bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence rates and risk factors for hepatitis C among drug users not in treatment in Malaysia
Authors: VICKNASINGAM BALASINGAM , NARAYANAN SURESH , NAVARATNAM VISWESWARAN 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Introduction and Aims. The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among heroin dependants in treatment was estimated at 89.9%; however, virtually no information exists on the prevalence or risk behaviour among the larger population of drug users not in treatment. This study assessed the prevalence of HCV and associated risk factors among this group with a view to designing more effective intervention programs. Design and Methods. A cross‐sectional survey of 552 not‐in‐treatment drug users recruited from five key urban centres across peninsular Malaysia with on‐site serological testing for HCV and HIV seropositivity was conducted. Results. HCV prevalence was 65.4% for the overall sample, but higher among injecting drug users (67.1%) relative to non‐injecting drug users (30.8%). Bivariate analysis suggested seven risk factors though only sharing injecting paraphernalia and lifetime homosexual/bisexual behaviour remained significant in multivariate analysis. Discussion and Conclusions. With the majority (65.9%) sharing injecting equipment and about the same proportion (65.4%) being HCV positive, the risk of further transmission to new drug users is high. It is imperative that the nascent needle and syringe exchange and condom distribution program and its ancillary services—launched in 2005 to fight HIV—be fine tuned, as a first step, to control HCV. With its greater infectivity and non‐symptomatic character, HCV is more insidious. Given the shared risk factors of HCV and HIV, routine screening of drug users for HCV—currently non‐existent—should be instituted. This, with other intervention measures, will help detect and control HCV at an earlier stage while also checking the spread of HIV.[Vicknasingam B, Narayanan S, Navaratnam V. Prevalence rates and risk factors for hepatitis C among drug users not in treatment in Malaysia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2009;28:447–454]
The toxicology of homicide offenders and victims: A review
Authors: DARKE SHANE 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIssues.The toxicology of homicide offenders and victims, and homicide as a cause of death among psychoactive substance users.Approach.Review of the toxicology of homicide, and homicide as a cause of death among psychoactive substance users.Key Findings.A half or more of offenders are intoxicated by a psychoactive substance at the time of the homicide, with alcohol the most commonly reported substance. Levels of substances among victims are comparable with those seen among perpetrators. Among both offenders and victims, levels of substances far exceed population use. Among substance users, homicide specific mortality rates of substance users far exceed population rates. Reducing rates of alcohol and other drug consumption, at national and individual levels, can be expected to substantially reduce rates of, and risk for, homicide.Conclusions and Implications.Psychoactive substances are strongly associated with homicide. One of the major societal benefits that can be derived from active attempts to reduce alcohol and other drug use are reductions in homicide rates.[Darke S. The toxicology of homicide offenders and victims: A review.Drug Alcohol Rev2009]
The Psychostimulant Check‐Up: A pilot study of a brief intervention to reduce illicit stimulant use
Authors: SMOUT MATTHEW F. , LONGO MARIE , HARRISON SONIA , MINNITI RINALDO , CAHILL SHARON , WICKES WENDY , WHITE JASON M. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Introduction and Aims. This study is to test the acceptability of a single‐session ‘check‐up’ intervention for psychostimulant users and document participants' subsequent progress in reducing psychostimulant use and related harms. Design and Methods. The design was pre‐experimental single‐group repeated measures. Eighty participants received the Psychostimulant Check‐Up, with 62% completing a 3 month follow up. Results. Participants were predominantly young adult methamphetamine users. The majority indicated that the Check‐Up answered their questions, increased their awareness of services, and they would recommend it to their friends. At follow up, there was a significant reduction in self‐reported methamphetamine use, the number of self‐reported psychostimulant‐related negative consequences experienced in the previous month and rates of injecting: 62% self‐reported at least a 1 g reduction in methamphetamine use. Discussion and Conclusions. The intervention was well accepted and the majority of those who received it subsequently made meaningful reductions in psychostimulant use and related harm. The intervention offers sufficient promise to warrant a randomised trial to establish whether improvements were specific to the intervention.[Smout MF, Longo M, Harrison S, Minniti R, Cahill S, Wickes W, White JM. The Psychostimulant Check‐Up: A pilot study of a brief intervention to reduce illicit stimulant use. Drug Alcohol Rev 2009]
University faculty perceptions of the health risks related to cigarettes and smokeless tobacco
Authors: PEIPER NICHOLAS , STONE RAMONA , VAN ZYL RIAAN , RODU BRAD 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Introduction and Aims. It is now widely understood by tobacco research and policy experts that smokeless tobacco (ST) use confers significantly less risk than smoking, but no studies have assessed tobacco risk perceptions in highly educated populations. The purpose of this study was to explore the perception of risks related to smoking and ST use among full‐time faculty on two campuses at the University of Louisville. Design and Methods. In October 2007, a survey that quantified risk perceptions of cigarette smoking and ST use with respect to four health domains (general health, heart attack/stroke, all cancer, oral cancer) was sent to 1610 full‐time faculty at the Belknap and the Health Sciences Center (HSC) campuses of the University of Louisville, and 597 (37%) returned a completed survey. Results. Overall, cigarettes were considered as high risk for all health domains by large majorities (75–97%). Except for heart attack/stroke, ST was also considered as high risk by the majority of faculty (69–87%), and at least half perceived cigarettes and ST to be equally harmful across all domains. HSC faculty had somewhat more accurate risk perceptions than Belknap faculty for ST, but both groups overestimated the risks, especially for oral cancer. Discussion and Conclusions. This study found that the risks of ST use are overestimated and conflated to that of cigarettes among highly educated professionals, demonstrating the need for better education about the risks of tobacco use and for communication of accurate information by health organisations and agencies.[Peiper N, Stone R, Van Zyl R & Rodu B. University faculty perceptions of the health risks related to cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. Drug Alcohol Rev 2010]
Assessing community support for harm reduction services: Comparing two measures
Authors: HOPWOOD MAX , BRENER LOREN , FRANKLAND ANDREW , TRELOAR CARLA 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Introduction and Aims. Previous attitudinal research has found that the way survey questions are asked can influence respondents’ answers regarding their support for sensitive issues. This study aimed to explore whether findings regarding community support for harm reduction services could be manipulated through priming of language and information contained within survey items. Design and Method. A convenience sample of 260 university students from Sydney Australia were surveyed during late 2008 about their attitudes towards harm reduction services. Participants were randomly allocated to two groups: one received a questionnaire that provided factual information about harm reduction services (Survey 1), while a second group received a questionnaire that contained no information about harm reduction services and framed heroin use as problematic (Survey 2). Results. Participants who completed Survey 1 expressed significantly higher levels of support for harm reduction services overall than participants who completed Survey 2 (t(249) = −5.8, P < 0.001). Regression analysis indicated that overall support for harm reduction services was associated with the survey version that participants received and participants’ political affiliations. These two factors accounted for 17.5% of the variance in the data. Discussion and Conclusions. Research findings regarding community support for harm reduction services are influenced by questionnaire design. This has implications for the development and expansion of harm reduction services and policy.[Hopwood M, Brener L, Frankland A, Treloar C. Assessing community support for harm reduction services: Comparing two measures. Drug Alcohol Rev 2010]
Is point of access to needles and syringes related to needle sharing? Comparing data collected from pharmacies and needle and syringe programs in south‐east Sydney
Authors: BRYANT JOANNE , TOPP LIBBY , HOPWOOD MAX , IVERSEN JENNY , TRELOAR CARLA , MAHER LISA 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Introduction and Aims. The comprehensive needle and syringe distribution system in New South Wales is partly based on the premise that different points of access to injecting equipment may attract different groups of injecting drug users. This paper examines patterns of equipment acquisition and risk for blood‐borne virus transmission among injecting drug users who use pharmacies and needle and syringe programs (NSP) in south‐east Sydney. Design and Methods. Clients obtaining injecting equipment from four NSP (n = 147) and eight pharmacies (n = 227) in 2006 voluntarily completed a self‐administered questionnaire. Respondents were grouped into three categories based on their needle and syringe acquisition patterns: exclusive use of NSP, exclusive use of pharmacies and use of both. Results. Although it was common for respondents to report using both pharmacies and NSP to obtain needles and syringes (57%), a proportion reported exclusive use of pharmacies (17%) and NSP (14%). Exclusive pharmacy users were more likely to have never received treatment for their drug use and the least likely to have had a recent test for hepatitis C. Compared with respondents who exclusively used NSP, respondents who exclusively used pharmacies were more likely to report receptive sharing of injecting equipment (adjusted odds ratio 5.9, 95% confidence interval 2.02–17.14), as were respondents who reported using both sources (adjusted odds ratio 5.8, 95% confidence interval 2.35–14.40). Discussion and Conclusions. The high prevalence of receptive equipment sharing among pharmacy clients indicates a need to improve access to needles and syringes and ancillary equipment, possibly by including ancillary equipment at no cost in existing pre‐packaged pharmacy products.[Bryant J, Topp L, Hopwood M, Iversen J, Treloar C, Maher L. Is point of access to needles and syringes related to needle sharing? Comparing data collected from pharmacies and needle and syringe programs in south‐east Sydney. Drug Alcohol Rev 2010]
Cardiovascular disease risk factors and symptoms among regular psychostimulant users
Authors: DARKE SHANE , TOROK MICHELLE , KAYE SHARLENE , DUFLOU JOHAN 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Introduction and Aims. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of risk factors and possible symptoms of cardiovascular disease among regular psychostimulant users. Design and Methods. A total of 239 regular psychostimulant users were administered a structured interview on health and cardiovascular disease symptoms. Results. Thirty per cent had a family history of cardiovascular disease, 37% had sought treatment for possible symptoms of cardiovascular disease and 14% had been prescribed medications for symptoms of possible cardiovascular problems. The most commonly reported severe symptoms were: chronic shortness of breath (17%), chest pains (15%), palpitations (14%), chronic fatigue (13%) and dizziness/loss of consciousness (11%). Chest pains had been experienced on at least a weekly basis in the past 12 months by 13%. All symptoms occurred at significantly higher levels after the initiation of psychostimulant use. Higher levels of psychostimulant dependence were positively correlated with the number of frequently occurring symptoms (r = 0.23). Independent correlates of higher levels of frequently occurring symptoms were higher level of psychostimulant dependence, higher levels of alcohol dependence, a family history of cardiovascular disease and a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. Discussion and Conclusions. While a great deal of clinical attention has been given to the sequelae of psychostimulant use, such as psychosis, the potential effects upon the cardiovascular systems of users are worthy of specific public health attention.[Darke S, Torok M, Kaye S, Duflou J. Cardiovascular disease risk factors and symptoms among regular psychostimulant users. Drug Alcohol Rev 2010]
Reports of alcohol‐related problems and alcohol dependence for demographic subgroups using interactive voice response versus telephone surveys: The 2005 US National Alcohol Survey
Authors: MIDANIK LORRAINE T. , GREENFIELD THOMAS K. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Introduction and Aims. Interactive voice response (IVR), a computer‐based interviewing technique, can be used within a computer‐assisted telephone interview (CATI) survey to increase privacy and the accuracy of reports of sensitive attitudes and behaviours. Previous research using the 2005 National Alcohol Survey indicated no overall significant differences between IVR and CATI responses to alcohol‐related problems and alcohol dependence. To determine if this result holds for demographic subgroups that could respond differently to modes of data collection, this study compares the prevalence rates of lifetime and last‐year alcohol‐related problems by gender, ethnicity, age and income subgroups obtained by IVR versus continuous CATI interviewing. Design and Methods. As part of the 2005 National Alcohol Survey, subsamples of English‐speaking respondents were randomly assigned to an IVR group that received an embedded IVR module on alcohol‐related problems (n = 450 lifetime drinkers) and a control group that were asked identical alcohol‐related problem items using continuous CATI (n = 432 lifetime drinkers). Results. Overall, there were few significant associations. Among lifetime drinkers, higher rates of legal problems were found for white and higher income respondents in the IVR group. For last‐year drinkers, a higher percentage of indicators of alcohol dependence was found for Hispanic respondents and women respondents in the CATI group. Discussion and Conclusion. Data on alcohol problems collected by CATI provide largely comparable results to those from an embedded IVR module. Thus, incorporation of IVR technology in a CATI interview does not appear strongly indicated even for several key subgroups.[Midanik LT, Greenfield TK. Reports of alcohol‐related problems and alcohol dependence for demographic subgroups using interactive voice response versus telephone surveys: The 2005 US National Alcohol Survey. Drug Alcohol Rev 2010]
Energy drink co‐administration is associated with increased reported alcohol ingestion
Authors: PRICE STEPHEN R. , HILCHEY CATHERINE A. , DARREDEAU CHRISTINE , FULTON HEATHER G. , BARRETT SEAN P. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Introduction and Aims. While energy drinks (EDs) and alcohol have been reported to be frequently co‐administered, little is known about the effect of this co‐administration on alcohol drinking patterns. The purpose of the present research was to characterise patterns of ED and alcohol co‐administration. Design and Methods. Seventy‐two ED users were recruited from the Halifax university community. Participants provided information about their lifetime ED and other substance use, in addition to detailing instances of their ED and alcohol use during the previous week using a timeline follow‐back interview. Results. Seventy‐six per cent of participants reported ever deliberately mixing alcohol with EDs and 19% reported doing so during the previous week. Relative to alcohol drinking sessions in which EDs were not used, participants reported drinking significantly more alcohol when it was co‐administered with EDs. Discussion and Conclusions. Alcohol and ED co‐administration is relatively common among ED users and seems to be associated with increased alcohol ingestion. It is recommended that this matter receive more clinical and research attention. [Price SR, Hilchey CA, Darredeau C, Fulton HG, Barrett SP. Energy drink co‐administration is associated with increased reported alcohol ingestion. Drug Alcohol Rev 2010]
Combined effects of law enforcement and substitution treatment on heroin mortality
Authors: NORDT CARLOS , STOHLER RUDOLF 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Introduction and Aims. To explore the combined effects of street‐level law enforcement and substitution treatment programs on drug‐related mortality, taking into account prevalence of heroin use and changes in injecting behaviour. Design and Methods. Time trend analysis using annual police reports and case register data of opioid substitution treatments in Switzerland, 1975–2007. Results. Drug‐related mortality increased during times of more intense street‐level law enforcement [odds ratio (OR) 1.32, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.15–1.51], and the number of drug‐related deaths predicted the number of heroin possession offences 2 years later (r = 0.97, P < 0.001). Substitution treatment had a protective effect on drug‐related mortality (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.18–0.30). Surprisingly, the number of drug‐related deaths was substantially biased by an oscillation period of 14 years (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.17–1.32). Discussion and Conclusions. Our analysis revealed that the amount of police resources allocated to law enforcement was determined rationally, however, on biased grounds and with untoward consequences. Substitution treatment of heroin users reduced drug‐related mortality in the long run, but different factors masked its impact for several years. Therefore, the introduction—or the expansion—of opioid substitution treatment programs should not be promoted with the argument of an immediate reduction of drug‐related deaths in a country.[Nordt C, Stohler R. Combined effects of law enforcement and substitution treatment on heroin mortality. Drug Alcohol Rev 2010]
Main reasons for hospital admissions by women with a history of methadone maintenance
Authors: BURNS LUCY , CONROY ELIZABETH , MATTICK RICHARD P. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Introduction and Aims. Although clinical studies have noted that women with opioid use disorders use have high levels of mental and physical health disorders and are exposed to high levels of violence, it is not known whether this occurs at a level of severity that warrants hospital admission. Design and Methods. Administrative data from a jurisdictional methadone program were linked with hospital inpatient records from 1998 to 2002 to determine the main reasons for hospital admission for a cohort of women with a prior or ongoing history of methadone maintenance. Rates of hospital admissions by the cohort were compared with hospitalisations by all women without an opioid‐related hospital diagnosis from 1998 to 2002. Results. After controlling for age, country of birth and marital status, women with a history of methadone maintenance had more frequent hospital admissions for the mental and behavioural disorders [relative risk (RR) 3.9 (95% confidence intervals (CI): 3.7, 4.0)], diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue [RR 2.1 (95% CI: 1.9, 2.3)]; injuries and poisonings [RR 2.0 (95% CI: 1.9, 2.1)] and infectious and parasitic diseases [RR 1.4 (95% CI: 1.2, 1.6)]. At a more detailed level of diagnostic specificity, the methadone cohort was admitted more often for hepatitis C, septicaemia and head injuries. Discussion and Conclusion. The elevated risk of hospital admission for a number of disorders suggests that women with a history of methadone maintenance experience these health events at a level of severity warranting hospital admission. Further contextual work is necessary to determine the effective preventive and management strategies.[Burns L, Conroy E, Mattick RP. Main reasons for hospital admissions by women with a history of methadone maintenance. Drug Alcohol Rev 2010;29;669–675]
Factors affecting criminal recidivism among participants in the Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: LARNEY SARAH , MARTIRE KRISTY A. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIntroduction and Aims.The Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program is a diversionary program for people with substance use (primarily illicit drug) problems, based in New South Wales, Australia. The aim of this study was to assess factors relevant to recidivism among MERIT participants.Design and Methods.A longitudinal study utilising administrative data was conducted. MERIT participants entering the program after 1 August 2004 and with a finalisation date of prior to 31 December 2005 were included in the study. Recidivism records for this cohort were obtained for the period 1 August 2004 and 31 December 2007 and linked to MERIT administrative data. Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to identify predictors of recidivism.Results.A total of 1160 MERIT participants were included in the analysis. Compared to non‐completers, completion of the MERIT program was associated with a 30% reduction in risk of recidivism. Factors associated with increased risk of recidivism following MERIT included principal drug other than cannabis and higher number of prior convictions.Discussion and Conclusions.Although the design of this study does not permit causal conclusions, these results suggest the MERIT program may be associated with reduced criminal offending. The identification of factors associated with increased risk of recidivism may be helpful in identifying participants in need of higher intensity interventions.[Larney S, Martire KA. Factors affecting criminal recidivism among participants in the Magistrates Early Referral Into Treatment (MERIT) program in New South Wales, Australia.Drug Alcohol Rev2010;29;684–688]