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Chan J, Ward B, Maher L, Crawford S, Stoové M, Dietze P. Parents who inject drugs: Demographics, care arrangements and correlates for child placement in out-of-home care. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024; 43:775-786. [PMID: 38147397 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Children in families affected by substance use disorders are at high risk of being placed in out-of-home care (OOHC). We aimed to describe the characteristics of parents who inject drugs and identify correlates associated with child placement in OOHC. METHODS We used baseline data from a community-based cohort of parents who inject drugs (SuperMIX) from Melbourne, Australia. Participants were recruited via convenience, respondent-driven and snowball sampling from April 2008 to November 2020, with follow-up until March 2021. To explore correlates associated with child placement to OOHC, we used multivariable logistic regression and assessed for potential interactions between gender and a range of relevant covariates. RESULTS Of the 1067 participants, 611 (57%) reported being parents. Fifty-six percent of parents reported child protection involvement. Almost half (49%) had children in OOHC. Nearly half of the parents lived in unstable accommodation (44%) and many of them experienced moderate-severe levels of anxiety (48%) and depression (53%). Female or non-binary gender, identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, experiencing assault and having more children were associated with child removal to OOHC. Of the 563 participants who reported their own childhood care status, 135 (24%) reported they had been removed to OOHC. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS We identified high rates of child placement in OOHC among parents who inject drugs. There is a need for targeted health and social services, that are gender and culturally responsive, in addition to systems-level interventions addressing social inequities, such as housing, to support parents to care for their children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bernadette Ward
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Rural Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Lisa Maher
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sione Crawford
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Harm Reduction Victoria, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark Stoové
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Paul Dietze
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Melbourne, Australia
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2
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O'Sullivan M, Jones AM, Mourad A, Haddadin Y, Verma S. Excellent hepatitis C virus cure rates despite increasing complexity of people who use drugs: Integrated-Test-stage Treat study final outcomes. J Viral Hepat 2024; 31:66-77. [PMID: 38018328 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Achieving hepatitic C virus (HCV) elimination requires linking people who use drugs (PWUD) into care. We report final direct-acting antivirals (DAAs)-based outcomes from the Integrated-Test-stage -Treat (ITTREAT) study. Project ITTREAT (2013-2021), based at an addiction centre, was a 'one-stop' service with innovative linkage to care strategies. Primary outcome was sustained virological response (SVR12) (intention to treat ITT) including whether individuals were recruited in first (period 1) versus last four (period 2 included the COVID-19 pandemic) years of the study. Number recruited were n = 765, mean age 40.9 ± 10.1 years, 78% males, history of current/past injecting drug use (IDU) and alcohol use being 77% and 90%, respectively. Prevalence of a positive HCV PCR was 84% with 19% having cirrhosis. Comparing those recruited in period 2 versus period 1, there was increasing prevalence of IDU, 90% versus 72% (p < .001); homelessness, 67% versus 50% (p < .001); psychiatric diagnosis, 84% versus 50% (p < .001); overdose history 71% versus 31% (p < .001), receiving opioid agonist treatment (OAT) 75% versus 52% (p < .001) and comorbidity 44% versus 25% (p < .001). Of those treated with DAAs (n = 272), ITT SVR rates were 86% (95% CI: 81%-90%), being similar in period 2 versus period 1. Predictors of non-SVR were receiving OAT (OR 0.33, 95% CI: 0.12-0.87, p = .025) and ≥80% adherence (OR 0.01, 95% CI: 0.003-0.041, p < .001). Reinfection rates period 2 versus period 1 (per 100 person-years) were 1.84 versus 1.70, respectively. In the treated cohort, mortality was 15%, being mostly drug-related. Despite increasing complexity of PWUD, high SVR12 rates are achievable with use of OAT and good adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret O'Sullivan
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Brighton and Sussex University, Brighton, UK
| | | | - Adele Mourad
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Brighton and Sussex University, Brighton, UK
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Yazan Haddadin
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Brighton and Sussex University, Brighton, UK
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Sumita Verma
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Brighton and Sussex University, Brighton, UK
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
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Brener L, Cama E, Broady T, Harrod ME, Holly C, Caruana T, Beadman K, Treloar C. Experiences of stigma and subsequent reduced access to health care among women who inject drugs. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024. [PMID: 38271084 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Research into stigma and injecting drug use has typically involved predominantly male participants, with limited research about the unique experience of women who inject drugs. METHODS This study used survey methods to assess reduced access to health care due to stigma among a sample of women who inject drugs. Women (n = 232) completed a survey as part of a broader national study of people who inject drugs. RESULTS Only 46 (19.9%) women reported that they had not experienced any injecting drug use-related stigma in the past year and most commonly noted 'sometimes' experiencing injecting-related stigma (36.8%) with more than 75% of women reporting that health workers had treated them negatively because of their injecting drug use. Most women undertook strategies to prevent experiencing stigma, such as not disclosing drug use to a health worker (81.3%), not attending follow-up appointments (76.7%) and delaying accessing health care (76.8%). Women with lower levels of personal wellbeing, who had experienced poorer treatment by health workers, had engaged in greater past month injecting, were employed and identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ) reported more reduced access to health care. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Stigma has concerning health care implications for women who inject drugs and this research highlights the importance of understanding the impact of stigma in impeding health care access. Public health interventions should focus on addressing the systemic factors that reduce health care access for women who inject and take account of the impact of stigma in diminishing the quality and accessibility of health care for this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loren Brener
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Elena Cama
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Timothy Broady
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Theresa Caruana
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kim Beadman
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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4
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Attwood LO, O'Keefe D, Higgs P, Vujovic O, Doyle JS, Stewardson AJ. Epidemiology of acute infections in people who inject drugs in Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2024; 43:304-314. [PMID: 37995135 PMCID: PMC10952783 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
ISSUES People who inject drugs are at risk of acute infections, such as skin and soft tissue infections, infective endocarditis, bone and joint infections and bloodstream infections. There has been an increase in these infections in people who inject drugs internationally over the past 10 years. However, the local data regarding acute infections in Australia has not been well described. APPROACH We review the epidemiology of acute infections and associated morbidity and mortality amongst people who inject drugs in Australia. We summarise risk factors for these infections, including the concurrent social and psychological determinants of health. KEY FINDINGS The proportion of people who report having injected drugs in the prior 12 months in Australia has decreased over the past 18 years. However, there has been an increase in the burden of acute infections in this population. This increase is driven largely by skin and soft tissue infections. People who inject drugs often have multiple conflicting priorities that can delay engagement in care. IMPLICATIONS Acute infections in people who inject drugs are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Acute infections contribute to significant bed days, surgical requirements and health-care costs in Australia. The increase in these infections is likely due to a complex interplay of microbiological, individual, social and environmental factors. CONCLUSION Acute infections in people who inject drugs in Australia represent a significant burden to both patients and health-care systems. Flexible health-care models, such as low-threshold wound clinics, would help directly target, and address early interventions, for these infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy O. Attwood
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | | | - Peter Higgs
- Burnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Public HealthLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Olga Vujovic
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Joseph S. Doyle
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
- Burnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia
| | - Andrew J. Stewardson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Central Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
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5
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Caroline A, Kate M, Roberts M, Ryan J, Murphy S, Richardson C, Coyte A, Taha Y, Stuart M. What is the impact of a Hepatitis C 'test, trace and treat' pilot using peer workers? J Viral Hepat 2023; 30:922-925. [PMID: 37723934 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
Chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of morbidity and deaths worldwide. HCV treating teams are working toward the goal of eliminating HCV by 2030. People who inject drugs (PWIDs) are at high risk of HCV but contact tracing is not routine practice. Here, we present the outcomes of a HCV 'test, trace and treat' pilot using peer workers to test contacts of individuals with HCV. PWIDs with HCV were invited to participate when they presented for treatment. For those agreeing to participate, a peer approached them to invite potential contacts for HCV testing. Data were collected on uptake, HCV test results, treatment rates and reasons for declining. Overall, 295 individuals (162 recent HCV [<1 year], 69 reinfections, 64 known chronic HCV) were invited to participate, of whom 147 (50%) agreed and 30 (20% of those agreeing) brought forward 120 contacts for testing. Of these, 44 (37%) were HCV RNA positive, including 23 who were not known to services. 34 (77%) started antiviral treatment. HCV RNA positivity was highest in contacts of reinfections (45%) compared with recent HCV (33%) and known chronic HCV (25%). The most common reason for index individuals declining participation was that they reported no longer being in contact with individuals from their injecting network (65%). In conclusion, half of PWIDs with HCV agreed to participate in the pilot, but only 20% of these brought contacts forward. The frequency of active HCV was high in the contacts and the majority started antiviral treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allsop Caroline
- Viral Hepatitis Service, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mcque Kate
- Viral Hepatitis Service, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Jelley Ryan
- Viral Hepatitis Service, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | | | - Aishah Coyte
- Population Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Yusri Taha
- Viral Hepatitis Service, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - McPherson Stuart
- Viral Hepatitis Service, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Newcastle NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Translational & Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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6
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Johnson A, Shearer J, Thompson C, Jelley R, Aldridge J, Allsop C, Kerry J, Jones D, McCullough F, Miller C, Valappil M, Taha Y, Masson S, Jefferson T, Lawton C, Christensen L, McPherson S. Impact of 5 years of hepatitis C testing and treatment in the North East of England prisons. J Viral Hepat 2023; 30:914-921. [PMID: 37700492 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) is prevalent in prisons. Therefore, effective prison HCV services are critical for HCV elimination programmes. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a regional HCV prison testing and treatment programme. Between July 2017 and June 2022, data were collected prospectively on HCV test offer and uptake rates, HCV Antibody (HCV-Ab) and HCV-RNA positivity, treatment starts and outcomes for new inmates incarcerated in three prisons. Rates of HCV-Ab and RNA positivity at reception, incidence of new HCV infections and reinfection following treatment were determined. From a total of 39,652 receptions, 33,028 (83.3%) were offered HCV testing and 20,394 (61.7%) completed testing. Including all receptions, 24.5% of tests (n = 4995) were HCV-Ab positive and 8.4% of tests (n = 1713) were HCV-RNA positive. When considering the first test for each individual (median age 34 years; 88.1% male), 14.8% (n = 1869) and 7.2% (n = 905) were HCV-Ab and HCV-RNA positive, respectively. The incidence of new HCV-Ab and RNA positivity was 5.1 and 3.3 per 100 person-years, respectively. Of 1145 HCV viraemic individuals, 18 died within 6 months and 150 were rapidly transferred out of area, leaving 977 individuals with outcomes. Of these, 835 (85.5%) received antivirals and 47 spontaneously cleared the infection, leaving 95 (9.7%) untreated. 607 (72.7%) achieved SVR. 95 patients had reinfection post-treatment (rate 10.1 cases per 100 person-years). Testing for HCV has increased in our prisons and the majority with viraemia are initiated on antiviral treatment. Reassuringly, a significant fall in frequency of HCV-RNA positivity at prison reception was observed suggesting progress towards HCV elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Johnson
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jessica Shearer
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Ryan Jelley
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Caroline Allsop
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jenna Kerry
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Dee Jones
- Spectrum Community Health, Wakefield, UK
| | - Francesca McCullough
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Carolyn Miller
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Manoj Valappil
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Yusri Taha
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Steven Masson
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | | | | | - Stuart McPherson
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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Shivaprakash P, Patel V, Shadakshari D, Verma R, Shukla L, Mahadevan J, Kandasamy A, Chand PK, Benegal V, Sethuraman L, Sharma P, Murthy P. A descriptive study of hepatitis C in people who inject drugs. Indian J Med Res 2023; 158:559-564. [PMID: 38084934 PMCID: PMC10878480 DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_2634_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES The seroprevalence of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in general population is higher than that of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in India. People who inject drugs (PWIDs) constitute a high-risk group for all blood-borne infections. Multiple behavioural surveillance surveys have provided a rich typology of HIV-infected PWIDs, but this information is missing for HCV infection. We describe awareness, transmission risk factors and the treatment continuum for HCV infection among PWID. We also report spatial clustering of HCV infection in PWIDs residing in Bengaluru. METHODS Information from clinical records was collected and telephonic interviews of retrospectively identified PWIDs who received treatment at a tertiary-level addiction treatment facility between 2016 and 2021 were conducted. RESULTS We identified 391 PWIDs; 220 (56.26%) received an anti-HCV antibody test (4 th Generation HCV-Tridot). Individuals reporting unsafe injection practices were more often tested than those who did not ( χ2 =44.9, df=1, P <0.01). Almost half of the tested and more than a quarter of the whole sample (109/220, 49.9%; 109/391, 27.9%) were seropositive for HCV infection. The projected seropositivity in this group was between 27.9 per cent (best case scenario, all untested assumed negative) and 71.6 per cent (worst case scenario, all untested assumed positive). Only a minority of participants interviewed were aware of HCV (27/183, 14.7%). HCV infection and its associated risk behaviour (PWID) were clustered in certain localities (Diggle and Chetwynd Test; P =0.001) in Bengaluru in the southern district of Karnataka. INTERPRETATION CONCLUSIONS Undetected HCV infection is common in PWIDs; awareness and treatment uptake is poor in this group. Spatial clustering of infections in a district shows transmission in close networks and provides opportunities for targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakrithi Shivaprakash
- Centre for Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Vinit Patel
- Centre for Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Darshan Shadakshari
- Centre for Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Rahul Verma
- Centre for Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Lekhansh Shukla
- Centre for Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Jayant Mahadevan
- Centre for Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Arun Kandasamy
- Centre for Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Prabhat Kumar Chand
- Centre for Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Vivek Benegal
- Centre for Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Lakshmanan Sethuraman
- Centre for Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Priyamvada Sharma
- Department of Clinical Psychopharmacology & Neurotoxicology, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Pratima Murthy
- Centre for Addiction Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
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8
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Shukla L, Shivaprakash P, Kumar MS. HIV, hepatitis B & C in people who inject drugs in India: A systematic review of regional heterogeneity & overview of opioid substitution treatment. Indian J Med Res 2023; 158:522-534. [PMID: 38265946 PMCID: PMC10878493 DOI: 10.4103/ijmr.ijmr_1930_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES This systematic review evaluates the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) burden among people who inject drugs (PWIDs) in India. In addition, we selectively examined research on opioid substitution treatment (OST)-related services due to their role in antiviral treatment uptake and adherence. METHODS Data were sourced from peer-reviewed and government publications between 1991 and September 20, 2023, searched in MEDLINE, Scopus and EBSCOhost. English language studies reporting weighted prevalence or raw numbers and recruitment sites were included for review. Quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute tool. Data synthesis was done in graphs and tables. RESULTS We included 50 reports, yielding 150 HIV, 68 HCV and 24 HBV prevalence estimates across India, revealing significant regional heterogeneity. Notably, 16 States had a single community-based HIV estimate, and 19 States had limited or no HCV data. The highest HIV and HCV prevalence was in Manipur (74.7% and 97.5%, respectively) in 1996. Recent spikes included 50.2 per cent HIV prevalence in Punjab (2010) and 73 per cent HCV in Uttar Pradesh (2021). Nationally, OST coverage in 2020 was under five per cent, with some northeast, north and central States exceeding this, but most others were falling below two per cent. No studies on the cost-effectiveness of directly observed treatment models for OST were identified. INTERPRETATION CONCLUSIONS There is a lack of sufficiently granular and generalizable estimates for HIV prevalence and any estimates for HCV and HBV among PWIDs in large parts of the country. Community-based representative studies are required to quantify the prevalence and severity of these diseases and allocate resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lekhansh Shukla
- Department of Psychiatry, Centre for Addiction Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - Prakrithi Shivaprakash
- Department of Psychiatry, Centre for Addiction Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
| | - M. Suresh Kumar
- Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
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9
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Brothers TD, Bonn M, Lewer D, Comeau E, Kim I, Webster D, Hayward A, Harris M. Social and structural determinants of injection drug use-associated bacterial and fungal infections: A qualitative systematic review and thematic synthesis. Addiction 2023; 118:1853-1877. [PMID: 37170877 DOI: 10.1111/add.16257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Injection drug use-associated bacterial and fungal infections are increasingly common, and social contexts shape individuals' injecting practices and treatment experiences. We sought to synthesize qualitative studies of social-structural factors influencing incidence and treatment of injecting-related infections. METHODS We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL and PsycINFO from 1 January 2000 to 18 February 2021. Informed by Rhodes' 'risk environment' framework, we performed thematic synthesis in three stages: (1) line-by-line coding; (2) organizing codes into descriptive themes, reflecting interpretations of study authors; and (3) consolidating descriptive themes into conceptual categories to identify higher-order analytical themes. RESULTS We screened 4841 abstracts and included 26 qualitative studies on experiences of injecting-related bacterial and fungal infections. We identified six descriptive themes organized into two analytical themes. The first analytical theme, social production of risk, considered macro-environmental influences. Four descriptive themes highlighted pathways through which this occurs: (1) unregulated drug supply, leading to poor drug quality and solubility; (2) unsafe spaces, influenced by policing practices and insecure housing; (3) health-care policies and practices, leading to negative experiences that discourage access to care; and (4) restrictions on harm reduction programmes, including structural barriers to effective service provision. The second analytical theme, practices of care among people who use drugs, addressed protective strategies that people employ within infection risk environments. Associated descriptive themes were: (5) mutual care, including assisted-injecting and sharing sterile equipment; and (6) self-care, including vein health and self-treatment. Within constraining risk environments, some protective strategies for bacterial infections precipitated other health risks (e.g. HIV transmission). CONCLUSIONS Injecting-related bacterial and fungal infections are shaped by modifiable social-structural factors, including poor quality unregulated drugs, criminalization and policing enforcement, insufficient housing, limited harm reduction services and harmful health-care practices. People who inject drugs navigate these barriers while attempting to protect themselves and their community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D Brothers
- UCL Collaborative Centre for Inclusion Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Matthew Bonn
- Canadian Association of People who Use Drugs (CAPUD), Dartmouth, Canada
| | - Dan Lewer
- UCL Collaborative Centre for Inclusion Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - Emilie Comeau
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Inhwa Kim
- Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Duncan Webster
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, Canada
| | - Andrew Hayward
- UCL Collaborative Centre for Inclusion Health, Institute of Epidemiology and Health Care, University College London, London, UK
| | - Magdalena Harris
- Department of Public Health, Environments and Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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Turner R, Barrett D, Petersson F, Kåberg M. Legal Minors Who Inject: Differences in Socio-Demographics and Treatment Needs Compared to Adults in a Swedish National Sample of People with Injecting Drug Use. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 58:1473-1482. [PMID: 37358188 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2223267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Injection drug use among legal minors is under-researched. Although the population may be small in absolute terms, treatment needs may be greater than for those who began injecting as adults. Such knowledge may help tailor services more effectively. Previous research tends to use selective samples or focuses solely on medical indicators. The present study uses a larger sample drawn from national register data in Sweden over a 9-year period (2013-2021) to analyze differences in medical and social treatment needs between people who began injecting as legal minors and their older counterparts. METHOD Data on first-time visitors to needle and syringe programmes (n = 8225, mean age 37.6, 26% women) were used. Historical socio-demographics and presenting treatment needs were compared between those with a debut injecting age under 18, and those who began injecting as adults. RESULTS The prevalence of injecting before 18 years was 29%. This group had more negative social circumstances, such as leaving school early, worse health, and greater service consumption, compared to those who began injecting as adults. In particular, they had been subjected to a greater level of control measures, such as arrest and compulsory care. CONCLUSIONS The present study shows that there are important health and social differences between those who inject prior to 18 and those who begin injecting as adults. This raises important questions for both child protection services and harm reduction approaches for legal minors who inject, who still qualify as 'children' in a legal and policy sense.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Turner
- Department of Social Work, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - D Barrett
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - F Petersson
- Department of Social Work, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - M Kåberg
- Stockholm Needle Exchange, Stockholm Centre for Dependency Disorders, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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11
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Campbell A, Millen S, Guo L, Jordan U, Taylor-Beswick A, Rintoul C, Diamond A. Reducing opioid related deaths for individuals who are at high risk of death from overdose: a co-production study with people housed within prison and hostel accommodation during Covid-19. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1080629. [PMID: 37404271 PMCID: PMC10316785 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1080629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background A record number of Opioid-related deaths occurred in Northern Ireland in 2021 and it is acknowledged that the Covid-19 pandemic compounded drugs related deaths crisis. This co-production study set out to refine the design of a wearable device for Opioid users to detect and subsequently prevent a potential overdose situation. Method Purposive sampling was used to recruit people who had substance use disorders and were living in a hostel and prison during the Covid-19 pandemic. Principles of co-production influenced the study, which encompassed a focus group phase and a wearable phase. The initial phase included three focus groups with participants who inject Opioids and one focus group with workers from a street injector support service. During the wearable phase, the participant group tested the feasibility of the wearable technology in a controlled environment. This included testing the transferability of data from the device to a backend server on the cloud. Results All focus group participants expressed an interest in the wearable technology when it was presented to them and agreed, that in principle, such a device would be extremely beneficial to help reduce the risk of overdose within the active drug using community. Participants outlined factors which would help or hinder the design of this proposed device and their decision to wear it, if it were readily available to them. Findings from wearable phase indicated that it was feasible to use a wearable device for monitoring Opioid users' biomarkers remotely. The provision of information regarding the specific functionality of the device was considered key and could be disseminated via front line services. The data acquisition and transfer process would not be a barrier for future research. Conclusion Understanding the benefit and disadvantages of technologies such as a wearable device to prevent Opioid-related deaths will be critical for mitigating the risk of overdose for people who use Heroin. It was also clear that this would be particularly relevant during Covid-19 lock-down periods, when the effects of the pandemic further exacerbated the isolation and solitude experienced by people who use Heroin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Campbell
- SSESW, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Sharon Millen
- SSESW, Queens University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Li Guo
- Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Uisce Jordan
- Faculty of Health, Social Care and Medicine, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, United Kingdom
| | | | - Chris Rintoul
- Cranstoun, St. Andrew's House, Surbiton, United Kingdom
| | - Aisling Diamond
- Southern Health and Social Care Trust, Craigavon, United Kingdom
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12
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MacLeod CS, O’Neill HL, Shaalan R, Nagy J, Flett MM, Guthrie GJ, McLeod G, Suttie SA. Predicting necrotising soft tissue infections in people who inject drugs: poor performance of the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotising Fasciitis score and development of a novel clinical predictive nomogram in a retrospective cohort with internal validation. Int J Surg 2023; 109:1561-1572. [PMID: 37042577 PMCID: PMC10389200 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000000367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Necrotising soft tissue infections (NSTI) can threaten life and limb. Early identification and urgent surgical debridement are key for improved outcomes. NSTI can be insidious. Scoring systems, like the Laboratory Risk Indicator for Necrotising Fasciitis (LRINEC), exist to aid diagnosis. People who inject drugs (PWID) are high risk for NSTI. This study aimed to assess the utility of the LRINEC in PWID with lower limb infections and develop a predictive nomogram. METHODS A retrospective database of all hospital admissions due to limb-related complications secondary to injecting drug use between December 2011 and December 2020 was compiled through discharge codes and a prospectively maintained Vascular Surgery database. All lower limb infections were extracted from this database, dichotomised by NSTI and non-NSTI with the LRINEC applied. Specialty management times were evaluated. Statistical analyses involved: chi-square; Analysis of "variance"; Kaplan-Meier, and receiver operating characteristic curves. Nomograms were developed to facilitate diagnosis and predict survival. RESULTS There were 557 admissions for 378 patients, with 124 (22.3%; 111 patients) NSTI. Time from admission to: theatre and computed tomography imaging respectively varied significantly between specialties ( P =0.001). Surgical specialties were faster than medical ( P =0.001). Vascular surgery received the most admissions and had the quickest time to theatre. During follow-up there were 79 (20.9%) deaths: 27 (24.3%) NSTI and 52 (19.5%) non-NSTI. LRINEC ≥6 had a positive predictive value of 33.3% and sensitivity of 74% for NSTI. LRINEC <6 had a negative predictive value of 90.7% and specificity of 63.2% for non-NSTI. Area under the curve was 0.697 (95% CI: 0.615-0.778). Nomogram models found age, C-reactive protein, and non-linear albumin to be significant predictors of NSTI, with age, white cell count, sodium, creatinine, C-reactive protein, and albumin being significant in predicting survival on discharge. CONCLUSION There was reduced performance of the LRINEC in this PWID cohort. Diagnosis may be enhanced through use of this predictive nomogram.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin S. MacLeod
- East of Scotland Vascular Network, Department of Vascular Surgery
- School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland
| | | | - Ramy Shaalan
- East of Scotland Vascular Network, Department of Vascular Surgery
- Department of General Surgery, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - John Nagy
- East of Scotland Vascular Network, Department of Vascular Surgery
| | - Murray M. Flett
- East of Scotland Vascular Network, Department of Vascular Surgery
| | | | - Graeme McLeod
- Department of Anaesthetics, Ninewells Hospital
- Department of General Surgery, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Stuart A. Suttie
- East of Scotland Vascular Network, Department of Vascular Surgery
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Sukmaningrum E, Ayu AP, Wongso LV, Handayani M, Hendrianti S, Kawi NH, Kusmayanti NA, Sulaiman N, Irwanto I, Law M, Wisaksana R. Motivational Interviewing as an Intervention to Improve Antiretroviral Treatment Initiation among People who Inject Drugs (PWID): A Pilot Study in Jakarta and Bandung, Indonesia. Curr Drug Res Rev 2023:CDRR-EPUB-132183. [PMID: 37259929 DOI: 10.2174/2589977515666230531154629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Progress towards the 95-95-95 target among People Who Inject Drugs (PWID) with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection was considerably low. A behavioral approach, such as motivational interviewing (MI), has been recognized as an effective strategy for improving HIV treatment outcomes among PWID. OBJECTIVE This study aimed at assessing the impact of MI counselling to improve ARV initiation among HIV-positive PWID. METHODS A cohort design pilot study was performed, and participants were recruited using a convenience sampling technique. Participants were PWID with HIV who accessed healthcare facilities in two Indonesian cities. Selected participants were assigned to an intervention group and a control group. The intervention group followed MI counselling, while the control group received ART following the standard of care. The participants were assigned to each group based on their preferences. The data was collected between January 2018 and January 2019. RESULTS In total, 115 PWID with HIV participated in this study in the intervention (n=30) and control (n=85) groups. All but one intervention group's participants started ART, while 68/85 in the control group did so. Receiving MI counselling significantly contributed to ART initiation. In addition, the participants were followed-up until 12 months after ARV initiation. During this period, we found that similar proportions of participants in both groups discontinued the treatment, and only a small number achieved HIV viral suppression. CONCLUSION The positive effect of MI counselling on ART initiation provides insight into the possibility of its wider implementation. Further studies are needed to gain a deeper understanding of MI counselling and its effect on other outcomes of the HIV treatment cascade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evi Sukmaningrum
- University Centre of Excellence AIDS Research Centre Health Policy and Social Innovation, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta Indonesia
- Faculty of Psychology, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Astri Parawita Ayu
- University Centre of Excellence AIDS Research Centre Health Policy and Social Innovation, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta Indonesia
- School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Lydia Verina Wongso
- University Centre of Excellence AIDS Research Centre Health Policy and Social Innovation, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta Indonesia
| | - Miasari Handayani
- Research Center for Care and Control of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Sarahsita Hendrianti
- University Centre of Excellence AIDS Research Centre Health Policy and Social Innovation, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta Indonesia
| | | | - Nur Aini Kusmayanti
- Center for Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | | | - Irwanto Irwanto
- University Centre of Excellence AIDS Research Centre Health Policy and Social Innovation, Atma Jaya Catholic University of Indonesia, Jakarta Indonesia
| | - Matthew Law
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rudi Wisaksana
- Research Center for Care and Control of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Padjadjaran University, Bandung, Indonesia
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Zhang M, Li J, Fan J, Feng D, Li Q, Tang S, Li J. Cross-border Activities Associated With Pattern of Amphetamine-type Stimulants Usage Among Drug Users in Southwest of China. Inquiry 2023; 60:469580231206608. [PMID: 37902428 PMCID: PMC10617300 DOI: 10.1177/00469580231206608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Cross-border activities are possibly associated with the use of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), this study was to explore poly-substance of ATS use and influencing factors among ATS use populations in southwest China. A cross-sectional study was conducted by response driven and continuous samplings from January to July 2021. Descriptive, univariate and logistic regression were carried out. ATS users accounted for 95.6% of the target population, of whom one-third had cross-border experiences with 4.1% of the cross-border purchase of drugs. ATS users were mainly over 31 years old (53.9%), male (98.7%), minority (79.1%), and unmarried (72.7%). Cross-border users consumed more ketamine (8%) and methamphetamine (40%) (P < .05). After adjusting for socioeconomic-demographic factors, cross-border activity [OR: 0.336 (0.141, 0.799)], occupation [OR: 0.273 (0.080, 0.929)], injecting drug behavior [OR: 6.239 (1. 087, 35.811)], frequency [OR: 0.251 (0.073, 0.859)], and ATS use location [OR: 2.915 (1.040, 8.168)] were possible factors influencing ATS use patterns (P < .05). Cross-border activity may be associated with polydrug use, especially predominantly methamphetamine use, among ATS users along the Southwest border. It implied that the focus of drug prevention and control in border areas should be on cross-border populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingmei Zhang
- School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jiashuang Li
- School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jianhua Fan
- Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture, Jinghong, Yunnan, China
| | - Dongli Feng
- The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in Jinghong, Jinghong, Yunnan, China
| | - Qun Li
- Department of Clinical Skills Centre, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Songyuan Tang
- School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Jing Li
- School of Public Health, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Drug Addiction Medicine, Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, China
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15
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Hill PL, Stoové M, Agius PA, Maher L, Hickman M, Crawford S, Dietze P. Mortality in the SuperMIX cohort of people who inject drugs in Melbourne, Australia: a prospective observational study. Addiction 2022; 117:3091-3098. [PMID: 35712795 PMCID: PMC9796078 DOI: 10.1111/add.15975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To measure mortality rates and factors associated with mortality risk among participants in the SuperMIX study, a prospective cohort study of people who inject drugs. DESIGN A prospective observational study using self-reported behavioural and linked mortality data. SETTING Melbourne, Australia. PARTICIPANTS/CASES A total of 1209 people who inject drugs (67% male) followed-up between 2008 and 2019 for 6913 person-years (PY). MEASUREMENTS We linked participant identifiers from SuperMIX to the Australian National Death Index and estimated all-cause and drug-related mortality rates and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs). We used Cox regression to examine associations between mortality and fixed and time-varying socio-demographic, alcohol and other drug use and health service-related exposures. FINDINGS Between 2008 and 2019 there were 76 deaths in the SuperMIX cohort. Of those with a known cause of death (n = 68), 35 (51%) were drug-related, yielding an all-cause mortality rate of 1.1 per 100 PY [95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.88-1.37] with an estimated SMR of 16.64 (95% CI = 13.29-20.83) and overall accidental drug-induced mortality rate of 0.5 per 100 PY (95% CI = 0.36-0.71). Reports of recent use of ambulance services [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 3.77, 95% CI =1.78-7.97] and four or more incarcerations (aHR = 2.78, 95% CI = 1.55-4.99) were associated with increased mortality risk. CONCLUSIONS In Melbourne, Australia, mortality among people who inject drugs appears to be positively associated with recent ambulance attendance and experience of incarceration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope L. Hill
- Behaviours and Health RisksBurnet InstituteMelbourneVICAustralia
- School of Public Health and Preventative MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneVICAustralia
- The National Centre for Clinical Research on Emerging Drugs (NCCRED)SydneyNSWAustralia
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC)The University of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Mark Stoové
- Behaviours and Health RisksBurnet InstituteMelbourneVICAustralia
- School of Public Health and Preventative MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Paul A. Agius
- Behaviours and Health RisksBurnet InstituteMelbourneVICAustralia
- School of Public Health and Preventative MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneVICAustralia
| | - Lisa Maher
- Behaviours and Health RisksBurnet InstituteMelbourneVICAustralia
- Faculty of MedicineKirby Institute for Infection and ImmunityUNSW SydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical SchoolUniversity of BristolBristolUK
| | | | - Paul Dietze
- Behaviours and Health RisksBurnet InstituteMelbourneVICAustralia
- School of Public Health and Preventative MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneVICAustralia
- National Drug Research InstituteCurtin UniversityMelbourneVICAustralia
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16
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Langham FJ, Curtis SJ, Tang MJ, Jomon B, Doyle JS, Vujovic O, Stewardson AJ. Acute injection-related infections requiring hospitalisation among people who inject drugs: Clinical features, microbiology and management. Drug Alcohol Rev 2022; 41:1543-1553. [PMID: 36053863 PMCID: PMC9804300 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People who inject drugs are at risk of hospitalisation with injection-related infections (IRI). We audited the clinical features, microbiology and management of IRI at a tertiary service in Melbourne to describe the burden and identify quality improvement opportunities. METHODS We performed retrospective review of IRI admissions from January 2017 to April 2019. We extracted admissions where ICD-10 codes or triage text suggested injecting drug use, and the diagnosis suggested IRI. We reviewed these for eligibility and extracted data using a standardised form. We performed mixed-effects logistic regression to determine predictors of unplanned discharge. RESULTS From 574 extracted candidate admissions, 226 were eligible, representing 178 patients. Median age was 41 years (interquartile range 36-47), 66% (117/178) male and 49% (111/226) had unstable housing. Over 50% (96/178) had a psychiatric diagnosis and 35% (62/178) were on opioid agonist therapy (OAT) on admission. Skin and soft tissue infection was the most common IRI (119/205, 58%), followed by bacteraemia (36/205, 18%) and endocarditis (26/205, 13%). Management included addictions review (143/226, 63%), blood-borne virus screening (115/226, 51%), surgery (77/226, 34%) and OAT commencement (68/226, 30%). Aggression events (54/226, 15%) and unplanned discharge (69/226, 30%) complicated some admissions. Opioid use without OAT was associated with almost 3-fold increased odds of unplanned discharge compared to no opioid use (odds ratio 2.90, 95% confidence interval 1.23, 6.85, p = 0.015). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Comorbidities associated with IRI may be amenable to opportunistic intervention during hospitalisation. Further research is needed to develop optimal models of care for this vulnerable patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya J. Langham
- Department of Infectious DiseasesThe Alfred Hospital and Monash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Stephanie J. Curtis
- Department of Infectious DiseasesThe Alfred Hospital and Monash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Mei Jie Tang
- Department of Infectious DiseasesThe Alfred Hospital and Monash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Bismi Jomon
- Data and AnalyticsThe Alfred HospitalMelbourneAustralia
| | - Joseph S. Doyle
- Department of Infectious DiseasesThe Alfred Hospital and Monash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Olga Vujovic
- Department of Infectious DiseasesThe Alfred Hospital and Monash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Andrew J. Stewardson
- Department of Infectious DiseasesThe Alfred Hospital and Monash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
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17
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Curtis M, Winter RJ, Dietze P, Wilkinson AL, Cossar RD, Stewart AC, Agius PA, Butler T, Aitken C, Kirwan A, Walker S, Stoové M. High rates of resumption of injecting drug use following release from prison among men who injected drugs before imprisonment. Addiction 2022; 117:2887-2898. [PMID: 35665554 PMCID: PMC9796148 DOI: 10.1111/add.15971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
AIMS To estimate incidence of post-release injecting drug use (IDU) among men who injected drugs before imprisonment and determine factors associated with post-release IDU frequency. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS Prospective cohort study of men reporting monthly IDU before a period of sentenced imprisonment in Victoria, Australia, recruited between September 2014 and May 2016 (n = 195). MEASUREMENTS Any post-release IDU and IDU frequency was measured via self-report at 3-month follow-up interview. IDU frequency, measured over the preceding month, was categorised as no IDU, irregular IDU (1-4 days IDU) and regular IDU (≥5 days IDU). Incidence of any IDU was calculated at 3 months post-release. Factors associated with IDU frequency were estimated using ordinal logistic regression. FINDINGS Most (83%) participants reported post-release IDU (265 per 100 person-years, 95% CI, 227-309); with half (48%) reporting regular IDU, 23% irregular IDU and 29% no IDU in the month preceding follow-up. Poorer psychological well-being at follow-up (General Health Questionnaire [GHQ-12] score; adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 1.18; 95% CI, 1.07-1.29) and post-release unemployment (AOR, 4.57; 95% CI, 1.67-12.49) were associated with increased IDU frequency. Retention in opioid agonist treatment (AOR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.24-0.98) was associated with reduced IDU frequency. Non-linear (inverted-u) associations between IDU frequency and age (age: AOR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.17-1.96; age-squared: AOR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.99-0.99) and pre-imprisonment IDU frequency (pre-imprisonment IDU frequency: AOR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.15-1.61; pre-imprisonment IDU frequency-squared: AOR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.99-0.99) were found, with odds peaking at age 39 and 19 days IDU, respectively. Longer baseline sentence length was associated with reduced odds of irregular and regular IDU (AOR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.99-0.99). CONCLUSION Among Australian men who inject drugs before imprisonment, resumption of injecting drug use after release from prison appears to be common, with imprisonment seeming to have little impact on reducing injecting drug use behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Curtis
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Public Health DisciplineBurnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia,School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia,Monash Addition Research CentreMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Rebecca J. Winter
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Public Health DisciplineBurnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia,School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia,Department of GastroenterologySt Vincent's HospitalMelbourneAustralia
| | - Paul Dietze
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Public Health DisciplineBurnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia,School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia,National Drug Research InstituteCurtin UniversityPerthAustralia
| | - Anna L. Wilkinson
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Public Health DisciplineBurnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia,School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Reece D. Cossar
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Public Health DisciplineBurnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia
| | - Ashleigh C. Stewart
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Public Health DisciplineBurnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia,School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Paul A. Agius
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Public Health DisciplineBurnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia,School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia,School of Population and Global HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
| | - Tony Butler
- Justice Health Research Program, School of Population HealthUniversity of New South WalesSydneyAustralia
| | - Campbell Aitken
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Public Health DisciplineBurnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia,School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Amy Kirwan
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Public Health DisciplineBurnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia
| | - Shelley Walker
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Public Health DisciplineBurnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia,National Drug Research InstituteCurtin UniversityPerthAustralia
| | - Mark Stoové
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Public Health DisciplineBurnet InstituteMelbourneAustralia,School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
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18
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Curado A, Nogueira PJ, Virgolino A, Santa Maria J, Mendão L, Furtado C, Antunes F. Hepatitis C antibody prevalence and behavioral correlates in people who inject drugs attending harm reduction services in Lisbon, Portugal. Front Public Health 2022; 10:952909. [PMID: 36081480 PMCID: PMC9445135 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2022.952909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important public health problem, affecting millions of people worldwide. People who inject drugs (PWID) are at increased risk of HCV infection due to, among other factors, widespread unsafe injecting practices, such as sharing of infected equipment or unprotected sexual practices. In Portugal, there is a lack of data regarding the proportion of infected persons through injecting drug use. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-HCV prevalence and behavioral correlates of infection in PWID attending harm reduction services in the Metropolitan Area of Lisbon, Portugal. A cross-sectional study with a purposive sample of PWID was undertaken between March 2018 and March 2020. Participants were recruited through the harm-reduction services of a nongovernmental organization. A rapid diagnostic test for anti-HCV screening was performed. Data on drug consumption history and current practices, past HCV testing, care and treatment history, and knowledge regarding hepatitis C were also collected through a questionnaire applied by trained inquirers. A total of 176 PWID participated in this study. An overall prevalence of 70.5% of anti-HCV positive in this population was found. Those with an anti-HCV positive testing result tended to start consuming at a younger age and have a higher consumption of benzodiazepines in the last 30 days. Sharing needles and other injecting material is a frequent risk behavior among this group. Also, they are more likely to have attended an opioid agonist treatment and to have undertaken previous hepatitis C and HIV tests in the past. This study represents an important effort to better understand the HCV prevalence and behavioral correlates of infection among PWID in Portugal, as well as to better estimate those in need of HCV treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Curado
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,Laboratório Associado TERRA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,Grupo de Ativistas em Tratamentos, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Paulo Jorge Nogueira
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,Laboratório Associado TERRA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,Laboratório de Biomatemática, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana Virgolino
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,Laboratório Associado TERRA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,*Correspondence: Ana Virgolino
| | | | - Luís Mendão
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,Laboratório Associado TERRA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,Grupo de Ativistas em Tratamentos, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cristina Furtado
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,Laboratório Associado TERRA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,Instituto Nacional de Saúde Doutor Ricardo Jorge, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Francisco Antunes
- Instituto de Saúde Ambiental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal,Laboratório Associado TERRA, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
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19
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Askar S, Jelley R, McQue K, Allsop C, McCullough F, Miller C, Taha Y, Masson S, McPherson S. Determining the frequency and characteristics of Hepatitis C reinfections in North East England. J Viral Hepat 2022; 29:685-690. [PMID: 35643915 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) is common, and injecting drug use is the major risk factor for acquisition. Understanding HCV reinfection following treatment is an important consideration for HCV elimination programmes. The aim of this work was to assess the frequency and patterns of HCV reinfection in our region to develop avoidance strategies. All individuals who completed anti-HCV treatment with a known outcome in Tyne and Wear, England between January 2016 and May 2021 were included. This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. HCV reinfection was defined as positive HCV RNA after achieving sustained virological response 12 (SVR12). 788 of 840 patients (76% male; mean age 45.7 ± 11.9 years; 47% Genotype 1; 11% Cirrhosis; 20% started in prison) achieved SVR (94%). 443 patients (56%) had HCV RNA testing post-SVR after a median 0.82 (range 0.1-5.2) years. 56 reinfections (7.1% of all SVRs and 12.6% of SVRs who had post-SVR testing) were diagnosed. The median time to reinfection was 1.37 (range 0.1-4.0) years and the rate of reinfection was 10.5 /100 person years. 45 (80%) reinfections became chronic, 17 of whom were retreated and achieved SVR. 5 individuals developed a second reinfection. Younger age was the only factor independently associated with reinfection (HR 0.91 [0.88-0.94] p < .001). In conclusion, HCV reinfection is common and may slow our HCV elimination efforts. In order to address high reinfection rates, harm minimization approaches need improved, and we have implemented an 'HCV track and trace' pilot to try to reduce onwards HCV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumar Askar
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ryan Jelley
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Kate McQue
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Caroline Allsop
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Francesca McCullough
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Carolyn Miller
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Yusri Taha
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Department of Microbiology and Virology, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Steven Masson
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Stuart McPherson
- Liver Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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20
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Quraishi R, Sarkar S, Parmar A, Jain R, Das BK, Ambekar A. Exploring the clinical variables among drug-dependent HIV-Positive patients: Implications for treatment strategies. Indian J Public Health 2022; 66:331-333. [PMID: 36149115 DOI: 10.4103/ijph.ijph_1317_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explored the profile of HIV positive patients seeking treatment at a tertiary care addiction treatment facility. A retrospective study was done to collet detailed information on clinical characteristics: drug use (type, age of initiation, duration), general medical condition and past treatment history. The study included 138 patients with mean (SD) age 30.2 (8.3) years. Opioid dependence with injecting drug use (IDU) was diagnosed in 97% of the patients. The median age of injecting onset was 24.5 years (IQR 20-31 years). The most frequently injected substances were pheniramine (60.1%) and buprenorphine (59.4%). Past treatment seeking was reported by 57% patients and interestingly they were less likely to present any medical condition (2 =69.611, p < 0.001). Variability in the age of onset of drug use indicates the need for broad based approach to prevent IDU and motivation to seek treatment may lead to better health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rizwana Quraishi
- Additional Professor, Department of Psychiatry, National Drug Dependence Treatment Center, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Siddharth Sarkar
- Additional Professor, Department of Psychiatry, National Drug Dependence Treatment Center, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Arpit Parmar
- Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Raka Jain
- Additional Professor, Department of Psychiatry, National Drug Dependence Treatment Center, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Bimal Kumar Das
- Professor, Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Atul Ambekar
- Additional Professor, Department of Psychiatry, National Drug Dependence Treatment Center, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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21
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Man N, Sisson SA, McKetin R, Chrzanowska A, Bruno R, Dietze PM, Price O, Degenhardt L, Gibbs D, Salom C, Peacock A. Trends in methamphetamine use, markets and harms in Australia, 2003-2019. Drug Alcohol Rev 2022; 41:1041-1052. [PMID: 35604870 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION To describe trends in methamphetamine use, markets and harms in Australia from 2003 to 2019. METHODS Data comprised patterns of use and price from sentinel samples of people who inject drugs and who use MDMA/other illicit stimulants and population-level amphetamine-related police seizures, arrests, hospitalisations, treatment episodes and deaths from approximately 2003 to 2019. Bayesian autoregressive time-series models were analysed for: no change; constant rate of change; and change over time differing in rate after one to three changepoints. Related indicators were analysed post hoc with identical changepoints. RESULTS The percentage of people who inject drugs reporting weekly use increased from 2010 to 2013 onwards, while use among samples of people who regularly use ecstasy and other illicit stimulants decreased. Seizures and arrests rose steeply from around 2009/10 to 2014/15 and subsequently plateaued. Price increased ($15.9 [95% credible interval, CrI $9.9, $28.9] per point of crystal per year) from around 2009 to 2011, plateauing and then declining from around 2017. Hospitalisation rates increased steeply from around 2009/10 until 2015/16, with a small subsequent decline. Treatment also increased (19.8 episodes [95% CrI 13.2, 27.6] with amphetamines as the principal drug of concern per 100 000 persons per year) from 2010/11 onwards. Deaths involving amphetamines increased (0.285 per 100 000 persons per year) from 2012 until 2016. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that problematic methamphetamine use and harms escalated from 2010 to 2012 in Australia, with continued demand and a sustained market for methamphetamine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Man
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Scott A Sisson
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,UNSW Data Science Hub, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rebecca McKetin
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Agata Chrzanowska
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Raimondo Bruno
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,School of Psychological Sciences, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Paul M Dietze
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Behaviours and Health Risks, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia.,National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Olivia Price
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Daisy Gibbs
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Caroline Salom
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Institute for Social Science Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Amy Peacock
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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22
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Curtis SJ, Langham FJ, Tang MJ, Vujovic O, Doyle JS, Lau CL, Stewardson AJ. Hospitalisation with injection-related infections: Validation of diagnostic codes to monitor admission trends at a tertiary care hospital in Melbourne, Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2022; 41:1053-1061. [PMID: 35411617 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Injection-related infections (IRI) cause morbidity and mortality in people who inject drugs. Hospital administrative datasets can be used to describe hospitalisation trends, but there are no validated algorithms to identify injecting drug use and IRIs. We aimed to validate International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes to identify admissions with IRIs and use these codes to describe IRIs within our hospital. METHODS We developed a candidate set of ICD codes to identify current injecting drug use and IRI and extracted admissions satisfying both criteria. We then used manual chart review data from 1 January 2017 to 30 April 2019 to evaluate the performance of these codes and refine our algorithm by selecting codes with a high-positive predictive value (PPV). We used the refined algorithm to describe trends and outcomes of people who inject drugs with an IRI at Alfred Hospital, Melbourne from 2008 to 2020. RESULTS Current injecting drug use was best predicted by opioid-related disorders (F11), 80% (95% confidence interval [CI] 74-85%), and other stimulant-related disorders (F15), 82% (95% CI 70-90%). All PPVs were ≥67% to identify specific IRIs, and ≥84% for identifying any IRI. Using these codes over 12 years, IRIs increased from 138 to 249 per 100 000 admissions, and skin and soft tissues infections (SSTI) were the most common (797/1751, 46%). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Validated ICD-based algorithms can inform passive surveillance systems. Strategies to reduce hospitalisation with IRIs should be supported by early intervention and prevention, particularly for SSTIs which may represent delayed access to care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie J Curtis
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Freya J Langham
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mei Jie Tang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Olga Vujovic
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joseph S Doyle
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Colleen L Lau
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Andrew J Stewardson
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred Hospital and Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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23
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Croxford S, Emanuel E, Shah A, Chau C, Hope V, Desai M, Ijaz S, Shute J, Edmundson C, Harris RJ, Delpech V, Phipps E. Epidemiology of HIV infection and associated behaviours among people who inject drugs in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland: Nearly 40 years on. HIV Med 2022; 23:978-989. [PMID: 35352446 PMCID: PMC9545638 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Introduction People who inject drugs are at high risk of blood‐borne infections. We describe the epidemiology of HIV among people who inject drugs in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (EW&NI) since 1981. Methods National HIV surveillance data were used to describe trends in diagnoses (1981–2019), prevalence (1990–2019), and behaviours (1990–2019) among people who inject drugs aged ≥15 years in EW&NI. HIV care and treatment uptake were assessed among those attending in 2019. Results Over the past four decades, the prevalence of HIV among people who inject drugs in EW&NI remained low (range: 0.64%–1.81%). Overall, 4978 people who inject drugs were diagnosed with HIV (3.2% of cases). Diagnoses peaked at 234 in 1987, decreasing to 78 in 2019; the majority were among white men born in the UK/Europe (90%), though the epidemic diversified over time. Late diagnosis (CD4 <350 cells/µl) was common (2010–2019: 52% [429/832]). Of those who last attended for HIV care in 2019, 97% (1503/1550) were receiving HIV treatment and 90% (1375/1520) had a suppressed viral load (<200 copies/ml). HIV testing uptake has steadily increased among people who inject drugs (32% since 1990). However, in 2019, 18% (246/1404) of those currently injecting reported never testing. The proportion of people currently injecting reporting sharing needles/syringes decreased from 1999 to 2012, before increasing to 20% (288/1426) in 2019, with sharing of any injecting equipment at 37% (523/1429). Conclusion The HIV epidemic among people who inject drugs in EW&NI has remained relatively contained compared with in other countries, most likely because of the prompt implementation of an effective national harm reduction programme. However, risk behaviours and varied access to preventive interventions among people who inject drugs indicate the potential for HIV outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ammi Shah
- UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | | | - Vivian Hope
- UK Health Security Agency, London, UK.,Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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24
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Casey LE, Pourmarzi D, Wessel EL, Kemp R, Smirnov A. Injecting drug use opportunities and reasons for choosing not to inject: A population-based study of Australian young adults who use stimulants. Drug Alcohol Rev 2022; 41:873-882. [PMID: 35139243 PMCID: PMC9305533 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Understanding reasons for choosing not to inject drugs, among those who have never injected before, may be helpful for reducing transitions to injecting drug use. This study examines opportunities to inject and reasons for never injecting in young adults who used stimulants. METHODS Data are from a population-based study of young adults who used ecstasy and methamphetamine (n = 313), recruited in Queensland, Australia in 2008/2009. At the follow-up, participants who had never injected (n = 293) completed a 13-item instrument on reasons for never injecting. We conducted a principal components analysis to identify types of reasons (scored 0-100) and multivariate regression to predict endorsement of these reasons. RESULTS Approximately one-in-five of all participants ever had an opportunity to inject and there was no gender difference in the propensity to accept an opportunity. Four types of reasons, labelled risk perception, subjective effects, social environment and aversion, were identified. Male gender was associated with lower endorsement of risk perception (β = -7.94; 95% confidence interval [CI] -13.37, -2.51) and social environment (β = -7.35; 95% CI -13.15, -1.54). Having friends who injected was associated with lower endorsement of the social environment (β = -8.88; 95% CI -14.83, -2.94), and higher endorsement of aversion (β = 7.67; 95% CI 1.44, 13.89). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that injecting drug use opportunities are common among young adults engaged in recreational drug use, with males and females equally likely to accept an opportunity. A strong aversion to injecting and a hedonic preference for non-injecting drug use may reduce the likelihood of accepting these opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Edward Casey
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Davoud Pourmarzi
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | | | - Robert Kemp
- Communicable Diseases, Queensland Health, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Andrew Smirnov
- School of Public Health, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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25
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Rhed BD, Harding RW, Marks C, Wagner KT, Fiuty P, Page K, Wagner KD. Patterns of and Rationale for the Co-use of Methamphetamine and Opioids: Findings From Qualitative Interviews in New Mexico and Nevada. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:824940. [PMID: 35418887 PMCID: PMC8995976 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.824940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Methamphetamine use and methamphetamine-involved deaths have increased dramatically since 2015, and opioid-related deaths now frequently involve methamphetamine. Nevada and New Mexico are states with elevated rates of opioid and methamphetamine use. In this paper, we report results from a qualitative analysis that examined patterns of methamphetamine and opioid co-use over participants' lifespan, factors that influence those patterns, and implications for health outcomes among users. METHODS Project AMPED was a multisite, mixed-methods study of methamphetamine use in Northern New Mexico and Northern Nevada. Between December 2019 and May 2020, qualitative interview participants were asked to describe their patterns of and reasons for co-administration of opioids and methamphetamine. RESULTS We interviewed 21 people who reported using methamphetamine in the past 3 months. Four primary patterns of methamphetamine and opioid co-use were identified: [1] using both methamphetamine and heroin, either simultaneously or sequentially (n = 12), [2] using methamphetamine along with methadone (n = 4), [3] using prescription opioids and methamphetamine (n = 1), and [4] using only methamphetamine (n = 4). Among those who used methamphetamine and heroin simultaneously or sequentially, motivations drew from a desire to enhance the effect of one drug or another, to feel the "up and down" of the "perfect ratio" of a goofball, or to mitigate unwanted effects of one or the other. Among those who used methamphetamine and methadone, motivations focused on alleviating the sedative effects of methadone. CONCLUSION To address the emergent trend of increasing methamphetamine-related deaths, researchers, health care professionals, and community health workers must acknowledge the decision-making processes behind co-use of opioids and methamphetamine, including the perceived benefits and harms of co-use. There is an urgent need to address underlying issues associated with drug use-related harms, and to design interventions and models of treatment that holistically address participants' concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany D Rhed
- Division of Social Behavioral Health and Health Administration and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Robert W Harding
- Division of Social Behavioral Health and Health Administration and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Charles Marks
- Division of Social Behavioral Health and Health Administration and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
| | - Katherine T Wagner
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Phillip Fiuty
- Santa Fe Mountain Center, Santa Fe, NM, United States
| | - Kimberly Page
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Health Sciences, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Karla D Wagner
- Division of Social Behavioral Health and Health Administration and Policy, School of Public Health, University of Nevada, Reno, NV, United States
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26
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Djordjevic F, Ryan K, Gunn J, Brener L, O'Keefe D, Draper B, Schroeder S, Gold J, Treloar C, Broady T, Dietze P, Hellard M, Pedrana A. Health service utilization and experiences of stigma amongst people who inject drugs in Melbourne, Australia. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:1738-1743. [PMID: 34510655 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Whilst the testing and treatment of people who inject drugs (PWID) in Australia is a priority for local hepatitis C (HCV) elimination efforts, perceived stigma related to injecting drug use (IDU) has been identified as a major barrier for PWID engaging in health services. We used data from the EC Experience cohort study to explore associations between IDU-related perceived stigma and the number of different health services accessed by PWID in Melbourne, Australia. Data from the baseline questionnaire were used. Primary outcome was self-reported experience of stigma due to IDU (never, rarely, sometimes, often, always) in the previous 12 months. An ordinal logistic regression model assessed the association between stigma experienced and the number of different health services used (1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-10 different services) adjusted for recent IDU and key socio-demographics. Between September 2018 and February 2020, 281 participants were recruited from four health services. Sixty-nine per cent were male, median age was 42, 83% reported past-month IDU, 34% had never tested/tested >12 months, 8% tested negative <12 months, 43% were HCV-positive but not treated and 16% had been treated. Those accessing 5-6 services had 2.2 times greater odds of experiencing stigma (95% CI 0.86-6.65) compared with those using <5 services and those reporting 7-10 services had 2.43 times greater odds of experiencing stigma (95% CI 0.85-6.92) compared with those accessing <7 services. In conclusion, experiences of stigma may not necessarily be a barrier for PWID to access health services, but high rates of health service use may further expose, exacerbate or exaggerate stigma amongst PWID. Further examination of how stigma may be in/directly impact on hepatitis C treatment uptake is important and place-based interventions aimed at reducing stigma experienced by PWID may be needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Djordjevic
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Kathleen Ryan
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Jack Gunn
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Loren Brener
- Centre for Social Research in Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Daniel O'Keefe
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Bridget Draper
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Centre for Social Research in Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sophia Schroeder
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Judy Gold
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Carla Treloar
- Centre for Social Research in Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Tim Broady
- Centre for Social Research in Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul Dietze
- Behaviours and Health Risks Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Centre for Social Research in Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Vic., Australia
| | - Alisa Pedrana
- Disease Elimination Program, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Centre for Social Research in Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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27
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Caven M, Baiano CX, Robinson EM, Stephens B, Macpherson I, Dillon JF. Hepatitis C reinfection by treatment pathway among people who inject drugs in Tayside, Scotland. J Viral Hepat 2021; 28:1744-1750. [PMID: 34525228 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The efficacy of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) provides an excellent opportunity to scale up HCV diagnosis and treatment, achieving the WHO target of HCV elimination by 2030. However, HCV reinfection among people who inject drugs (PWID) remains a concern and may impede elimination efforts. We assessed reinfection rates among PWID across six specialized treatment pathways, following DAA-based and interferon-based therapies in Tayside, Scotland. Data were collected retrospectively for every treatment episode that resulted in a sustained viral response (SVR) after undergoing treatment. Reinfection rates were calculated for each treatment pathway: hospital outpatient clinic; community pharmacy; drug treatment outreach; prison clinic; nurse-led outreach clinic; and injection equipment provision site. Reinfection is defined as a positive RNA test result after SVR. Incidences of reinfection are expressed in 100 person-years (PYs). In total, 916 treatment episodes met selection criteria. Of these, 100 reinfections were identified, generating an overall reinfection rate of 5.27 per 100 PYs (95%CI: 4.36-6.38). The hospital outpatient clinic had the lowest reinfection incidence (1.81 per 100 PYs, 95%CI: 1.11-2.93), with the injection equipment provision site treatment pathway having the highest reinfection incidence (19.89 per 100 PYs, 95%CI: 14.91-26.54). The incidence of reinfection among those treated with interferon-based therapies and those treated with DAA-based therapies was 4.93 per 100 PYs (95%CI: 3.97-6.11) and 7.17 per 100 PYs (95%CI: 4.75-10.82), respectively. Specialized treatment pathways in Tayside yield varying reinfection incidence rates, with different subpopulations of patients at varying risk of reinfection post-SVR. Results suggest that resources should be targeted at the injection equipment provision site pathway in order to reduce the incidence of reinfection and achieve elimination targets. The study found comparable rates of reinfection following interferon-based and DAA-based therapies, providing support for widening access to treatment services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Caven
- Gut Group, Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Cassandra X Baiano
- Gut Group, Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Emma M Robinson
- Gut Group, Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom.,Department of Gastroenterology, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Brian Stephens
- Gut Group, Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - Iain Macpherson
- Gut Group, Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | - John F Dillon
- Gut Group, Division of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom.,Department of Gastroenterology, NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee, United Kingdom
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Grebely J, Tran L, Degenhardt L, Dowell-Day A, Santo T, Larney S, Hickman M, Vickerman P, French C, Butler K, Gibbs D, Valerio H, Read P, Dore GJ, Hajarizadeh B. Association Between Opioid Agonist Therapy and Testing, Treatment Uptake, and Treatment Outcomes for Hepatitis C Infection Among People Who Inject Drugs: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:e107-e118. [PMID: 32447375 PMCID: PMC8246796 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs (PWID) experience barriers to accessing testing and treatment for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Opioid agonist therapy (OAT) may provide an opportunity to improve access to HCV care. This systematic review assessed the association of OAT and HCV testing, treatment, and treatment outcomes among PWID. METHODS Bibliographic databases and conference presentations were searched for studies that assessed the association between OAT and HCV testing, treatment, and treatment outcomes (direct-acting antiviral [DAA] therapy only) among PWID (in the past year). Meta-analysis was used to pool estimates. RESULTS Of 9877 articles identified, 22 studies conducted in Australia, Europe, North America, and Thailand were eligible and included. Risk of bias was serious in 21 studies and moderate in 1 study. Current/recent OAT was associated with an increased odds of recent HCV antibody testing (4 studies; odds ratio (OR), 1.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36-2.39), HCV RNA testing among those who were HCV antibody-positive (2 studies; OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.27-2.62), and DAA treatment uptake among those who were HCV RNA-positive (7 studies; OR, 1.53; 95% CI, 1.07-2.20). There was insufficient evidence of an association between OAT and treatment completion (9 studies) or sustained virologic response following DAA therapy (9 studies). CONCLUSIONS OAT can increase linkage to HCV care, including uptake of HCV testing and treatment among PWID. This supports the scale-up of OAT as part of strategies to enhance HCV treatment to further HCV elimination efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason Grebely
- The Kirby Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Lucy Tran
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Thomas Santo
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah Larney
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, England
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, England
| | - Clare French
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, England
| | - Kerryn Butler
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Discipline of Addiction Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daisy Gibbs
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Phillip Read
- Kirketon Road Centre, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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29
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Valerio H, Alavi M, Law M, McManus H, Tillakeratne S, Bajis S, Martinello M, Matthews GV, Amin J, Janjua NZ, Krajden M, George J, Degenhardt L, Grebely J, Dore GJ. Opportunities to enhance linkage to hepatitis C care among hospitalised people with recent drug dependence in New South Wales, Australia: A population-based linkage study. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:2037-2044. [PMID: 34107022 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People who inject drugs are at greater risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and hospitalisation, yet admissions are not utilised for HCV treatment initiation. We aimed to assess the extent to which people with HCV notification, including those with evidence of recent drug dependence, are hospitalised while eligible for direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy, and treatment uptake according to hospitalisation in the DAA era. METHODS We conducted a longitudinal, population-based cohort study of people living with HCV in the DAA era (March 2016-December 2018) through analysis of linked databases in New South Wales, Australia. Kaplan Meier estimates were used to report HCV treatment uptake by frequency, length, and cause-specific hospitalisation. RESULTS Among 57,467 people, 14,938 (26%) had evidence of recent drug dependence, 50% (n=7,506) of whom were hospitalised while DAA eligible. Incidence of selected cause-specific hospitalisation was highest for mental health-related (15.84 per 100 person-years [PY]), drug-related (15.20 per 100PY), and injection-related infectious disease (9.15 per 100PY) hospitalisations, and lowest for alcohol use disorder (4.58 per 100PY) and liver-related (3.13 per 100PY). 65% (n=4,898) of those hospitalised had been admitted >2 times and 46% (n=3,437) were hospitalised >7 days. By the end of 2018, DAA therapy was lowest for those hospitalised >2 times, for >7 days, and those whose first admission was for injection-related infectious disease, mental health disorders, and drug-related complications. CONCLUSIONS Among people who have evidence of recent drug dependence, frequent hospitalisation-particularly mental health, drug, and alcohol admissions-presents an opportunity for engagement in HCV care.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maryam Alavi
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Matthew Law
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Sahar Bajis
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Janaki Amin
- The Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Department of Health Systems and Populations, Maquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Naveed Z Janjua
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Mel Krajden
- British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Jacob George
- Storr Liver Centre, Westmead Millennium Institute, University of Sydney and Westmead Hospital, Westmead, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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30
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Man N, Chrzanowska A, Price O, Bruno R, Dietze PM, Sisson SA, Degenhardt L, Salom C, Morris L, Farrell M, Peacock A. Trends in cocaine use, markets and harms in Australia, 2003-2019. Drug Alcohol Rev 2021; 40:946-956. [PMID: 33626201 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This paper aims to describe cocaine use, markets and harms in Australia from 2003 to 2019. METHODS Outcome indicators comprised prevalence of use from triennial household surveys; patterns of use from annual surveys of sentinel samples who use stimulants; and cocaine-related seizures, arrests, hospitalisations, deaths and treatment episodes. Bayesian autoregressive time-series analyses were conducted to estimate trend over time: Model 1, no change; Model 2, constant rate of change; and Model 3, change over time differing in rate after one change point. RESULTS Past-year population prevalence of use increased over time. The percentage reporting recent use in sentinel samples increased by 6.1% (95% credible interval [CrI95% ] 1.2%,16.9%; Model 3) per year from around 2017 (48%) until the end of the series (2019: 67%). There was a constant annual increase in number of seizures (count ratio: 1.1, CrI95% 1.1,1.2) and arrests (1.2, CrI95% 1.1,1.2), and percentage reporting cocaine as easy to obtain in the sentinel samples (percent increase 1.2%, CrI95% 0.5%,1.8%; Model 2). Cocaine-related hospitalisation rate increased from 5.1 to 15.6 per 100 000 people from around 2011-2012 to 2017-2018: an annual increase of 1.3 per 100 000 people (CrI95% 0.8,1.8; Model 3). While the death rate was low (0.23 cocaine-related deaths per 100 000 people in 2018; Model 2), treatment episodes increased from 3.2 to 5.9 per 100 000 people from around 2016-2017 to 2017-2018: an annual increase of 2.9 per 100 000 people (CrI95% 1.6,3.7; Model 3). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS Cocaine use, availability and harm have increased, concentrated in recent years, and accompanied by increased treatment engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Man
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Agata Chrzanowska
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Olivia Price
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Raimondo Bruno
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,School of Psychology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - Paul M Dietze
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Behaviours and Health Risks, Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Scott A Sisson
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,UNSW Data Science Hub, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Louisa Degenhardt
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Caroline Salom
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Institute for Social Science Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Leith Morris
- Institute for Social Science Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Michael Farrell
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amy Peacock
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,School of Psychology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
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31
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Abstract
Injecting alone increases the risk of a fatal overdose. We examined the extent of such behavior in a sample of people who inject drugs (PWID) and the typical characteristics of those injecting alone at least once during the past four weeks. A cross-sectional study. PWID recruited from the street and from low-threshold services in seven Norwegian cities in September 2017 (n = 359). Associations between characteristics and injecting alone were examined using logistic regression analysis. The independent variables were gender (female/male), age, having received overdose-prevention education (no/yes), and, in the past four weeks; homelessness/shelter use (no/yes), in opioid substitution treatment (no/yes), injecting ≥ four days a week (no/yes), and substances injected (opioids only/opioids and other/other only/central stimulants (CS) only/CS and other/CS and opioids/CS, opioids and other). The adjusted odds ratios (aOR) and 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) were reported. Of the 359 PWID, 84.4% reported having injected alone. Males were more likely than females to inject alone (aOR = 1.88 95% CI 1.00-3.54). Furthermore, those injecting frequently (aOR = 1.99 95% CI 1.02-3.86) and those injecting multiple substances (CS, opioids and other) (aOR = 2.94 95% CI 1.01-8.58) were more likely to inject alone compared to those injecting less frequently and opioids only. Although not statistically significant, the effect sizes in the logistic regression models suggest that polysubstance use may be driven by CS use. Injecting alone was common in our sample of PWID, and male gender, frequent injecting and polysubstance injecting were associated with this behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linn Gjersing
- Department of Alcohol, Tobacco and Drugs, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
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32
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Whitfield M, Reed H, Webster J, Hope V. Response to Marsden et al (2020): Mitigation for the impacts on needle and syringe programmes is needed. Addiction 2021; 116:206-207. [PMID: 32696539 DOI: 10.1111/add.15193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Howard Reed
- Intelligence and Surveillance Systems Manager
| | | | - Vivian Hope
- Public Health Institute, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
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33
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Abstract
Drugged bodies are commonly depicted as passive, suffering and abject, which makes it hard for them to be known in other ways. Wanting to get closer to these alternative bodies and their resourcefulness for living, I turned to body-mapping as an inventive method for telling different kinds of drug-using stories. Drawing on a research project with people who inject heroin and crack cocaine in London, UK, I employed body-mapping as a way of studying drugged bodies in their relation to others, human and non-human, in the injecting event. I invited participants to draw their bodies in describing these otherwise hard-to-articulate experiences. Following Donna Haraway, I conceptualise body-mapping as a more-than-human mode of storytelling where different kinds of bodies can be known. Here, I look at three such bodies - sensing-bodies, temporal-bodies and environment-bodies - and argue that it is through being able to respond to such bodies that more hospitable ways of living with drugs can become possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fay Dennis
- Fay Dennis.
Extra material:http://theoryculturesociety.org
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34
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Artenie AA, Cunningham EB, Dore GJ, Conway B, Dalgard O, Powis J, Bruggmann P, Hellard M, Cooper C, Read P, Feld JJ, Hajarizadeh B, Amin J, Lacombe K, Stedman C, Litwin AH, Marks P, Matthews GV, Quiene S, Erratt A, Bruneau J, Grebely J. Patterns of Drug and Alcohol Use and Injection Equipment Sharing Among People With Recent Injecting Drug Use or Receiving Opioid Agonist Treatment During and Following Hepatitis C Virus Treatment With Direct-acting Antiviral Therapies: An International Study. Clin Infect Dis 2020; 70:2369-2376. [PMID: 31300820 PMCID: PMC7245153 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciz633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In many settings, recent or prior injection drug use remains a barrier to accessing direct-acting antiviral treatment (DAA) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We examined patterns of drug and alcohol use and injection equipment sharing among people with recent injecting drug use or receiving opioid agonist treatment (OAT) during and following DAA-based treatment. METHODS SIMPLIFY and D3FEAT are phase 4 trials evaluating the efficacy of DAA among people with past 6-month injecting drug use or receiving OAT through a network of 25 international sites. Enrolled in 2016-2017, participants received sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SIMPLIFY) or paritaprevir/ritonavir/dasabuvir/ombitasvir ± ribavirin (D3FEAT) for 12 weeks and completed behavioral questionnaires before, during, and up to 2 years posttreatment. The impact of time in HCV treatment and follow-up on longitudinally measured longitudinally measured behaviors was estimated using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS At screening, of 190 participants (mean age, 47 years; 74% male), 62% reported any past-month injecting 16% past-month injection equipment sharing, and 61% current OAT. Median alcohol use was 2 (Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption; range, 1-12). During follow-up, opioid injecting (odds ratio [OR], 0.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.92-0.99) and sharing (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.80-0.94) decreased, whereas no significant changes were observed for stimulant injecting (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.94-1.02) or alcohol use (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.95-1.04). CONCLUSIONS Injecting drug use and risk behaviors remained stable or decreased following DAA-based HCV treatment. Findings further support expanding HCV treatment to all, irrespective of injection drug use. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION SIMPLIFY, NCT02336139; D3FEAT, NCT02498015.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreea A Artenie
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Canada
- Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Canada
| | | | - Gregory J Dore
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Olav Dalgard
- Department of Infectious Disease, Akershus University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jeff Powis
- South Riverdale Community Health Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Margaret Hellard
- Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Philip Read
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Australia
- Kirketon Road Centre, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Janaki Amin
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Health Systems and Populations, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Karine Lacombe
- Department of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Saint-Antoine Hospital, Paris, France
- Institut Pierre Louis d’Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | | | - Alain H Litwin
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine Greenville, University of South Carolina
- Department of Medicine, School of Health Research, Clemson University, Greenville, South Carolina
- Prisma Health—Upstate, Greenville, South Carolina
| | - Pip Marks
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gail V Matthews
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sophie Quiene
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amanda Erratt
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, Canada
- Research Centre, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Canada
| | - Jason Grebely
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Australia
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35
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Balaeva T, Grjibovski AM, Samodova O, Sannikov A, Klouman E. Seroprevalence of markers of hepatitis C virus exposure and associated factors in adults aged 18-39 years in the Arctic Russian city of Arkhangelsk: a cross-sectional study. Int J Circumpolar Health 2020; 78:1648970. [PMID: 31370746 PMCID: PMC6711127 DOI: 10.1080/22423982.2019.1648970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C, caused by the hepatitis C virus (HCV), is a major public health issue in Russia. The aim of our study was to assess the seroprevalence of markers of HCV exposure and factors associated with HCV seropositivity among the general population aged 18–39 years in the city of Arkhangelsk, Northwest Russia. A social research agency applied a quota sampling method to recruit study participants using cell phone numbers. All participants (n = 1243) completed a self-administered questionnaire and provided a blood sample. Sixty-five participants (5.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.9–5.5) tested positive for HCV IgM+G antibodies, and of these, 55 (84.6%) did not know that they were exposed to HCV. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, HCV seropositivity was significantly associated with older age, a history of injecting drug use, and having ever received a blood transfusion. To reach the goal of the World Health Organisation’s Global Health Sector Strategy on Viral Hepatitis, regional preventive programmes should include measures to reduce injecting drug use as well as scaling up harm-reduction and treatment programs for drug addicts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Balaeva
- a Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway , Tromsø , Norway.,b Department of Public Health, Northern State Medical University , Arkhangelsk , Russia.,c Department of Epidemiiological surveillance, Center of Hygiene and Epidemiology in the Arkhangelsk Region , Arkhangelsk , Russia
| | - Andrej M Grjibovski
- d Central Scientific Research Laboratory, Northern State Medical University , Arkhangelsk , Russia.,e Department of Public health, healthcare, hygiene and bioethics, North-Eastern Federal University , Yakutsk , Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), Russia.,f West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University , Aktobe , Kazakhstan.,g Department of Healthcare Policy, Al-Farabi Kazakh National Medical University , Almaty , Kazakhstan
| | - Olga Samodova
- h Department of Infectious Diseases, Northern State Medical University , Arkhangelsk , Russia
| | - Anatoly Sannikov
- b Department of Public Health, Northern State Medical University , Arkhangelsk , Russia
| | - Elise Klouman
- a Department of Community Medicine, UiT The Arctic University of Norway , Tromsø , Norway
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36
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Martin NK, Hickman M, Spaulding AC, Vickerman P. Prisons can also improve drug user health in the community. Addiction 2020; 115:914-915. [PMID: 32026531 DOI: 10.1111/add.14971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha K Martin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Global Public Health, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.,Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Matthew Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Anne C Spaulding
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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37
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Williams J, Barclay M, Omana C, Buten S, Post JJ. Universal blood-borne virus screening in patients with severe mental illness managed in an outpatient clozapine clinic: uptake and prevalence. Australas Psychiatry 2020; 28:186-189. [PMID: 32019350 DOI: 10.1177/1039856220901464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Patients with a severe mental illness have higher rates of infection with blood-borne viruses (BBVs) but are less likely to access testing and treatment. Enhanced testing of this population is therefore warranted. METHODS In this single centre, prospective study, we sought to offer testing for BBVs to all patients who attended an appointment in the clozapine clinic (CC) over a six-month period. Those who consented were tested for HIV antigen/antibody, hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody and hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg). RESULTS During the study period, 192 patients attended an appointment, of which 164 were offered testing. Of those, 134 (81.7%) accepted and 30 declined. Among patients who agreed to be tested, results were returned for 96 (71.6%). There were no positive results for HBsAg or HIV. Seven patients (7.2%) were positive for HCV antibody. Of those, three were newly identified exposures of which two were found to be chronically infected and were referred for treatment. CONCLUSION A routine offer of BBV testing for people with severe mental illness in the outpatient setting is feasible and may detect treatable infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Williams
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Prince of Wales Hospital, Australia
| | - Marilyn Barclay
- Department of Psychiatry, Prince of Wales Hospital, Australia
| | - Chester Omana
- Department of Psychiatry, Prince of Wales Hospital, Australia
| | - Sara Buten
- Department of Psychiatry, Prince of Wales Hospital, Australia
| | - Jeffrey J Post
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Prince of Wales Hospital, Australia.,Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW, Australia
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38
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Blomquist PB, Mohammed H, Mikhail A, Weatherburn P, Reid D, Wayal S, Hughes G, Mercer CH. Characteristics and sexual health service use of MSM engaging in chemsex: results from a large online survey in England. Sex Transm Infect 2020; 96:590-595. [PMID: 32139497 PMCID: PMC7677472 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2019-054345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Chemsex, the use of select psychoactive drugs to enhance sexual experience, typically among men who have sex with men (MSM), is associated with sexual behaviours with higher STI risk. Understanding patterns of chemsex among MSM as well as the characteristics and sexual health service engagement of chemsex participants is important for developing interventions. Methods Between 5/2016 to 5/2017, 3933 MSM completed an online survey, recruited in sexual health clinics (SHCs) in England (n=421) and via four social networking/dating apps (n=3512). We described patterns of chemsex in the past year and used multivariable logistic regression to investigate differences in demographics and sexual behaviours by chemsex history. We described history of SHC attendance and STI test in the past year among app-recruited chemsex participants. Results Chemsex in the past year was reported by 10% of respondents; 19% of SHC-recruited and 9% of app-recruited. Among chemsex participants, 74% had used ≥2 chemsex drugs. In the multivariable model, MSM engaging in chemsex had a raised odds of being HIV-positive (adjusted OR (aOR): 3.6; 95% CI 2.1 to 6.1), aged 30–44 (aOR 1.5 vs <30 years; 95% CI 1.0 to 2.1), being born outside the UK and having engaged in higher risk sexual behaviours in the past 3 months. Chemsex participants also had higher odds of condomless anal sex with partners of different or unknown HIV status, but only among HIV-negative/untested. In the past year, 66% of app-recruited chemsex participants had attended a SHC and 81% had had an STI test. Conclusion One in 10 MSM recruited through community and clinical settings across England had engaged in chemsex in the past year. Those that did appear to be at greater STI risk but engaged more actively with sexual health services. This highlights the need and opportunity for chemsex-related services in SHCs and robust referral pathways to drug treatment services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Bianca Blomquist
- UK Field Epidemiology Training Programme, Global Public Health Division, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom .,Field Service North West, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Liverpool, United Kingdom.,National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with Public Health England (PHE), in collaboration with London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hamish Mohammed
- Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom.,Centre for Population Research in Sexual Health and HIV, Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Mikhail
- UK Field Epidemiology Training Programme, Global Public Health Division, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Weatherburn
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with Public Health England (PHE), in collaboration with London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Sigma Research, Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Reid
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with Public Health England (PHE), in collaboration with London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Sigma Research, Department of Public Health, Environments & Society, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sonali Wayal
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with Public Health England (PHE), in collaboration with London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Centre for Population Research in Sexual Health and HIV, Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gwenda Hughes
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with Public Health England (PHE), in collaboration with London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Blood Safety, Hepatitis, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV Division, Public Health England, London, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine H Mercer
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Blood Borne and Sexually Transmitted Infections at University College London in partnership with Public Health England (PHE), in collaboration with London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, United Kingdom.,Centre for Population Research in Sexual Health and HIV, Institute for Global Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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39
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Saxton PJW, McAllister SM, Noller GE, Newcombe DAL, Leafe KA. Injecting drug use among gay and bisexual men in New Zealand: Findings from national human immunodeficiency virus epidemiological and behavioural surveillance. Drug Alcohol Rev 2020; 39:365-374. [PMID: 32101629 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Gay and bisexual men (GBM) who inject drugs are disproportionately affected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) because of dual transmission risks. New Zealand has a progressive history of harm reduction and was the first country to publicly fund needle exchange programs in 1988 for people who inject drugs (PWID). We combine national HIV epidemiological and bio-behavioural surveillance data to understand HIV risk among this subpopulation. DESIGN AND METHODS We examine trends in new HIV diagnoses 1996-2018 by mode of transmission, and compare HIV cases attributed to sex between men (MSM-only), MSM/injecting drug use (IDU) and IDU-only. IDU among GBM in a national HIV behavioural surveillance survey was also examined. We compare GBM by IDU status (never, 'recent', previous) and identified predictors of recent IDU. RESULTS Of 1653 locally-acquired HIV diagnoses 1996-2018, 77.4% were MSM-only, 1.5% MSM/IDU, 1.4% IDU-only and 14.2% heterosexual mode of transmission. On average, just one HIV diagnosis attributed to MSM/IDU and IDU, respectively, occurred per annum. MSM/IDU cases were more likely than MSM-only cases to be indigenous Māori ethnicity. Of 3163 GBM survey participants, 5.4% reported lifetime IDU and 1.2% were recent IDU. Among GBM, HIV positivity was 20% among recent IDU and 5.3% among never injectors. Predictors of recent IDU were: age under 30; more than 20 male partners; female partner; condomless intercourse; HIV positivity. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION New Zealand has averted high endemic HIV rates seen among GBM and PWID in other countries and results have been sustained over 30 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J W Saxton
- Gay Men's Sexual Health Research Group, School of Population Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Susan M McAllister
- AIDS Epidemiology Group, Department of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Geoffrey E Noller
- Needle Exchange Services Trust, New Zealand Needle Exchange Programme, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - David A L Newcombe
- Centre for Addiction Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Quinn B, Pearson R, Cutts J, Seed C, Scott N, Hoad V, Dietze P, Wilson D, Maher L, Thompson A, Farrell M, Harrod M, Caris S, Pink J, Kotsiou G, Hellard M. Blood donation amongst people who inject drugs in Australia: research supporting policy change. Vox Sang 2020; 115:162-170. [PMID: 32023663 DOI: 10.1111/vox.12891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Until recently, people in Australia with a history of injection drug use (IDU) were deferred indefinitely from donating blood. Knowledge gaps regarding policy non-compliance and the prevalence of blood donation practices amongst people who inject drugs (PWID) precluded changes to this policy. We sought to address these gaps and to estimate the additional risk to Australia's blood supply associated with changing the indefinite deferral policy to 1 or 5 years since last injecting episode. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data on blood donation amongst PWID were collected from 1853 interviews across two Australian studies of PWID conducted during 2015/16. Mathematical modelling was used to estimate the additional risk of hepatitis C (HCV)-infected window period collections as a result of changing the deferral policy. RESULTS A very few (2-4%) study participants reported ever donating blood after ≥1 IDU episode. Changing the deferral policy from indefinite to 1 or 5 years was estimated to result in an additional 0·00000070 (95%CI: 0·00000033-0·00000165) or 0·00000020 (95%CI: 0·00000008-0·00000041) HCV-positive window period collections per year, respectively. CONCLUSION Changing Australia's indefinite deferral period to 1 or 5 years since last injecting episode poses a negligible increase in the risk of HCV-infected window period collections from blood donors with a history of IDU. Our results informed a successful submission to the Australian regulator to change the deferral period from indefinite to 5 years since last injecting episode, a policy which came into effect in September 2018.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Quinn
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Ruth Pearson
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Julia Cutts
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Clive Seed
- Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Nick Scott
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Veronica Hoad
- Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Paul Dietze
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | | | - Lisa Maher
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Kirby Institute, UNSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexander Thompson
- Department of Gastroenterology, St Vincent's Hospital and the University of Melbourne (UoM), Fitzroy, Vic., Australia.,Doherty Institute and Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, UoM, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Michael Farrell
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), UNSW, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Mary Harrod
- Australian Injecting and Illicit Drug Users League (AIVL), Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Sharon Caris
- Haemophilia Foundation Australia, Malvern East, Vic., Australia
| | - Joanne Pink
- Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - George Kotsiou
- Australian Red Cross Blood Service, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Burnet Institute, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Infectious Diseases Department, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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Nelson EUE, Obot IS. The Risk Environment for Adopting and Continuing Injecting Drug Use: A Qualitative Study in Uyo, Nigeria. Subst Use Misuse 2020; 55:405-413. [PMID: 31686560 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2019.1681452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Background: The bulk of research on adoption of injecting is from Europe and America, despite the existence of syndemics of drug injecting, HIV, and viral hepatitis globally. Objectives: This study explores adoption and continuation of injecting drug use. Methods: The study draws on in-depth interviews with 41 (n = 41) current male and female people who inject drugs recruited via snow-ball sampling in Uyo, Nigeria. A thematic and descriptive analysis was undertaken informed by the risk environment framework and focused on accounts of the factors influencing the process. Results: Accounts emphasized injecting adoption and continuation as a process influenced by individual, social, and structural factors within the risk environment, including concerns for pleasure/efficiency, prestige, exposure to/support for injecting within peer and sexual relationships, availability and purity of drugs, and dependence and increased cost of drug use. Conclusions/implications: Findings highlight the need to prevent adoption of injecting, reduce prevalence of injecting, and promote safe injecting through multi-level interventions, including peer-driven education, drug treatment services, needle and syringe distribution, oral drug substitution, and law enforcement targeting drug suppliers. The need for equivalent pleasure with minimal risk points to the strategic importance of peer interactions for inculcating new understandings of drug use and pleasure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Isidore S Obot
- Centre for Research and Information on Substance Abuse, Uyo, Nigeria.,Department of Psychology, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
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42
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Mravčík V, Kožený J, Nečas V, Tišanská L. Barriers to treatment of infectious and other somatic comorbidity in drug users. Epidemiol Mikrobiol Imunol 2020; 69:73-80. [PMID: 32819106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intensive use of illicit drugs in general and drug injecting in particular are associated with higher somatic co-morbidity, especially of infectious aetiology. The treatment participation of drug users is complicated by a number of barriers. MATERIAL AND METHODS At the end of 2013, a cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted on a non-random sample of 240 drug users (188 men and 52 women) recruited in low-threshold drug services in Prague based on their willingness to participate in the study. Drug injecting sometimes in their lifetime was reported by 237 respondents (98.8%), injecting drug use in the last 12 months by 232 (96.7%), and injecting drug use in the last 30 days by 228 (95.0%). The questionnaire included 38 of the 59 original items from the Barriers to Treatment Inventory (BTI). Factor analysis of these items was performed. In addition to the questionnaire survey, two focus groups with a total of 14 clients were carried out. RESULTS The factor analysis resulted in a 5-factor model that was fed with 23 BTI items. The factors identified can be interpreted as: (1) difficulty entering treatment due to additional responsibilities (e.g. children, family, work, etc.), (2) previous poor treatment experience, fear and concerns about the treatment or negative attitudes of staff, (3) financial difficulties and formal barriers (health insurance debts, problems with the law, etc.), (4) concerns that entering treatment will be too complicated and difficult, (5) distrust of the treatment's ability to improve the client's life situation. The results of the focus groups have shown that drug users face stigmatization and discrimination in healthcare facilities. CONCLUSION The access to treatment of infectious and other somatic co-morbidity in drug users is complicated by a number of barriers, which largely arise from the lifestyle and socio-economic situation associated with drug use and from negative experiences with the attitude of medical staff. Healthcare professionals should actively identify and respond to barriers to care among drug users by taking appropriate measures in the context of a multidisciplinary approach and cooperation.
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43
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Maisa A, Semple S, Griffiths A, Ngui SL, Verlander NQ, McCaughey C, Doherty L, Jessop L. Risk behaviours of homeless people who inject drugs during an outbreak of hepatitis C, Northern Ireland, 2016-2017. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:1377-1387. [PMID: 31328838 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
From July to August 2016, 4 homeless people who injected drugs (PWID) with acute or recent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection were reported in Belfast. A multidisciplinary team including public health, homeless and addiction services undertook an investigation to identify risk behaviours and interrupt transmission chains. Recent HCV cases were defined as negative test within the previous year, or reported injecting for less than 1 year; acute cases had tested negative within the previous 6 months. Contacts in the injecting networks of cases were identified for testing. We undertook a cross-sectional survey using structured questionnaires to elicit risk behaviours for PWID and compare behaviours between self-reported hepatitis C positive and negative subjects. During the outbreak investigation until December 2017, 156 PWID were tested and 45 (29%) cases identified, including 7 (16%) recent and 13 (29%) acute infections. 68 PWID, including 12 cases, were interviewed. All respondents reported using heroin, with 76% injecting once or more daily. Sharing was reported for spoons (58%) and filters (53%), but also needles (27%) and syringes (29%). Hepatitis C positive individuals had higher odds to be injecting in public toilets (AOR 17, 95% CI 0.71-400, P < .05) when compared with hepatitis C negative individuals. Hepatitis C positive individuals were more likely to inject in public spaces, but all respondents indicated concerning risk behaviours. We recommend active surveillance with ongoing testing, expanding existing harm reduction programmes and access to bespoke services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maisa
- Public Health Agency, Health Protection Service Northern Ireland, Belfast, Northern Ireland.,European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training (EPIET), European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Susan Semple
- Homeless Public Health Nursing Service, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Alison Griffiths
- Public Health Agency, Health Protection Service Northern Ireland, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Siew Lin Ngui
- Virus Reference Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, Colindale, London, UK
| | - Neville Q Verlander
- Statistics, Modelling and Economics Department, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Conall McCaughey
- Regional Virus Laboratory, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Lorraine Doherty
- Public Health Agency, Health Protection Service Northern Ireland, Belfast, Northern Ireland
| | - Lucy Jessop
- Public Health Agency, Health Protection Service Northern Ireland, Belfast, Northern Ireland
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44
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Saini R, Rao R, Parmar A, Mishra AK, Ambekar A, Agrawal A, Dhingra N. Rates, knowledge and risk factors of non-fatal opioid overdose among people who inject drugs in India: A community-based study. Drug Alcohol Rev 2019; 39:93-97. [PMID: 31769134 DOI: 10.1111/dar.13016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIMS Non-fatal opioid overdose (NFOO) predicts future fatal opioid overdose and is associated with significant morbidity. There is limited literature on the rates and risk factors for NFOO in people who inject drugs (PWID) from India. We aimed to study the rates of NFOO and documented risk factors for NFOO, as well as knowledge-level of NFOO among PWID from India. DESIGN AND METHODS Community-based, cross-sectional and observational study. We interviewed 104 adult male participants receiving HIV prevention services. Drug use patterns, rates of NFOO and opioid overdose risk factors, knowledge about opioid overdose and its management were assessed. RESULTS The mean age of the participants was 27.9 years. The most common opioid used for injecting was heroin followed by buprenorphine. About 45% (n = 47) participants had experienced an opioid overdose at least once in their lifetime. Around 25% (n = 26) participants had overdosed in the past year, while 21% (n = 22) participants had overdosed within the past 3 months. The majority had risk factors that could predispose them to NFOO. No participant was aware of the use of naloxone for opioid overdose. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The rates of NFOO as well as risk factors for overdose among PWID from India are high, with poor knowledge on overdose management. There is urgent need for a program to prevent and manage opioid overdose among PWID in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romil Saini
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ravindra Rao
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Arpit Parmar
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Ashwani K Mishra
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Atul Ambekar
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Alok Agrawal
- National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, Department of Psychiatry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Villarreal YR, Suchting R, Klawans MR, Lane SD, Green CE, Northrup TF, Stotts AL. Predicting HCV Incidence in Latinos with High-Risk Substance Use: A Data Science Approach. Soc Work Public Health 2019; 34:606-615. [PMID: 31370744 DOI: 10.1080/19371918.2019.1635948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the U.S. has tripled in the prior five years, and injecting drug use is the primary risk for HCV, with up to 90% of older and former people who inject drugs (PWIDs) testing positive. Laboratory testing of HCV for any PWIDs is the gold standard, however many PWIDs lack access to health treatment or services. Identifying risks of HCV via a data science approach would aid community health workers (CHW) to rapidly link those most at risk of infection with treatment. This study employed a data-science approach to determine the strongest risk factors of HCV in a sample of Mexican-Americans WIDs n = 221 (96 negative/125 positive). Data included 238 demographic and psychosocial predictors. A Random Forest machine learning algorithm demonstrated significant prediction improvement over baseline no information rate comparison. Strongest risks for positive HCV included sharing drug-use equipment and younger age at first heroin use; receiving drug-education during incarceration was protective. A ROC curve fit to the prediction yielded an area under the curve of 0.77. Predictive variables of HCV in the present analysis can be obtained via screening by CHW. Identification of patients most at risk of HCV within community settings can maximize treatment utilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda R Villarreal
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth , Houston , Texas , USA
| | - Robert Suchting
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth , Houston , Texas , USA
| | - Michelle R Klawans
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth , Houston , Texas , USA
| | - Scott D Lane
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth , Houston , Texas , USA
| | - Charles E Green
- Center for Clinical Research and Evidence-Based Medicine, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth , Houston , Texas , USA
| | - Thomas F Northrup
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth , Houston , Texas , USA
| | - Angela L Stotts
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, McGovern Medical School at UTHealth , Houston , Texas , USA
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46
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Sharma D, Goel NK, Walia DK, Thakare MM, Gupta V, Mittal S. Prevalence and predictors of self-reported risk behaviors among male injecting drug users. Indian J Public Health 2019; 63:114-118. [PMID: 31219059 DOI: 10.4103/ijph.ijph_279_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Unsafe injecting drug use is a documented risk factor for the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus infection. Harm reduction strategy aims at reducing this deleterious consequence. Objectives To study the prevalence and predictors of injecting as well as sexual risk behavior among male injecting drug users (IDUs). Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 male IDUs from January 2017 to March 2018. Risk behavioral data were collected after obtaining informed consent of the study participants. This included information on sharing, reusing needles/injections, and sexual behavior. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression model was run using the Epi Info software version 7.2 for Windows. Results In the past one month, 25.3% had shared needles/syringes by either borrowing or lending or both. Inconsistent condom use during sexual intercourse with a regular, casual, and paid sex partner was practiced by 64.7% (77/119), 65.8% (48/73), and 45.0% (18/40), respectively. The binary logistic regression analysis revealed that unsafe injecting drug behavior was higher among daily users: (OR = 3.0 [1.3-6.6]) and comparatively lower among those who preferred to avail needles/syringes from Needle Syringe Exchange Program (OR = 0.4 [0.2-0.9]); as compared to their counterparts. Conclusions The findings suggest that IDUs in the study area are engaging in risk behaviors. Behavior change communication and harm reduction strategy should be strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepak Sharma
- Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | - Naveen Krishan Goel
- Prof. and Head, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | - Dinesh Kumar Walia
- Statistician Cum Associate Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | - Meenal Madhukar Thakare
- Assistant Professor, Department of Community Medicine, Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India
| | - Vanita Gupta
- Projector Director, Targeted Interventions, State AIDS Control Society, Chandigarh, India
| | - Sandeep Mittal
- Deputy Director, Targeted Interventions, State AIDS Control Society, Chandigarh, India
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47
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Stevens O, Moncrieff M, Gafos M. Chemsex-related drug use and its association with health outcomes in men who have sex with men: a cross-sectional analysis of Antidote clinic service data. Sex Transm Infect 2019; 96:124-130. [PMID: 31171592 DOI: 10.1136/sextrans-2019-054040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Revised: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Chemsex-related drug use (CDU) is an escalating public health issue among men who have sex with men (MSM), associated with significant physical, biomedical and psychosocial harm. Few interventions exist to help MSM engaging in chemsex and little data exist on which to build. This cross-sectional analysis, using data from Antidote, the UK's only lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender specialist drug service, aims to remedy this paucity of data. METHODS Modified Poisson regression was used to assess associations between CDU and a range of health outcomes; CDU+ subanalysis disaggregated MSM by primary chemsex drug of concern; and HIV+ subanalysis investigated whether CDU was associated with self-reported treatment adherence, HIV seroconversion and other HIV-specific issues. FINDINGS Compared with CDU- MSM, MSM presenting for CDU were more likely to be HIV+, current or previous injectors, to have used postexposure prophylaxis in the last year, and have had ≥6 sexual partners in the last 90 days, though less likely to be hazardous alcohol consumers or to have experienced previous suicidal ideation (all p<0.0005). CDU+ subanalysis revealed health outcome differences-those selecting mephedrone were less likely to be hepatitis C+, HIV+, current or previous injectors, or to have experienced previous suicidal ideation (all p<0.0005), whereas those selecting methamphetamine were more likely (all p<0.0005, except suicidal ideation p=0.009). IMPLICATIONS This analysis shows MSM presenting for CDU are a heterogeneous high-risk population with unmet health needs. There is a need for standardised chemsex surveillance and for improved intersectorial working between sexual health and drug treatment services. Future research should investigate typological differences between MSM presenting for CDU. ORIGINALITY/VALUE To date, this is the world's largest analysis of MSM seeking treatment for CDU. Further, the publication of 'real-world' service data is a valuable addition to the literature alongside surveys and recruited studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Stevens
- Department for Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College London School of Public Health, London, UK
| | | | - Mitzy Gafos
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
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48
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Schulkind J, Stephens B, Ahmad F, Johnston L, Hutchinson S, Thain D, Ward Z, Vickerman P, Hickman M, Dillon JF. High response and re-infection rates among people who inject drugs treated for hepatitis C in a community needle and syringe programme. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:519-528. [PMID: 30422370 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
To achieve WHO hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination targets by 2030, mathematical models suggest there needs to be significant scale-up of treatment among people who inject drugs (PWID). We tested whether people who actively inject drugs can be recruited and treated successfully through a community needle and syringe programme (NSP), and assessed rates of re-infection. 105 HCV RNA positive participants were enrolled prospectively. Participants were recruited from the largest NSP in Dundee over 42 months. 94/105 individuals commenced treatment. Genotype 1 (G1) individuals (n = 37) were treated with peg-interferon+ribavirin+Simepravir/Telaprevir. Genotype 2/3 (G2/3) (n = 57) received peg-interferon+ribavirin. Weekly study visits took place within the NSP. Mean age of participants was 34.0 years (SD 6.9), 71.3% (61/94) were male. One in five (20/94) participants were homeless. 68.1% (64/94) were on OST (opiate substitution therapy) at enrolment; participants injected median 6.5 times/wk. In terms of clinical outcomes, >80% treatment adherence was 71.3% (67/94). There was no difference in SVR-12 rates by genotype: 81.0% (30/37) for G1 and 82.5% (47/55) for G2/3. At 18 months post-treatment, 15/77 participants were reinfected, followed up over 69.8 person-years, yielding a re-infection rate of 21.5/100 person-years (95% CI 13.00-35.65). This trial demonstrates that HCV treatment can be delivered successfully to the target population of treatment as prevention strategies. We report higher rates of re-infection than existing estimates among PWID. Scale-up of HCV treatment should be pursued alongside a comprehensive programme of harm reduction interventions to help minimize re-infection and reduce HCV transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brian Stephens
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Farsana Ahmad
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Linda Johnston
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
| | - Sharon Hutchinson
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Donna Thain
- NHS Tayside, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, UK
| | - Zoe Ward
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Peter Vickerman
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Matt Hickman
- Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - John F Dillon
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK
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Kyselyova G, Martsynovska V, Volokha A, Nizova N, Malyuta R, Judd A, Thorne C, Bailey H. Young people in HIV care in Ukraine: a national survey on characteristics and service provision. F1000Res 2019; 8:323. [PMID: 31105935 PMCID: PMC6498744 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.18573.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Ukraine's perinatally HIV-infected (PHIV) young people are ageing into adolescence/young adulthood and, alongside those with horizontally-acquired HIV infections, require transitional and other support services. We aimed to map this population and policies/service provision at specialist HIV centres, to inform future service development. Methods: A national survey was conducted of 28 HIV/AIDS centres on number, characteristics (age group, HIV acquisition mode) and care setting (paediatric/adult) of 10-24 year olds in HIV care in each of 24 regions in January 2016. Information was collected on policies/service provision at each centre. Results: Of 13,286 young people aged 10-24 years registered for HIV care nationally in Ukraine in January 2016, 1,675 were aged 10-18 years. Three-quarters of ≤19 year olds were PHIV, while 72% of 20-24-year-olds had sexually-acquired infection. Five regions accounted for two-thirds of 10-18 year olds in paediatric and 85% of 19-24 year olds in adult services. In 2015, 97 young people transitioned from paediatric to adult services nationally, typically at 18 years although with flexibility in timing at 17/28 centres. At 27/28 centres, horizontally HIV-infected young people aged <18 years began their HIV care in paediatric services sometimes (5) or always (22). Transition support most commonly consisted of a joint appointment with paediatrician and adult doctor, and support from a psychologist/social worker (both at 24/28 centres). Only 5/28 centres offered routine HIV care during the evening or weekend, and availability of integrated sexual/reproductive health and harm reduction services was uneven. Of 16/28 centres selectively following-up patients who did not attend for care, 15 targeted patients in paediatric services. Conclusions: Heterogeneity in the population and in service availability at the main regional/municipal HIV/AIDS centres has implications for potential structural barriers to HIV care, and development of services for this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galyna Kyselyova
- Shupyk National Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Violeta Martsynovska
- The Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Kiev, Ukraine
- Institute of Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases of NAMS, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Alla Volokha
- Shupyk National Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Nataliya Nizova
- The Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Ruslan Malyuta
- Perinatal Prevention of AIDS Initiative, Odessa, Ukraine
| | - Ali Judd
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Claire Thorne
- Population, Policy and Practice Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Heather Bailey
- Population, Policy and Practice Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
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Kyselyova G, Martsynovska V, Volokha A, Nizova N, Malyuta R, Judd A, Thorne C, Bailey H. Young people in HIV care in Ukraine: a national survey on characteristics and service provision. F1000Res 2019; 8:323. [PMID: 31105935 PMCID: PMC6498744 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.18573.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2019] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Ukraine's perinatally HIV-infected (PHIV) young people are ageing into adolescence/young adulthood and, alongside those with behaviourally-acquired infections (BHIV), require transitional and other support services. We aimed to map this population and policies/service provision at specialist HIV centres, to inform future service development. Methods: A national survey was conducted of 28 HIV/AIDS centres on number, characteristics (age group, HIV acquisition mode) and care setting (paediatric/adult) of 10-24 year olds in HIV care in each of 24 regions in January 2016. Information was collected on policies/service provision at each centre. Results: Of 13,286 young people aged 10-24 years registered for HIV care nationally in Ukraine in January 2016, 1,675 were aged 10-18 years. Three-quarters of ≤19 year olds were PHIV, while 72% of 20-24-year-olds had sexually-acquired infection. Five regions accounted for two-thirds of 10-18 year olds in paediatric and 85% of 19-24 year olds in adult services. In 2015, 97 young people transitioned from paediatric to adult services nationally, typically at 18 years although with flexibility in timing at 17/28 centres. At 27/28 centres, BHIV young people aged <18 years began their HIV care in paediatric services sometimes (5) or always (22). Transition support most commonly consisted of a joint appointment with paediatrician and adult doctor, and support from a psychologist/social worker (both at 24/28 centres). Only 5/28 centres offered routine HIV care during the evening or weekend, and availability of integrated sexual/reproductive health and harm reduction services was uneven. Of 16/28 centres selectively following-up patients who did not attend for care, 15 targeted patients in paediatric services. Conclusions: Heterogeneity in the population and in service availability at the main regional/municipal HIV/AIDS centres has implications for potential structural barriers to HIV care, and development of services for this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galyna Kyselyova
- Shupyk National Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Violeta Martsynovska
- The Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Kiev, Ukraine
- Institute of Epidemiology and Infectious Diseases of NAMS, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Alla Volokha
- Shupyk National Medical Academy of Postgraduate Education, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Nataliya Nizova
- The Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - Ruslan Malyuta
- Perinatal Prevention of AIDS Initiative, Odessa, Ukraine
| | - Ali Judd
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Claire Thorne
- Population, Policy and Practice Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Heather Bailey
- Population, Policy and Practice Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
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