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Kostovski E, Hamina A, Hjellvik V, Clausen T, Skurtveit S. Increased cancer incidence and mortality among people with opioid use-related disorders: A nation-wide cohort study. Addiction 2024; 119:1575-1584. [PMID: 38775233 DOI: 10.1111/add.16524] [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: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Studies on cancer incidence and mortality among people with opioid use-related disorders are lacking. We aimed to measure cancer-specific incidence, mortality and survival among people diagnosed with opioid use-related disorders in Norway during 2010-18. DESIGN AND SETTING This was a cohort study conducted in Norway during 2010-18. PARTICIPANTS Individuals (n = 20 710) diagnosed with opioid use-related disorders. MEASUREMENTS We conducted a cohort study utilizing a data-linkage of national health and population registers. Information on opioid use-related disorders was extracted from specialized healthcare, malignancies from the Cancer Registry of Norway and deaths from Cause of Death Registry. Cancer incidence and mortality were compared with the general population by calculating sex-specific age-standardized incidence (SIR) and mortality (SMR) ratios. One-year survival rates were computed. FINDINGS Compared with the general population, people with opioid use-related disorders were at an increased risk of developing cancer overall [SIR = 1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.1-1.3] with a higher than twofold cancer mortality rate (SMR = 2.3, 95% CI = 2.0-2.7). Excess risk was observed for liver (12.6, 95% CI = 9.1-17.0), larynx (4.7, 95% CI = 1.7-10.2), lung (3.5, 95% CI = 2.8-4.3) and pancreas cancer (2.6, 95% CI = 1.6-4.0), whereas reduced risk was found for melanoma (0.5, 95% CI = 0.3-0.9), breast (0.6, 95% CI = 0.4-0.9) and prostate cancers (0.3, 95% CI = 0.1-0.4). Site-specific SMRs were significantly elevated for liver (12.3, 95% CI = 8.5-17.2), lung (3.9, 95% CI = 3.0-5.0), pancreas (3.0, 95% CI = 1.7-4.8) and colon cancers (1.9, 95% CI = 1.1-3.1). The average 1-year survival rate after a cancer diagnosis was low in liver, pancreas and colon cancer, ranging from 10 to 15% less than that of the general population. CONCLUSIONS In Norway, cancer incidence and cancer-related mortality appear to be elevated among individuals with opioid use-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aleksi Hamina
- Niuvanniemi Hospital, Kuopio, Finland
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research (SERAF), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Vidar Hjellvik
- Department of Chronic Diseases, Division of Mental and Physical Health, The Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Clausen
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research (SERAF), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Svetlana Skurtveit
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research (SERAF), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Chronic Diseases, Division of Mental and Physical Health, The Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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Todd-Kvam J, Clausen T. Practitioner perspectives on working with older patients in opioid agonist treatment (OAT) in Norway: opportunities and challenges. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2024; 19:44. [PMID: 38783382 PMCID: PMC11118995 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-024-00473-7] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Norway has a growing proportion of ageing opioid agonist treatment (OAT) patients, with 42% of the 8300 Norwegian OAT patients aged over 50 in 2022. This study aims to explore practitioners' views and experiences from treatment of ageing OAT patients. METHODS Data were collected as a series of semi-structured interviews with treatment staff (roles interviewed: doctor, psychologist, social worker, nurse, and learning disability nurse). Participants were recruited from three OAT outpatient clinics, one with an urban catchment area and two with a mix of urban and rural. The interviews incorporated questions on patients' somatic and mental health, strengths and weaknesses of the service for this group, and patients' quality of life. RESULTS Older patients were perceived to be more often stable in terms of substance use and housing situation, but also experiencing some key challenges in terms of cognitive impairment, loneliness and isolation, and comorbidities. Both the practitioner-patient relationship and healthcare interactions outside OAT had the potential to impact treatment quality positively or negatively depending on how they were managed. CONCLUSIONS Treating older patients in a way that respects and enhances their dignity is important. We argue that this requires better services for those whose functioning is impacted by cognitive impairment/dementia, an age-informed treatment model for this patient group, along with urgent work to improve municipal-level services given practitioners describe them as unacceptable in certain areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Todd-Kvam
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Blindern, Postboks 1039, 0315, Oslo, Norway.
- Sørlandet Sykehus HF, Lundsiden, Postboks 416, 4604, Kristiansand, Norway.
| | - Thomas Clausen
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, University of Oslo, Blindern, Postboks 1039, 0315, Oslo, Norway
- Sørlandet Sykehus HF, Lundsiden, Postboks 416, 4604, Kristiansand, Norway
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Bjørnestad ED, Vederhus JK, Clausen T. Change in self-reported somatic symptoms among patients in opioid maintenance treatment from baseline to 1-year follow-up. BMC Psychiatry 2024; 24:149. [PMID: 38383345 PMCID: PMC10882792 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-024-05590-w] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High somatic comorbidity is common among patients in treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). The present study aims to investigate changes in self-reported somatic health conditions and somatic symptoms among patients entering opioid maintenance treatment (OMT) programs. METHODS We used data from the Norwegian Cohort of Patients in OMT and Other Drug Treatment (NorComt) study. Of 283 patients who entered OMT, 176 were included for analysis at a 1-year follow-up. Participants provided self-reported data during structured interviews on somatic conditions, somatic symptoms, substance use severity measures, and mental distress. A multivariable linear regression analysis identified factors associated with changes in the burden of somatic symptoms. RESULTS Patients entering OMT reported a high prevalence of somatic conditions at the beginning of treatment, with 3 of 5 patients reporting at least one. The most prevalent condition was hepatitis C, followed by asthma and high blood pressure. Patients reported experiencing a high number of somatic symptoms. The intensity of these symptoms varied across a wide spectrum, with oral health complaints and reduced memory perceived as the most problematic. Overall, for the entire sample, there was no significant change in somatic symptoms from baseline to 1 year. Further analysis indicated that those who reported a higher burden of somatic symptoms at baseline had the greatest improvement at the 1-year follow-up. A higher number of somatic conditions and higher mental distress at baseline was associated with improvements in somatic symptoms burden at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Patients in OMT report a range of somatic conditions and somatic symptoms. Given the wide range of symptoms reported by patients in OMT, including some at high intensity levels, healthcare providers should take into consideration the somatic healthcare needs of individuals in OMT populations. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov no. NCT05182918. Registered 10/01/2022 (the study was retrospectively registered).
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Affiliation(s)
- Endre Dahlen Bjørnestad
- Addiction Unit, Sørlandet Hospital HF, Po. box 416, Kristiansand, Norway.
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research (SERAF), University of Oslo, Kirkeveien 166, N-0407, Oslo, Norway.
| | - John-Kåre Vederhus
- Addiction Unit, Sørlandet Hospital HF, Po. box 416, Kristiansand, Norway
| | - Thomas Clausen
- Addiction Unit, Sørlandet Hospital HF, Po. box 416, Kristiansand, Norway
- Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research (SERAF), University of Oslo, Kirkeveien 166, N-0407, Oslo, Norway
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Druckrey-Fiskaaen KT, Furulund E, Madebo T, Carlsen SEL, Fadnes LT, Lid TG. A qualitative study on people with opioid use disorders' perspectives on smoking and smoking cessation interventions. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1185338. [PMID: 37636821 PMCID: PMC10447904 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1185338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Smoking-related diseases are major contributors to disability and shorter life expectancy among opioid-dependent patients. Smoking prevalence is considerably higher for opioid-dependent persons than among the general population, and only a minority quit smoking in treatment settings. Studies show that pharmacological smoking cessation interventions have modest success rates. This study aimed to investigate patients' receiving opioid agonist therapy perspectives on factors affecting behavior and decisions related to smoking cessation, and their experiences with smoking cessation. Methods This is a qualitative study using semi-structured individual interviews. The participants were asked, among others, to elaborate on the participants' thoughts about smoking, previous attempts to quit tobacco use, and what could prompt a smoking cessation attempt. We analyzed the transcripts with systematic text condensation. The Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research and the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research guidelines were followed. Opioid-dependent patients receiving opioid agonist therapy in outpatient clinics were invited to participate using a purposive sampling method. In total, fourteen individuals participated in this study. Results We identified six themes which were: (1) reflections on how smoking affected decisions, (2) smoking and its impact on physical and mental health, (3) the economy as a motivator to stop smoking, (4) emotions, desires, and habits related to smoking, (5) knowledge of smoking, smoking cessation, and quit attempts, and (6) social factors influencing the participants' choices and activities. The participants were well informed about the consequences of smoking and had some knowledge and experience in quitting. The participants' pulmonary health was an important motivational factor for change. Withdrawal symptoms, anxiety, and fear of using other substances discouraged several from attempting to quit smoking. In contrast, social support from partners and access to meaningful activities were considered important factors for success. Few reported being offered help from health professionals to make a smoking cessation attempt. Discussion Experiencing social support, being encouraged to quit smoking, and patients' concerns for their physical health were important reasons for wanting to quit smoking. Smoking cessation interventions based on patient preferences and on the behavior change wheel may enable a higher success rate among patients receiving opioid agonist therapy.
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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
| | - Einar Furulund
- 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
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Tesfaye Madebo
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Siv-Elin Leirvåg Carlsen
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, 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
| | - Torgeir Gilje Lid
- Bergen Addiction Research, Department of Addiction Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
- Centre for Alcohol and Drug Research, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
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Rolová G, Eide D, Gabrhelík R, Odsbu I, Clausen T, Skurtveit S. Gender differences in physical morbidity in opioid agonist treatment patients: population-based cohort studies from the Czech Republic and Norway. Subst Abuse Treat Prev Policy 2023; 18:47. [PMID: 37507709 PMCID: PMC10385939 DOI: 10.1186/s13011-023-00557-8] [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: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Physical diseases represent a significant burden for opioid agonist treatment (OAT) patients. This study described physical morbidity in two national cohorts of OAT patients focusing on gender differences. METHODS This population-based cohort study linking multiple health registers investigated physical diseases (ICD-10) in patients receiving OAT in the Czech Republic (N = 4,280) and Norway (N = 11,389) during 2010-2019. Gender-stratified analysis was performed. RESULTS Overall, we found a large burden of physical morbidity across gender groups in OAT patients. In the Czech Republic and Norway, women in OAT had a significantly higher prevalence of physical diseases across most diagnostic chapters, notably genitourinary diseases and neoplasms. Injuries/external causes and infectious/parasitic diseases were among the most common diseases in both women and men. Viral hepatitis accounted for over half of infectious morbidity in women and men in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the need for early screening, detection, and treatment of diseases and conditions across organ systems and the integration of health promotion activities to reduce physical morbidity in OAT patients. The gender differences underline the need for a tailored approach to address specific medical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Rolová
- First Faculty of Medicine, Department of Addictology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
- Department of Addictology, General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Desiree Eide
- University of Oslo, Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, Oslo, Norway
| | - Roman Gabrhelík
- First Faculty of Medicine, Department of Addictology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Addictology, General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ingvild Odsbu
- First Faculty of Medicine, Department of Addictology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Thomas Clausen
- University of Oslo, Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, Oslo, Norway
| | - Svetlana Skurtveit
- University of Oslo, Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research, Oslo, Norway
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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