bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alcohol impairment of behavior in men and women
Authors: Fillmore Mark T. , Weafer Jessica 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACTAims  Studies have shown that alcohol impairs the ability to inhibit behavioral responses in humans and some evidence suggests that men might display greater impairment than women. The present study compared men and women in the degree to which a moderate dose of alcohol impaired their inhibitory control at comparable blood alcohol concentrations.Design  Twelve male and 12 female adult social drinkers received a moderate dose of alcohol (0.65 g/kg) and a placebo in a counterbalanced order and performed a cued go/no‐go task that measured the ability to inhibit and execute behavioral responses.Findings  When the behavioral response was pre‐potent (i.e. instigated), men displayed greater impairment of inhibitory control under alcohol than women. Men also reported greater levels of subjective stimulation from alcohol compared with women, who reported more sedation from the drug.Conclusions  A gender difference in alcohol impairment of inhibitory control could account for observations that disinhibited and aggressive behaviors under alcohol are more pronounced in men than in women.
Early adolescent cannabis exposure and positive and negative dimensions of psychosis
Authors: Stefanis N. C. , Delespaul P. , Henquet C. , Bakoula C. , Stefanis C. N. , Van Os J. 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACTAims  To investigate the effect of exposure to cannabis early in adolescence on subclinical positive and negative symptoms of psychosis.Design  Cross‐sectional survey in the context of an ongoing cohort study.Setting  Government‐supported general population cohort study.Participants  A total of 3500 representative 19‐year olds in Greece.Measurements  Subjects filled in the 40‐item Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences, measuring subclinical positive (paranoia, hallucinations, grandiosity, first‐rank symptoms) and negative psychosis dimensions and depression. Drug use was also reported on.Findings  Use of cannabis was associated positively with both positive and negative dimensions of psychosis, independent of each other, and of depression. An association between cannabis and depression disappeared after adjustment for the negative psychosis dimensions. First use of cannabis below age 16 years was associated with a much stronger effect than first use after age 15 years, independent of life‐time frequency of use. The association between cannabis and psychosis was not influenced by the distress associated with the experiences, indicating that self‐medication may be an unlikely explanation for the entire association between cannabis and psychosis.Conclusions  These results add credence to the hypothesis that cannabis contributes to the population level of expression of psychosis. In particular, exposure early in adolescence may increase the risk for the subclinical positive and negative dimensions of psychosis, but not for depression.
Urbanization and hospital admission rates for alcohol and drug abuse: a follow‐up study of 4.5 million women and men in Sweden
Authors: Sundquist Kristina , Frank Gölin 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACTAims  This study analyses whether the level of urbanization is associated with hospital admissions for alcohol and drug abuse, after adjustment for individual demographic and socio‐economic characteristics.Design  Follow‐up study from 31 December 1996 to 31 December 1999.Setting  Sweden.Participants  The entire Swedish population aged 25–64 yeras, in total 4.5 million women and men.Measurements  Hospital admission rates for alcohol abuse (12 812 events) and drug abuse (6459 events). Level of urbanization was defined by population density and divided into quintiles. Cox proportional hazard models were used to analyse the data.Findings  The results showed an apparent gradient for both women and men; with increasing level of urbanization the hospital admission rates for alcohol abuse and drug abuse increased sharply. After adjustment for age, marital status, education and immigrant status, the hazard ratios for hospital admission for alcohol abuse were 1.76 [confidence interval (CI) = 1.58–1.96] for women and 1.71 (CI = 1.60–1.82) for men in the most densely populated areas (quintile 5). For drug abuse the corresponding hazard ratios were 1.89 (CI = 1.67–2.15) for women and 2.38 (CI = 2.12–2.67) for men.Conclusions  A high level of urbanization was associated with increased hospital admission rates for alcohol abuse and drug abuse. The level of urbanization should be considered in the distribution of resources for prevention and treatment of alcohol and drug abuse.
Prevalence of personality disorder in alcohol and drug services and associated comorbidity
Authors: Bowden‐Jones Owen , Iqbal Muhammad Z. , Tyrer Peter , Seivewright Nicholas , Cooper Sylvia , Judd Ali , Weaver Tim ,   the COSMIC study team
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACTAims  To compare the prevalence of personality disorder in alcohol and drug populations with special attention to its impact on psychopathology and service characteristics.Design  Cross‐sectional survey.Setting  Three alcohol and four drug services in four urban UK centres.Participants  Two hundred and sixteen drug and 64 alcohol service patients randomly sampled from current treatment populations.Measurements  A treatment population census recorded demographic and diagnostic data. Patient interviews assessed the presence, cluster type and severity of personality disorder using the Quick Personality Assessment Schedule (PAS‐Q). Other psychopathology was measured using the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale (CPRS). A case‐note audit recorded psychotic psychopathology using the OPCRIT schedule and data regarding social morbidity.Findings  The overall prevalence of personality disorder was 37% in the drug service sample and 53% in the alcohol service sample. The distribution of severity and clusters differed markedly between the two samples. There was a significant association between the severity of personality disorder and psychopathology in both samples. Levels of morbidity associated with clusters B and C were similar. Clinical diagnosis of personality disorder showed high specificity but low sensitivity when compared to PAS‐Q.Conclusions  In both alcohol and drug service populations, personality disorder is associated with significantly increased rates of psychopathology and social morbidity that worsens with increasing severity of the disorder. Despite this, personality disorder is poorly identified by clinical staff. The PAS‐Q may be useful as a clinical assessment tool in the substance misuse population for the early identification and management of patients with personality disorder.
The burden of alcohol misuse on emergency in‐patient hospital admissions among residents from a health board region in Ireland
Authors: O'Farrell A. , Allwright S. , Downey J. , Bedford D. , Howell F. 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACTAims  To identify in‐patient emergency admissions to acute hospitals of residents from a health board region in the Republic of Ireland with an acute alcohol intoxication diagnosis; to profile the admissions and to assess whether the increase in alcohol consumption in Ireland has been mirrored by an increase in alcohol related emergency admissions over the same time period.Design  A retrospective review of hospital admissions using Hospital In‐Patient Enquiry (HIPE) data and alcohol consumption trends using data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).Setting  Acute hospitals in the Republic of Ireland.Participants  All residents from a health board region admitted with a recorded alcohol intoxication emergency admission to non‐private acute hospitals in Ireland.Measurements  All in‐patient emergency admissions for which an acute alcohol intoxication diagnosis (ICD Codes 303.0 and 305.0) was recorded of residents from one health board region were extracted from the HIPE system for years 1997–2001 inclusive. Pearson's χ2 test was used to compare proportions in groups of categorical data and χ2 test for trend was used to identify linear trends. Age standardized rates were calculated for each year and trend analysis carried out. Demographic data on the patients were also extracted from the database.Findings  There were 3289 acute alcohol intoxication admissions to acute hospitals of residents from the study region recorded for years 1997–2001 inclusive. There were 777 acute alcohol intoxication admissions in 2001 compared to 432 admissions in 1997, an increase of 80%. Age standardized rates showed a significant increasing linear trend (P < 0.001). Over half the admissions occurred on weekends. The average length of stay was 2.7 days (95% CI 2.5–2.8) with just under a quarter (24.3%) of these admissions being discharged on the same day. The majority of these patients were male (71.5%), 40.9% were under 30 years old and over half (59.4%) were single.Conclusions  This study shows that alcohol intoxication accounted for a substantial number of emergency in‐patient admissions to acute hospitals in one health board region in Ireland and that the age standardized recorded acute alcohol related emergency admission rate increased significantly over the 5‐year period, 1997–2001. This increase mirrored the national increase in alcohol consumption over the same time period.
Risk of injury from acute alcohol consumption and the influence of confounders
Authors: Watt Kerrianne , Purdie David M. , Roche Anne M. , McClure Roderick J. 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACTAim  To quantify the relationship between acute alcohol consumption and risk of injury, in the context of other potential confounding factors (i.e. usual alcohol intake, risk‐taking behaviour and substance use—defined as prescription/over‐the‐counter medication or illicit substances), using three separate measures of alcohol consumption.Design  A hospital‐based, case–control study.Setting  The accident and emergency department at a large metropolitan teaching hospital in Queensland, Australia.Participants  Four hundred and eighty‐eight cases were matched to 488 population controls on gender, age group, neighbourhood, day and time of injury.Measurements  Risk factor and injury information was obtained by questionnaire and medical record review.Results  After controlling for demographic and situational variables (i.e. activity, location and companions at time of injury), consuming any alcohol in the 6 hours prior to time of injury significantly increased risk of injury [odds ratio (OR) = 2.13, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3–3.9]. Drinking at levels above low‐risk guidelines for short‐term health (i.e. drinking > 40 g alcohol per occasion if female, and drinking > 60 g alcohol if male) increased injury risk by a factor of almost 2.5 (OR = 2.41; 95% CI = 1.1–5.2). Finally, drinking beer (OR = 1.86; 95% CI = 0.9–3.9), spirits (OR = 3.05; 95% CI = 1.1–8.2) or a combination of beverages (OR = 3.16; 95% CI = 1.1–8.8) increased risk of injury. When usual alcohol consumption patterns were adjusted for, substantial increases in the alcohol–injury odds ratios were observed for all measures of alcohol. When risk‐taking behaviour and substance use were considered, changes in the effect of alcohol on injury risk were observed, for all measures of alcohol. These data support the hypotheses that some confounding exists in the alcohol–injury relationship due to usual drinking patterns, risk‐taking and substance use.Conclusions  In this study, acute alcohol consumption significantly increased the risk of injury, even when situational and other risk factors were considered. However, the relationship between alcohol and injury appears confounded by usual drinking patterns, risk‐taking behaviour and substance use. Therefore, these variables should be considered in any analysis of the alcohol–injury relationship, and also considered when developing public health strategies to reduce alcohol‐related injury. Further research is required to elucidate the nature of this relationship, and to identify the effect of risk‐taking and substance use on different types of injuries (e.g. mechanism of injury; body region injured) and injury severity. The stability of the models and the consistency of the findings across all measures of alcohol used support claims for the validity of the observed effects.
Five‐year alcohol and drug treatment outcomes of older adults versus middle‐aged and younger adults in a managed care program
Authors: Satre Derek D. , Mertens Jennifer R. , Areán Patricia A. , Weisner Constance 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACTAims  This study compared 5‐year treatment outcomes of older adults to those of middle‐aged and younger adults in a large managed care chemical dependency program. We examined age group differences in individual, treatment and extra‐treatment factors, which may influence long‐term outcome.Design  Seventy‐seven per cent of original study participants completed a telephone interview 5 years after out‐patient chemical dependency treatment at Kaiser Permanente. This sample (N = 925) included 65 patients aged 55–77, 296 patients aged 40–54 and 564 patients aged 18–39 (age at baseline).Measurements  Measures at follow‐up included alcohol and drug use, Addiction Severity Index (ASI), Alcoholics Anonymous Affiliation Scale, social resource and self‐reported health questions. Mortality data were obtained from contact with family members of patients as well as automated health plan records.Findings  Older adults were less likely to be drug‐dependent at baseline than younger and middle‐aged adults, and had longer retention in treatment than younger adults. At 5 years, older adults were less likely than younger adults to have close family or friends who encouraged alcohol or drug use. Fifty‐two per cent of older adults reported total abstinence from alcohol and drugs in the previous 30 days versus 40% of younger adults. Older women had higher 30‐day abstinence than older men or younger women. Among participants dependent only on alcohol, there were no significant age differences in 30‐day abstinence. In logistic regression analysis, age group was not significant. Variables associated with greater age that independently predicted 30‐day abstinence in the logistic regression model included longer retention in treatment and having no close family or friends who encouraged alcohol or drug use at 5 years; female gender was also significant.Conclusions  Results indicate that older adults have favorable long‐term outcome following treatment relative to younger adults, but these differences may be accounted for by variables associated with age such as type of substance dependence, treatment retention, social networks and gender. Age differences in these characteristics inform intervention strategies to support long‐term recovery of older adults and provide direction for investigation of how age affects outcome.
The Marijuana Check‐up: reaching users who are ambivalent about change
Authors: Stephens Robert S. , Roffman Roger A. , Fearer Stephanie A. , Williams Carl , Picciano Joseph F. , Burke Randy S. 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACTAims  A brief intervention called the Marijuana Check‐up (MCU) was designed to attract adult marijuana users who were experiencing adverse consequences, but who were ambivalent about change and would be unlikely to seek treatment. Our objective was to determine whether the MCU would reach the target population.Design  Comparisons were made between those who enrolled in the MCU versus those who were screened but failed to follow through with enrollment on demographic, drug use and stage of change variables. Comparisons were also made between participants in the MCU and participants in a concurrently offered treatment project that targeted marijuana users who wanted to quit.Setting  The study took place at the University of Washington in Seattle.Participants  Participants were adult marijuana users who telephoned and expressed interest in the MCU (n = 587).Measurement  Study variables included stage of change, frequency and duration of drug use, DSM‐IV cannabis dependence and abuse diagnoses and negative consequences of marijuana use assessed via interviews and questionnaires.Findings  Callers to the MCU were near‐daily marijuana users, two‐thirds of whom were in the pre‐contemplation or contemplation stage of change. Participants who enrolled in the MCU reported fewer problems related to marijuana use and less readiness to make changes compared to those enrolled in the treatment study, despite similar levels of drug use.Conclusions  The MCU attracted and enrolled near‐daily users of marijuana who experienced negative consequences but were ambivalent about making changes. The MCU potentially has a role in the continuum of care for substance abuse problems.
The psychological determinants of low‐rate daily smoking
Authors: Etter Jean‐François 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACTAims  To compare low‐rate daily smokers (one to five cigarettes/day) with other daily smokers, using the Transtheoretical Model of Change as a framework.Design  Mail survey with a follow‐up after 7 months.Setting  A randomly selected population sample in French‐speaking Switzerland, in 1998.Participants  A total of 2338 daily smokers aged 25 + years, including 95 smokers of one to five cigarettes/day, 324 smokers of six to 10 cigarettes/day, 399 smokers of 11–15 cigarettes/day and 1520 smokers of 16 + cigarettes/day, and 1765 people (75% of 2338) at 7‐month follow‐up.Findings  Compared with smokers of 16 + cigarettes/day, low‐rate smokers of one to five cigarettes/day included more women (67% versus 46%, P < 0.001), were 4 years younger (P < 0.001), were less motivated to quit smoking (62% versus 37% in the ‘precontemplation’ stage of change, P < 0.001), thought that quitting would be easier (−3.4 points on a 0–10 scale, P < 0.001) and were less bothered by the risk of smoking. Low‐rate smokers were taking control more actively over their smoking, e.g. they more often stayed away from places where people smoked, sat in the no‐smoking sections in public places and tried to delay as much as they could their first cigarette of the day. Only 45% of low‐rate smokers were still in the same category 7 months later.Conclusions  For many smokers, low‐rate smoking may result from a conscious effort to limit their cigarette consumption. Being a low‐rate smoker was a temporary condition for most people. Low‐rate smokers should be considered as a specific, although heterogeneous group.
Per capita alcohol consumption and all‐cause mortality in Canada, 1950–98
Authors: Norström Thor 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACTAims  To estimate the relationship between per capita alcohol consumption and male all‐cause mortality in Canada.Data and method  The outcome measure comprised annual data on male all‐cause mortality for the period 1950–98. Alcohol sales (in litres 100% alcohol) were used as proxy for per capita consumption. The data were analysed using the Box–Jenkins technique. Two models were estimated, one including only female mortality as control, the other in addition cigarette sales.Results  The first model yielded a significant alcohol effect that implied a 2.9%[standadrd error (SE) = 0.6%] increase in mortality given a 1‐litre increase in consumption. This estimate coincides with that obtained for northern Europe in previous research. When cigarette sales were included in the model the alcohol effect was still statistically significant but markedly reduced, to 1.7% (SE = 0.6%).Conclusions  Total mortality is a classic indicator of the general health status of the population. Its relationship with per capita consumption of alcohol supports the view that total consumption is a concern for public health.
Non‐fatal cocaine overdose among injecting and non‐injecting cocaine users in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Kaye Sharlene , Darke Shane 
Published: September 2004

ABSTRACTAim  To investigate the frequency of non‐fatal cocaine overdose, and responses to overdoses, among injecting and non‐injecting cocaine users.Design  Cross‐sectional study.Setting  Sydney, Australia.Participants  Two hundred current cocaine users.Measurements  Structured interview.Findings  Thirteen per cent of the sample had overdosed on cocaine, 7% in the preceding 12 months. Cocaine injectors were more likely to have overdosed, both ever (17 ∨ 6%) and in the preceding 12 months (9 ∨ 3%). The most common symptoms of overdose were palpitations (68%), intense sweating (44%) and seizures (40%). The use of other drugs in combination with cocaine prior to the most recent overdose was prevalent (64%), most commonly opioids (40%), alcohol (24%) and cannabis (24%). Those who had overdosed were more likely to be female, had longer cocaine use careers, had used more cocaine in the preceding month and preceding 6 months, had higher levels of cocaine dependence and more extensive polydrug use. Twenty‐four per cent had witnessed a cocaine overdose, 13% in the preceding 12 months. Injectors were more likely to have witnessed overdoses, both ever (35% ∨ 8%) and in the preceding 12 months (20% ∨ 3%).Conclusions  Experience of, and exposure to, overdose were not rare events. Cocaine users need to be aware of the possibility and nature of overdose, and that cocaine overdose can occur irrespective of method of use. There is a need to emphasise the potential danger of combining cocaine with other drugs.
Assessing researcher impacts from a long‐term sampling program of wetland communities in the Everglades National Park, Florida, U.S.A.
Authors: Wolski Lawrence F. , Trexler Joel C. , Nelson Eric B. , Philippi Thomas , Perry Sue A. 
Published: September 2004

Summary1. Long‐term monitoring requires repeated visits to a study site, greatly increasing the potential for cumulative visitation effects. For ecological studies in general, and for monitoring in particular, data must be evaluated for confounding artefacts from researcher presence. We compared aquatic communities at long‐term sampling plots (nine sites, each with three plots, studied continuously from 6 to 22 years) in the Everglades National Park to previously unsampled reference plots adjacent to them to assess the effects of researcher visitation on the flora and fauna.2. We identified two criteria that are sensitive to local habitat heterogeneity for assessment of visitation impacts. First, the long‐term plots must differ from adjacent reference plots by a magnitude that exceeded variation among plots separated by equal or greater distance (i.e. the difference is greater than expected by scaling of community change proportional with distance); and second, multiple reference plots must consistently differ in direction (e.g. greater abundance or less abundance) from adjacent long‐term plots. We also tested for increased heterogeneity among samples from long‐term plots compared with those not previously visited.3. We found no evidence of researcher effects on fish or macroinvertebrates, and only weak evidence for alteration of emergent plants and periphyton floating mats. Our failure to document visitor impacts may result from either low visitation rate or the dynamic nature of the wetlands studied.