bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trends in alcoholism among male doctors in Scotland
Authors: HARRISON DALE , CHICK JONATHAN 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAlcohol abuse within the medical profession has long been an issue of concern. Recently, the General Medical Council reported that half of the doctors reported for health difficulties liable to affect professional competence were found to have an alcohol problem. This paper examines how rates of alcoholism among male doctors in Scotland have changed over the last three decades. Admission and discharge rates for doctors to psychiatric inpatienl beds with diagnoses of alcoholism are compared with non‐medical professions, for the years 1963–87. The results, assessed in the light of changing Standardized Mortality Rates for liver cirrhosis for the medical profession, suggest that doctors as a group remain at a higher risk of alcoholism compared to other professionals, but that this increased risk appears to be largely accounted for by a cohort of heavy‐drinking doctors over the age of 45 years.
Gender‐specific etiological differences in alcohol and drug problems: a behavioural genetic analysis
Authors: JANG KERRY L. , LIVESLEY W. JOHN , VERNON PHILIP A. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAlthough gender differences in the consumption and abuse of alcohol and drugs are frequently reported, the etiology of these differences has received limited attention. The present study applied biometric genetic analyses to determine whether self‐report questionnaire items assessing problem alcohol and drug use are influenced by gender‐specific genetic and environmental influences. The sample consisted of 693 volunteer general population twin pairs (209 monozygotic female, 138 monozygotic male, 170 dizygotic female, 82 dizygotic male, 94 dizygotic opposite‐sex twin pairs). Heritability analyses showed that most aspects of drug and alcohol problems were differentially heritable by gender. Significant additive genetic effects were found only in males, whereas in females, most substance use problems were wholly determined by environmental factors. In both genders, non‐shared environmental factors accounted for the largest proportion of the variance, and further gender‐by‐genotype analyses showed that these influences were not gender specific, but rather were common to males and females. Some preliminary evidence was also obtained that the use of illicit drugs may be etiologically distinct from the use of licit drugs in females and males.
Raves, drugs and experience: drug use by a sample of people who attend raves in Western Australia
Authors: LENTON SIMON , BOYS ANNABEL , NORCROSS KATH 
Published: January 2006

Abstract Aims. To investigate the patterns of drug use among a sample of people in the rave scene in Perth, Western Australia and test the hypothesis that those who were less experienced in their drug use had less drug‐related knowledge. Design. Respondents were recruited through flyers in cafes, clothing and music stores and through snowballing. They were paid $20 for a 11/2 hour interview which comprised both qualitative and quantitative components. Setting. Respondents were interviewed in cafes or restaurants, private dwellings, agencies or other public spaces. Participants. Eighty‐three people who had been to a rave in the prior 6 months. Their mean age was 18.9years (range 13‐48) and 53% were male. Measurements. Brief history of drug use, HIV risk behaviour, knowledge of drug‐related harm and side effects experienced from drugs. Findings. The group was unremarkable apart from their drug use. Ninety per cent of respondents had ever used LSD, 76% had used ecstasy and 69% had used amphetamines. Before, during or after the last rave attended 52% used cannabis and 35% had used each of amphetamines and LSD. Those who were less experienced in their drug use had less knowledge about drugs. Many respondents began using ‘dance drugs’ while they were still at school. Conclusions. Those with less drug‐using experience may have less drug‐related knowledge and may be at greater risk of harm. Strategies should be implemented which involve people in the scene, promoters, health workers and the authorities to reduce drug‐related harm associated with raves and other dance events.
Injecting‐related harm and treatment‐seeking behaviour among injecting drug users
Authors: MORRISON ANITA , ELLIOTT LAWRENCE , GRUER LAURENCE 
Published: January 2006

Abstract Aims. This study aims to identify the physical harm associated with injecting drug use and examine the treatment‐seeking behaviour of injecting drug users (IDUs). Specific attention is given to the factor associated with presentation and non‐presentation of injecting‐related problems. Design. Participants were interviewed by research staff using a semi‐structured questionnaire, then physically examined by a medical team. Setting. Needles exchanges in Glasgow. Participants. One hundred and twelve injecting drug users. Findings. Respondents' accounts of their current injecting‐related problems were found to be consistent with the clinician's findings, suggesting that IDUs are able to self‐diagnose injecting‐related harm. However, almost three‐quarters had not sought help for these problems. Qualitative data suggest the main reasons for non‐presentation, or delayed presentation, of injecting‐related problems are normalization of injecting‐related harm and a reluctance to attend available services. Almost half of those seeking treatment for injecting‐related/ problems did so during an emergency or crisis. Conclusions. Low threshold services, such as needle exchanges, may have to take a more proactive stance to encourage injectors to present with injecting‐related problems. This may help reduce injecting‐related harms, especially the resulting medical complications, which would in turn relieve the pressure on other services such as hospital Accident and Emergency Departments.
Leaving work to smoke
Authors: BORLAND RON , CAPPIELLO MARCO , OWEN NEVILLE 
Published: January 2006

AbstractWork‐place smoking bans have not only reduced work‐day cigarette consumption but also been associated with going outside to smoke during working hours. We examined the extent of “exiled smoking”, estimated how much work‐day cigarette consumption can be attributed to it, and examined proximal predictors of both these two variables. Some 794 smokers from 42 medium‐sized work‐places were surveyed as the baseline for an intervention study. A self‐completed questionnaire assessed smoking behaviour on work and non‐working days, leaving work to smoke, and beliefs and opinions about smoking and smoking bans. Multiple regressions were used to examine predictors of leaving work to smoke, and of the amount smoked when doing so. Smokers reported consuming an average of 5.4 cigarettes during work breaks, 3.5 of which were associated with deliberately seeking opportunities to smoke; 39% reported leaving work to smoke one or more times per day during non‐break periods. Indices of addiction were significant predictors of both leaving work to smoke and of cigarette consumption while doing so. Leaving work to smoke is in part an activity of addicted smokers, presumably to maintain blood nicotine levels. There is the potential to further reduce rates of cigarette consumption associated with work‐place smoking bans if this “exiled smoking” can be reduced. This may be easier to achieve in light smokers.
Behavioural alcohol research: new directions or more of the same?
Authors: SHAKESHAFT ANTHONY P. , BOWMAN JENNY A. , SANSON‐FISHER ROB W. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAim.Despite a large body of literature, a substantial burden of illness related to the abuse of alcohol, as well as significant economic and social costs, persist. As such, a critical examination of the type of research being published in relation to alcohol misuse seems appropriate, particularly since some experts in the field have expressed the view that the current distribution of research types may not be optimal.Findings.The types of research conducted in two separate years, 1983 and 1993, were examined critically. Generally, the types of research conducted in both years was found to be similar: the majority of published alcohol research is behavioural, the majority of published behavioural alcohol research is descriptive and the majority of published behavioural intervention alcohol research represents tertiary prevention studies. Although the reasons for this distribution of research types are undoubtedly numerous and complex, some possible explanations are discussed.Conclusions.Overall, it is concluded that the current approach to alcohol research may have engendered a distribution of research types which is somewhat less than ideal and that, as such, a new approach may be indicated. Some strategies that may assist in redressing the perceived imbalance are considered.
Tobacco health warnings and smoking‐related cognitions and behaviours
Authors: BORLAND RON 
Published: January 2006

Abstract Aims. To explore whether the introduction onto cigarette packs of new larger, more prominent health warnings in black on white would lead to an increase in: noticing warnings, thoughts about the effects of smoking, and consequent behaviours of not smoking a planned cigarette and/or prematurely stubbing out one already lit. In addition evidence was sought linking these effect to smoking cessation. Design. Two national cross‐sectional surveys of broadly representative samples of smokers: one about 2 weeks before the mandated introduction date of the warnings, and a follow‐up 6 months later, pan‐way through implementation. A longitudinal subsample of smokers from the initial baseline survey was resurveyed at follow‐up. Setting. In Australia, new health warnings and strengthened contents labelling of cigarette packets were mandated for cigarettes manufactured from 1 January 1995. Participants. Broadly representative samples of Australian smokers: 510 at baseline, and 512 at follow‐up. Two hundred and forty‐three of the baseline sample were also resurveyed. Measurements. Self‐report on effects of warnings and smoking cessation activity. Findings. In the cross‐sectional sample at follow‐Up, 66% of smokers reported at least sometimes noticing the health warnings when taking out a cigarette (compared with 37% at baseline), and 14% reported they had refrained from smoking on at least one occasion as a result (compared with 7% at baseline). Not smoking as a result of noticing the (old) warnings at baseline was predictive of quitting at follow‐up. Frequency of stubbing out cigarettes before they were finished as a result of thinking about smoking‐related harm was not affected by the new warnings, but was predictive of making quit attempts. Conclusions. The new health warnings were more potent at stimulating both thoughts about negative effects of smoking and the appropriate consequent action of not smoking the planned cigarette. This is important as spontaneous rejection of cigarettes predicted subsequent cessation.
Patterns of symptom complaints in methadone maintenance patients
Authors: DYER KYLE R. , WHITE JASON M. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract Aim. Not all maintenance patients respond to methadone in the same manner, and many complain of withdrawal symptoms during the 24‐hour inter‐dosing interval (i.e. the dose does not ‘hold’). The persistence of these complaints are a source of concern as they may signal unsanctioned drug use and poor treatment outcome. This study examined the prevalence and profile of symptom complaints in methadone maintenance patients who report that their methadone dose does not ‘hold’. Design. In the first phase, a cross‐sectional survey of 114 methadone patients examined a range of symptoms including direct opioid effects, and withdrawal. Phase 2 involved a comparison of the temporal pattern of symptom complaints between patients who reported the oral dose not ‘holding’ and those who did not. Setting. Participants in this study were enrolled in the South Australian Public Methadone Maintenance Program. Measurements. In Phase I, a checklist of 21 commonly reported symptom complaints associated with methadone maintenance treatment was administered. In Phase 2, this checklist was modified to include only those symptoms that changed in the 24‐hour inter‐dosing interval. The checklist was administered eight times over this period. Further data were collected using the Morphine Benzedrine Group Scale of the Addiction Research Centre Inventory, a measure of positive opioid effect. Findings. In Phase 1, it was found that approximately one‐third of the sample reported that the methadone dose was consistently inadequate in preventing withdrawal symptoms for the entire inter‐dosing interval. They could not be differentiated by demographic, health, other drug use or treatment characteristics. In Phase 2, despite having a higher oral methadone dose, patients reporting that their daily dose did not ‘hold’ experienced a smaller degree of opioid effect, and a greater intensity of opioid withdrawal, during the 24‐hour period. Conclusion. These data demonstrate that there is a change in pharmacodynamic response over the 24‐hour period for all methadone patients, but the degree of change is greater in a subgroup of patients. Charting symptom presentation throughout the inter‐dosing interval can aid in identifying those patients who are experiencing difficulties with their treatment regime.
Maternal cocaine use and low birth weight newborns: a meta‐analysis
Authors: HULSE G. K. , ENGLISH D. R. , MILNE E. , HOLMAN C. D. J. , BOWER C. I. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract Aim/design. Many epidemiological studies published on the association between maternal cocaine/crack use and birth weight have either lacked precision or failed to control for major confounding, predominantly by tobacco smoking. Meta‐analysis enables a single summary measure of effect to be calculated by combining data from any number of individual studies, thus enhancing statistical power. We undertook a number of meta‐analyses using only studies that had adjusted for tobacco smoking to estimate more precisely the effect of maternal cocaine use on birth weight. Findings. A meta‐analysis of five studies presenting data for ‘any’ prenatal cocaine exposure, adjusted far tobacco smoking but unadjusted for gestational age, produced a pooled relative risk estimate from a fixed effects analysis of 2.15 (95% CI 1.75‐2.64). However, there was substantial heterogeneity among studies (p < 0.001), and the relative risk from a random effects analysis was smaller (1.65) with a confidence interval that included unity (95% CI 0.94‐2.83). Addition of a further study adjusted for gestational age had minimal effect on the pooled estimate: the fixed effects relative risk was 2.14 (1.77‐2.60) and the random effects estimate 1.77 (1.15‐2.71). When data on more intense prenatal exposure were analysed, the fixed and random effects analysis produced the lame pooled estimate of the relative risk of 4.42 (2.24‐8.71), suggesting that more frequent cocaine exposure was associated with a higher relative risk for low birth weight. Data from studies on mean reduction in birth weight produced a pooled estimate of 112 g (95% CI 62‐161 g). Conclusions. The current study suggests that maternal cocaine use causes low birth weight, and that the effect is greater with heavier use. However, despite the adjustment for tobacco and the adjustment by some studies for other confounders such as race, maternal age, gravidity and socio‐economic status, it could be argued that other life‐style factors not controlled for may account for the observed effects. While this argument is not supported by some other types of study, the issue of residual confounding can only be finally addressed by analytical studies which adequately control for important variables.
Outcome studies of brief alcohol intervention in general practice: the problem of lost subjects
Authors: EDWARDS ADRIAN G. K. , ROLLNICK STEPHEN 
Published: January 2006

Abstract Aims. To identify the attrition rate of eligible subjects from the general practice brief intervention studies, reasons for attrition, and the potential bias arising from lost subjects. Design. Review of all published trials of brief intervention for excessive drinkers in primary care settings. Findings. The attrition rate of eligible subjects from the general practice brief intervention studies ranges from 44.3 to 83.2% (mean 70.6%). The potential bias introduced by the characteristics of subjects available and not available for research is not adequately addressed. Where there is evidence, subjects unavailable for study or those lost to follow‐up usually show different characteristics (e.g. younger, heavier drinkers, less educated) from those completing the study. Conclusions. Study populations in general practice‐based brief alcohol interventions may have been those most susceptible to intervention. This suggests caution is appropriate in generalizing from brief intervention study results to routine primary care.
Transitions between routes of benzodiazepine administration among heroin users in Sydney
Authors: ROSS JOANNE , DARKE SHANE , HALL WAYNE 
Published: January 2006

AbstractA sample of 312 heroin users were interviewed regarding their benzodiazepine use. The majority (94%) had used bensodiazepines, 72% in the 6 months prior to interview. Benzodiazepine injecting was common, with 28% of the sample having injected these drugs, 13% in the 6 months preceding interview. Current benzodiazepine injectors showed greater polydrug use, injection‐related HIV risk‐taking behaviour, criminal involvement, psychological distress and injection‐related health problems, as well as poorer general health, and an increased risk of having overdosed, than other users of benzodiazepines. Of those subjects mho had injected benzodiasepines, 55% were no longer current benzodiazepine injectors. Concern for general health emerged as the most common reason for having made a transition away from injecting, and for being likely to make such a transition.
Drinking, the majority fallacy, cognitive dissonance and social pressure
Authors: MÄKELÄ KLAUS 
Published: January 2006

AbstractIn drinking and drug surveys, peers are perceived as drinking more and using more drugs than the respondent. Particularly in youth studies, this majority fallacy is often interpreted as an indication of peer pressure toward drinking and drug use. However, exaggerating the alcohol and drug behaviours of significant others may be a way of reducing cognitive dissonance. The behaviour of most people deviates from their ideal norms. The ensuing dissonance can be alleviated by introducing the behaviour of others as a third element in the cognitive field. Data from three Scandinavian surveys support the following two predictions based on the theory of cognitive dissonance: (1) The tendency to report that other people drink more than oneself is more marked in restrictive than in permissive communities. (2) On each level of alcohol intake, the tendency to report that other people drink more than oneself is stronger among respondents having negative alcohol attitudes than among respondents with positive attitudes to alcohol. The need to alleviate the cognitive dissonance caused by a discrepancy between actual behaviour and normative standards is thus one of the mechanisms generating the majority fallacy: “I may not be perfect, but other people are still worse”. Feeling better than others does not necessarily amount to a pressure to turn bad.
Long‐acting injectable bromocriptine does not reduce relapse in alcoholics
Authors: NARANJO C. A. , DONGIER M. , BREMNER K. E. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractDopamine is one of several neurotransmitters that may mediate alcohol intake and dependence. A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled international, multicentre study was conducted la assess the effects of a long‐acting injectable preparation of bromocriptine, a dopamine agonist, (Pariodel‐LAR) in reducing relapse in 366 moderately/severely dependent alcoholics (DSM‐III‐R), drinking approximately 200 g alcohol (14.5 standard drinks) per day. After detoxification they were randomized to receive six monthly injections of bromocriptine 25 mg (n = 120), bromocriptine 50 mg (n = 124), or placebo (n = 122). Brief psychosocial treatment was allowed. At 6 months there were no significant differences between treatment groups in rates of relapse to any drinking or to drinking 5 days per month and 3 drinks per day. Pre‐treatment alcohol intake did not determine response. Efficacy ratings by subjects and investigators and adverse events, reported by 51% of subjects, did not differ between treatments. The results of this large study, in which compliance was enhanced by Partodel‐LAR®, do not indicate that bromocriptine is efficacious in the maintenance of abstinence or reduced drinking. Possible reasons for the discrepancy between these conclusions and those of some previous clinical trials, in which bromocriptine was reported to reduce symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and dependence, are discussed.
A community prevention trial to reduce alcohol‐involved accidental injury and death: overview
Authors: HOLDER HAROLD D. , SALTZ ROBERT F. , GRUBE JOEL W. , VOAS ROBERT B. , GRUENEWALD PAUL J. , TRENO ANDREW J. 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe 5‐year “Preventing Alcohol Trauma: A Community Trial” project in the United States was designed to reduce alcohol‐involved injuries and death in three experimental communities. The project consisted of five mutually reinforcing components: (1) Community Mobilization Component to develop community organization and support, (2) Responsible Beverage Service Component to establish standards for servers and owner/managers of on‐premise alcohol outlets to reduce their risk of having intoxicated and/or underage customers in bars and restaurants, (3) Drinking and Driving Component to increase local DWI enforcement efficiency and to increase the actual and perceived risk that drinking drivers would be detected, (4) Underage Drinking Component to reduce retail availability of alcohol to minors, and (5) Alcohol Access Component to use local zoning powers and other municipal controls of outlet number and density to reduce the availability of alcohol. This paper gives an overview of the rationale and causal model, the research design and outline of each intervention component for the entire prevention trial.
Community mobilization: evaluation of an environmental approach to local action
Authors: TREND ANDREW J. , HOLDER HAROLD D. 
Published: January 2006

Abstract“Community mobilization” in the Community Trials Project refers to organizing community members to support and implement policies to reduce alcohol‐involved trauma. This paper defines the conceptual model of mobilization used in the project. In evaluating the project, we were guided by the conceptual model and we used structured materials from interviews with local staff in all three experimental communities; we found that the overall goal of mobilization (implementation of policies) was achieved. Additional observations based on naturalistic case studies of the communities include: (1) the importance of an established research base, (2) the varying role and problematic nature of coalitions, (3) the strategic advantage of early project support r among the general population, (4) the role played by key leaders in mobilization, (5) the advantages of a multi‐component design, and (6) the key role played by media advocacy.