Assistência pré-natal às usuárias de substâncias psicoativas: dificuldades elencadas pelos profissionais da saúde / Prenatal care for users of psychoactive substances: difficulties listed by health professionals / Atención prenatal a consumidoras de sustancias psicoactivas: dificultades mencionadas por los profesionales de la salud

Objetivo: conhecer as dificuldades elencadas pelos profissionais de saúde na assistência pré-natal às usuárias de substâncias psicoativas. Método: estudo qualitativo, exploratório-descritivo, realizado nas mídias sociais, com profissionais da área da saúde que realizam atendimento pré-natal. A coleta de dados ocorreu de novembro de 2022 a janeiro de 2023 por meio de questionário eletrônico. Os dados foram analisados por meio da análise temática. Protocolo aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa. Resultados: os profissionais destacam o déficit de conhecimento para abordar este público em específico. A abordagem superficial e condenatória do uso de substâncias pelas políticas públicas corrobora para que os profissionais se sintam preparados em parte para atender essas gestantes. Considerações finais: a capacitação dos profissionais é necessária para superar práticas condenatórias e retrógradas de cuidado que focam unicamente a abstinência; como também, o investimento na capacitação acerca da rede de atenção à saúde, buscando ampliar sua visibilidade e utilização.

Objective: understanding the difficulties listed by health professionals in prenatal care for users of psychoactive substances. Method: this is a qualitative, exploratory-descriptive study carried out on social media with health professionals who provide prenatal care. Data was collected from November 2022 to January 2023 using an electronic questionnaire. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Protocol approved by the Research Ethics Committee. Results: the professionals highlight the lack of knowledge to deal with this specific public. The superficial and condemnatory approach to substance use by public policies contributes to making professionals feel partly prepared to deal with these pregnant women. Final considerations: the training of professionals is necessary to overcome condemnatory and retrograde care practices that focus solely on abstinence; and investment in training about the health care network, seeking to increase its visibility and use.

Objetivo: conocer las dificultades mencionadas por los profesionales de la salud en la atención prenatal de las consumidoras de sustancias psicoactivas. Método: estudio cualitativo, exploratorio-descriptivo, realizado en redes sociales, con profesionales de la salud que brindan atención prenatal. La recolección de datos se llevó a cabo de noviembre de 2022 a enero de 2023 a través de un cuestionario electrónico. Los datos se analizaron mediante análisis temático. El protocolo fue aprobado por el Comité de Ética en Investigación. Resultados: los profesionales destacan que les falta el conocimiento para atender a este público específico. El abordaje superficial y condenatorio del consumo de sustancias por parte de las políticas públicas contribuye a que los profesionales se sientan parcialmente preparados para atender a esas gestantes. Consideraciones finales: es necesario capacitar a los profesionales para superar las prácticas asistenciales condenatorias y retrógradas que se centran únicamente en evitar el consumo; e invertir en capacitación sobre la red de atención de salud, para ampliar su visibilidad y uso.

Primary healthcare professionals' attitudes toward patients with current or previous drug use.

OBJECTIVE: People with current or previous drug use (PCPDU) often lack long-term healthcare contacts in primary healthcare (PHC). While international research has shown negative attitudes toward PCPDU in healthcare, PHC professionals' attitudes toward PCPDU have not been assessed in Sweden. The aim of this study was to investigate PHC professionals' attitudes to PCPDU, and to compare attitudes toward people who actively use illicit drugs with those toward patients in opioid assisted treatment (OAT). DESIGN: In this survey study, respondents were asked for background data, and their attitudes toward patients using illicit drugs, OAT patients and patients with depression were assessed by using an adapted version of the Medical Condition Regard Scale (MCRS). SETTING AND SUBJECTS: Nurses and physicians at primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) in Skåne, Sweden. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean MCRS scores, dichotomized responses to MCRS items, and associations between MCRS score and background covariates (age, sex, profession and duration of professional experience). RESULTS: Eighty-nine PHC professionals from 13 PHCCs responded (approximately 39% of relevant workforce). The median MCRS score was 44 for patients with illicit drug use and patients in OAT, and 51 for patients with depression. Drug use and OAT displayed similar minimum, maximum and interquartile range values as well, while scores regarding depression displayed a higher minimum value and smaller spread. No significant associations were found between background covariates and MCRS scores for either drug use or OAT. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate widespread negative attitudes to PCPDU, with implications for health equity in the clinic. Further studies are needed to see if the results reflect attitudes in Swedish PHC in general.Key PointsPeople with current or previous drug use (PCPDU) often lack necessary primary healthcare (PHC) and are commonly subject to prejudice.Swedish PHC professionals held more negative attitudes toward PCPDU than toward patients with depression.Attitudes toward patients with active drug use and patients in opioid assisted treatment (OAT) were almost identical.Study findings have potential implications for the health of PCPDU as well as health equity in the clinic.Widespread negative attitudes to PCPDU in our sample indicate the need of larger-scale studies of attitudes toward PCPDU in Swedish PHC.

Cost-effectiveness of drug consumption rooms in France: a modelling study.

BACKGROUND: People who inject drugs (PWID) experience many health problems which result in a heavy economic and public health burden. To tackle this issue, France opened two drug consumption rooms (DCRs) in Paris and Strasbourg in 2016. This study assessed their long-term health benefits, costs and cost-effectiveness. METHODS: We developed a model to simulate two fictive cohorts for each city (n=2,997 in Paris and n=2,971 in Strasbourg) i) PWID attending a DCR over the period 2016-2026, ii) PWID attending no DCR. The model accounted for HIV and HCV infections, skin abscesses and related infective endocarditis, drug overdoses and emergency department visits. We estimated the number of health events and associated costs over 2016-2026, the lifetime number of quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and costs, and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). RESULTS: The numbers of abscesses and associated infective endocarditis, drug overdoses, and emergency department visits decreased significantly in PWID attending DCRs (-77%, -69%, and -65%, respectively) but the impact on HIV and HCV infections was modest (-11% and -6%, respectively). This resulted in savings of €6.6 (Paris) and €5.8 (Strasbourg) millions of medical costs. The ICER of DRCs was €30,600/QALY (Paris) and €9,200/QALY (Strasbourg). In scenario analysis where drug consumption spaces are implemented inside existing harm reduction structures, these ICERs decreased to €21,400/QALY and €2,500/QALY, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings show that DCRs are highly effective and efficient to prevent harms in PWID in France, and advocate extending this intervention to other cities by adding drug consumption spaces inside existing harm reduction centers.

Hepatitis B virus infection among illegal drug users in Enugu State, Nigeria: prevalence, immune status, and related risk factors.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B virus infection poses a global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income African countries. Illicit drug use exacerbates the problem, with drug users having a higher HBV infection risk and maintaining a quiet transmission pool. This study aimed to determine HBV infection prevalence, immune status, and risk factors among illegal drug users in Enugu State, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Enugu State, using privileged access interviewer methods to enroll drug users. Pre-tested structured questionnaires were administered after informed consent was obtained. Blood samples were tested for HBsAg, HBsAb, HBeAg, HBeAb, and HBcAb using immunochromatographic rapid test kits. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25. RESULTS: One hundred drug users were recruited into the study. Overall, 7% of the drug users had HBV infection. 61% were found to be susceptible to HBV infection, 15% showed serological evidence of immunity from HBV vaccination and 1% developed natural immunity from HBV exposure. Significant risk factors for HBV infection were age less than 20 years, young age (≤ 20 years) at drug initiation, being single, injecting drugs more than or equal to 20 times per month and injecting with used syringes. CONCLUSION: This study shows high intermediate endemicity of HBV infection among drug users, low vaccination uptake, and high susceptibility to HBV infection. This calls for the urgent inclusion of drug users in national HBV vaccination campaigns and the adoption of the World Health Organization's recommendations on the prevention of viral hepatitis among people who inject drugs.

Assessing reliability of naïve respondent-driven sampling samples by using repeated surveys among people who inject drugs (PWID) in New Jersey.

INTRODUCTION: Respondent-driven sampling (RDS) is widely used to sample populations with higher risk of HIV infection for whom no sampling frames exist. However, few studies have been done to assess the reliability of RDS in real world settings. METHODS: We assessed the reliability of naïve RDS samples using five rounds of the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance - People Who Inject Drugs surveys in Newark, New Jersey from 2005 to 2018. Specifically, we compared the distributions of time-insensitive demographic characteristics in temporally adjacent RDS samples with Monte Carlo Two-Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test with 100,000 replicates. The distributions of time-sensitive demographic characteristics were also compared as sensitivity analyses. RESULTS: The study showed that repeated RDS samples among people who inject drugs in the greater Newark area, New Jersey were reliable in most of time-insensitive demographics and recruitment homophily statistics. Sensitivity analyses of time-sensitive demographics also presented consistencies in most of temporally adjacent samples. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, RDS has the potential to provide reliable samples, but demographic characteristics of RDS samples may be easily biased by homophily. Future studies using RDS may need to pay more attention to potential homophily bias and consider necessary diagnostic procedures and sample adjustments.

Alterações sistêmicas e bucais em pacientes usuários de cocaína: uma revisão integrativa da literatura / Cambios sistémicos y orales em pacientes consumidores de cocaína: una revisión bibliográfica integradora / Systemic and oral changes in cocaína-using patients: an integrative literature review

Introdução: A utilização de cocaína é bastante associada ao surgimento de algumas manifestações sistêmicas e também de algumas alterações orais. Objetivo: Identificaras alterações sistêmicas e bucais mais comuns a pacientes usuários de cocaína. Metodologia: Trata-se de uma revisão sistemática da literatura, considerando artigos com texto completo, com restrição de idioma em Português ou Inglês e que tenham sido publicados entre os anos de 2017 a 2022. Usou-se as bases de dados LiLaCS, MedLine e BBO, por via portal Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde, e SciELO. Os artigos excluídosf oram aqueles que não apresentaram relação explícita do uso de cocaína com alguma manifestação sistêmica e/ou bucal. Resultados: Após o processo de triagem,10 artigos foram salvos para serem analisados e 111 foram descartados por não atenderem aos critérios de inclusão. Dos 10 artigosselecionados,40% deles (n=4) trouxeram informações identificando possíveis riscos de desenvolvimento de doenças cardiovasculares sofridas pelos usuários de cocaína, 10%(n=1) identificou problemas cognitivos associados ao uso da cocaína,30% dos artigos (n=3) mostrou as alterações bucais associadas à utilização abusiva de cocaína. Conclusões: Houve a predominância de algumas manifestações sistêmicas e bucais nos indivíduos usuários de cocaína, como doenças cardiovasculares, xerostomia, perfurações no palato, etc. A partir disso, há algumas alterações sistêmicas e bucais provocadas por esse uso. Mediante o risco considerável, faz-se necessário que o Cirurgião-Dentista se atualize sobre essas alterações em pacientes usuários de cocaína visando promover um trabalho transdisciplinare multiprofissional para atender adequadamente às suas necessidades (AU).

Introduction: The use of cocaine is closely associated with the appearance of some systemic manifestations and also some oral alterations.Objective: To identify the most common systemic and oral alterations in cocaine-using patients.Methodology:This is a systematic review of the literature, considering full-text articles, with a language restriction of "Portuguese" or "English" and published between 2017 and 2022. We used the LiLaCS, MedLine and BBO databases, via the Virtual Health Library (VHL) portal, and SciELO.The articles excluded were those that did not explicitly relate cocaine use to some systemic and/or oral manifestation.Results: After the screening process, 10 articles were saved for analysis and 111 were discarded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Of the 10 articles selected, 40% (n=4) provided information identifying possible risks of developing cardiovascular diseases suffered by cocaine users, 10% (n=1)identified cognitive problems associated with cocaine use, 30% of the articles (n=3) showed oral alterations associated with cocaine abuse.Conclusions: There has been a predominance of some systemic and oral manifestations in cocaine users, such as cardiovascular diseases, xerostomia, perforations in the palate, etc. Based on this, there are some systemic and oral alterations caused by this use. Given the considerable risk, it is necessary for dentists to be up-to-date on these alterations in cocaine-using patients in order to promote transdisciplinary and multi-professional work to adequately meet their needs (AU).

Introducción: El consumo de cocaína está estrechamente asociado a la aparición de algunas manifestaciones sistémicas y también de algunas alteraciones orales. Objetivo:Identificar las alteraciones sistémicas y bucales más frecuentes en los consumidores de cocaína. Metodología: Se trata de una revisión sistemática de la literatura, considerando artículos a texto completo, con restricción de idioma en "portugués" o "inglés" y publicados entre 2017 y 2022. Se utilizaron las bases de datos LiLaCS, MedLine y BBO, a través del portal Biblioteca Virtual en Salud (BVS) y SciELO. Los artículos excluidos fueron aquellos que no mostraban una relación explícita entre el consumo de cocaína y alguna manifestación sistémica y/o oral. Resultados: Tras el proceso de cribado, se guardaron10 artículos para el análisis y se descartaron 111 por no cumplir los criterios de inclusión. De los 10 artículos seleccionados, el 40% (n=4) proporcionaba información que identificaba posibles riesgos de desarrollar enfermedades cardiovasculares sufridaspor consumidores de cocaína, el 10% (n=1) identificaba problemas cognitivos asociados al consumo de cocaína, el 30% de los artículos (n=3) mostraban alteraciones orales asociadas al abuso de cocaína.Conclusiones:Ha habido un predominio de algunas manifestaciones sistémicas y orales en los consumidores de cocaína, como enfermedades cardiovasculares, xerostomía, perforaciones en el paladar, etc. De acuerdo con esto, existen algunas alteraciones sistémicas y orales causadas por este uso. Dado el considerable riesgo, es necesario que los odontólogos estén al día sobre estas alteraciones en los pacientes consumidores de cocaína, con el fin de promover el trabajo transdisciplinar y multiprofesional para atender adecuadamente sus necesidades (AU).

Patterns of Health-related Quality of Life in Men Who Inject Drugs: A Survey in Southeast Iran.

OBJECTIVES: Understanding patterns of quality of life in people who inject drugs (PWID) can help healthcare providers plan and manage their health problems in a more focused manner. Therefore, the current study aimed to identify patterns of health-related quality of life in PWID in southeast Iran. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in southeast Iran on men who had injected drugs at least once during the last year. We used convenience sampling in 2 drop-in centers and venue-based sampling at 85 venues. Demographic characteristics, high-risk behaviors, and health-related quality of life were evaluated using the 5-level EQ-5D version (EQ-5D-5L) questionnaire. Latent profile analysis was used to identify patterns of quality of life. RESULTS: This study enrolled 398 PWID, who had a mean age of 34.1±11.4 years. About 47.9% reported a prison history in the last 10 years, 59.2% had injected drugs in the last month, and 31.6% had a history of sharing syringes. About 46.3% reported having 2 or more sexual partners in the last 6 months, and 14.7% had a history of sex with men. Out of the 5 EQ-5D-5L profiles, the fifth profile had the most people (36.6%). Most variations in quality of life were related to pain and discomfort. CONCLUSIONS: We showed that the pain and discomfort dimension of EQ-5D-5L had more variation in PWID. This finding will be useful for allocating appropriate interventions and resources to promote health-related quality of life in this population.

O uso de drogas e seus efeitos na cavidade oral

Objetivos: Descrever as principais manifestações bucais associadas ao uso das drogas lícitas e ilícitas mais utilizadas atualmente, bem como os cuidados que devem ser tomados durante o atendimento odontológico desses pacientes. Revisão de literatura: Na revisão foi abordada a classificação das substâncias químicas, as principais manifestações orais e os cuidados que o cirurgião-dentista deve ter durante o atendimento odontológico. As substâncias descritas foram álcool, tabaco, benzodiazepínicos, maconha, anfetaminas e cocaína/crack. As complicações de saúde bucal associadas ao abuso de drogas podem resultar da exposição direta dos tecidos orais às drogas durante o fumo ou ingestão, da interação biológica das drogas com a fisiologia normal da cavidade oral e dos efeitos das drogas na função cerebral que resultam em um espectro de comportamentos de dependência, como comportamento de risco, falta de higiene e descuido. Considerações finais: O consumo de substâncias psicoativas, seja a curto ou longo prazo, pode desencadear consequências, tanto na saúde geral como na saúde bucal do usuário. Sob essa perspectiva, o cirurgião-dentista deve estar ciente das manifestações orais e sistêmicas causadas pelas substâncias psicoativas e estar capacitado para diagnosticar, tratar ou também encaminhar o usuário, se necessário, visando um cuidado integral e multiprofissional.

Objective: to describe the main oral manifestations associated with the use of the most commonly used licit and illicit drugs today, as well as the care that should be taken during the dental care of these patients. Literature review: The review covered the classification of chemical substances, the main oral manifestations and the care that dentist should take during dental care. The substances described were alcohol, tobacco, benzodiazepines, marijuana, amphetamines and cocaine/crack. Oral health complications associated with drug abuse can result from direct exposure of oral tissues to drugs during smoking or ingestion, from the biological interaction of drugs with the normal physiology of the oral cavity, and from the effects of drugs on brain function that result in a spectrum of addictive behaviors, such as risk behavior, poor hygiene and carelessness. Final considerations: The consumption of psychoactive substances, whether in the short or long term, can have consequences for both the general health and the oral health of the user. From this perspective, the dentist must be aware of the oral and systemic manifestations caused by psychoactive substances and be able to diagnose, treat or also refer the user, if necessary, aiming for comprehensive, multi-professional care.

HTLV in Sweden.

Sweden is a country with a low prevalence of human lymphotropic T-cell virus (HTLV) infection, estimated at < 0.005%, but the infection rate is notably higher in specific risk groups such as HTLV-2 among intravenous drug users (IVDU) and people originating from HTLV-1 highly endemic areas. Thus, in the most recent study from 2012, the prevalence of HTLV-2 among IVDU in Stockholm was 3.2%. However, much of the epidemiological data on HTLV in Sweden stems from studies conducted primarily between the 1990s and 2007, and the impact of migration to Sweden during the past 15 years has not been evaluated. Despite Sweden's status as a country with generally low prevalence of HTLV, it is prudent to anticipate and prepare for several potential challenges associated with HTLV infection in the future. Proactive measures to enhance awareness, alongside strategies to curtail transmission and mitigate complications, are crucial for addressing this relatively rare, but significant health issue. In this work, we review the current epidemiological knowledge about HTLV in Sweden and discuss future Swedish perspectives.

GRAND PLAN: Safety and Efficacy of Glecaprevir/Pibrentasvir for the Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among People Initially Disengaged From Health Care Who Use Drugs-A Systematic Multidisciplinary Approach.

Background: GRAND PLAN is a prospective, open-label, phase 4 study. Based at a single center and with a single arm, GRAND PLAN evaluated the safety and efficacy of an 8-week course of glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (G/P) among active drug users with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in a population enriched for factors that may reduce treatment uptake and success, such as disengagement from health care and unstable housing. Methods: Participants were ≥19 years old and actively using drugs and were confirmed viremic, noncirrhotic, and HCV treatment naive. All participants provided informed consent before any study procedures. They received G/P for 8 weeks within a multidisciplinary model of care, with daily, weekly, or monthly dispensing of medications to optimize adherence. Results: We identified 117 eligible patients with a median age of 46 years (range, 22-75): 27% were female, 21.4% were Indigenous, 48.7% were unstably housed, and 95.7% were active drug users (94.9% fentanyl). One patient did not start treatment, and 4 underwent <1 week of treatment, leaving 112 completed treatments with 94.6% picking up medications weekly. HCV RNA was undetectable at the end of treatment in all 112 patients. One died of unknown causes shortly after treatment. A cure was demonstrated in 108 of 111 (97.3%) cases at the SVR12 time point (sustained virologic response at ≥12 weeks); the other 3 experienced virologic relapse. Considering the entire cohort, the intent-to-treat success rate was 92.3% (108/117). HCV reinfection was documented at SVR24 in 5 cases, 2 of which were successfully retreated. Conclusions: GRAND PLAN demonstrates that administration of an 8-week course of G/P to inner-city residents with HCV infection leads to a cure >95%. With a short course of treatment, G/P is an attractive option for this population in helping us achieve the World Health Organization's HCV objectives by 2030.

Multiple Retained Needles in the Neck of a Drug User: A Case Report.

Retained needles are frequently observed in intravenous drug users. However, an incidental discovery of multiple needles at the neck seldom occurs. These foreign bodies remain either asymptomatic or cause local and central complications that can be fatal. We report the case of a 43-year-old male having a medical record of human immunodeficiency virus and hepatitis C who presented to our department with a 3-day history of a febrile lateral neck swelling. He reported a history of repetitive intravenous drug use and previous abscesses that were surgically drained. We noted a left and tender 8 cm neck swelling with torticollis. Computed tomography scan showed a collected myositis of the sternocleidomastoid muscle in association to multiple metallic foreign bodies at the neck that were compatible with the aspect of broken needles. Imagery also showed a thrombosis of the ipsilateral jugular vein. No central embolism of a foreign body was noted. We performed a surgical drainage of the muscular abscess and managed to retrieve a 1 cm broken needle that was retained at the level of the collection. We did not retrieve the other needles since they were asymptomatic. The patient was placed under intravenous antibiotics for 1 week followed by oral amoxicillin-clavulanate with a total regression of the cellulitis. At the further follow-ups, the rest of the foreign bodies remained asymptomatic. Our study emphasizes on the importance of suspecting a retained foreign body in intravenous drug users to ensure an adequate management of the possible complications and to protect the medical team from incidental needle injuries.

Clinical characteristics of over-the-counter (OTC) drug abusers in psychiatric practice in Japan: Comparison of single and multiple OTC product abusers.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the clinical characteristics of over-the-counter (OTC) drug abusers in psychiatric practice in Japan. METHOD: We examined the attributes, ICD-10 subcategory, and comorbid mental disorders of patients who mainly abuse OTC products and compared the clinical characteristics of single product and multiple products abusers, using the database of the "2022 Nationwide Mental Hospital Survey of Drug-related Disorders." RESULTS: Among the 2468 subjects included in this survey, 273 (11.1%) used OTC products as main drugs. Of these, 209 (78.3%) and 58 (21.7%) were classified into the single product group and the multiple products group, respectively. Six were excluded for unknown ingredients. By comparing these groups, we found that many of the multiple products group consisted of young women who were recently treated for drug problems. Many subjects in the group also had a short treatment period. No differences were observed between the groups regarding the ICD-10 F1 subcategory, but many subjects in the multiple products group fulfilled the criteria of F6 "disorders of adult personality and behavior." CONCLUSION: OTC products are easily accessible drugs of abuse for young women in Japan. The results of this study indicate the necessity to reconsider the educational approach for preventing drug abuse, which has focused on illicit drugs. The study also indicates that some OTC products, which contain ingredients banned overseas due to their harmful effects, are still sold in Japan and that abusers for those products exist. Measures by the government are considered urgently needed.

Hepatitis C virus point-of-care microelimination approach in a vulnerable population in the South of Spain.

Background: Since the introduction of direct-acting antivirals, thousands of chronic hepatitis C patients have been successfully treated. However, vulnerable populations have a higher prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and face barriers that impede their access to antivirals. We carried out an HCV microelimination program focused on vulnerable population groups in Malaga. Methods: People in drug addiction treatment centers and homeless shelters in Malaga who participated in the program between October 2020 and October 2021 were included. After providing participants with educational information on HCV, a dry drop test (DDT) was used to collect blood for subsequent screening for HCV infection. The participants who were diagnosed with HCV infection were scheduled for comprehensive healthcare assessments, including blood tests, ultrasonography, elastography, and the prescription of antivirals, all conducted in a single hospital visit. Sustained viral response (SVR) was analysed 12 weeks after end of treatment. Results: Of the 417 persons invited to participate, 271 (65%) agreed to participate in the program. These participants were screened for HCV infection and 28 of them were diagnosed with HCV infection (10%). These hepatitis C-infected patients had a mean age of 53 ± 9 years; 86% were males and 93% were or had been drug users. Among 23 patients with HCV infection, HCV genotype 1a predominated (74%). Medical exams showed that 19% (4/21) had advanced fibrosis (F3-4), and 5% (1/21) had portal hypertension. Finally, 23 infected patients received treatment with glecaprevir/pibrentasvir or sofosbuvir/velpatasvir and SVR was confirmed in 22 patients (96%). Conclusions: Drug users and homeless people have a higher prevalence of HCV infection than the general population. The microelimination program with educational activity and screening tools achieved a high participation rate, easy healthcare access, and a high rate of SVR despite the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Dificuldades no cuidado em saúde para as pessoas que fazem uso problemático de drogas: uma revisão integrativa / Healthcare difficulties among people who have a drug use problem: an integrative review

Resumo O estudo teve como objetivo conhecer as dificuldades para o cuidado em saúde de pessoas que fazem uso problemático de drogas, dentro do contexto dos serviços especializados em saúde mental nacionais e internacionais. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa realizada nas bases de dados PubMed, LILACS, Web of Science, Scopus e Embase, com os descritores: usuários de drogas; serviços de saúde mental; cuidado em saúde. Foram selecionados 18 estudos, sendo os critérios de inclusão: estudos primários, disponíveis na íntegra, publicados nos idiomas inglês, espanhol e português, no período de janeiro de 2016 a janeiro de 2021. A partir da análise, identificou-se que as dificuldades para o cuidado de saúde de pessoas que fazem uso problemático de drogas estão ligadas às dimensões das políticas públicas em saúde, aos modelos de cuidados adotados e aos atores envolvidos, e que tais pontos se relacionam. Ressalta-se, ainda, a necessidade de formação específica, bem como a condução de novas pesquisas que abordem, com profundidade, a terapêutica do uso problemático de drogas e a produção de novas tecnologias de cuidado em saúde para essa população.

Abstract The scope of this study was to understand the difficulties involving healthcare for people with a drug use problem within the context of specialized mental health services, both nationally and internationally. It involves an integrative review conducted in the PubMed, LILACS, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and EMBASE databases, with the following key words: Drug Users; Mental Health Services; Health Care. Eighteen studies were selected, the inclusion criteria being primary studies, available in full, published in English, Spanish and Portuguese, between January 2016 and January 2021. The inclusion criteria were primary studies, available in full, published in English, Spanish and Portuguese, during the period from January 2016 through January 2021. The analysis identified that the difficulties in healthcare for people with a drug use problem are linked to the dimensions of public health policies, models of care adopted, and the stakeholders involved, and that these aspects are interrelated. It also emphasizes the need for specialized training, as well as further in-depth research that addresses the therapeutics of the drug use problem, and the development of new healthcare technologies for this population group.

Uso de psicodélicos com fins terapêuticos: considerações bioéticas / Use of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes: bioethical considerations

Resumo O artigo apresenta os resultados obtidos em uma pesquisa bibliográfica que objetivou compreender aspectos bioéticos envolvidos no uso de psicodélicos com fins terapêuticos presentes nas publicações nacionais e internacionais acerca do tema. Pelo Portal Periódicos CAPES, a partir de critérios de inclusão/exclusão, foram selecionados 28 artigos, que foram analisados tomando como base premissas de escolas de bioética latino-americanas. Os resultados foram apresentados em três eixos de discussão, organizados a partir dos temas e princípios bioéticos: liberdade de investigação científica, que discute os entraves e suas implicações para a ciência psicodélica; consentimento, autonomia e respeito à vulnerabilidade, que discute segurança; e igualdade, justiça e equidade, que discute o acesso. Constata-se que questões bioéticas precisam ser levadas em conta de modo central, para que o uso de psicodélicos com fins terapêuticos seja acessível, produza benefícios e proteja potenciais pacientes e demais pessoas de eventuais danos.

Abstract The article presents the results obtained in a bibliographical research that aimed to understand bioethical aspects involved in the use of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes in national and international publications on the topic. Through the CAPES Periodicals Portal, based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, 28 articles were selected and analyzed based on premises from Latin American bioethics schools. The results were presented in three axes of discussion, organized in themes and bioethical principles: freedom of scientific investigation, which discusses the obstacles and their implications for psychedelic science; consent, autonomy and respect for vulnerability, which discusses security; and equality, justice and equity, which discusses access. It appears that bioethical issues need to be taken into account in a central way, so that the use of psychedelics for therapeutic purposes is accessible, produces benefits and protects potential patients and other individuals from possible harm.Resumo: O artigo apresenta os resultados obtidos em uma pesquisa bibliográfica que objetivou compreender aspectos bioéticos envolvidos no uso de psicodélicos com fins terapêuticos presentes nas publicações nacionais e internacionais acerca do tema. Pelo Portal Periódicos CAPES, a partir de critérios de inclusão/exclusão, foram selecionados 28 artigos, que foram analisados tomando como base premissas de escolas de bioética latino-americanas. Os resultados foram apresentados em três eixos de discussão, organizados a partir dos temas e princípios bioéticos: liberdade de investigação científica, que discute os entraves e suas implicações para a ciência psicodélica; consentimento, autonomia e respeito à vulnerabilidade, que discute segurança; e igualdade, justiça e equidade, que discute o acesso. Constata-se que questões bioéticas precisam ser levadas em conta de modo central, para que o uso de psicodélicos com fins terapêuticos seja acessível, produza benefícios e proteja potenciais pacientes e demais pessoas de eventuais danos.

Efectividad de un programa para la prevención de consumo de sustancias psicoactivas en estudiantes universitarios

Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de un programa para prevención de consumo de sustancias en estudiantes de una universidad pública en Cartagena, Colombia. Metodología: Diseño cuasiexperimental, sin grupo control. La muestra fue de 1098 estudiantes de primer semestre de los programas académicos la Universidad de Cartagena. Las edades variaron entre 16 y 27 años (la media es de 7,0; y la desviación estándar, 1,8), con un registro de 472 mujeres (56,9 %) y 358 hombres (43,1 %). El grupo, en su totalidad, recibió el programa psicoeducativo Construyendo Salud, que consta de diez sesiones, de dos horas semanales, que refuerza habilidades sociales, personales y afronta los efectos negativos de las diferentes sustancias, mitos y realidades. Las escalas mostraron adecuada consistencia interna: escala de actitud hacia el consumo, intención hacia el consumo, autoeficacia general, asertividad, enfado, funcionamiento familiar, ansiedad y autoestima. Se compararon puntuaciones antes y después de la intervención, se aplicó t de Student y se aceptaron valores de p 0,05), cocaína (5,1 vs. 7,1 %; p> 0,05) e inyectables (4,3 vs. 5,7 %; p> 0,05). Se mejoraron la autoestima (t= 2,29; gl = 824; p< 0,02), el control de emociones (t= 2,13; gl = 813; p< 0,03) y el manejo de ansiedad (t= 3,06; gl = 805; p< 0,01). Conclusión: El programa mostró efectividad en reducir el consumo de alcohol, contuvo el consumo de marihuana y cocaína, fortaleció la autoestima, el control emocional y la ansiedad. No presentó efectividad para prevenir el inicio o la intención del consumo de sustancias.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a program for the prevention of substance use among students at a public university in Cartagena, Colombia. Methodology: Quasi-experimental design, without a control group. The sample consisted of 1098 first-semester students of academic programs at Universidad de Cartagena. Their ages ranged from 16 to 27 years (mean 7.0, standard deviation 1.8), including 472 females (56.9%) and 358 males (43.1%). The entire group participated in the psychoeducational program Construyendo Salud [Building Health], which consists of ten two-hour sessions per week. This program strengthens social and personal skills, and discusses the negative effects of different substances, including myths and realities. The scales showed adequate internal consistency: attitude scale towards consumption, intention towards consumption, general self-efficacy, assertiveness, anger, family functioning, anxiety, and self-esteem. Scores before and after the intervention were compared; student's t-test was applied and p values 0.05), cocaine (5.1 vs. 7.1 %; p > 0.05) and injectables (4.3 vs. 5.7 %; p > 0.05). Self-esteem (t = 2.29; gl = 824; p < 0.02), emotional control (t = 2.13; gl = 813; p < 0.03) and anxiety management (t = 3.06; gl = 805; p < 0.01) improved. Conclusion: The program proved effective in reducing alcohol consumption, restraining marijuana and cocaine use, and strengthening self-esteem, emotional control, and anxiety. However, it was not effective in preventing the initiation or intention of substance use.

Objetivo: Avaliar a efetividade de um programa de prevenção do consumo de substâncias em estudantes de uma universidade pública em Cartagena, Colômbia. Metodologia: Design quase-experimental, sem grupo de controle. A amostra foi de 1098 estudantes de primeiro semestre dos programas acadêmicos da Universidade de Cartagena. As idades variaram entre 16 e 27 anos (a média é de 7,0 e o desvio-padrão de 1,8), com um registro de 472 mulheres (56,9%) e 358 homens (43,1%). O grupo em sua totalidade participou do programa psico-educativo Construyendo Salud, composto por dez sessões de duas horas semanais, que reforça habilidades sociais, pessoais e encara os efeitos negativos das diferentes substâncias, seus mitos e realidades. As escalas mostraram adequada consistência interna: escala de atitude perante o consumo, intenção perante o consumo, autoeficácia geral, assertividade, enfado, funcionamento familiar, ansiedade e autoestima. Foram comparadas as medições antes e depois da intervenção, aplicou-se t de Student e foram aceitos valores de p 0,05), cocaína (5,1 vs. 7,1%; p > 0,05) e injetáveis (4,3 vs. 5,7%; p > 0,05). Houve melhora na autoestima (t = 2,29; gl = 824; p < 0,02), o controle de emoções (t = 2,13; gl = 813; p < 0,03) e o manejo da ansiedade (t = 3,06; gl = 805; p < 0,01). Conclusão: O programa mostrou efetividade na redução do consumo de álcool, conteve o consumo de maconha e cocaína, fortaleceu a autoestima, o controle emocional e a ansiedade. Não apresentou efetividade na prevenção do início ou da intenção do consumo de substâncias.

Reasons for leaving home and pattern of child abuse and substance misuse among street children in Khartoum, Sudan: a cross-sectional survey.

Street children are particularly susceptible to health-related adversities, including those resulting from substance abuse and child abuse. Information on street children is deficient in Sudan. This study provides basic data on characteristics, factors for leaving home, the pattern of child abuse and substance misuse among street children in Khartoum State, Sudan. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional, and community-based study. Data were collected through direct questioning of a sample of street children using a structured, standardized, and pretested interview-administered questionnaire. Two hundred and seventy-five (275) street children were interviewed. Most street children were males (83%). Of the interviewed children, 36.7% were illiterate, 66.1% had a single parent, and 36% did not recognize a home to return to. The commonest reported reasons for being on the streets were family conflicts and financial/economic difficulties (28.4 % and 27.5%), respectively. 89.1% of the children admitted to being substance abusers, mostly of glue (86.5%) and smoked tobacco (67.3%). Seventy-five-point three percent 75.3% of the children reported being subjected to a form of abuse, with physical and sexual abuse reported by 70.2% and 27%, respectively. Of the 74 children who reported sexual abuse, 49 were males (29% of males), and 25 were females (65% of females). The survey results are thought to guide further research and shape appropriate policymaking and coordinated interventions by concerned stakeholders, whether governmental or non-governmental.

HCV RNA Quantification by a Domestic Commercial Assay: A Case Study among People Who Inject Drugs in Vietnam.

The desired performance of nucleic acid testing (NAT) may vary if used for disease diagnosis or for the evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of a treatment, although in most cases, the same assay is used. However, these tests may not be affordable in many situations including in low/middle income countries that in response have developed domestic assays. Given the example of HCV NAT among people who inject drugs in Vietnam, we aimed at evaluating a domestic assay versus an FDA- and CE-approved assay. This cross-evaluation revealed that (i) the domestic assay had a poorer sensitivity with a threshold of detection above 104 IU/mL, and (ii) the FDA-approved assay had a percentage of false negative results close to 1%. Together, in the present study, the domestic assay had a performance compatible with diagnosis purposes (given that this population was 70% HCV seropositive) but not compatible with HCV treatment monitoring (given that treatment failures are rare and the observed viremia frequently below the threshold of detection). This study highlights the need for a proper evaluation of HCV RNA domestic assays in order to efficiently contribute to the WHO HCV elimination target by 2030.

Native Tricuspid Valve Infective Endocarditis After Breast Skin Abscess.

Tricuspid valve infective endocarditis is a rare disease in non-intravenous drug users. It can occur with congenital heart disease, foreign bodies such as central venous catheters and intracardiac devices, and in immunocompromised patients. In the present case, there was a left-sided breast abscess associated with tricuspid valve endocarditis in a patient without any apparent underlying causative factors. We present a case of a young female in her early 20s who arrived at the emergency department with complaints of fever, epistaxis, and vomiting. On clinical examination, she was found to have a fading 2 cm pinkish left breast skin lesion, which had formed on her breast 10 days ago. Blood cultures identified methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the blood. A CT scan of the chest, abdomen, and pelvis revealed splenomegaly and an infective focus in the spleen. Subsequent echocardiography confirmed the diagnosis of infective endocarditis of the native tricuspid valve, which was treated with intravenous vancomycin. There was no history of intravenous drug abuse, congenital heart disease, placement of an intracardiac device, central venous catheter, or an immunocompromised state in this patient. Therefore, the diagnosis of infective endocarditis, characterized by a native tricuspid valve vegetation identified as a consequence of a left breast skin abscess, was made. A high index of suspicion is required for a non-specific presentation of tricuspid valve infective endocarditis and in the absence of any prior history of risk factors for right-sided infective endocarditis. Timely initiation of antibiotics depends on a preliminary clinical diagnosis.