Real world evidence in involuntary psychiatric hospitalizations: 64,685 cases

Objective: We explored hospitalization patterns and the clinical and individual characteristics of a large cohort of patients who underwent involuntary psychiatric hospitalization in Brazil (n=64,685). Methods: Data were collected from the District Attorney's Office of the State of São Paulo (Ministério Público do Estado de São Paulo) on all involuntary psychiatric hospitalizations in the city of São Paulo between January 2003 and February 2020. The annual involuntary psychiatric hospitalization rate was calculated and descriptive statistics of the characteristics were produced. Results: Involuntary psychiatric hospitalizations increased from 5.8 to 25.5 per 100,000 population, with an eight-folder increase in the first 10-year period (2003-2013). The majority of admissions were to public institutions (86.6%), involved a psychotic disorder in the primary diagnosis (26.1%), involved more than one diagnosis (83.7%), and lasted less than 7 days (52.4%). The majority of the patients were aged 18 to 39 years and were single, and readmission was relatively common (13%). Although the reason for admission was missing in many reports (44%), the risk of harm to self or others was the most common (68.5%). Conclusion: This is one of the largest cohorts of involuntary psychiatric hospitalization records ever explored. These findings build upon existing international evidence about involuntary psychiatric hospitalizations and show recent trends in admission rates in the largest city in Brazil.

Sociodemographic and clinical profile of crack cocaine treatment-seeking individuals living in "Crackland", Brazil / Perfil sociodemográfico e clínico de indivíduos em busca de tratamento para o uso de crack que vivem na "Cracolândia"

OBJECTIVE: São Paulo's Crackland is the biggest and oldest open drug use scene in Brazil, yet little is known about the profile of crack cocaine treatment-seeking individuals living in this region. The aim of this crossectional study was to describe the demographics and clinical characteristics of treatment-seeking crack users living in the Crackland region. METHODS: A sample of nighty eight individuals were screened for DSM-V substance use disorders, including substance use, impulsiveness, and psychiatric symptoms. Recent crack cocaine use was also tested using biologic specimens. RESULTS: Results indicated severe social vulnerability, as participants experienced high rates of homelessness (46.9%), unstable housing (50%), unemployment (60.4%) and early school drop-out (27.5%). The average age of crack use onset was 20 years (SD = 6.9) and the mean duration of continuous crack use was 15 years (SD = 9.7). Most participants presented with concomitant mental health disorders, particularly alcohol use disorder (87.8%), as well high rates of psychiatric symptomatology and impulsiveness. More than half of the sample reported at least one previous inpatient (73.5%) and outpatient (65.3%) addiction treatment attempt. CONCLUSION: This population profile should inform mental healthcare services, promoting the provision of tailored assistance by targeting specific demands at all levels of treatment.

OBJETIVO: Localizada em São Paulo, a Cracolândia é o maior e mais antigo cenário aberto de uso de drogas do Brasil. Ainda assim, pouco se sabe sobre o perfil dos indivíduos que vivem nessa região e buscam tratamento para crack. O objetivo deste estudo transversal foi descrever características demográficas e clínicas de usuários de crack vivendo na região da Cracolândia que estão em busca de tratamento. MÉTODOS: Noventa e oito indivíduos foram avaliados para transtornos por uso de substâncias do DSM-V, padrão de uso de substâncias, impulsividade e sintomatologia psiquiátrica. O uso recente de crack também foi determinado por meio de coleta de amostras toxicológicas. RESULTADOS: Os resultados indicaram grave vulnerabilidade social, com significativas prevalências de falta de moradia (46,9%), moradia instável (50%), desemprego (60,4%) e abandono escolar precoce (27,5%). A idade média de início do uso de crack foi de 20 anos (DP = 6,9) e a duração média do uso contínuo do crack foi de 15 anos (DP = 9,7). A maioria dos participantes apresentou alguma comorbidade psiquiátrica, particularmente transtorno por uso de álcool (87,8%), bem como altas taxas de sintomatologia psiquiátrica e impulsividade. Mais da metade da amostra relatou pelo menos uma tentativa anterior de tratamento por internação (73,5%) e ambulatorial (65,3%). CONCLUSÃO: Os achados desse estudo permitem um maior entendimento do perfil e das necessidades de usuários de crack vivendo na região da Cracolândia e podem ajudar serviços de saúde especializados em dependência química a promoverem uma assistência mais direcionada às demandas específicas dessa população.

Cannabidiol for the treatment of crack-cocaine craving: an exploratory double-blind study

Objective: To assess the efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) in the management of crack-cocaine craving and the treatment of frequent withdrawal symptoms. Methods: Thirty-one men with a diagnosis of crack-cocaine dependence were enrolled in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. We applied neuropsychological tests and assessed craving intensity, anxiety and depression symptoms, and substance use patterns at baseline and at the end of the trial. The participants were treated with CBD 300 mg/day or placebo for 10 days. During this period, we used a technique to induce craving and assessed the intensity of symptoms before and after the induction procedure. Results: Craving levels reduced significantly over the 10 days of the trial, although no differences were found between the CBD and placebo groups. Craving induction was successful in both groups, with no significant differences between them. Indicators of anxiety, depression, and sleep alterations before and after treatment also did not differ across groups. Conclusion: Under the conditions of this trial, CBD was unable to interfere with symptoms of crack-cocaine withdrawal. Further studies with larger outpatient samples involving different doses and treatment periods would be desirable and timely to elucidate the potential of CBD to induce reductions in crack-cocaine self-administration.

Relapse in involuntary substance treatment: a transversal study

Objective: To evaluate the associations between relapse and admissions (voluntary and involuntary) in a sample of patients with substance dependence. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study undertaken at a private medical therapeutic community specialised in treating addiction, located in a rural area of São Paulo, Brazil. Sociodemographic characteristics, the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale (URICA), Stages Readiness and Treatment Eagerness Scale (SOCRATES), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-SCID were used. Results: Relapse was associated with low family income (P = .006) and contemplation motivational stage (P<0.05). Nevertheless, no significant differences between individuals who were admitted involuntarily (64%) and voluntarily (54%) were observed (P = 0.683) in terms of relapses. Conclusions: In this sample, the relapse outcome in involuntary admissions was no different from the voluntary ones.

Objetivo: Evaluar las asociaciones entre recaída y admisiones (voluntarias e involuntarias) en una muestra de dependientes de sustancias. Métodos: Este es un estudio transversal realizado en una comunidad médica terapéutica privada, especializada en el tratamiento de la adicción, ubicada en una zona rural de São Paulo, Brasil. Se utilizaron las características sociodemográficas, la Escala de Evaluación de Cambios de la Universidad de Rhode Island (URICA), la Escala de Evaluación de la Etapa de Preparación y Tratamiento (SOCRATES), el Inventario de Ansiedad de Beck (BAI), el Inventario de Depresión de Beck (BDI) y la Entrevista Clínica Estructurada para DSM-IV-SCID. Resultados: La recaída se asoció con bajos ingresos familiares (p = 0,006) y contemplación de la etapa motivacional (p < 0,05). Sin embargo, no se observaron diferencias significativas entre los individuos que ingresaron involuntariamente (64%) y los voluntarios (54%) (p = 0,683) en términos de recaídas. Conclusiones: En esta muestra, el resultado de la recaída en admisiones involuntarias no fue diferente que en los voluntarios.

HIV and syphilis infections and associated factors among patients in treatment at a Specialist Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drugs Center in São Paulo's "Cracolândia"

Abstract Introduction This study describes the epidemiological scenario of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis at the biggest specialist drug addiction center in Brazil. The great challenge is to find strategies to reduce the impact of inequality and discrimination and develop policies to protect individuals living with - or at risk of - infections. Methods During the period from January 1 to May 31, 2016, a cross-sectional study was conducted on which all patients (N = 806) seeking inpatient treatment were enrolled. A structured diagnostic interview and rapid tests were conducted initially, and diagnoses were confirmed by tests conducted at a venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL). Results HIV and syphilis rates were 5.86% and 21.9%, respectively. Women were nearly 2.5 times more likely to have syphilis. HIV infection was associated with unprotected sex (odds ratio [OR]: 3.27, p = 0.003, 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.51-7.11), and suicidal ideation (OR: 6.63, p = 0.001, 95%CI: 3.37-14.0). Although only 1.86% reported injecting drugs at any point during their lifetimes, this variable was associated with both HIV and syphilis. Elevated rates of HIV and syphilis were observed in the context of this severe social vulnerability scenario. Conclusion The risk factors identified as associated with HIV and syphilis should be taken into consideration for implementation of specific prevention strategies including early diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STI) to tackle the rapid spread of STIs in this population.

Genome-wide DNA methylation profile in the peripheral blood of cocaine and crack dependents

Objective: Cocaine use disorders (CUDs) represent a major public health problem in many countries. To better understand the interaction between the environmental modulations and phenotype, the aim of the present study was to investigate the DNA methylation pattern of CUD patients, who had concomitant cocaine and crack dependence, and healthy controls. Methods: We studied DNA methylation profiles in the peripheral blood of 23 CUD patients and 24 healthy control subjects using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip arrays. Results: Comparison between CUD patients and controls revealed 186 differentially methylated positions (DMPs; adjusted p-value [adjP] < 10-5) related to 152 genes, with a subset of CpGs confirmed by pyrosequencing. DNA methylation patterns discriminated CUD patients and control groups. A gene network approach showed that the EHMT1, EHMT2, MAPK1, MAPK3, MAP2K1, and HDAC5 genes, which are involved in transcription and chromatin regulation cellular signaling pathways, were also associated with cocaine dependence. Conclusion: The investigation of DNA methylation patterns may contribute to a better understanding of the biological mechanisms involved in CUD.

Suicidal behavior among substance users: data from the Second Brazilian National Alcohol and Drug Survey (II BNADS)

Objective: To investigate the prevalence rates of suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempts (SA) and their association with substance use in a nationally representative sample of Brazilians. Methods: The Second Brazilian National Alcohol and Drug Survey (II BNADS) is a household cross-sectional survey that investigated the consumption of psychotropic drugs and associated risk factors. This national probability sample survey used a multistage cluster design to select 4,607 participants aged 14 or older and had a total response rate of 77%. Illegal drug use, SI and SA were obtained by confidential self-report assessment. Results: SI and SA were reported by 9.9 and 5.4% of the sample, respectively. This prevalence was 20.8 and 12.4% among individuals with alcohol use disorders (AUD), 31.5 and 16.5% among cannabis users and 40.0 and 20.8% among cocaine users. After adjusting for demographic characteristics, tobacco use, family history of suicide and depression, both SI and SA were positively associated with AUD, cannabis and cocaine use. Conclusion: AUD, cannabis and cocaine use were significantly associated with SI and SA, even after the adjustments. Public health initiatives targeting suicide prevention should consider including assessment and management of substance misuse, and therapeutic approaches to substance misuse should include assessment of suicidality.

Adulterants in crack cocaine in Brazil / Adulterantes no crack vendido na "Cracolândia"

Abstract Introduction Brazil is the world's biggest consumer of crack cocaine, and dependence is a major public health issue. This is the first study to investigate the prevalence of potentially harmful adulterants present in hair samples from Brazilian patients with crack cocaine dependence. Method We evaluated adulterants in hair samples extracted by convenience from 100 patients admitted at the 48 hour-observation unit of Centro de Referência de Álcool, Tabaco e Outras Drogas (CRATOD), Brazil's largest center for addiction treatment. A cross-sectional analysis was performed with the data obtained. Results Adulterants were found in 97% of the analyzed hair samples. The most prevalent adulterant was lidocaine (92%), followed by phenacetin (69%) and levamisole (31%). Conclusion Adulterants were widely prevalent in hair samples from crack users treated at CRATOD: at least one adulterant was present in virtually all the hair samples collected. This points to a need to monitor adverse effects in the clinical setting in order to provide this high-risk group of patients with prompt and effective care related to the acute and chronic complications associated with these adulterants.

Resumo Introdução O Brasil é o maior consumidor mundial de crack, e a dependência é um grande problema de saúde pública. Este é o primeiro estudo a investigar a prevalência de adulterantes potencialmente nocivos presentes em amostras de cabelo de pacientes brasileiros com dependência de crack. Métodos Foram avaliados adulterantes em amostras de cabelos extraídos por conveniência de 100 pacientes internados na unidade de observação de 48 horas do Centro de Referência de Álcool, Tabaco e Outras Drogas (CRATOD), o maior centro de tratamento de dependência do Brasil. Uma análise transversal foi realizada com os dados obtidos. Resultados Foram encontrados adulterantes em 97% das amostras de cabelo analisadas. O adulterante mais prevalente foi a lidocaína (92%), seguida da fenacetina (69%) e levamisol (31%). Conclusão Os adulterantes foram amplamente prevalentes em amostras de cabelo de usuários de crack tratados no CRATOD: pelo menos um adulterante estava presente em praticamente todas as amostras de cabelo coletadas. Isso aponta para a necessidade de monitorar os efeitos adversos no ambiente clínico, a fim de proporcionar a esse grupo de pacientes de alto risco cuidados imediatos e efetivos relacionados às complicações agudas e crônicas associadas a esses adulterantes.

Alcohol misuse among women in Brazil: recent trends and associations with unprotected sex, early pregnancy, and abortion

Objective: This study compared the rates of binge drinking (BD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) reported for 2006 with those reported for 2012, exploring their associations with unprotected sex, early pregnancy, and abortion in a representative sample of women in Brazilian households. Methods: This was a descriptive analysis of data from a cross-sectional study involving randomized multistage cluster sampling of the population ≥ 14 years of age. Weighted prevalence rates and odds ratios were estimated, and serial mediation analysis was performed. Results: A total of 4,256 women were analyzed. The BD prevalence was 35.1% and 47.1% in 2006 and 2012, respectively, a significant increase, especially among women 40-59 years of age. There was no significant difference in AUD prevalence. BD (without AUD) was found to increase the odds of unprotected sex and abortion. The path analysis showed that early pregnancy was a mediator of the relationship between alcohol consumption and abortion. Conclusion: Among women in Brazil, the harmful use of alcohol is increasing, which has an impact on female reproductive health and exposure to risks. There is a need for specific prevention initiatives focusing on alcohol-related behaviors in women.

Prevalence of and pathways to benzodiazepine use in Brazil: the role of depression, sleep, and sedentary lifestyle

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of benzodiazepine (BZD) use in Brazil and to investigate the direct and indirect effects of alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle (SL), depressive symptoms (DS), and sleep dissatisfaction (SD) on BZD use. Methods: The Second Brazilian Alcohol and Drugs Survey (II BNADS) used stratified cluster probabilistic sampling to select 4,607 individuals aged 14 years and older from the Brazilian household population. Results: The lifetime and 12-month prevalence of BZD use was 9.8 and 6.1%, respectively. Older participants (age 40 and older) and women had higher rates. Alcohol use disorder, DS, and SD were significantly more prevalent in BZD users. The parallel multiple mediator model showed a positive direct effect of alcohol consumption on BZD use, with significant positive indirect effects of SL, SD, and DS as simultaneous mediators leading to higher BZD intake. Other statistically significant indirect pathways were DS alone, SD alone, and all of the above except SL. Conclusion: The prevalence of BZD use in Brazil is high compared to that of other countries. Knowledge of the main risk factors and pathways to consumption can guide prevention initiatives and underlie the development of better tailored and effective treatment strategies.

Contingency management is effective in promoting abstinence and retention in treatment among crack cocaine users with a previous history of poor treatment response: a crossover trial

Background: Crack use has become a severe health problem in Brazil. Contingency management has shown robust evidence of efficacy in the treatment of cocaine use disorder (CUD) in high-income countries; however, it is still unclear how this intervention can impact treatment in low-income countries. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of contingency management in the treatment of CUD among individuals with a previous history of poor treatment response in Brazil. Methods: Six months after the end of treatment, 32 participants previously allocated to the usual care condition (UCC) were invited to receive an additional 12 weeks of treatment in a contingency management condition (CMC), and 16 accepted the invitation. We compared data obtained from only the 16 participants (14 male) exposed to both treatment conditions. Results: Participants attended more treatment sessions and were retained in treatment for a longer period during the CMC than during the UCC (p < .01 for both). The proportion of negative cocaine samples submitted, the mean longest duration of cocaine abstinence, and the odds of being abstinent from cocaine during the 12 weeks of treatment were significantly higher during treatment in the CMC when compared to the UCC (p < .05). Conclusions: This study provides further evidence that contingency management is effective in promoting abstinence and retention in treatment among individuals with CUD with a history of poor treatment response. Our findings argue for the incorporation of CM among public treatment services for CUD in Brazil. Trial registration: This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov as NCT01815645 on March 21, 2013.

Violência na infância, exposição a violência parental e abuso e/ou dependência de álcool na idade adulta* / Childhood violence, exposure to parental violence and alcohol dependence/abuse in adulthood / La violencia infantil, exposición a la violencia de los padres y el abuso y/o dependencia del alcohol en la edad adulta

Este artigo examina a associação entre o histórico de violência na infância e a dependência e uso nocivo de álcool na idade adulta. Uma amostra probabilística multiestagio foi usada para selecionar 3.007 indivíduos de 14 anos de idade ou mais, dos lares brasileiros, entre novembro de 2005 e abril de 2006. As análises mostraram a existência de associação entre o histórico de abuso físico e exposição à violência parental (p<0,001). O modelo de regressão multinomial mostrou uma associação entre o histórico de violência na infância e a dependência de álcool na idade adulta. As variáveis de maior impacto na chance para dependência do álcool foram sexo masculino, exposição à violência parental e histórico de abuso físico. Desta forma, observou-se que quanto maior o grau de exposição, maior a porcentagem de violência severa sofrida na infância. Os resultados corroboram com prévios achados que sugerem que um histórico positivo de violência na infância é um componente importante na etiologia dos transtornos decorrentes do consumo de álcool.

This article analyses the association between the history of violence in childhood and alcohol abuse and dependence in adulthood. A multistage probabilistic sample was used to select 3,007 individuals aged 14 years or older, living in Brazil, between November 2005 and April 2006. Analyses showed an association between history of physical abuse and exposure to parental violence (p<0.001). A multinomial regression model showed a significant association between history of physical abuse in childhood and alcohol dependence in adulthood. The following variables have greater impact on the probability of alcohol dependence: male sex, exposure to parental violence and history of physical abuse. Thus, the higher the level of exposure, the greater the percentage of severe violence suffered in childhood. Results corroborate previous findings, which suggest the importance of a childhood history of violence in the etiology of disorders resulting from alcohol consumption.

En este artículo se estudia la relación entre la historia de la violencia en la infancia y la dependencia y el uso nocivo de alcohol en la edad adulta. Una muestra de probabilidad de varias etapas fue utilizada para seleccionar 3.007 individuos de 14 años de edad o más de los hogares brasileños entre noviembre de 2005 y abril de 2006. El análisis mostró que hay una asociación entre la historia de abuso físico y la exposición a la violencia de los padres (p<0,001). El modelo de regresión multinomial mostró una asociación entre la historia de violencia en la infancia y la dependencia del alcohol en la edad adulta. Las variables con mayor impacto en la probabilidad de dependencia del alcohol fueran el sexo masculino, la exposición a la violencia de los padres y la historia de abuso físico. Cuanto mayor sea el grado de exposición, mayor es el porcentaje de violencia grave sufrido en la infancia. Los resultados corroboran hallazgos previos que sugieren que una historia positiva de violencia en la infancia es un componente importante en la etiología de los trastornos derivados del consumo de alcohol.

Estupros no Brasil e relações com o consumo de álcool: estimativas baseadas em autorrelato sigiloso / Violaciones en Brasil y su vínculo con el consumo de alcohol: estimaciones basadas en autoinformes anónimos / Rape in Brazil and relationships with alcohol consumption: estimates based on confidential self-reports

Com base na análise dos dados de corte transversal provenientes do Segundo Levantamento Nacional de Álcool e Drogas realizado em 2012, utilizando-se uma amostra probabilística estratificada por conglomerado representativa da população brasileira, este estudo apresenta as prevalências de estupro e analisa a relação deste evento com o consumo de álcool. Foram considerados 1.918 homens e 2.365 mulheres, totalizando uma amostra de 4.283 indivíduos. Nossos resultados estimam a prevalência de estupro na vida em 2,6% da população geral, sendo 1,7% entre os homens e 3,5% entre as mulheres. Para ambos os sexos, as maiores prevalências se concentraram entre indivíduos com idades entre 26 e 59 anos (3,3%), com baixa escolaridade (3,8%), solteiros, divorciados ou viúvos (3,1%). Entre os indivíduos com diagnóstico para transtorno por uso de álcool de acordo com o DSM-5 (Manual Diagnóstico e Estatístico de Transtornos Mentais), 6% relataram ser vítimas de estupro, bem como, 3,3% daqueles que disseram beber pesado episódico (binge). Análises de regressão logística e multifatorial indicaram que tanto para mulheres quanto para homens a idade (aqueles entre 26 e 59 anos), o estado civil (solteiro), o diagnóstico de transtorno por uso de álcool e o beber pesado episódico são fatores associados ao aumento da probabilidade de vitimização por estupro, enquanto maior nível de educação (mais do que 9 anos de estudos) revelou-se um fator capaz de diminuir as chances de ocorrência. A identificação da amplitude desse problema de saúde pública, bem como a avaliação da urgência na implantação de medidas preventivas e assistenciais, partem do conhecimento das prevalências e do perfil sociodemográfico das vítimas.

En base a un análisis de datos de corte transversal, procedente del Segundo Estudio Nacional sobre Alcohol y Drogas, realizado en 2012, utilizando un muestreo probabilístico estratificado por conglomerados -representativo de la población brasileña-, este estudio presenta las prevalencias de violación y analiza su relación con el consumo de alcohol. Se consideraron a 1.918 hombres y 2.365 mujeres, totalizando una muestra de 4.283 individuos. Nuestros resultados estiman la prevalencia de violación durante la vida en un 2,6% de la población general, siendo 1,7% en el caso de los hombres y 3,5% en las mujeres. Para ambos sexos, las mayores prevalencias se concentraron entre individuos con edades entre 26 y 59 años (3,3%), con baja escolaridad (3,8%), solteros, divorciados o viudos (3,1%). Entre los individuos diagnosticados con trastorno, debido al consumo de alcohol, de acuerdo con el DSM- 5 (Manual Diagnśotico y Estadístico de los Trastornos Mentales), un 6% informaron ser víctimas de violación, asimismo, un 3,3% de ellos dijeron beber en grandes cantidades episódicamente (binge). Los análisis de regresión logística y multifactorial indicaron que tanto para mujeres, como para hombres, la edad (quienes tenían entre 26 y 59 años), estado civil (soltero), diagnóstico de trastorno por consumo de alcohol, y beber en grandes cantidades episódicamente, son factores asociados al aumento de la probabilidad de victimización por violación, sin embargo, cuanto mayor era el nivel de educación (más de 9 años de estudios), mayor era la capacidad de disminuir las oportunidades de ocurrencia. La identificación de la dimensión de este problema de salud pública, así como la evaluación de la urgencia en la implantación de medidas preventivas y asistenciales, parten del conocimiento de las prevalencias y del perfil sociodemográfico de las víctimas.

This study presents the rape prevalence and its relationship with alcohol consumption based on the analysis of cross-sectional data from the 2012 Second National Alcohol and Drugs Survey, which used a cluster-stratified probabilistic sample of the Brazilian population. We included 1,918 men and 2,365 women, for a total sample of 4,283 individuals. Our results estimate the over-lifetime rape prevalence at 2.6% for the entire population, 1.7% for men and 3.5% for women. For both sexes, the highest prevalences were concentrated among those aged between 26 and 59 years (3.3%), those with low educational levels (3.8%), and those who were single, divorced or widowed (3.1%). Among individuals who were diagnosed with alcohol use disorder, according to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), 6% reported having been raped, as did 3.3% of those who reported binge drinking. Logistical and multivariate regression analyses showed that, for both women and men, age (those between 26 and 59 years), marital status (single), alcohol use disorder and binge drinking are factors associated with an increased probability of being raped, whereas a higher educational level (more than 9 years of schooling) was shown to be capable of reducing the odds of being raped. Awareness of prevalences and of victims' sociodemographic profiles is necessary in order to identify the scope of this public health problem as well as to evaluate the urgency of implementing preventative and supportive measures.

Preliminary results from Brazil's first recovery housing program / Dados preliminares do primeiro programa de moradia monitorada no Brasil

Abstract Introduction: The recovery housing (RH) program was initiated in São Paulo with the objective of providing treatment for substance use disorders and addressing users' housing and employment problems. The purpose of this study was to describe the model based on its first 11 months of operation, it was launched in June 2016 in Brazil. Method: We carried out a retrospective analysis of the records of all subjects treated in the RH of the Restart Program (Programa Recomeço) since its creation, from June 2016 to May 2017. Results: Sixty-nine subjects were included. Thirty-five (51%) remained in the household until the end of treatment or were reinserted in society. Thirty-four (49%) presented recurrence during their stay, of which 16 (47%) volunteered for treatment in a therapeutic community or psychiatric hospital, 8 (23.5%) chose to continue with outpatient treatment only, 6 (17.7%) returned to their families and continued to receive outpatient treatment, and 4 (11.8%) discontinued the treatment. Of the 35 subjects who completed the RH program, 28 (80%) were in employment and 7 (20%) received governmental support for permanent disability on medical or psychiatric grounds. Conclusion: RH can be an important component of integrated care and is used in several countries. Although controversial, the use of urine tests to control relapse seems to have a positive impact on adherence to treatment and maintenance of abstinence. These preliminary findings corroborate, with clear limitations, the evidence available in the literature showing that RH programs are effective for the treatment of addictions.

Resumo Introdução: O Programa Moradia Monitorada (MM) foi iniciado em São Paulo com o objetivo de prover tratamento para transotrnos de uso de substâncias e problemas relacionados a moradia e emprego. O objetivo do presente estudo foi descrever o modelo com base nos primeiros 11 meses de operação (o programa foi lançado em junho de 2016 no Brasil). Métodos: Realizamos um estudo retrospectivo utilizando os registros de todos os indivíduos tratados no MM do Programa Recomeço desde a sua criação. Resultados: Sessenta e nove indivíduos foram incluídos. Trinta e cinco (51%) permaneceram no tratamento até o fim ou foram reinseridos socialmente com sucesso. Trinta e quatro sujeitos (49%) apresentaram recidiva durante a permanência. Destes, 16 (47%) se voluntariaram para tratamento em comunidades terapêuticas ou hospitais psiquiátricos, 8 (23,5%) escolheram permanecer apenas no tratamento ambulatorial, 6 (17.7%) retornaram para suas famílias e continuaram o tratamento em uma unidade ambulatorial próxima ao domicílio, e 4 (11.8%) descontinuaram o tratamento. Dos 35 pacientes que completaram o tratamento, 28 (80%) estavam empregados em serviço regular e 7 (20%) recebiam aposentadoria por questões clínicas e/ou psiquiátricas. Conclusão: O modelo MM pode ser um componente importante na via de cuidados integrados e é utilizado em vários países. Apesar de controverso, o uso de análise de urina para vigilância da recidiva e da recorrência parece ter um impacto positivo na adesão ao tratamento e na manutenção da abstinência. Nossos achados preliminares corroboram, com claras limitações, os resultados reportados previamente na literatura, de que os programas de MM são efetivos no tratamento da dependência química.

Brazilian cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the List of Threatening Events Questionnaire (LTE-Q)

Objective: To perform a construct validation of the List of Threatening Events Questionnaire (LTE-Q), as well as convergence validation by identifying its association with drug use in a sample of the Brazilian population. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of the Second Brazilian National Alcohol and Drugs Survey (II BNADS), which used a cross-cultural adaptation of the LTE-Q in a probabilistic sample of 4,607 participants aged 14 years and older. Latent class analysis was used to validate the latent trait adversity (which considered the number of events from the list of 12 item in the LTE experienced by the respondent in the previous year) and logistic regression was performed to find its association with binge drinking and cocaine use. Results: The confirmatory factor analysis returned a chi-square of 108.341, weighted root mean square residual (WRMR) of 1.240, confirmatory fit indices (CFI) of 0.970, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) of 0.962, and root mean square error approximation (RMSEA) score of 1.000. LTE-Q convergence validation showed that the adversity latent trait increased the chances of binge drinking by 1.31 time and doubled the chances of previous year cocaine use (adjusted by sociodemographic variables). Conclusion: The use of the LTE-Q in Brazil should be encouraged in different research fields, including large epidemiological surveys, as it is also appropriate when time and budget are limited. The LTE-Q can be a useful tool in the development of targeted and more efficient prevention strategies.

Abortion and sex-related conditions in substance-dependent Brazilian patients / Aborto e saúde sexual e reprodutiva entre dependentes químicas brasileiras / Aborto y salud sexual y reproductiva entre drogodependientes brasileñas

Abstract: Abortion is a very sensitive issue with relevance to public health; however few clinical or population-based studies have examined induced abortion among drug users. The study aims to evaluate the prevalence of induced abortion and sex-related conditions in an inpatient drug user sample. A cross-sectional design study was conducted in an inpatient addiction treatment unit in São Paulo, Brazil, with a sample of 616 patients, aged 18-75. Sociodemographic data, sexual behavior, and dependence severity were evaluated in relation to induced abortion. Approximately 27% of patients reported having a history of abortion (themselves in the case of women or partners in the case of men). The mean age was 34.6±10.9 years old, 34.9% diagnosed with severe alcohol dependence, 33% were diagnosed with severe levels of dependence on other drugs, 69.6% were diagnosed cocaine users (inhaled and smoked), and alcohol was the drug of choice for 30.4%. Chances of having a history of abortion is greater for women than for men with a odds ratio (OR = 2.9; 95%CI: 1.75-4.76), (OR = 1.7; 95%CI: 1.09-2.75) of no condom use; (OR = 2.0; 95%CI: 1.35-3.23) of history of STI and (OR = 3.2; 95%CI: 1.29-5.73) use of morning-after pill. Drug- and alcohol-dependent patients have high-risk behaviours of sporadic use or no-condom use which contribute to unplanned pregnancy and induced abortion, making this vulnerable population a group which deserves special attention in sexual health prevention programmes and health promotion efforts for the reduction of induced abortion.

Resumo: O aborto é uma questão altamente sensível e com relevância para a saúde pública. Entretanto, poucos estudos clínicos ou populacionais já examinaram o aborto provocado em usuárias de drogas. O estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a prevalência de aborto provocado e condições sexuais em uma amostra de usuárias hospitalizadas. Foi realizado um estudo transversal em uma unidade hospitalar para tratamento de dependência química em São Paulo, Brasil, com uma amostra de 616 pacientes entre 18 e 75 anos de idade. Foram avaliados dados sóciodemográficos, comportamento sexual e gravidade da dependência química e a associação com o aborto provocado. Entre as próprias usuárias e seus parceiros masculinos, 27% relataram história de aborto. A média de idade era 34,6±10.9 anos, 34,9% tinham diagnóstico de dependência alcoólica grave, 33% tinham diagnóstico de níveis graves de outras dependências química, 69,6% usavam cocaína (inalada e/ou fumada) e álcool era a droga de escolha para 30,4% da amostra. Quando comparadas aos parceiros masculinos, as mulheres relatavam chances mais elevadas nos seguintes itens: história de aborto (OR = 2,9; IC95%: 1,75-4,76), falta de uso de preservativo (OR = 1,7; IC95%: 1,09-2,75), história de DSTs (OR = 2,0; IC95%: 1,35-3,23) e uso da pílula do dia seguinte (OR = 3,2; IC95%: 1,29-5,73). Os pacientes com dependência de álcool e outras drogas apresentam comportamentos de alto risco para uso nulo ou esporádico de preservativos, contribuindo para a gravidez não planejada e o aborto provocado, fazendo com que essa população vulnerável seja um grupo que merece atenção especial nos programas de prevenção em saúde sexual e nos esforços de promoção da saúde para a redução do aborto provocado.

Resumen: El aborto es una cuestión altamente sensible y relevante para la salud pública. Pese a ello, pocos estudios clínicos o poblacionales han analizado el aborto provocado en consumidoras de drogas. El estudio tiene como objetivo evaluar la prevalencia de aborto provocado y las condiciones sexuales en una muestra de drogodependientes hospitalizadas. Se realizó un estudio trasversal en una unidad hospitalaria para el tratamiento de dependencia a drogas en Sao Paulo, Brasil, con una muestra de 616 pacientes entre 18 y 75 años de edad. Se evaluaron datos sociodemográficos, comportamiento sexual y gravedad de la drogodependencia y su asociación con el aborto provocado. Entre las propias drogodependientes y sus parejas masculinas, un 27% informaron de un historial de aborto. La media de edad era 34,6±10.9 años, un 34,9% tenían un diagnóstico de dependencia alcohólica grave, un 33% tenían un diagnóstico de niveles graves de otras dependencias a drogas, un 69,6% consumían cocaína (inhalada y/o fumada) y el alcohol era la droga de elección para un 30,4% de la muestra. Cuando se compara con las parejas masculinas, las mujeres presentaban oportunidades más elevadas en los siguientes ítems: historial de aborto (OR = 2,9; IC95%: 1,75-4,76), falta de uso de preservativo (OR = 1,7; IC95%: 1,09-2,75), historial de DSTs (OR = 2,0; IC95%: 1,35-3,23) y uso de la píldora del día siguiente (OR = 3,2; IC95%: 1,29-5,73). Los pacientes con dependencia del alcohol y otras drogas presentan comportamientos de alto riesgo, asociados a un uso nulo o esporádico de preservativos, contribuyendo al embarazo no planeado y al aborto provocado, ocasionando que esa población vulnerable sea un grupo que merece atención especial en los programas de prevención en salud sexual y en los esfuerzos de promoción de la salud para la reducción del aborto provocado.

Amphetamine-type stimulant use and conditional paths of consumption: data from the Second Brazilian National Alcohol and Drugs Survey

Objective: The aim of this study was to estimate nationally representative prevalence rates of amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) use and to identify consumption-associated factors, proposing a conditional model of direct and indirect consumption paths. Method: Using data from the Second Brazilian National Alcohol and Drugs Survey, this cross-sectional study analyzed a subsample of 3,828 participants between 15 and 64 years old, gathering information on the use of psychoactive substances in a probabilistic sample of the Brazilian household population. Results: Rates of lifetime and last-year ATS use were, respectively, 4.1 and 1.6%. Economically privileged individuals and users of other substances were more at risk for using ATS. The results suggest that higher education decreases the chances of ATS consumption. The conditional model showed that higher income increased ATS use, higher education lowered the odds of such an increase, and cocaine use cancelled that associative effect. Conclusion: Brazil presents high rates of ATS use. Prevention and treatment strategies should focus on the protective effect of higher education levels and should target polydrug use. Knowledge of ATS-associated factors and user profiles is the starting point for developing effective treatments and tailored prevention strategies.

Intimate partner violence trends in Brazil: data from two waves of the Brazilian National Alcohol and Drugs Survey

Objective: To compare intimate partner violence (IPV) prevalence rates in 2006 and 2012 in a nationally representative household sample in Brazil. The associations between IPV and substance use were also investigated. Methods: IPV was assessed using the Conflict Tactic Scale-R in two waves (2006/2012) of the Brazilian Alcohol and Drugs Survey. Weighted prevalence rates and adjusted logistic regression models were calculated. Results: Prevalence rates of IPV victimization decreased significantly, especially among women (8.8 to 6.3%). The rates of IPV perpetration also decreased significantly (10.6 to 8.4% for the overall sample and 9.2 to 6.1% in men), as well as the rates of bidirectional violence (by individuals who were simultaneously victims and perpetrators of violence) (3.2 to 2.4% for the overall sample). Alcohol increased the likelihood of being a victim (odds ratio [OR] = 1.6) and perpetrator (OR = 2.4) of IPV. Use of illicit drugs increased up to 4.5 times the likelihood of being a perpetrator. Conclusions: In spite of the significant reduction in most types of IPV between 2006 and 2012, violence perpetrated by women was not significantly reduced, and the current national rates are still high. Further, this study suggests that use of alcohol and other psychoactive drugs plays a major role in IPV. Prevention initiatives must take drug misuse into consideration.