bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Risk factors and medical follow‐up of drug users tested for hepatitis C—can the risk of transmission be reduced?
Authors: SERFATY MARC A. , LAWRIE ANDREW , SMITH BELINDA , BRIND ALISON M. , WATSON JOHN P. , GILVARRY EILISH , BASSENDINE MARGARET F. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractOf 1728 patients attending a regional drug and alcohol clinic, 202 were considered at risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV). Forty‐nine per cent (99/202) agreed to testing—67% (67) were HCV antibody positive. Age and a history of needle sharing was the significant factor associated with positive HCV status. Patients on methadone maintenance medication were more‐likely to have been HCV positive, but significantly (p = 0.005) less likely to have shared needles in the previous year. Seventy‐three per cent (49/67) attended for follow‐up at a “liver clinic”. Fifty per cent were infected with genotype la. Eighteen patients were biopsied and all were abnormal, ranging from mild hepatitis to severe fibrotic hepatitis. Attendance for medical follow‐up was poor, which emphasizes the importance of preventative measures such as methadone maintenance programmes for reducing the spread of HCV.
Work‐place screening of mine employees using the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) and alcohol breathalyzation
Authors: LENNINGS C. J. , FEENEY G. F. , SHEEHAN M. , YOUNG R. McD. , McPHERSON A. , TUCKER J. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractAlthough public health campaigns focusing on alcohol in the work‐place are receiving increasing attention, there is little empirical evidence regarding the use of screening. In this work‐place study, 152 mining personnel (67% of the work‐force) completed a self report screen using the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). One hundred and thirty‐three of these (58.5% of the work‐force) also consented to be breathalysed and one (0.75%) recorded a BAC just over threshold for detection. Forty‐eight males (37.7% of the male work‐force) recorded AUDIT scores of eight or more consistent with hazardous alcohol use and one female registered a cumulative score above the female cut‐off level for hazardous alcohol use. Eighty males (67% of the work‐force), recorded binge drinking at least monthly and 81 males recorded a cumulative AUDIT score of less than eight; however, on item analysis, 64 (83%) of these recorded binge drinking at least sometimes. There is substantial hazardous alcohol use in this sample work group and younger males had higher alcohol consumption, more adverse consequences and higher total AUDIT scores identifying them as particularly at risk. The Cronbach & AUDIT was 0.72, confirming adequate internal consistency.
Abstinence and alcohol use among urban Aborigines in Western Australia
Authors: BLIGNAULT ILSE , RYDER CLIVE 
Published: October 2005

AbstractAboriginal males and females aged 15 years and over were recruited from patients attending community‐controlled health services in Perth and Carnarvon, Western Australia. Questions were asked about present and past use of alcohol. Rates of abstinence and drinking cessation were greater than in the general population. Both samples contained sizeable numbers of people whose weekly consumption of alcohol was within recommended limits. These are encouraging findings for Aboriginal health workers and others concerned to help those who continue to drink at hazardous and harmful levels.
Alcohol in the South Pacific: the mid‐1990s
Authors: MCDONALD DAVID , ELVY GEOFF , MIELKE JIM 
Published: October 2005

AbstractIn the mid‐1990s data were obtained on alcohol consumption in the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Samoa, the Solomon Islands and Tonga. These data are reported together with a discussion of the nature of alcohol related problems in the island nations. Per capita consumption is highest in the Cook Islands, which compared with other countries has the highest ratio of liquor outlets and lowest alcohol taxation regime. As an alcohol problem prevention measure, it is concluded that the promotion of responsible consumption, together with the option of abstinence for those who wish it, is an acceptable strategy for the Pacific.
Tobacco prevention in the Federated States of Micronesia
Authors: MARSHALL MAC 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe impact of tobacco‐related illnesses in the Federal States of Micronesia (FSM) is discussed and documented for the 1970–95 period using national government statistics and gleanings from the research literature. Based upon international data concerning tobacco‐related morbidity and mortality it is estimated that 15% of 1993 FSM mortality was smoking‐related and that tobacco use contributes heavily to the non‐communicable diseases that are the leading causes of death there. Sources and brands of cigarettes sold in the four FSM states are noted, as is the fact that cigarettes ranked among the top five import commodities in dollar value in the mid‐1980s and early 1990s. Trend data are provided on cigarette imports from 1984 to 1993, during which time FSM citizens spent over US$25.5 m on this legal drug. Brand‐price survey data of cigarettes and selected foodstuffs are presented as part of a discussion of the economic opportunity costs of smoking. Tax revenues from cigarettes are recorded, as are the steps toward smoking prevention and tobacco control taken by the FSM government. The article concludes with suggestions for additional controls that might be implemented.
Methadone maintenance treatment reduces heroin injection in New South Wales prisons
Authors: DOLAN KATE A. , WODAK ALEX D. , HALL WAYNE D. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine whether methadone maintenance treatment reduces injecting risk behaviour (and therefore transmission of blood‐borne viral infections) among prisoners in New South Wales (NSW), using comparison of retrospective reports of drug use in prisons for people who received standard drug treatment, time‐limited methadone treatment and methadone maintenance treatment. The setting for the study was the NSW prison system. One hundred and eighty‐five injecting drug users who had been recently released from NSW prisons were recruited in 1993. Self‐reported drug use and injecting risk behaviour were compared in inmates who received standard drug treatment (counselling), time‐limited methadone treatment and methadone maintenance treatment. HIV status was determined by serology. Intervention comprised high and low dose methadone treatment and counselling. The groups were similar in terms of most basic demographic characteristics but subjects who had been maintained on methadone reported a significantly lower prevalence of heroin injection, syringe sharing and scored lower on an HIV Risk‐taking Behavioural Scale than subjects who received standard drug treatment and time‐limited methadone treatment. This study suggests that methadone treatment is associated with reduced injecting risk behaviour in prison with adequate (greater than 60 mg) dose and duration in treatment. These treatment conditions are known to increase effectiveness in community‐based methadone programmes. Prospective studies are required to evaluate the effectiveness of methadone programmes in the prevention of HIV and other blood‐borne viral infections among IDU prisoners.
Physical and mental health problems in amphetamine users from metropolitan Adelaide, Australia
Authors: VINCENT NIKI , SHOOBRIDGE JODIE , ASK ALEX , ALLSOP STEVE , ALI ROBERT 
Published: October 2005

AbstractPhase I of this study was designed to inform the development of a range of responses to hazardous and harmful amphetamine use. Research techniques from Rapid Assessment Methodology (RAM) were utilized to collect data. A survey of current amphetamine users included the Short Form 36 (SF36) Health Status Questionnaire, for which South Australian population norms were published in 1995. This facilitated comparisons of the health of this sample of amphetamine users with that of the general population. The sample were found to have significantly poorer health than the general population. The self‐reported prevalence of mental health problems in the sample was consistent with previous Australian research on amphetamine use. Approximately one‐third of the sample reported that they had experienced symptoms of anxiety, depression, mood swings and aggressive outbursts prior to their use of amphetamines. Two‐thirds of the sample reported symptoms of anxiety and depression since starting to use amphetamines, almost half reported mood swings and aggressive outbursts, and over a third reported panic attacks and paranoia. One of the most important findings was a strong association between mental and physical health problems and the severity of dependence on amphetamines. The implications of these results for interventions with amphetamine users are discussed.
Low detection rates, negative attitudes and the failure to meet the “Health of the Nation” alcohol targets: findings from a national survey of GPs in England and Wales
Authors: DEEHAN ANN , TEMPLETON LORNA , TAYLOR COLIN , DRUMMOND COLIN , STRANG JOHN 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe appropriateness of the primary care setting to undertake the health promotional activities needed to meet ‘Health of the Nation’ alcohol targets has been acknowledged in UK government policy and the scientific literature. However, the latest data suggest these targets are not being met. A 20% random sample of all general practitioners in England and Wales were surveyed by postal questionnaire to examine their work in detecting alcohol misuse and their attitudes towards the work. Four mailing waves produced a 44% response rate. GPs had identified a mean of 3.2 patients per month drinking above recommended ‘sensible’ guidelines. These patients were mostly male (73%) and above 40 years of age (45%), with nearly half (45%) already dependent drinkers. Most GPs perceived alcohol misuse patients as a difficult group with whom to work. None the less, over half the respondents believed general practice was an appropriate setting for the detection of the problem. However, most did not feel trained or supported in this area of their work. More emphasis needs to be placed on the valuable contribution GPs can make with the larger number of patients who are drinking regularly above ‘sensible’ levels but not yet suffering adverse affects. Our findings point towards not an unwilling profession, but a profession lacking confidence. The provision of support and basic training are major factors in how GPs perceive alcohol misusers and their own role in this work. Twenty years after the Maudsley Alcohol Pilot Project research it is disappointing that, despite greater recognition by GPs of their potential impact, lack of training and lack of support are still so central to their continued low levels of therapeutic commitment.
How do general practitioners manage alcohol‐misusing patients? Results from a national survey of GPs in England and Wales
Authors: DEEHAN ANN , TEMPLETON LORNA , TAYLOR COLIN , DRUMMOND COLIN , STRANG JOHN 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe appropriateness of the primary care setting to undertake health promotional activities has been emphasized, but little is known about the clinical work of GPs with patients misusing alcohol. This study examines how GPs managed alcohol‐misusing patients. A 20% random sample of all general practitioners in England and Wales were surveyed using a postal questionnaire. A 44% response rate was achieved. GPs reported managing different levels of severity of drinking problems differently. Basic interventions, such as reporting the alcohol misuse diagnosis and the provision of advice and information, were routine. Health promotion leaflets were not used uniformly, even with the less severe problem drinkers. Detoxification, prescribing of drugs and the management of medical complications were undertaken mainly with dependent patients. Dependent drinkers were the most likely group to be referred to specialist services, while internal practice referrals occurred with all drinking status categories. Anti‐depressants were the drugs most usually prescribed to alcohol‐misusing patients. The data point to a need for basic guidelines, not only on how to manage and refer dependent drinkers, but also on how to detect and manage those who are not yet manifesting problems but are drinking above recommended guidelines. One of the most evident areas in which there appears to be a need for guidelines is that of prescribing within primary care.
The interplay of drinking patterns and other determinants of health
Authors: BONDY SUSAN , REHM JÜRGEN 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThe health effects of alcohol are determined not only by level of intake but also by patterns of alcohol use and many other health determinants. This study seeks to identify groups of individuals who share various features in terms of drinking styles and other health indicators. Data used are a subset of the 1990 Ontario Health Survey, corresponding to men and women aged 20–64 with complete data in four substantive areas: alcohol use; demographic characteristics; current health status; and various behavioural risk factors for chronic disease. Cluster analysis was used to groups of male and female respondents who were similar in terms of their style of alcohol use, along with other constructs relevant to health risk and health status. For both sexes, clusters were identified which matched expectation in terms of drinking patterns and other relevant variables. For both sexes, clusters were found with generally higher social class indicators, generally positive health behaviours and health status and drinking patterns which did not include drinking to excess. Clusters were also found for which high‐volume drinking occasions corresponded with poor health status and high levels of risk factors for chronic disease. Other unanticipated patterns were also identified. This information may assist in identifying confounding effects in epidemiological studies as well as identifying the characteristics of unique sub‐populations which are likely to be the focus of primary prevention efforts.
Drinking patterns and problems and drinking in the injury event: an analysis of emergency room patients by ethnicity
Authors: CHERPITEL CHERYL J. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractWhile a substantial literature exists on the association of alcohol consumption and injury, less is known about the context in which drinking occurs within specific ethnic groups in the United States. This paper analyzes drinking patterns, alcohol‐related problems and drinking‐in–the‐event variables among a probability sample of 359 black, 528 Hispanic and 458 white patients who were breathalyzed and interviewed after admission to the emergency room. Injured patients among both Hispanics and whites were more likely to be positive on the breathalyzer and to report heavy drinking and more frequent drunkenness during the preceding year than their non‐injured counterparts. Blacks were less likely than either Hispanics or whites to report a larger number of drinks prior to injury, feeling drunk at the time, or a causal association of alcohol and the injury event. These data suggest a differential role of alcohol in injury occurrence within ethnic groups, with alcohol possibly playing less of a role in the injury event for blacks than for Hispanics or whites.
The Australian Study of HIV and Injecting Drug Use. Part II: Predicting exposure to hepatitis C and hepatitis B
Authors: CARRUTHERS SUSAN J. , LOXLEY WENDY M. , PHILLIPS MIKE , BEVAN JUDE S. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractResearchers agree that while hepatitis B maybe in control, hepatitis C is present in epidemic proportions among injecting drug users and that current HIV prevention strategies have not been sufficient to halt the spread of this hepatitis virus, although there is some evidence to suggest that incidence rates are stabilizing. Since there is no effective cure and it is unlikely that a vaccine will become available in the foreseeable future all efforts to control the spread of hepatitis C must rely on education and prevention strategies. The Australian Study of HIV and Injecting Drug Use is a cross‐sectional national study designed to investigate exposure to and risks for infection with blood‐borne viruses. Of those volunteering a usable blood sample for hepatitis C antibody and hepatitis B core antibody testing 55% and 19%, respectively, returned reactive test results. Logistic regression statistical models were used to identify risk factors for hepatitis C and hepatitis B. Risk factors for hepatitis C were identified as duration of use, use of opiates on last injecting occasion, education level, treatment status and having a history of sexually transmissible diseases. Risk factors associated with hepatitis B were duration of use, and use of opiates on last injecting occasion. The lack of identifiable risk factors for hepatitis B suggest that past rather than current injecting and sexual behaviour patterns are required to predict accurately risk of exposure to hepatitis B. In addition to this, one‐third of respondents reported being vaccinated against hepatitis B. Respondents perceived themselves to be at greater risk from hepatitis C than from hepatitis B or HIV. A discussion of strategies needed to prevent the spread of the hepatitis viruses will be presented along with recommendations for further research.
Work‐place alcohol and other drug testing: a review of the scientific evidence
Authors: MACDONALD SCOTT 
Published: October 2005

AbstractIn this paper, scientific evidence for alcohol and other drug testing programs is compared to determine whether each approach is justifiable for improving work‐place safety. Three types of studies are reviewed: laboratory, epidemiological and evaluation studies. Laboratory studies show that alcohol use decreases psycho‐motor performance; however, for other drugs, some drugs deteriorate performance while others have little effect. Epidemiological studies in the work‐place have not provided conclusive evidence that a strong causal link exists between either alcohol or other drug use and work‐place injuries/accidents. Evaluation studies have not shown that either drug or alcohol testing significantly reduces work injuries/accidents. Other types of scientific evidence provide some justification of alcohol testing, but not for other drug testing. Alcohol use is much more common than other drug use in industrialized countries, suggesting that alcohol may be more related to industrial accidents than other drugs. As well, epidemiological studies suggest that alcohol is a major factor for traffic collisions, but research is inconclusive for other drugs. Finally, alcohol testing is more justifiable than drug testing because the results of alcohol tests closely correlate with psycho‐motor performance while drug tests do not.
Changes in opiate treatment during attendance at a community drug service—findings from a clinical audit
Authors: MACLEOD JOHN , WHITTAKER ANNE , ROBERTSON J. ROY 
Published: October 2005

AbstractTo evaluate use of methadone and dihydrocodeine prescription in a group of opiate‐dependent patients attending a community/general practice drugs project data were recorded at enrolment in 1990 and at the beginning of 1995. Two hundred individuals were included, of whom 85% were receiving a prescription for an opiate and/or a benzodiazepine. There were no major differences between the groups receiving methadone and dihydrocodeine and retention in treatment, death rate and behaviour change was similar in both groups. Trends during the study period included an increase in methadone prescribing and towards longer‐acting benzodiazepines. The slightly different effects of dihydrocodeine compared to methadone made it the opiate of choice for many and may indicate a useful addition to the longer‐acting methadone. This may make it an alternative to the current experimenting with heroin, dextromoramide (palfium) and injectable methadone for opiate users resistant to control with oral methadone alone.
Can training bar staff in responsible serving practices reduce alcohol‐related harm?
Authors: LANG ERNIE , STOCKWELL TIM , RYDON PHILIP , BEEL ANDREA 
Published: October 2005

AbstractA responsible service training programme aimed at reducing alcohol‐related harm was implemented in a popular entertainment area over several months in 1992–93. Another popular entertainment area provided a control site. A number of evaluation measures were used: breath tests on 872 patrons from selected venues; drink driving data; risk assessments; the use of ‘pseudo patrons’ and knowledge and attitude changes among trained bar staff (n= 88). Compared to control sites the intervention sites showed an immediate pre‐ to post‐test reduction in patrons rated by researchers as extremely drunk and an eventual reduction from pre‐test to follow‐up in patrons with blood alcohol levels > = 0.08. There was also a small but significant increase in knowledge among bar staff. There was no significant reduction in patrons with blood alcohol levels > = 0.15 or in the number of drink driving offences from intervention sites during the study period. Pseudo drunk patrons were rarely refused service, identification was rarely checked and non‐photographic identification was accepted on most occasions. The less than satisfactory outcome is attributed to poor implementation of the training and a lack of support among managers. The positive results from one venue, whose manager embraced the programme, served to highlight the importance of management support. It is suggested that mandatory training and routine enforcement of licensing laws are essential if the goals of responsible serving are to be met.
Expanding knowledge among Aboriginal service providers on treatment options for excessive alcohol use
Authors: BRADY MAGGIE , DAWE SHARON , RICHMOND ROBYN 
Published: October 2005

AbstractApproaches to the prevention of alcohol problems among Aboriginal people in Australia have tended to emphasize primary and tertiary prevention, while neglecting secondary prevention or early intervention. In contrast, members of the wider Australian community can now access a variety of early interventions through general practice, in hospital settings and through drug and alcohol treatment agencies. As part of a survey of the use of brief interventions, 178 agencies throughout Australia were interviewed, and findings are presented from the 29 agencies in this sample which provided services primarily for Aboriginal people. Approximately half offered a variety of approaches including brief interventions, with goals of moderation; the other half were entirely abstinence‐orientated. These findings are discussed in the context of expanding the options that might be offered by Aboriginal‐run agencies.
Current perspectives on anabolic steroids
Authors: BEEL ANDREA , MAYCOCK BRUCE , MCLEAN NEIL 
Published: October 2005

AbstractSteroids are used outside the realm of competitive athletics in Australia among a wide variety of groups with different motivations and goals. This paper provides an overview of the reasons for use; rates of usage; physical and psychological side effects; and sources of steroids. Issues associated with injecting steroids; their current legal status; and drug education and prevention programmes are reviewed briefly. Research involving identified sub‐populations is needed to determine user profiles and prevalence rates of users and potential users. Studies of Australian users are also needed to obtain baseline information on areas of potential harm associated with steroids use, e.g. aggressive behaviour, needle‐sharing behaviour, physical side effects and potential for dependency. It is concluded that future deterrence strategies should focus more on demand reduction, rather than supply.