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Garpenhag L, Dahlman D. Barriers to and facilitators of screening for cervical and breast cancer: Experiences of non-adherent women with current or previous drug use. Prev Med Rep 2024; 39:102641. [PMID: 38370982 PMCID: PMC10869932 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102641] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Women with current or previous drug use (WCPDU) have an increased risk of poor cervical and breast cancer outcomes, and low participation in screening for these cancer forms. The aim of this study was to assess self-reported barriers to and facilitators of cervical and breast cancer screening, among WCPDU. Methods A survey based on results from a previous qualitative study about WCPDUs experiences of cancer screening was distributed to WCPDU at six opioid agonist treatment (OAT) clinics and one needle exchange program (NEP) in Malmö, Sweden, and through the Drug Users Union in Stockholm, Sweden. Data on barriers to and facilitators of cancer screening reported by 222 non-adherent WCPDU was analyzed by descriptive statistics. The barriers were structured according to an established model of healthcare access. Results The most frequently reported barriers to cervical as well as breast cancer screening were non-receipt of screening invitations (36 % and 25 %, respectively), trouble remembering the appointment (27 % and 30 %) and other priorities (26 % and 29 %). Common suggested facilitators for both cervical and breast cancer screening were screening access at, e.g., a NEP or OAT clinic (45 % and 40 %) and practical support to attend the screening appointment (40 % and 38 %). Conclusions In contrast to general population women, WCPDU report mainly practical barriers to cervical and breast cancer screening. However, NEP participants frequently reported experience of stigma and poor reception as barriers to screening. Interventions to minimize barriers to screening are crucial to decrease the increased cancer morbidity and mortality among WCPDU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Garpenhag
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Clinical Research Center/CRC, Lund University/Region Skåne, Box 503 22, Malmö, Sweden
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, BMC I12, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
| | - Disa Dahlman
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Clinical Research Center/CRC, Lund University/Region Skåne, Box 503 22, Malmö, Sweden
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, BMC I12, 221 84 Lund, Sweden
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Garpenhag L, Dahlman D. Screening for breast and cervical cancer among OST patients: a qualitative study of barriers and suggested interventions to increase participation. Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being 2023; 18:2175767. [PMID: 36756664 PMCID: PMC9930823 DOI: 10.1080/17482631.2023.2175767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Women with current or previous drug use are at risk of poor breast and cervical cancer outcomes. While screening is known to decrease cancer mortality, screening participation is sparsely investigated among drug dependent women. The aim of this study was to explore experiences of breast and cervical cancer screening-including barriers and suggested interventions to promote increased participation-among women in opioid substitution treatment (OST). METHODS Three focus group interviews were conducted at one OST clinic in Malmö, Sweden. The interviews were moderated by OST staff, assisted by a researcher. A descriptive qualitative analysis was carried out using a template analysis approach, employing a model of healthcare access to organize the description of barriers. RESULTS The 11 participants reported several barriers to screening access, affecting the perceived need of screening and the opportunities to seek and reach screening services. Some barriers appear to be specific to women with previous or current drug use. Suggested interventions were moral and practical support, integrated/specialized delivery of screening services, and enhanced screening invitation procedures. CONCLUSIONS The study findings provide insight to difficulties with screening compliance among women with current or previous drug use, and provide a knowledge base for quantitative and intervention studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Garpenhag
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden,CONTACT Lars Garpenhag Clinical Research Center, Centrum för primärvårdsforskning, Box 50322, 202 13, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Disa Dahlman
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences Malmö, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Garpenhag L, Dahlman D. Participation in screening for breast and cervical cancer among women with current or previous drug use: a survey study. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:352. [PMID: 36797737 PMCID: PMC9936631 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15236-3] [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] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women with current or previous drug use (WCPDU) have an increased risk of poor breast and cervical cancer outcomes. Screening is known to decrease the mortality of these common cancer forms, but screening participation has been sparsely investigated among women with drug dependency. The aim of this study was to assess participation in screening for breast and cervical cancer among WCPDU. METHODS We recruited WCPDU to a survey study, from six opioid substitution treatment (OST) clinics and one needle exchange program (NEP) in Malmö, Sweden, and through the Drug Users Union in Stockholm, Sweden. The survey was constructed according to results from focus group discussions about cancer screening in a sample of women in OST. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. We analyzed associations between non-compliance to screening and healthcare contact (OST, NEP or none) by logistic regression analysis; unadjusted and adjusted for age, native language, housing situation, educational attainment and main source of income. RESULTS A total of 298 women (median age 43 years) responded to the survey. The self-reported compliance with cancer screening recommendations was 29% for breast cancer screening and 41% for cervical cancer screening. Non-compliance with cervical cancer screening was associated with NEP participation in univariate but not multivariate analysis. We did not find an association between non-compliance with breast cancer screening and healthcare contact. Non-compliance with screening for cervical cancer was also associated with unstable housing in univariate and multivariate analyses, and inversely associated with increasing age in a univariate analysis. Non-compliance with breast cancer was associated with unstable housing in a univariate analysis, and inversely associated with not having Swedish as a native language in a multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION The self-reported compliance with the national cancer screening programs for breast cancer and cervical cancer of WCPDU is notably lower than in the Swedish general population. Women with unstable housing seem to be particularly vulnerable to non-compliance with cancer screening. Interventions to minimize barriers to cancer screening are crucial to decrease the increased cancer morbidity and mortality among WCPDU.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Garpenhag
- grid.4514.40000 0001 0930 2361Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Disa Dahlman
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden. .,Division of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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Motyka MA, Al-Imam A, Haligowska A, Michalak M. Helping Women Suffering from Drug Addiction: Needs, Barriers, and Challenges. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14039. [PMID: 36360917 PMCID: PMC9656705 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Statistical data on the use of various psychoactive substances indicate a narrowing of previous differences in substance use between men and women. Data from studies conducted among women suffering from drug addiction are increasingly published, with the authors highlighting the specific needs of this group and the difficulties that women with addiction problems encounter. The current study aimed to identify the barriers and needs of this audience, both when seeking help and during treatment. The method used in the study was secondary content analysis. To identify publications describing the barriers and needs of women suffering from drug addiction, we searched the PubMed database to find publications that met the adopted research objective. We set the data search period to the last ten years to examine the timeliness of the issue under study. The search yielded 199 research reports. Twenty-three articles describing 21 studies were included in the final analysis. The selected publications dealt with the difficulties and challenges faced by women with addiction problems. Barriers to accessing treatment for this group, the needs, and the challenges of helping women suffering from addiction were identified. Results showed that the barriers are mainly stigma but also deficits in the therapeutic offerings for this group. The primary need was identified as the introduction of appropriate drug policies, and the challenges, unfortunately, are the still-reported gender inequalities. To improve the situation of women, regular attention to these issues and the need to include them in national health strategies is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marek A. Motyka
- Institute of Sociological Sciences, University of Rzeszow, 35-959 Rzeszów, Poland
| | - Ahmed Al-Imam
- Department of Computer Science and Statistics, Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 61-806 Poznan, Poland
- Department of Anatomy and Cellular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Baghdad, Baghdad 10001, Iraq
- Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AD, UK
| | | | - Michał Michalak
- Department of Computer Science and Statistics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Rokietnicka 7 St. (1st Floor), 61-806 Poznan, Poland
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Liebregts N, Rigoni R, Petruželka B, Barták M, Rowicka M, Zurhold H, Schiffer K. Different phases of ATS use call for different interventions: a large qualitative study in Europe. Harm Reduct J 2022; 19:36. [PMID: 35413972 PMCID: PMC9004030 DOI: 10.1186/s12954-022-00617-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) are globally widely used. Scientific literature generally defines four phases of substance use (initiation, continuation, increase and decrease); however, there is limited understanding of what influences these different phases of ATS use. The ATTUNE study investigated which factors shape individual phases of use, or ATS use patterns. In this article, we report on these phases into and out of ATS use, and propose a set of recommendations for prevention, harm reduction and treatment of the different phases of ATS use. METHODS Qualitative, semi-structured interviews (n = 237) were conducted in five different European countries with participants who had used ATS, varying from a few times in a lifetime to daily. RESULTS Amphetamine and MDMA were the most commonly used ATS. Yet, types of ATS used differed between the countries. We found that people who use ATS have various motives for and dynamic patterns of ATS use with alternating phases of increase, continuation, decrease and sometimes dependence. Cessation was pursued in different ways and for diverse reasons, such as mental health problems and maturing out. Availability seemed not an issue, regardless of the type of ATS, phase or country. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that tailor-made interventions are needed for the diverse types of people who use ATS and different phases or patterns of ATS use, to reduce possible harms of use. We recommended a set of interventions for the different ATS phases. These include drug checking services, peer-led information, self-management of ATS use, mental health support to help people cope with stressful life events and prevent uncontrolled use, and follow-up support after treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nienke Liebregts
- Correlation-European Harm Reduction Network, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Bonger Institute of Criminology, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Rafaela Rigoni
- Correlation-European Harm Reduction Network, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Benjamin Petruželka
- Department of Addictology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Barták
- Department of Addictology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Magdalena Rowicka
- Institute of Psychology, Maria Grzegorzewska University, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Heike Zurhold
- Centre of Interdisciplinary Addiction Research of Hamburg University (ZIS), Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Schiffer
- Correlation-European Harm Reduction Network, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Franke AG, Neumann S, Proebstl L, Kamp F, Hager L, Manz K, Krause D, Mutschler J, Koller G, Soyka M. Psychiatric Comorbidity and Psychopathology of Methamphetamine Users—Are There Gender Differences? Int J Ment Health Addict 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11469-021-00743-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractMethamphetamine use disorder is associated with severe psychiatric symptoms and psychosocial problems. Women seem to be more affected than men. Therefore, this study examined psychiatric comorbidities and psychopathology, drug use patterns, and treatment outcomes in women addicted to methamphetamine compared to men. Data on methamphetamine-dependent inpatients were collected in two centers specialized for addiction treatment at admission (T0) and discharge (T1, after treatment for 24 weeks). Sociodemographic and clinical measures were collected with the semi-structured clinical interview I at baseline; the self-reported standardized questionnaire (SCL-90-R) was administered at admission and discharge and after 24 weeks. During the entire treatment procedure, treatment relevant aspects were monitored. Out of all 108 treatment-seeking participants (86 men, 22 women), 64 completed the study (51 men, 13 women; drop-out rate: 40.7% (n = 44)). Methamphetamine-dependent women used other stimulants more often than men, while men used hallucinogens significantly more frequently than women. Female inpatients differed significantly from men in various sociodemographic variables (e.g., having children, single parenting) and were significantly more often affected by current (p < 0.001) and lifetime mental stress disorders (p < 0.001), as well as specific psychiatric disorders (p < 0.001) (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder). At discharge, mental symptoms decreased significantly in men but not in women. Both before and after treatment, women seem to be more vulnerable to psychiatric comorbidities and psychopathologic symptoms compared to men. Although this study only provides preliminary data on gender-specific characteristics of methamphetamine-dependent patients and their treatment, it seems appropriate to discuss the development of gender-specific treatment options. Further studies in this field are needed.
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Kosteniuk B, Salvalaggio G, Wild TC, Gelberg L, Hyshka E. Perceived unmet substance use and mental health care needs of acute care patients who use drugs: A cross-sectional analysis using the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations. Drug Alcohol Rev 2021; 41:830-840. [PMID: 34854513 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13417] [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: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The perceived unmet service needs of acute care-seeking people who use illegal drugs (PWUD) have been poorly documented, despite evidence of frequent hospital utilisation. This study applies the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations to investigate correlates of unmet service needs in this subpopulation. METHODS Survey data from 285 PWUD at three urban Canadian acute care centres were examined. The survey included the Perceived Need for Care Questionnaire, which measured service seeking and care satisfaction for mental health and substance use concerns across seven types of services, as well as barriers to having care needs met. The Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations was applied in hierarchical setwise logistic regression to examine associations between high unmet service need and socio-structural predictors (i.e. predisposing, enabling and need factors). RESULTS Almost half (46%) of participants reported a high level of unmet service need, despite seeking services during the past year. Participants reporting recent criminal activity, adverse childhood experiences, transitory sleeping, having no community support worker, and meeting screening criteria for depression were more likely to report a high level of unmet service needs. Structural barriers to care (57%) were more commonly reported than motivational barriers (43%). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Acute care-seeking PWUD experience high rates of unmet service needs for their mental health and substance use problems. Strategies that can help overcome structural barriers to care are necessary to help address the service needs of this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brynn Kosteniuk
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Ginetta Salvalaggio
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Inner City Health and Wellness Program, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, Canada
| | - T Cameron Wild
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Lillian Gelberg
- Family Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Elaine Hyshka
- School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.,Inner City Health and Wellness Program, Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton, Canada
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Akré ERL, Marthey DJ, Ojukwu C, Ottenwaelder C, Comfort M, Lorvick J. Social Stability and Unmet Health Care Needs in a Community-Based Sample of Women Who Use Drugs. Health Serv Res Manag Epidemiol 2021; 8:23333928211048640. [PMID: 34820477 PMCID: PMC8606914 DOI: 10.1177/23333928211048640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To examine the relationship between social stability and access to healthcare services among a community-based sample of adult female drug users. Methods We developed a measure of social stability and examined its relationship to health care access. Data came from a cross-sectional sample of female drug users (N = 538) in Oakland, CA who were interviewed between September 2014 and August 2015. We categorized women as having low (1-5), medium (6-10), or high (11-16) social stability based on the tertile of the index sample distribution. We then used ordered logistic regression to examine the relationship between social stability and self-reported access to mental health services and medical care. Results Compared with women in the low stability group, those with high stability experienced a 58% decline in the odds of needed but unmet mental health services [AOR: 0.42; 95% C.I.: 0.26, 0.69] and a 68% decline in the odds of unmet medical care [AOR: 0.32; 95% C.I.: 0.19, 0.54] after adjusting for confounders. The coefficients we observed reduced in size at higher levels of the stability index suggesting a positive association between social experiences and access to healthcare services. Conclusion Women who use drugs are at increased risk of adverse health outcomes and often experience high levels of unmet healthcare needs. Our study highlights the importance of addressing social determinants of health and suggests that improving social factors such as housing stability and personal safety may support access to healthcare among female drug users.
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9
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Drug use disorder and risk of incident and fatal prostate cancer among Swedish men: a nationwide epidemiological study. Cancer Causes Control 2021; 33:213-222. [PMID: 34743253 PMCID: PMC8776671 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-021-01513-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men and a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Men with drug use disorders (DUD) may potentially be at high risk for prostate cancer mortality because of delayed diagnosis and/or undertreatment. In this study, we aimed to investigate prostate cancer incidence, mortality, and stage at time of diagnosis among men with DUD compared to the general male population in Sweden. Methods We performed a follow-up study based on Swedish national register data for the period January 1997–December 2016. The study was based on 1,361,532 men aged 50–75 years at inclusion, of whom 9,259 were registered with DUD. Cox regression analysis was used to compute adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for incident and fatal prostate cancer, and cancer stage at time of diagnosis, associated with DUD. Results DUD was associated with a slightly increased risk of incident prostate cancer (HR: 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.14, p = 0.048) and substantially higher risk of fatal prostate cancer (HR: 1.59, 95% CI 1.40–1.82, p < 0.001), adjusted for age, socioeconomic factors, and comorbidities related to tobacco smoking and alcohol use disorder. No association was found between DUD and prostate cancer stage at diagnosis. Conclusions Men with DUD have an increased risk of fatal prostate cancer, possibly related to undertreatment in this patient population. Our findings should raise attention among medical staff and decision-makers towards a disadvantaged group of men in need of easily accessible prostate cancer evaluation and treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10552-021-01513-2.
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Bäckström E, Troberg K, Håkansson A, Dahlman D. Healthcare Contacts Regarding Circulatory Conditions among Swedish Patients in Opioid Substitution Treatment, with and without On-Site Primary Healthcare. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:4614. [PMID: 33925318 PMCID: PMC8123605 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Patients in Opioid Substitution Treatment (OST) have increased mortality and morbidity, with circulatory conditions suggested to be a contributing factor. Since OST patients tend to have unmet physical healthcare needs, a small-scale intervention providing on-site primary healthcare (PHC) in OST clinics was implemented in Malmö, Sweden in 2016. In this study, we assessed registered circulatory conditions and healthcare utilization in OST patients with and without use of on-site PHC. Patients from four OST clinics in Malmö, Sweden, were recruited to a survey study in 2017-2018. Medical records for the participants were retrieved for one year prior to study participation (n = 192), and examined for circulatory diagnoses, examinations and follow-ups. Patients with and without on-site PHC were compared through descriptive statistics and univariate analyses. Eighteen percent (n = 34) of the sample had 1≤ registered circulatory condition, and 6% (n = 12) attended any clinical physiology examination or follow-up, respectively. Among patients utilizing on-site PHC (n = 26), the numbers were 27% (n = 7) for circulatory diagnosis, 15% (n = 4) for examinations, and 12% (n = 3) for follow-up. OST patients seem underdiagnosed in regard to their circulatory health. On-site PHC might be a way to diagnose and treat circulatory conditions among OST patients, although further research is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Bäckström
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Region Skåne, 205 02 Malmö, Sweden;
| | - Katja Troberg
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, 221 85 Lund, Sweden; (K.T.); (A.H.)
- Malmö Addiction Centre, Skåne University Hospital, 205 02 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Anders Håkansson
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, 221 85 Lund, Sweden; (K.T.); (A.H.)
- Malmö Addiction Centre, Skåne University Hospital, 205 02 Malmö, Sweden
| | - Disa Dahlman
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Region Skåne, 205 02 Malmö, Sweden;
- Division of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Lund University, 221 85 Lund, Sweden; (K.T.); (A.H.)
- Malmö Addiction Centre, Skåne University Hospital, 205 02 Malmö, Sweden
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11
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Dahlman D, Li X, Magnusson H, Sundquist J, Sundquist K. Cervical cancer among Swedish women with drug use disorders: A nationwide epidemiological study. Gynecol Oncol 2020; 160:742-747. [PMID: 33390327 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2020.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Cervical cancer incidence and mortality has decreased after introduction of national screening in Sweden, but women with drug use disorders (DUD) are less likely to participate in screening programs. We aimed to investigate cervical cancer incidence and mortality among women with DUD compared to the general female population in Sweden. METHODS We conducted a cohort study based on Swedish national register data for the period January 1997-December 2015. Data was collected for 3,838,248 women aged 15-75 years of whom 50,858 had DUD. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for incident and fatal cervical cancer were calculated for women with and without DUD using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS DUD was significantly associated with incident cervical cancer (HR = 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.39-1.61), but not fatal cervical cancer (HR = 1.25, 95% CI: 0.91-1.71), after adjusting for age, educational attainment, social welfare, region of residence, marital status and HIV infection. CONCLUSION Women with DUD were thus identified as a risk group for incident cervical cancer, which calls for attention from clinicians and policy makers. It is possible that non-attendance in cancer screening and other healthcare seeking barriers may affect the risk of incident cervical cancer among women with DUD but more research on this topic is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Disa Dahlman
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Xinjun Li
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Hedvig Magnusson
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Jan Sundquist
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden; Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA; Center for Community-based Healthcare Research and Education (CoHRE), School of Medicine, Shimane University, Japan
| | - Kristina Sundquist
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden; Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA; Center for Community-based Healthcare Research and Education (CoHRE), School of Medicine, Shimane University, Japan
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12
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Dahlman D, Magnusson H, Li X, Sundquist J, Sundquist K. Drug use disorder and risk of incident and fatal breast cancer: a nationwide epidemiological study. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2020; 186:199-207. [PMID: 33156489 PMCID: PMC7940313 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-020-05998-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Breast cancer is one of the most common cancer forms in women and it is often detected by screening. However, women with drug use disorders (DUD) are less likely to be reached by screening programs. In this study, we aimed to investigate breast cancer incidence, mortality and stage at time of diagnosis among women with DUD compared to the general female population in Sweden. Methods We performed a follow-up study based on Swedish national register data for the period January 1997–December 2015. The study was based on 3,838,248 women aged 15–75 years, of whom 50,858 were registered with DUD. Adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) for incident and fatal breast cancer, and cancer stage at time of diagnosis, were calculated for women with and without DUD using Cox regression analysis. Results DUD was associated with incident breast cancer (HR 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.02–1.14, p = 0.0069), fatal breast cancer (HR 1.60, 95% CI 1.42–1.82, p < 0.001), and stage IV breast cancer, i.e. metastasis at diagnosis (HR 2.06, 95% CI 1.44–2.95, p < 0.001). Conclusions Women with DUD were identified as a risk group for incident, fatal and metastasized breast cancer, which calls for attention from clinicians and policy makers. Cancer screening attendance and other healthcare seeking barriers are likely to affect the risk increase among women who use drugs; however, more research is needed on the underlying mechanisms. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s10549-020-05998-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Disa Dahlman
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Box 503 22, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Hedvig Magnusson
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Box 503 22, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Xinjun Li
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Box 503 22, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Jan Sundquist
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Box 503 22, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine At Mount Sinai, New York, USA.,Center for Community-Based Healthcare Research and Education (CoHRE), School of Medicine, Shimane University, Matsue, Japan
| | - Kristina Sundquist
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Box 503 22, Malmö, Sweden.,Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Icahn School of Medicine At Mount Sinai, New York, USA.,Center for Community-Based Healthcare Research and Education (CoHRE), School of Medicine, Shimane University, Matsue, Japan
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Dahlman D, Ekefäll M, Garpenhag L. Health Literacy among Swedish Patients in Opioid Substitution Treatment: A Mixed-Methods Study. Drug Alcohol Depend 2020; 214:108186. [PMID: 32721789 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.108186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Poor health and unmet healthcare needs is common among people with substance use disorder (SUD) including patients in opioid substitution treatment (OST). Low health literacy (HL) is associated with poverty, low education and physical limitations, but is unexplored in an OST context. METHODS Mixed-methods were used. Participants were consecutively recruited by clinic staff or researcher, from five OST clinics in Malmö, Sweden, during September - November 2019. HL level was measured through HLS-EU-Q16 (n?=?286). Self-reported socioeconomic correlates of HL were analyzed through logistic regression. Patients' experiences of HL-related problems were assessed through six focus group interviews (n?=?23) moderated by an OST employee. RESULTS While 46% had sufficient HL (13-16 points of maximum 16), 32% did not receive a HL score due to too many missing answers. No correlates of sufficient HL level were found. Missing HL level was associated with low educational attainment (Ajusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.94; 95% Confidence interval [CI] 1.13-3.32) and negatively associated with employment (AOR 0.28; 95% CI 0.11-0.71). Qualitative data revealed a diversity in participants' self-assessed capabilities, and problems associated with access, comprehension, trust and dependency on addiction-specific services. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights that HL level is low, and identifies a number of concrete problems related to HL in the studied population. The results implicate a need for tailored interventions regarding health information among OST patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Disa Dahlman
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden.
| | - Malin Ekefäll
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Lars Garpenhag
- Center for Primary Health Care Research, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University/Region Skåne, Malmö, Sweden
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Baggio S, Dupuis M, Richard JB, Beck F. Addictive behaviors and healthcare renunciation for economic reasons in a French population-based sample. THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DRUG POLICY 2017; 49:1-7. [PMID: 28818639 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 04/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare renunciation for economic reasons is a major health concern, but it has been scarcely investigated among drug users, even if drug users constitute a vulnerable population in need of medical care. This study investigated associations of healthcare renunciation for economic reasons and addictive behaviors (alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, illicit drug use, and gambling) in a population-based sample of adults living in France, a country with universal health coverage. METHODS Data were collected using the 2014 Health Barometer, a French cross-sectional survey conducted among a random representative sample of the general population aged 18-64 (n=12,852). Measures included healthcare renunciation, substance use (alcohol, tobacco, cannabis, and other illicit drugs) and gambling. Experimental/recreational and heavy/chronic use were assessed. Logistic regressions were used to test the relationship between healthcare renunciation and addictive behaviors, controlling for relevant covariates. RESULTS A total of 25% of the participants had renounced care at least once in the previous twelve months. Most variables of drug use were significantly associated with increased healthcare renunciation. This was the case for heavy/hazardous use and experimental/recreational use. Regular gambling was not associated with healthcare renunciation, but disordered gambling was. CONCLUSION This study showed that addictive behaviors, including substance use and gambling, were part of the burden of vulnerability of people who forgo care. Therefore, drug use and gambling patterns should be a focus in the development of policies to reduce health inequalities, not only for heavy and chronic drug users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stéphanie Baggio
- Life Course and Social Inequality Research Centre, University of Lausanne, Switzerland; Division of Correctional Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Marc Dupuis
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | | | - François Beck
- Observatoire Français des Drogues et des Toxicomanies (OFDT), The French Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction, France; ERES, Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Epidémiologie et de Santé Publique, UMRS, 1136 Paris, France.
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Loeliger KB, Marcus R, Wickersham JA, Pillai V, Kamarulzaman A, Altice FL. The syndemic of HIV, HIV-related risk and multiple co-morbidities among women who use drugs in Malaysia: Important targets for intervention. Addict Behav 2016; 53:31-9. [PMID: 26436520 DOI: 10.1016/j.addbeh.2015.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substance use and HIV are syndemic public health problems in Malaysia. Harm reduction efforts to reduce HIV transmission have primarily focused on men with substance use disorders. OBJECTIVES To explore HIV risk behaviors, substance use, and social factors associated with poor health outcomes among women who use drugs in Malaysia. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of 103 drug-using women in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia were recruited to assess their medical, psychiatric and social comorbidity as well as their engagement in nationally recommended HIV testing and monitoring activities. RESULTS One-third reported having ever injected drugs, with most (68.2%) having recently shared injection paraphernalia. Sex work (44.7%) and infrequent condom use (42.4%) were common as was underlying psychiatric illness and physical and sexual violence during childhood and adulthood. Most women (62.1%) had unstable living situations and suffered from an unmet need for social support and health services. HIV prevalence was high (20%) with only two thirds of women eligible for antiretroviral therapy having received it. Suboptimal HIV testing and/or monitoring was positively associated with interpersonal violence (AOR 2.73; 95% CI 1.04-7.14) and negatively associated with drug injection (AOR 0.28; 95% CI 0.10-0.77). CONCLUSIONS/IMPORTANCE Women who use drugs in Malaysia demonstrate considerable medical, psychiatric and social co-morbidity, which negatively contributes to optimal and crucial engagement in HIV treatment-as-prevention strategies. Mental health and social support may be key targets for future public health interventions aimed at drug-using women in Malaysia.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To summarize the recent literature (1st January 2014-1st February 2015) on stimulant treatment programme evaluations, and highlight key areas for future programme development. RECENT FINDINGS Advances have been made in addressing both sexual risks and stimulant use among gay and bisexual men in the United States, and in adapting evidence-based resource-intense interventions to real-world settings. Programme outcome measures increasingly include changes in substance use as well as health and wellbeing indicators and measures of risk. SUMMARY Future programme directions include: expansion of the psychosocial repertoire to include narrative and mindfulness-based therapies; web-based programme delivery; sex-sensitive programming to attract and retain women; comprehensive programming to address coexisting mental and physical illness and polysubstance use (including tobacco smoking); and improving accessibility to promote early intervention. Comparability of evaluation data can be improved by developing standardized tools particularly for measuring change in sexual-risk behavior. The use of new statistical techniques can address the lack of comparison populations.
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