
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Håvard Midgard
- Department of Gastroenterology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Olav Dalgard
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | | | - Lars T Fadnes
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Aas CF, Vold JH, Chalabianloo F, Løberg EM, Lim AG, Vickerman P, Johansson KA, Fadnes LT. Effect of integrated hepatitis C virus treatment on psychological distress in people with substance use disorders. Sci Rep 2024; 14:816. [PMID: 38191795 PMCID: PMC10774384 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51336-9] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
People with substance use disorders (SUD) have a high prevalence of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and mental health disorders. We aimed to assess the impact of integrated HCV treatment on psychological distress measured by Hopkins-symptom-checklist-10 (SCL-10). This multi-center randomized controlled trial evaluated psychological distress as a secondary outcome of integrated HCV treatment (INTRO-HCV trial). From 2017 to 2019, 289 participants were randomly assigned to receive either integrated or standard HCV treatment with direct-acting antiviral therapy. Integrated HCV treatment was delivered in eight decentralized outpatient opioid agonist therapy clinics and two community care centers; standard treatment was delivered in internal medicine outpatient clinics at centralized hospitals. Participants in the integrated treatment arm had a sustained virologic response of 93% compared to 73% for those in standard treatment arm. Psychological distress was assessed using SCL-10 prior to initiation of HCV treatment and 12 weeks after treatment completion. The mean SCL-10 score prior to HCV treatment was 2.2 (standard deviation [SD]: 0.7) for patients receiving integrated HCV treatment and 2.2 (SD: 0.8) for those receiving standard HCV treatment. Twelve weeks after the end of treatment, the mean SCL-10 score change was - 0.1 (- 0.3;0.0) in the integrated compared to the standard arm. Psychological distress did not substantially change during the treatment period and was not significantly different between the treatment arms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christer F Aas
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Jørn Henrik Vold
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Fatemeh Chalabianloo
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Else-Marie Løberg
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Aaron G Lim
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Kjell Arne Johansson
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 65, 5021, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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4
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Lim AG, Aas CF, Çağlar ES, Vold JH, Fadnes LT, Vickerman P, Johansson KA. Cost-effectiveness of integrated treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) among people who inject drugs in Norway: An economic evaluation of the INTRO-HCV trial. Addiction 2023; 118:2424-2439. [PMID: 37515462 PMCID: PMC10952903 DOI: 10.1111/add.16305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The INTRO-HCV randomized controlled trial conducted in Norway over 2017-2019 found that integrated treatment, compared with standard-of-care hospital treatment, for hepatitis C virus (HCV) with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) improved treatment outcomes among people who inject drugs (PWID). We evaluated cost-effectiveness of the INTRO-HCV intervention. DESIGN A Markov health state transition model of HCV disease progression and treatment with cost-effectiveness analysis from the health-provider perspective. Primary cost, utility, and health outcome data were derived from the trial. Costs and health benefits (quality-adjusted life-years, QALYs) were tracked over 50 years. Probabilistic and univariate sensitivity analyses investigated DAA price reductions and variations in HCV treatment and disease care cost assumptions, using costs from different countries (Norway, United Kingdom, United States, France, Australia). SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS PWID attending community-based drug treatment centers for people with opioid dependence in Norway. MEASUREMENTS Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) in terms of cost per QALY gained, compared against a conventional (€70 000/QALY) willingness-to-pay threshold for Norway and lower (€20 000/QALY) threshold common among high-income countries. FINDINGS Integrated treatment resulted in an ICER of €13 300/QALY gained, with 99% and 71% probability of being cost-effective against conventional and lower willingness-to-pay thresholds, respectively. A 30% lower DAA price reduced the ICER to €6 900/QALY gained, with 91% probability of being cost-effective at the lower willingness-to-pay threshold. A 60% and 90% lower DAA price had 36% and >99% probability of being cost-saving, respectively. Sensitivity analyses suggest integrated treatment was cost-effective at the lower willingness-to-pay threshold (>60% probability) across different assumptions on HCV treatment and disease care costs with 30% DAA price reduction, and became cost-saving with 60%-90% price reductions. CONCLUSIONS Integrated hepatitis C virus treatment for people who inject drugs in community settings is likely cost-effective compared with standard-of-care referral pathways in Norway and may be cost-saving in settings with particular characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Guanliang Lim
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Christer Frode Aas
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction MedicineHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary CareUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
- Division of PsychiatryHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
| | - Ege Su Çağlar
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction MedicineHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary CareUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - Jørn Henrik Vold
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction MedicineHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary CareUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
- Division of PsychiatryHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
| | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction MedicineHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary CareUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | - Kjell Arne Johansson
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction MedicineHaukeland University HospitalBergenNorway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary CareUniversity of BergenBergenNorway
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Vold JH, Halmøy A, Chalabianloo F, Pierron MC, Løberg EM, Johansson KA, Fadnes LT. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and their relation to diagnosed ADHD, sociodemographic characteristics, and substance use among patients receiving opioid agonist therapy: a Norwegian cohort study. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:479. [PMID: 37386438 PMCID: PMC10308780 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-04980-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms may challenge sufficient treatment of substance use and mental disorders. The literature on the extent of such symptoms among patients receiving opioid agonist therapy (OAT) is scarce. This study examined ADHD symptoms using the ADHD self-report scale (ASRS) and the association between the 'ASRS-memory' and 'ASRS-attention' scores and substance use and sociodemographic characteristics among patients receiving OAT. METHODS We used data from assessment visits of a cohort of patients in Norway. In total, 701 patients were included from May 2017 to March 2022. All patients responded at least once to two ASRS questions assessing memory and attention, respectively. Ordinal regression analyses were performed to investigate whether the two obtained scores were associated with age, sex, frequent substance use, injecting use, housing status, and educational attainment at baseline, i.e., the first assessment, and over time. The results are presented as odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Additionally, a subsample of 225 patients completed an extended interview, including the ASRS-screener and collection of registered mental disorder diagnoses from the medical records. Standard cutoffs were used to define the presence of each ASRS symptom or a positive ASRS-screener ('ASRS-positive'). RESULTS At baseline, 428 (61%) and 307 (53%) patients scored over the cutoffs on the 'ASRS-memory' and 'ASRS-attention,' respectively. Frequent cannabis use was associated with higher 'ASRS-memory' (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1-2.6) and 'ASRS-attention' (1.7, 1.1-2.5) scores compared with less or no use at baseline, though reduced score on the 'ASRS-memory' over time (0.7, 0.6-1.0). At baseline, frequent stimulant use (1.8, 1.0-3.2) and low educational attainment (0.1, 0.0-0.8) were associated with higher 'ASRS-memory' scores. In the subsample fulfilling the ASRS-screener, 45% of the patients were 'ASRS-positive,' of whom 13% with a registered ADHD diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings illustrate a relationship between the ASRS-memory and -attention scores and frequent cannabis and stimulant use. Furthermore, nearly half of the subsample was 'ASRS-positive.' Patients receiving OAT might benefit from being further assessed for ADHD, but improved diagnostic methods are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jørn Henrik Vold
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies Vei 65, N-5021 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anne Halmøy
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Fatemeh Chalabianloo
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies Vei 65, N-5021 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Marianne Cook Pierron
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies Vei 65, N-5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Else-Marie Løberg
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjell Arne Johansson
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies Vei 65, N-5021 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies Vei 65, N-5021 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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6
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Åstrøm AN, Vold JH, Aas CF, Johansson KA, Fadnes LT. Association between oral and general health related quality of life among Norwegian patients with substance use disorders in opioid agonist therapy. Acta Odontol Scand 2023; 81:332-339. [PMID: 36538356 DOI: 10.1080/00016357.2022.2153736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Assess the association between oral and general health related quality of life using oral impacts on daily performances (OIDP) and the quality of life tool EQ-5D-5L from EuroQoL among patients with substance use disorder (SUD) who receive opioid agonist therapy. METHOD 609 patients with SUD completed the EQ-5D-5L. A dental sub-study of 167 patients completed OIDP and an oral examination when attending outpatient clinics in Western Norway for their opioid agonist therapy. The merged analytical sample consisted of 165 patients. The association between OIDP and EQ-5D-5L was assessed by Spearman's rho and a linear multiple variable regression analysis. A line graph and a Pen's parade displayed the distributions of OIDP sum scores and EQ-5D-5L index values. RESULTS Overall mean summary- and index EQ-5D-5L scores were 9.97 (sd 3.25) and 0.69 (sd 0.22). Mean score for OIDP was 9.75 (sd 9.59). Spearman's rho was 0.34 (p < .01) between OIDP and EQ-5D-5L summary scores. Linear regression revealed an association adjusted for sex and age of 0.12 (95% CI 0.07-0.17) and a coefficient of determination of 0.1460. CONCLUSION This study reveals a strong association between OIDP and EQ-5D-5L reflecting the importance of oral health to general health for patients with SUD. Health care professionals should pay attention to oral health. Effective interventions might improve patients' oral and health related quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Nordrehaug Åstrøm
- Department of Clinical Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Oral Health Centre of Expertise in Western Norway, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jørn Henrik Vold
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Christer Frode Aas
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjell Arne Johansson
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Vold JH, Chalabianloo F, Løberg EM, Aas CF, Lim AG, Vickerman P, Johansson KA, Fadnes LT. The efficacy of integrated hepatitis C virus treatment in relieving fatigue in people who inject drugs: a randomized controlled trial. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2023; 18:25. [PMID: 37095561 PMCID: PMC10123982 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-023-00534-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most people who inject drugs (PWIDs) suffer from severe fatigue, and chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may play a role in this. However, there is scarce evidence about interventions that alleviate fatigue among PWIDs. The present study investigated the effect of integrated HCV treatment on fatigue in this population compared to the effect of standard HCV treatment, adjusted for sustained virological response of the HCV treatment. METHODS This multi-center, randomized controlled trial evaluated fatigue as a secondary outcome of integrated HCV treatment (the INTRO-HCV trial). From May 2017 to June 2019, 276 participants in Bergen and Stavanger, Norway, were randomly assigned to receive integrated and standard HCV treatment. Integrated treatment was delivered in eight decentralized outpatient opioid agonist therapy clinics and two community care centers; standard treatment was delivered in specialized infectious disease outpatient clinics at referral hospitals. Fatigue was assessed prior to treatment and 12 weeks after treatment using the nine-item Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS-9). We applied a linear mixed model to evaluate the impact of integrated HCV treatment on changes in FSS-9 (ΔFSS-9) sum scores. RESULTS At baseline, the mean FSS-9 sum score was 46 (standard deviation (SD): 15) for participants on integrated HCV treatment and 41 (SD: 16) for those on standard treatment. Twelve weeks after completed HCV treatment, the mean FSS-9 sum score for participants receiving integrated HCV treatment was 42 (SD: 15) and 40 (SD: 14) for those receiving standard HCV treatment. Integrated HCV treatment did not reduce the FSS-9 scores compared to standard HCV treatment (ΔFSS-9: -3.0, 95% confidence interval (CI): -6.4;0.4). CONCLUSIONS Fatigue is a common symptom among PWIDs. Integrated HCV treatment is at least equal to standard HCV treatment in improving fatigue. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov.no NCT03155906, 16/05/2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jørn Henrik Vold
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies Vei 65, N-5021, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Fatemeh Chalabianloo
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies Vei 65, N-5021, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Else-Marie Løberg
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Christer F Aas
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies Vei 65, N-5021, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Aaron G Lim
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Kjell Arne Johansson
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies Vei 65, N-5021, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies Vei 65, N-5021, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Chalabianloo F, Høiseth G, Vold JH, Johansson KA, Kringen MK, Dalgard O, Ohldieck C, Druckrey-Fiskaaen KT, Aas C, Løberg EM, Bramness JG, Fadnes LT. Impact of liver fibrosis and clinical characteristics on dose-adjusted serum methadone concentrations. J Addict Dis 2023; 41:53-63. [PMID: 35356868 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2022.2057140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is limited knowledge on the causes of large variations in serum methadone concentrations and dose requirements. OBJECTIVES We investigated the impact of the degree of liver fibrosis on dose-adjusted steady-state serum methadone concentrations. METHODS We assessed the clinical and laboratory data of 155 Norwegian patients with opioid use disorder undergoing methadone maintenance treatment in outpatient clinics in the period 2016-2020. A possible association between the degree of liver fibrosis and dose-adjusted serum methadone concentration was explored using a linear mixed-model analysis. RESULTS When adjusted for age, gender, body mass index, and genotypes of CYP2B6 and CYP3A5, the concentration-to-dose ratio of methadone did not increase among the participants with liver fibrosis (Coefficient: 0.70; 95% CI: -2.16, 3.57; P: 0.631), even among those with advanced cirrhosis (-0.50; -4.59, 3.59; 0.810). CONCLUSIONS Although no correlation was found between the degree of liver stiffness and dose-adjusted serum methadone concentration, close clinical monitoring should be considered, especially among patients with advanced cirrhosis. Still, serum methadone measurements can be considered a supplement to clinical assessments, taking into account intra-individual variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Chalabianloo
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Gudrun Høiseth
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Center for psychopharmacology, Diakonhjemmet Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Norwegian Center for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jørn Henrik Vold
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjell Arne Johansson
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Olav Dalgard
- Infectious Disease Department, Akershus University Hospital, Akerhus, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Christian Ohldieck
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Karl Trygve Druckrey-Fiskaaen
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Christer Aas
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Else-Marie Løberg
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,NORMENT Centre of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Faculty of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jørgen G Bramness
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, UiT - Norway's Arctic University, Tromsø, Norway.,Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Sælør KT, Carlsen SEL, Fadnes LT, Lorås L. Experiences of Hope after Treatment of Hepatitis C Infection-A Qualitative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15732. [PMID: 36497807 PMCID: PMC9738947 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of hope people had after undergoing treatment for a hepatitis C virus infection (HCV). Between October 2019 and May 2020, 19 one-on-one interviews were conducted with people who inject drugs and had undergone HCV treatment. All participants had completed treatment and were documented as being virus-free. Data were audio recorded and then transcribed verbatim and analysed; a method inspired by reflexive thematic analysis. Those interviewed conveyed rich and nuanced descriptions of experiences of a life with HCV. Through the course of the analysis we developed four themes. The themes were formulated as metaphors aimed at capturing commonalities about how the participants seemed to "turn their gaze" after receiving HCV treatment: (1) turning their gaze backward; (2) turning their gaze inwards; (3) turning their gaze toward others and (4) turning their gaze forward. Participants' descriptions of their experiences relating to HCV were somewhat gloomy, and HCV treatment seemed to inspire hope and a brighter outlook on several areas of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Knut Tore Sælør
- Department of Health, Social and Welfare Studies, Center for Mental Health and Substance Abuse, University of South-Eastern Norway, 3007 Drammen, Norway
| | | | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Lennart Lorås
- Department of Welfare and Participation, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, 5063 Bergen, Norway
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10
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Vitamin D status and associations with substance use patterns among people with severe substance use disorders in Western Norway. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13695. [PMID: 35953499 PMCID: PMC9372185 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17804-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic and harmful substance use is associated with a cluster of harms to health, including micronutrient deficiencies. Maintaining adequate levels of vitamin D is important for musculoskeletal and other aspects of health. In this prospective longitudinal cohort study, 666 participants drawn from outpatient opioid agonist therapy (OAT) clinics and community care clinics for substance use disorder in Western Norway were assessed annually for determination of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [s-25(OH)D] levels. Fifty-seven percent were deficient at baseline (s-25(OH)D < 50 nmol/l), and 19% were severely deficient (s-25(OH)D < 25 nmol/l). Among those deficient/severely deficient at baseline, 70% remained deficient/severely deficient at the last measurement (mean duration 714 days). Substance use patterns and dosage of opioids for OAT were not associated with vitamin D levels. One exception was found for cannabis, where consumption on a minimum weekly basis was associated with lower levels at baseline (mean difference: -5.2 nmol/l, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -9.1, - 1.3), but without clear time trends (mean change per year: 1.4 nmol/l, CI: - 0.86, 3.7). The high prevalence of sustained vitamin D deficiency in this cohort highlights the need for targeted monitoring and supplementation for this and similar at-risk populations.
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11
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Folate Status as a Nutritional Indicator among People with Substance Use Disorder; A Prospective Cohort Study in Norway. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19095754. [PMID: 35565159 PMCID: PMC9099634 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19095754] [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: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Substance use disorder (SUD) is associated with poor nutrition. Vitamin B9, or folate, is an important micronutrient for health. The aim of this prospective longitudinal cohort study was to assess serum folate levels among people with SUD and to investigate the impact of factors related to substance use severity on folate status. Participants were recruited from outpatient clinics for opioid agonist therapy (OAT) and municipal health-care clinics for SUD in Western Norway. They were assessed annually, including blood sampling for determination of micronutrient status. Overall, 663 participants with a total of 2236 serum folate measurements were included. A linear mixed model was applied, and measures are presented as β-coefficients with 95% confidence interval (CI). Forty-eight percent (CI: 44−51) of the population had low serum folate levels (s-folate < 10 nmol/L), and 23% (CI: 20−26) were deficient (s-folate < 6.8 nmol/L) at baseline. Sixty percent (CI: 53−65) sustained their poor folate status in at least one subsequent assessment. Except for weekly use of cannabis (mean difference in serum folate [nmol/L]: −1.8, CI: −3.3, −0.25) and alcohol (1.9, CI: 0.15, 3.6), weekly use of no other substance class was associated with baseline differences in serum folate when compared to less frequent or no use. Injecting substances was associated with a reduction in serum folate over time (−1.2, CI: −2.3, −0.14), as was higher dosages of OAT medication (−1.1, CI: −2.2, −0.024). Our findings emphasize the need of addressing nutrition among people with severe SUD.
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12
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Madebo T, Bemanian M, Vold JH, Chowdhury R, Aas CF, Druckrey-Fiskaaen KT, Johansson KA, Fadnes LT. Vitamin B12 Levels, Substance Use Patterns and Clinical Characteristics among People with Severe Substance Use Disorders: A Cohort Study from Western Norway. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14091941. [PMID: 35565908 PMCID: PMC9105230 DOI: 10.3390/nu14091941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
People with severe substance use disorder (SUD) have a higher burden of micronutrient deficiency compared with the general population. The aim of this study was to investigate vitamin B12 status and risk factors of deficiency related to substance use, opioid agonist therapy (OAT), as well as hepatitis C infection and liver fibrosis. In this prospective cohort study, participants were recruited from outpatient OAT and SUD clinics in western Norway, and assessed annually with a clinical interview and exam, including venous blood sampling. Data were collected between March 2016 and June 2020, and a total of 2451 serum vitamin B12 measurements from 672 participants were included. The median serum vitamin B12 concentration was 396 (standard deviation 198) pmol/L at baseline, 22% of the population had suboptimal levels (<300 pmol/L) and 1.2% were deficient at baseline (<175 pmol/L). No clear associations were seen with substance use patterns, but liver disease and younger age were associated with higher vitamin B12 levels. Although the majority of participants had satisfactory vitamin B12 levels, about a fifth had suboptimal levels that might or might not be adequate for metabolic needs. Future studies could investigate potential gains in interventions among patients with suboptimal but non-deficient levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tesfaye Madebo
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, P.O. Box 8100, 4068 Stavanger, Norway
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Østre Murallmenningen 7, 5012 Bergen, Norway; (M.B.); (J.H.V.); (C.F.A.); (K.T.D.-F.); (K.A.J.)
- Correspondence: (T.M.); (L.T.F.)
| | - Mitra Bemanian
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Østre Murallmenningen 7, 5012 Bergen, Norway; (M.B.); (J.H.V.); (C.F.A.); (K.T.D.-F.); (K.A.J.)
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, P.O. Box, 7804 Bergen, Norway
| | - Jørn Henrik Vold
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Østre Murallmenningen 7, 5012 Bergen, Norway; (M.B.); (J.H.V.); (C.F.A.); (K.T.D.-F.); (K.A.J.)
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, P.O. Box, 7804 Bergen, Norway
| | - Ranadip Chowdhury
- Centre for Health Research and Development, Society for Applied Studies, 45, Vijay Mandal Enclave, Kalu Sarai New Delhi, Delhi 110016, India;
| | - Christer Frode Aas
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Østre Murallmenningen 7, 5012 Bergen, Norway; (M.B.); (J.H.V.); (C.F.A.); (K.T.D.-F.); (K.A.J.)
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, P.O. Box, 7804 Bergen, Norway
| | - Karl Trygve Druckrey-Fiskaaen
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Østre Murallmenningen 7, 5012 Bergen, Norway; (M.B.); (J.H.V.); (C.F.A.); (K.T.D.-F.); (K.A.J.)
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, P.O. Box, 7804 Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjell Arne Johansson
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Østre Murallmenningen 7, 5012 Bergen, Norway; (M.B.); (J.H.V.); (C.F.A.); (K.T.D.-F.); (K.A.J.)
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, P.O. Box, 7804 Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Østre Murallmenningen 7, 5012 Bergen, Norway; (M.B.); (J.H.V.); (C.F.A.); (K.T.D.-F.); (K.A.J.)
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, P.O. Box, 7804 Bergen, Norway
- Correspondence: (T.M.); (L.T.F.)
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13
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Vold JH, Løberg EM, Aas CF, Steier JA, Johansson KA, Fadnes LT. Prevalence and correlates of suicide attempts in high-risk populations: a cross-sectional study among patients receiving opioid agonist therapy in Norway. BMC Psychiatry 2022; 22:181. [PMID: 35291968 PMCID: PMC8922793 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-022-03829-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Death by suicide in patients enrolled in opioid agonist therapy (OAT) is a major clinical concern. However, little knowledge exists regarding suicide attempts in this patient group. This study presents the lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts and the associations between suicide attempts and clinical and sociodemographic variables such as education, sex, early onset of substance use (< 13 years of age), substance use patterns, and injecting substance use among patients receiving OAT. METHODS We used data from a cohort of OAT patients in Norway obtained from a health assessment of self-reported suicide attempts and sociodemographic and clinical factors. A total of 595 patients receiving OAT were assessed from 2016 to 2020. A binary logistic regression analysis was performed and reported with an unadjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals (OR). The purpose of this assessment was to analyze associations between suicide attempts and substance use patterns as well as the injection of substances during the 30 days leading up to the health assessment. A negative binomial regression analysis with an incidence rate ratio and 95% confidence intervals (IRR) was performed to investigate sex, education, early onset of substance use, and the number of suicide attempts. RESULTS Forty-one percent of the OAT patients had attempted to die by suicide at least once during their lifetime. An early onset of substance use was strongly associated with the suicide attempts (IRR: 1.7, 1.3-2.2). No significant association was found between suicide attempts and sex (IRR: 1.2, 0.9-1.6) or education (IRR: 0.6, 0.2-2.1). Likewise, no association was identified between suicide attempts and injecting substance use (OR: 0.9, 0.6-1.3), nor using alcohol (OR: 0.9, 0.7-1.3), amphetamines (OR: 1.0, 0.7-1.3), benzodiazepines (OR: 1.0, 0.7-1.4), cannabis (OR: 1.2, 0.9-1.7), cocaine (OR: 1.3, 0.6-3.0), or opioids (OR: 1.4, 0.9-2.0). CONCLUSION The lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts was alarmingly high in the OAT population. An early onset of substance use seemed to be an important risk factor for suicide attempts. There was a non-significant association to more current use of opioids among OAT patients with previous suicide attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jørn Henrik Vold
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. .,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. .,Department of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Else-Marie Løberg
- grid.412008.f0000 0000 9753 1393Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway ,grid.412008.f0000 0000 9753 1393Department of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway ,grid.7914.b0000 0004 1936 7443Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Christer F. Aas
- grid.412008.f0000 0000 9753 1393Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway ,grid.7914.b0000 0004 1936 7443Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway ,grid.412008.f0000 0000 9753 1393Department of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jan Alexander Steier
- grid.412008.f0000 0000 9753 1393Department of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjell Arne Johansson
- grid.412008.f0000 0000 9753 1393Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway ,grid.7914.b0000 0004 1936 7443Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- grid.412008.f0000 0000 9753 1393Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway ,grid.7914.b0000 0004 1936 7443Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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14
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Chalabianloo F, Ohldieck C, Haaland ØA, Fadnes LT, Johansson KA. Effectiveness and Safety of Low-Threshold Opioid-Agonist Treatment in Hard-To-Reach Populations with Opioid Dependence. Eur Addict Res 2022; 28:199-209. [PMID: 34864738 DOI: 10.1159/000520185] [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: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Opioid-use disorder is related to premature death worldwide. Opioid-agonist treatment (OAT) is an effective treatment for opioid dependence. OAT delivery platforms may influence treatment access and outcomes, especially for the most vulnerable groups. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness and safety of low-threshold OAT compared to the standard treatment. METHODS Patients with diagnosed opioid dependence undergoing low-threshold OAT at the Bergen delivery platform in Norway were enrolled in a cohort study in 2014-2019. A national OAT cohort was the reference group. The main outcomes were treatment retention, the use of illicit opioids, non-fatal overdose, overdose death, and all-cause mortality during the first year following treatment initiation and the full treatment period. Additionally, healthcare utilization in the periods before and during OAT was investigated. RESULTS Compared to the reference cohort, the low-threshold cohort (n = 128, mean age: 38 years, women: 28%) showed treatment retention rates of 95% versus 92%, illicit opioid use of 7% versus 10%, non-fatal overdose of 7% versus 6%, and death at 1.0% versus 1.3%, respectively. The incident rate ratios (IRRs) for healthcare utilization increased substantially during the OAT period compared to the period before; the IRR increased by 3.3 (95% confidence interval (CI): 2.8, 3.9) and 3.4 (95% CI: 3.1, 3.9) for all in- and outpatient healthcare, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Low-threshold OAT was at least as effective and safe as the standard OAT in terms of treatment retention, the use of illicit opioids, non-fatal overdose, and death. Healthcare utilization increased during the OAT compared to the period before. Lowering the threshold for OAT entrance within proper delivery platforms should be broadly considered to reduce harm and improve healthcare access among patients with opioid dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Chalabianloo
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Christian Ohldieck
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Øystein A Haaland
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjell Arne Johansson
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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15
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Vold JH, Chalabianloo F, Aas CF, Løberg EM, Johansson KA, Fadnes LT. Changes in substance use during outpatient treatment for substance use disorders: a prospective Norwegian cohort study from 2016 to 2020. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PREVENTION AND POLICY 2021; 16:67. [PMID: 34526054 PMCID: PMC8442290 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-021-00403-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background Continuous use of amphetamines, alcohol, benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine, or opioids contributes to health impairments, increased morbidity, and overdose deaths among patients with substance use disorders (SUDs). This study evaluates the impact of inpatient detoxification, injecting substance use, age, and gender on substance use over time among patients undergoing outpatient SUD treatment. Methods We used data from a cohort of SUD patients in Norway obtained from health assessments of self-reported substance use and sociodemographic and clinical factors. A total of 881 substance use measurements, including substances and frequency of use, were assessed for 708 SUD patients in 2016–2020. Of those, 171 patients provided two or more substance use measurements. The total substance use was calculated, creating a substance use severity index (SUSI), ranging from zero (no use) to one (daily use of all substances). We defined baseline as the first substance use measurement when the measurements were listed chronologically. Time was defined as years from baseline. We used a linear mixed model to analyze the SUSI at baseline and over time, and its associations with inpatient detoxification, injecting substance use, gender, and age, presented with coefficients and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results No longitudinal changes in the SUSI were found compared with baseline (change in SUSI (cSUSI): 0.04, 95% CI: − 0.05;0.13, p = 0.397). Likewise, “inpatient detoxification” was not associated with changes in the SUSI compared with “no inpatient detoxification” (cSUSI: 0.00, 95% CI: − 0.04;0.04, p = 0.952). However, injecting substances were associated with a higher SUSI than not injecting substances at baseline (difference in SUSI: 0.19, 95% CI: 0.16;0.21, p = < 0.001), and starting to inject substances was associated with increasing SUSI over time compared with not starting to inject substances (cSUSI: 0.11, 95% CI: 0.07;0.15, p = < 0.001). Gender was not significantly associated with changes in the SUSI (cSUSI: − 0.04, 95% CI: − 0.07;0.00, p = 0.052), while patients over 60 years of age had a lower SUSI than those under the age of 30 at baseline (difference in SUSI: − 0.08, 95% CI: − 0.14;− 0.01, p = 0.018), with no change over time (cSUSI: − 0.05, 95% CI: − 0.16;0.05, p = 0.297). Conclusion The present study demonstrates that inpatient detoxification was not associated with substance use changes over time for patients undergoing outpatient SUD treatment. Otherwise, injecting substance use was a particular risk factor for a high level of substance use. Future research needs to evaluate the impact of other treatment approaches on substance use, ideally in randomized controlled trials. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13011-021-00403-9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jørn Henrik Vold
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. .,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Fatemeh Chalabianloo
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Christer F Aas
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Else-Marie Løberg
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjell Arne Johansson
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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16
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Åstrøm AN, Virtanen J, Özkaya F, Fadnes LT. Oral health related quality of life and reasons for non-dental attendance among patients with substance use disorders in withdrawal rehabilitation. Clin Exp Dent Res 2021; 8:68-75. [PMID: 34313028 PMCID: PMC8874086 DOI: 10.1002/cre2.476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
No study has assessed the socio‐behavioral distribution of oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) among patients with substance use disorders receiving medically assisted rehabilitation therapy (MAR) in Norway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Nordrehaug Åstrøm
- Department of Clinical Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Oral Health Centre of Expertise in Western Norway, Hordaland, Norway
| | - Jorma Virtanen
- Department of Clinical Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ferda Özkaya
- Department of Clinical Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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17
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Levander XA, Vega TA, Seaman A, Korthuis PT, Englander H. Exploring how hospitalization can alter hepatitis c virus treatment prioritization and trajectories in people who use drugs: A qualitative analysis. Subst Abus 2021; 43:245-252. [PMID: 34161198 PMCID: PMC8695635 DOI: 10.1080/08897077.2021.1932699] [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] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Background: People who use drugs (PWUD) have high rates of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Hospitalization can be a time for PWUD to engage in addiction treatment, but little is known about how hospitalization shapes HCV treatment readiness. We aimed to describe how hospitalization and addiction medicine consult service (AMCS) can alter HCV prioritization of inpatient PWUD with HCV. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews (n = 27) of hospitalized adults with addiction and HCV infection seen by an AMCS at a single, urban, academic center. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded iteratively at the semantic level, and analyzed for themes. Results: Of the 27 participants, most identified as Caucasian (85%), male gender (67%), and they primarily used opioids (78%); approximately half (48%) reported HCV diagnosis over 5 years ago. We identified three main themes around hospitalization altering the prioritizations and HCV treatment preferences for PWUD: (1) HCV treatment non-engaged (2) HCV treatment urgency, and (3) HCV treatment in the future. Those wanting to treat HCV-whether urgently or in the future-shared the overlapping theme of hospitalization as a reachable moment for their addiction and HCV. These participants recognized the long-term benefits of addressing HCV and connected their hospitalization to substance use. Conclusion: In our study, PWUD with HCV expressed varying and competing priorities and life circumstances contributing to three main HCV treatment trajectories. Our results suggest ways hospitalization can serve as an HCV touchpoint for PWUD, especially in the context of addressing substance use, and could be used when designing and implementing targeted interventions to improve the HCV care continuum for PWUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximena A. Levander
- Section of Addiction Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Taylor A. Vega
- School of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Andrew Seaman
- Section of Addiction Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Central City Concern, Portland, OR, USA
| | - P. Todd Korthuis
- Section of Addiction Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Honora Englander
- Section of Addiction Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Department of Medicine Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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18
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Fadnes LT, Aas CF, Vold JH, Leiva RA, Ohldieck C, Chalabianloo F, Skurtveit S, Lygren OJ, Dalgård O, Vickerman P, Midgard H, Løberg EM, Johansson KA. Integrated treatment of hepatitis C virus infection among people who inject drugs: A multicenter randomized controlled trial (INTRO-HCV). PLoS Med 2021; 18:e1003653. [PMID: 34061883 PMCID: PMC8205181 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1003653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The standard pathways of testing and treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in tertiary healthcare are not easily accessed by people who inject drugs (PWID). The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of integrated treatment of chronic HCV infection among PWID. METHODS AND FINDINGS INTRO-HCV is a multicenter, randomized controlled clinical trial. Participants recruited from opioid agonist therapy (OAT) and community care clinics in Norway over 2017 to 2019 were randomly 1:1 assigned to the 2 treatment approaches. Integrated treatment was delivered by multidisciplinary teams at opioid agonist treatment clinics or community care centers (CCCs) for people with substance use disorders. This included on-site testing for HCV, liver fibrosis assessment, counseling, treatment, and posttreatment follow-up. Standard treatment was delivered in hospital outpatient clinics. Oral direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications were administered in both arms. The study was not completely blinded. The primary outcomes were time-to-treatment initiation and sustained virologic response (SVR), defined as undetectable HCV RNA 12 weeks after treatment completion, analyzed with intention to treat, and presented as hazard ratio (HR) and odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals. Among 298 included participants, 150 were randomized to standard treatment, of which 116/150 (77%) initiated treatment, with 108/150 (72%) initiating within 1 year of referral. Among those 148 randomized to integrated care, 145/148 (98%) initiated treatment, with 141/148 (95%) initiating within 1 year of referral. The HR for the time to initiating treatment in the integrated arm was 2.2 (1.7 to 2.9) compared to standard treatment. SVR was confirmed in 123 (85% of initiated/83% of all) for integrated treatment compared to 96 (83% of initiated/64% of all) for the standard treatment (OR among treated: 1.5 [0.8 to 2.9], among all: 2.8 [1.6 to 4.8]). No severe adverse events were linked to the treatment. CONCLUSIONS Integrated treatment for HCV in PWID was superior to standard treatment in terms of time-to-treatment initiation, and subsequently, more people achieved SVR. Among those who initiated treatment, the SVR rates were comparable. Scaling up of integrated treatment models could be an important tool for elimination of HCV. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov.no NCT03155906.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars T. Fadnes
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Christer Frode Aas
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Jørn Henrik Vold
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Christian Ohldieck
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
| | - Fatemeh Chalabianloo
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Norway
| | - Svetlana Skurtveit
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Norway
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole Jørgen Lygren
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
- ProLAR Nett, Norway
| | - Olav Dalgård
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Håvard Midgard
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
- Department of Gastroenterology, Oslo University Hospital, Norway
| | - Else-Marie Løberg
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
| | - Kjell Arne Johansson
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Norway
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Casseb J, Marcusso RMN, Monteiro M, Assone T, Haziot MEY, Peribanez-Gonzalez M, Fonseca LAM, Smid J, Luisi de Moura JV, Dahy FE, de Oliveira AP. Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus/Human Immunodeficiency Virus, and Hepatitis C Virus Coinfection: Clinical Outcomes After 22 Years of Follow-up in São Paulo City. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 72:1865-1866. [PMID: 33677536 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa1008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Casseb
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo/Tropical Medicine Institute of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, Department of Dermatology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil.,Human Immunodeficiency Virus Outpatient Clinic-Secondary Immunodeficiencies Service (ADEE3002), Department of Dermatology of Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo Medical School, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Mariana Monteiro
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus Outpatient Clinic-Secondary Immunodeficiencies Service (ADEE3002), Department of Dermatology of Hospital das Clínicas, University of São Paulo Medical School, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tatiane Assone
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo/Tropical Medicine Institute of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, Department of Dermatology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michel E Y Haziot
- Institute of Infectious Diseases "Emilio Ribas" of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz Augusto M Fonseca
- Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo/Tropical Medicine Institute of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Laboratory of Dermatology and Immunodeficiencies, Department of Dermatology, University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jerusa Smid
- Institute of Infectious Diseases "Emilio Ribas" of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Flávia E Dahy
- Institute of Infectious Diseases "Emilio Ribas" of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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20
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Vold JH, Gjestad R, Aas CF, Meland E, Johansson KA, Fadnes LT. Validation of a three-item Fatigue Severity Scale for patients with substance use disorder: a cohort study from Norway for the period 2016-2020. Health Qual Life Outcomes 2021; 19:69. [PMID: 33653349 PMCID: PMC7923309 DOI: 10.1186/s12955-021-01708-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little attention has been paid to customising fatigue questionnaires for patients with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs). The present study aims to validate and shorten the nine-item Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS-9) and Visual Analogue Fatigue Scale (VAFS) for use with this population. METHODS We used data from a nested cohort with annual health assessments with responses on the FSS-9 and VAFS. During the period 2016-2020, 917 health assessments were collected from 655 patients with SUD in Bergen and Stavanger, Norway. A total of 225 patients answered the health assessment at least twice. We defined baseline as the first annual health assessment when the health assessments were sorted chronologically per patient. We checked for internal consistency, and we used longitudinal confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and linear mixed model (LMM) analysis to validate and shorten the FSS-9 and VAFS. RESULTS The internal consistency of the FSS-9 was excellent with a Cronbach's α of 0.94 at baseline and 0.93 at the second annual health assessment. When shortening the FSS-9 to a three-item FSS (FSS-3, items 5-7), the Cronbach's α was 0.87 at baseline and 0.84 at the second health assessment. The internal consistency was not affected when the VAFS was added to the FSS-3 and the FSS-9. The longitudinal CFA model showed a well-fitting model for the FSS-3 (χ2 = 13.33, degree of freedom = 8, P = 0.101). The LMM analysis showed equal linear changes at the individual level for the FSS-3 (slope: 0.00, P > 0.05) and FSS-9 (slope: 0.01, P > 0.05) between the health assessments. CONCLUSION The FSS-9 could be shortened to the FSS-3 with high validity and reliability for patients with SUDs and the addition of VAFS did not provide much added variability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jørn Henrik Vold
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. .,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Rolf Gjestad
- Division of Psychiatry, Research Department, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Christer F Aas
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eivind Meland
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjell Arne Johansson
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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21
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Aas CF, Vold JH, Gjestad R, Skurtveit S, Lim AG, Gjerde KV, Løberg EM, Johansson KA, Fadnes LT. Substance use and symptoms of mental health disorders: a prospective cohort of patients with severe substance use disorders in Norway. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2021; 16:20. [PMID: 33639969 PMCID: PMC7912462 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-021-00354-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is high co-occurrence of substance use disorders (SUD) and mental health disorders. We aimed to assess impact of substance use patterns and sociodemographic factors on mental health distress using the ten-item Hopkins Symptom Checklist (SCL-10) over time. METHODS Nested prospective cohort study of 707 participants with severe SUD across nine opioid-agonist-therapy outpatient clinics and low-threshold municipality clinics in Norway, during 2017-2020. Descriptive statistics were derived at baseline and reported by means and standard deviation (SD). A linear mixed model analysis was used to assess the impact of substance use patterns and sociodemographic factors on SCL-10 sum score with beta coefficients with 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS Mean (SD) SCL-10 score was 2.2 (0.8) at baseline with large variations across patients. We observed more symptoms of mental health disorders among people with frequent use of benzodiazepines (beta 3.6, CI:2.4;4.8), cannabis (1.3, CI:0.2;2.5), opioids (2.7, CI:1.1;4.2), and less symptoms among people using frequent stimulant use (- 2.7, CI:-4.1;-1.4) compared to no or less frequent use. Females (1.8, CI:0.7;3.0) and participants with debt worries (2.2, CI:1.1;3.3) and unstable living conditions (1.7, CI:0.0;3.3) had also higher burden of mental health symptoms. There were large individual variations in SCL-10 score from baseline to follow-up, but no consistent time trends indicating change over time for the whole group. 65% of the cohort had a mean score > 1.85, the standard reference score. CONCLUSIONS People with SUD have a considerable burden of mental health symptoms. We found no association between substance use patterns and change in mental health symptoms over time. This could suggest that the differences observed were indicating flattening of effects or self-medication to a larger degree than medication-related decline in mental health. This call for better individualized mental health assessment and patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christer Frode Aas
- Bergen Addiction Research group, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Jørn Henrik Vold
- Bergen Addiction Research group, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rolf Gjestad
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Svetlana Skurtveit
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Aaron Guanliang Lim
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Else-Marie Løberg
- Bergen Addiction Research group, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjell Arne Johansson
- Bergen Addiction Research group, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Bergen Addiction Research group, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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22
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Vold JH, Gjestad R, Aas CF, Chalabianloo F, Skurtveit S, Løberg EM, Johansson KA, Fadnes LT. Impact of clinical and sociodemographic factors on fatigue among patients with substance use disorder: a cohort study from Norway for the period 2016-2020. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PREVENTION AND POLICY 2020; 15:93. [PMID: 33317568 PMCID: PMC7737389 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-020-00334-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Background The impact of clinical and sociodemographic factors on fatigue remains unknown among patients with substance use disorders (SUD). This study aims to evaluate fatigue among patients with SUD using a nine-item fatigue severity scale (FSS-9) and identify the impact that clinical and sociodemographic factors – such as injecting substance use, chronic infectious diseases, liver fibrosis, opioid agonist therapy (OAT), debt difficulties, and housing situation – have on fatigue. Methods We used data from a cohort of patients with SUD in Norway with annual health assessments surveying FSS-9 and some clinical and sociodemographic factors. A total of 915 FSS-9 measurements were collected from 654 patients during the period 2016–2020. We defined baseline as the first annual health assessment when the health assessments were listed chronologically. Time was defined as years from baseline. We used a linear mixed model to analyse whether the clinical and sociodemographic factors affected the FSS-9 sum score, presented with beta coefficients (β) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results The mean sum score of the FSS-9 was 43 (standard deviation: 16) at baseline. Females compared with males (adjusted mean difference of FSS-9 sum score: 4.1, 95% CI: 1.3–7.0), having debt difficulties compared with having no debt difficulties (2.9;0.4–5.3), and frequent use of benzodiazepines (5.7;3.0–8.4) or amphetamines (-5.0;-8.0– -2.0) compared to less frequent or no use of these substances changed the FSS-9 baseline sum score. The other clinical and sociodemographic factors did not predict any clinically relevant change in the FSS-9 sum score from baseline to the following health assessments. Conclusion Patients with SUD suffer from high levels of fatigue. Female patients, patients with debt difficulties, and those with extensive use of benzodiazepines are at particular risk of being fatigued. This should be taken into consideration when planning health services. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13011-020-00334-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jørn Henrik Vold
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 65, N-5021, Bergen, Norway. .,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Rolf Gjestad
- Department of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Christer F Aas
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 65, N-5021, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Fatemeh Chalabianloo
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 65, N-5021, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Svetlana Skurtveit
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Else-Marie Løberg
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 65, N-5021, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjell Arne Johansson
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 65, N-5021, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Jonas Lies vei 65, N-5021, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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23
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Aas CF, Vold JH, Skurtveit S, Lim AG, Ruths S, Islam K, Askildsen JE, Løberg EM, Fadnes LT, Johansson KA. Health-related quality of life of long-term patients receiving opioid agonist therapy: a nested prospective cohort study in Norway. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PREVENTION AND POLICY 2020; 15:68. [PMID: 32883319 PMCID: PMC7469909 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-020-00309-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Background Opioid dependence carries the highest disease burden of all illicit drugs. Opioid agonist therapy (OAT) is an evidence-based medical intervention that reduces morbidity and mortality. There is limited knowledge on the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of long-term patients in OAT. This study measures HRQoL and self-perceived health of long-term patients on OAT, compares the scores to a Norwegian reference population, and assesses changes in these scores at 1-year follow up. Methods We conducted a nested prospective cohort study among nine OAT outpatient clinics in Norway. 609 OAT patients were included, 245 (40%) followed-up one year later. Data on patient characteristics, HRQoL, and self-perceived health was collected. HRQoL was assessed with the EQ-5D-5L, which measures five dimensions (mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain/discomfort and anxiety/depression) on a five-point Likert scale (from “no problems” to “extreme problems”). An UK value set was applied to calculate index values (from 0 to 1) for the EQ-5D-5L and compare them to a Norwegian reference population. Self-perceived health was measured with EQ-VAS (from 0 to 100). Results Mean (standard deviation (SD)) EQ-5D-5L index value at baseline was 0.699 (0.250) and EQ-VAS 57 (22) compared to 0.848 (0.200) and 80(19) for the Norwegian reference population. There were large variations in EQ-5D-5L index values, where 43% had > 0.8 and 5% had < 0.2 at baseline. The lowest EQ-5D-5L index values were observed for female patients, age groups older than 40 years and for methadone users. At follow-up, improvements in HRQoL were observed across almost all dimensions and found significant for mobility and pain/discomfort. Mean (SD) overall index value and EQ-VAS at follow up were 0.729 (0.237) and 59 (22) respectively. Conclusion The average HRQoL and self-perceived health of OAT patients is significantly lower than that of the general population, and lower than what has been found among other severe somatic and psychiatric conditions. Around 34% had very good HRQoL, higher than average Norwegian values, and around 5% had extremely poor HRQoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christer Frode Aas
- Bergen Addiction Research group, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Østre Murallmenningen 7, N-5012, Bergen, Norway. .,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Jørn Henrik Vold
- Bergen Addiction Research group, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Østre Murallmenningen 7, N-5012, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Svetlana Skurtveit
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Aaron G Lim
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Sabine Ruths
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Research Unit for General Practice, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kamrul Islam
- Department of Social Sciences, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Economics, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Else-Marie Løberg
- Bergen Addiction Research group, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Østre Murallmenningen 7, N-5012, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Psychology, Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Bergen Addiction Research group, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Østre Murallmenningen 7, N-5012, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjell Arne Johansson
- Bergen Addiction Research group, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Østre Murallmenningen 7, N-5012, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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24
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Aas CF, Vold JH, Skurtveit S, Odsbu I, Chalabianloo F, Økland JM, Leiva RAM, Vickerman P, Johansson KA, Fadnes LT. On the path towards universal coverage of hepatitis C treatment among people receiving opioid agonist therapy (OAT) in Norway: a prospective cohort study from 2013 to 2017. BMJ Open 2020; 10:e036355. [PMID: 32847908 PMCID: PMC7451452 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-036355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed to calculate cumulative hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment coverage among individuals enrolled in opioid agonist therapy (OAT) in Norway between 2013 and 2017 and to document the treatment transition to direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents. Moreover, we aimed to describe adherence to DAAs in the same cohort. DESIGN Prospective cohort, registry data. SETTING Specialist healthcare service (secondary) PARTICIPANTS AND OUTCOMES: This observational study was based on data from The Norwegian Prescription Database. We studied dispensed OAT and HCV treatment annually to calculate the cumulative frequency, and employed secondary sources to calculate prevalence, incidence and HCV treatment coverage from 2013 to 2017, among the OAT population. Factors associated with adherence to DAAs were identified a priori and subject to logistic regression. RESULTS 10 371 individuals were identified with dispensed OAT, 1475 individuals of these were identified with dispensed HCV treatment. Annual HCV treatment coverage increased from 3.5% (95% CI: 3.2 to 4.4) in 2013 to 17% (95% CI: 17 to 20) in 2017, giving a cumulative HCV coverage among OAT patients in Norway of 38.5%. A complete shift to interferon-free treatment regimens occurred, where DAAs accounting for 32% of HCV treatments in 2013 and 99% in 2017. About two-thirds of OAT patients were considered adherent to their DAA regimens across all genotypes. High level of OAT continuity was associated with improved adherence to DAAs (adjusted OR 1.4, 95% CI: 1 to 2, p=0.035). CONCLUSIONS A large increase in HCV treatment coverage attributed by a complete shift to interferon-free regimens among the Norwegian OAT population has been demonstrated. However, treatment coverage is inadmissibly too low and a further substantial scale-up in HCV treatment is required to reach the universal targets of controlling and eliminating the HCV endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christer Frode Aas
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Helse Bergen HF, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jørn Henrik Vold
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Helse Bergen HF, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Svetlana Skurtveit
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ingvild Odsbu
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fatemeh Chalabianloo
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Helse Bergen HF, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jan Magnus Økland
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Peter Vickerman
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Kjell Arne Johansson
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Helse Bergen HF, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars T Fadnes
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Helse Bergen HF, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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25
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Aas CF, Vold JH, Skurtveit S, Odsbu I, Chalabianloo F, Lim AG, Johansson KA, Fadnes LT. Uptake and predictors of direct-acting antiviral treatment for hepatitis C among people receiving opioid agonist therapy in Sweden and Norway: a drug utilization study from 2014 to 2017. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2020; 15:44. [PMID: 32605625 PMCID: PMC7325258 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-020-00286-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) offers an opportunity to eliminate hepatitis C virus (HCV) endemic among people who inject drugs (PWID) and people enrolled in opioid agonist therapy (OAT) programs. The objective of this study was to estimate and to compare HCV treatment uptake after the introduction of DAAs among patients receiving OAT in Sweden and Norway. We also aimed to evaluate predictors of DAAs treatment among OAT patients in both countries. METHODS This observational study was conducted with data from The Swedish Prescribed Drug Register and The Norwegian Prescription Database. We studied dispensed medications to calculate HCV treatment among OAT patients from 2014 to 2017 in Sweden and Norway. HCV prevalence was estimated from primary and secondary sources. Dispensations of medicines from different therapeutic areas, which served as proxy for co-morbidities in 2017, were conditionally adjusted for age, gender, and OAT medications. Logistic regression was used to evaluate these parameters. RESULTS In total 3529 individuals were identified with dispensed OAT in the Swedish cohort and 7739 individuals in the Norwegian cohort. HCV treatment was utilized by 407 persons in Sweden and 920 in Norway during the study period. Annual HCV and DAA treatment uptake increased in both countries. The estimated cumulative HCV treatment uptake at the end of 2017 was 31% in Norway and 28% in Sweden. DAA treatment was associated with increased age (aOR 1.8; 95% CI 1.0-3.2) and the dispensation of drugs used for diabetes (aOR 3.2; 95% CI 1.8-5.7) in Sweden. In Norway, lipid modifying agents and antibacterials were associated with decreased odds (aOR 0.4; 95%CI 0.2-0.9, aOR 0.8; 95%CI 0.6-1.0). CONCLUSIONS An increase in DAA treatment and HCV treatment uptake was observed among Swedish and Norwegian OAT patients whilst introducing new direct-acting antiviral treatment regimens. However, more than two thirds of the OAT population in Norway and Sweden were untreated at the beginning of 2018. A further scale-up is crucial in order to control and eliminate the HCV endemic among OAT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christer F Aas
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
- The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH), Oslo, Norway.
| | - Jørn Henrik Vold
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Ingvild Odsbu
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Fatemeh Chalabianloo
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Aaron G Lim
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Kjell Arne Johansson
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars Thore Fadnes
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Lygren OJ, Bjørnestad R, Løberg EM, Bonnier ML, Buljovcic VB, Johansson KA, Fadnes LT. Peer involvement and cross-sector efforts in establishing integrated treatment of hepatitis C virus infection for people with substance use disorders: experiences from Norway. SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT PREVENTION AND POLICY 2019; 14:58. [PMID: 31864396 PMCID: PMC6925489 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-019-0245-y] [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: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Background For people with opioid dependence in Norway, chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections contribute to high mortality and high morbidity. Around 50% of patients in medically assisted rehabilitation (MAR) have been shown to have HCV, and the current prevention and control efforts have been mostly unsuccessful. Thus, there is a need for new strategies for people-centred service delivery and innovative methods to improve health outcomes. Methods Over the last few years, the city of Bergen, Norway, has developed a cross-sector collaboration with substantial peer involvement in research and health provision related to substance use. User group representatives for people receiving MAR, addiction medicine health personnel, infectious disease specialists, policy makers in the municipality, low-threshold health care centres for people with substance use disorders in Bergen Municipality and researchers in the INTRO-HCV project have made concerted efforts in this regard. We will present here some of the strategies and steps we have taken. Results We have established an integrated HCV treatment scheme for people who inject drugs or who have opioid dependence. More than 800 persons have been tested for HCV within these frames, and more than 250 persons have been given treatment for HCV within the project. The integrated treatment of HCV is offered both in MAR outpatient clinics, municipal low-threshold healthcare centres, and local and regional prisons. The preliminary results indicate an increase in HCV treatment uptake among those receiving integrated treatment (96% initiating treatment compared to 75%). The user group organisation ProLAR Nett has established an outreach service to screen for HCV, increase awareness and reduce the proportion of people unknowingly living with HCV while informing and motivating people to receive treatment. Together with the other stake holders, peer user group, health care, research planning, concert events, and policy panels have been held. Conclusions Peer involvement seems to have increased testing rates for HCV and acknowledgment of its importance. This seems to have improved health care for people with opioid dependence in Bergen over the last few years, particularly relating to the treatment of HCV. These experiences might be helpful in the planning of integrated policies in other settings that seek to eliminate the HCV endemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ole Jørgen Lygren
- ProLAR Nett, Søgne, Norway.,Bergen Addiction Research Group, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Avdeling for rusmedisin, Postboks 1400, 5021, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ronny Bjørnestad
- ProLAR Nett, Søgne, Norway.,Bergen Addiction Research Group, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Avdeling for rusmedisin, Postboks 1400, 5021, Bergen, Norway
| | - Else-Marie Løberg
- Bergen Addiction Research Group, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Avdeling for rusmedisin, Postboks 1400, 5021, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Clinical Psychology, Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Medicine, Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,NORMENT Center of Excellence, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Vibeke Bråthen Buljovcic
- Bergen Addiction Research Group, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Avdeling for rusmedisin, Postboks 1400, 5021, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjell Arne Johansson
- Bergen Addiction Research Group, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Avdeling for rusmedisin, Postboks 1400, 5021, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Lars T Fadnes
- Bergen Addiction Research Group, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Avdeling for rusmedisin, Postboks 1400, 5021, Bergen, Norway. .,Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
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