Prevalence and Determinants of Illicit Drug and Polydrug Use in People Living with HIV in Austria

Grabovac, Igor; Meillinger, M; Schalk, Horst; Leichsenring, Birgit; Dorner, TE

doi:10.1093/eurpub/cky212.252

Cited by 1 publication

(1 citation statement)

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“…Polysubstance use increases the likelihood of physical and psychosocial harms [ 30 , 31 ] and other risky behaviours, including injecting [ 32 ]. unsafe sex [ 33 , 34 ] and antisocial behaviours [ 35 ]. While the use of illicit substances, in particular methamphetamine and opioids, contributes to a significant burden on public health [ 36 , 37 , 38 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Substance use in the emergency department: Screening for risky drug use, using the ASSIST‐Lite

Stevens

Harland

Alfred

et al. 2022

Drug and Alcohol Review

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Introduction: Substance use is a common contributing factor to emergency department (ED) presentations. While screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment for alcohol and tobacco is common in ED settings, it is not routinely conducted for illicit substances. This study aimed to deploy the ASSIST-Lite to screen for risky use of alcohol and other drugs in the ED, to identify differences in risk based on between demographic characteristics.Method: All ED attenders, aged 18 years or older, deemed well enough to participate were approached. Recruitment occurred at the Royal Adelaide Hospital ED between May and June 2017. Participants were asked to self-complete the ASSIST-Lite in the ED waiting room. Overall, 632 people were approached, of which 479 (75.8%) agreed to participate. Results: Alcohol (72.2%), tobacco (27.1%) and cannabis (15.2%) were most commonly reported. Eighty-nine participants reported moderate-or high-risk use of two substances, and a further 49 individuals reported moderate-or high-risk use of three or more substances. Across most substances, age, gender and employment status was associated with risky substance use, with higher likelihood of risk reported by males, unemployed and younger participants. Unemployment was also significantly associated with increased risk severity for both moderate and high-risk illicit use. Discussions and Conclusions:The rate of risky illicit and polysubstance use found here highlight the need more focused research in ED settings. The findings also provide support for more routine screening, and early intervention approaches; and suggest the need for active referral pathways through an alcohol and other drug consultation liaison service.

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