In Europe, the prevalence of problematic heroin consumption
is declining but, in spite of the constant rise in the number of treated
patients, many of them do not turn to a public treatment center (PTC) for their
drug addiction. The aim of this study is to study the mortality risk separately
for heroin abusers PTC clients and non-PTC clients (i.e. those never treated at
a PTC).
METHODS:
Cohort
study on 959 subjects resident in the metropolitan area of Bologna who went to
a health service (i.e. hospital, emergency unit) or to a PTC following problems
due to heroin abuse for the first time between 01/01/2004 and 31/12/2009.
Standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) were calculated, and regression analysis
using the Poisson method was used.
RESULTS:
Elevated
and statistically significant SMRs were found in both genders, irrespective of
the contact facility, being higher for PTC clients. Among non-PTC clients 28%
of deaths overall were from AIDS or infectious diseases (6% PTC clients), 17%
from opiate overdose (6% PTC clients) and 14% from violent causes (6% PTC
clients). Multivariate analysis showed a higher mortality risk for patients who
used both heroin and cocaine and for concomitant abuse of benzodiazepines.
CONCLUSIONS:
The
characteristics of patients never before treated for addiction prompts a
reflection on the presence of a hidden group of patients who are hard to reach,
who have a high mortality risk and who turn to health care treatment facilities
only in the event of an emergency.
- 1 Epidemiological Monitoring Center on Addiction , Mental Health and Dependences , ASL Bologna , Bologna , Italy.
No comments:
Post a Comment