ABSTRACT
A cohort of 1640 hospitalized drug addicts was studied over an 8-year period, and consisted of 678 heroin users, 578 amphetamine users and 384 users of other drugs. In total, 234 addicts were HIV-positive, most of them heroin users. During the observation period, 214 deaths occurred in the cohort. The total mortality was 2.2% annually. Death linked to injection of heroin was the main cause of death not only among heroin users but also among subjects classified as users of amphetamines or other drugs. During the observation period, a total of 222 addicts (115 of whom were HIV-positive) entered the methadone programme. No deaths occurred among the HIV-negative subjects who were participating in the methadone programme. A total of 15 HIV-positive subjects died while taking part in the programme--13 of these subjects from natural causes (mostly HIV/AIDS).
Subject(s)
Cause of Death , Illicit Drugs , Psychotropic Drugs , Substance-Related Disorders/mortality , Urban Population/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Amphetamines , Cohort Studies , Cross-Sectional Studies , Female , HIV Infections/mortality , HIV Infections/rehabilitation , Heroin Dependence/mortality , Heroin Dependence/rehabilitation , Humans , Incidence , Male , Methadone/therapeutic use , Substance Abuse, Intravenous/mortality , Substance Abuse, Intravenous/rehabilitation , Substance-Related Disorders/rehabilitation , Sweden/epidemiologyABSTRACT
The available information about testings for HIV antibodies in injecting drug users (IDUs) carried out in Stockholm between 1984 and 1992 has been compiled. These testings were carried out mainly in special settings. The use of codes (the first 2 digits giving the age and the last 4 the 6 and checking figures in the individual's personal identity number) precluded exact identification of individuals; in most cases, however, complementary information made it possible to recognize patients at follow-up. The data indicated that 9,150 persons associated with current or previous drug addiction were tested. The first extensive testings were performed in 1985 and 1986. After this period, 4,500 persons were retested. 11% of the IDUs tested in 1984-85 were found to be HIV-antibody-positive. After 1988, 1% were estimated to seroconvert each year. While in the first phase the heroin users predominated among those infected, in later years the rates of newly diagnosed infections became similar for all types of IDUs. The age profiles of the IDUs tested were similar up to 1988, after which there was an indication that also younger persons had entered the scene. However, the infected IDUs discovered belonged mainly to the 'old' cohort born between 1950 and 1960.
Subject(s)
HIV Seropositivity/diagnosis , Substance Abuse, Intravenous/epidemiology , Adult , Age Factors , Female , HIV Antibodies/analysis , HIV Infections/transmission , HIV Seropositivity/epidemiology , Heroin , Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Sex Factors , Substance Abuse Detection , Substance Abuse, Intravenous/complications , Sweden/epidemiologyABSTRACT
As HIV tests became available in 1984, 300 intravenous drug users (IVDUs) admitted to treatment centres in Stockholm were tested and asked questions regarding their drug use and other risk factors with regard to HIV. At this initial testing, 33 persons (11.0%) were seropositive. Among the 79 heroin users, 28 (35.4%) were positive. The cohort has been followed until 1990 at which time a further 12 seroconversions had taken place. Annual seroconversion rates fell during the study period. The findings support the official statistics showing a fall in new HIV diagnoses among IVDUs during the second half of the 1980's.
