Predicting buprenorphine adherence among patients with opioid use disorder in primary care settings.

BACKGROUND: Medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), including buprenorphine, are effective treatments for opioid use disorder (OUD) and reduce risk for overdose and death. Buprenorphine can be prescribed in outpatient primary care settings to treat OUD; however, prior research suggests adherence to buprenorphine in these settings can be low. The purpose of this study was to identify the rates of and factors associated with buprenorphine adherence among patients with OUD in the first six months after a new start of buprenorphine. METHODS: Data were extracted from the electronic health record (EHR) from a large integrated health system in the upper Midwest. Patients with OUD (N = 345; Mean age = 37.6 years, SD 13.2; 61.7% male; 78% White) with a new start of buprenorphine between March 2019 and July 2021 were included in the analysis. Buprenorphine adherence in the first six months was defined using medication orders; the proportion of days covered (PDC) with a standard cut-point of 80% was used to classify patients as adherent or non-adherent. Demographic (e.g., age, sex, race and ethnicity, geographic location), service (e.g., encounters, buprenorphine formulations and dosage) and clinical (e.g., diagnoses, urine toxicology screens) characteristics were examined as factors that could be related to adherence. Analyses included logistic regression with adherence group as a binary outcome. RESULTS: Less than half of patients were classified as adherent to buprenorphine (44%). Adjusting for other factors, male sex (OR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.20, 0.57, p < .001) and having an unexpected positive for opioids on urine toxicology (OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.21, 0.83, p < .014) were associated with lower likelihood of adherence to buprenorphine, whereas being a former smoker (compared to a current smoker; OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.02, 3.27, p = .014) was associated with greater likelihood of being adherent to buprenorphine. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that buprenorphine adherence in primary care settings may be low, yet male sex and smoking status are associated with adherence rates. Future research is needed to identify the mechanisms through which these factors are associated with adherence.

[Life style drug laughing gas (nitrous oxide, N2O) and the dependency criteria according to ICD-10]. / Trenddroge Lachgas (Distickstoffmonoxid, N2O) und die Abhängigkeitskriterien nach ICD-10.

OBJECTIVE: The increasing popularity of nitrous oxide (N2O) as a recreational drug raises questions about its potential for dependency. This narrative review examines the dependency risk of N2O using the ICD-10 criteria for substance use disorders and evaluates the current literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search until April 2024 was conducted to identify publications addressing N2O consumption in the context of dependency criteria. The results were analyzed based on the ICD-10 criteria. RESULTS: Studies showed mixed results regarding craving and loss of control among N2O users. There is evidence of neglect of other interests and potential tolerance development, while data on withdrawal symptoms are limited. Persistent consumption despite harmful consequences has been described but objective diagnostic methods to determine consumption intensity are lacking. DISCUSSION: The data on the dependency potential of N2O are inconsistent. The discussion on its classification as an addictive substance remains controversial; however, the clinical indications suggest a possible risk of dependency, especially with excessive consumption. CONCLUSION: Nitrous oxide is currently primarily regarded as a substance of abuse with the potential to foster psychological dependence, manifesting particularly through loss of control and neglect; however, the criteria for physical dependence, such as the occurrence of withdrawal syndromes and the development of tolerance, have not yet been convincingly documented. Further research is needed to better understand the dependency potential of N2O and develop appropriate preventive and therapeutic measures.

Pre-pregnancy substance use and first trimester cardiovascular health among nulliparous pregnant people: The nuMoM2b Study.

BACKGROUND: Suboptimal pre-pregnancy health, including substance use and cardiovascular risk factors, is associated with higher risks of maternal-foetal morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To determine if pre-pregnancy substance use is associated with early pregnancy cardiovascular health (CVH). It is hypothesised that pre-pregnancy use of substances is associated with worse CVH in the first trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis from the 2010-2015 United States nuMoM2b cohort (n = 9895). Pre-pregnancy alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, and illicit substance use were assessed through questionnaires. Latent class analysis categorised participants based on their 3-month pre-pregnancy or ever(*) substance use: (1) Illicit substances*, marijuana*, and alcohol use (n = 1234); (2) marijuana* and alcohol use (n = 2066); (3) tobacco and alcohol use (n = 636); and (4) alcohol only use (n = 3194). The referent group reported no pre-pregnancy substance use (n = 2765). First trimester CVH score from 0 (least healthy) to 100 (most healthy) was calculated using a modified American Heart Association Life's Essential 8 framework and included body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, blood glucose, non-HDL cholesterol, diet, sleep, and physical activity. Multiple linear regression evaluated the relationship between pre-pregnancy substance use classes and CVH scores. RESULTS: CVH score varied by class: No substance use (mean: 65, SD: ±1.3), illicit substances*, marijuana*, and alcohol use (68 ± 1.3), marijuana* and alcohol use (67 ± 1.3), tobacco and alcohol use (62 ± 1.4), and alcohol only use (67 ± 1.3). In adjusted models, those who used tobacco and alcohol compared to the no substance use class had a lower CVH score (-2.82); other classes had scores ranging from 1.81 to 2.44 points higher than the no substance use class. Individual CVH component scores followed similar patterns. CONCLUSIONS: All groups, but most markedly those who used tobacco and alcohol prior to pregnancy, began pregnancy with only moderate CVH and may benefit from CVH promotion efforts along with substance use treatment.

Predictors of Suicidal Behavior in a Sample of Incarcerated Individuals.

INTRODUCTION: Incarcerated individuals exhibit higher suicide rates compared to the general population. Investigating risk factors aids in developing effective public policies and interventions. The goal of this study was to assess and analyze factors predicting both suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts in a population of male incarcerated individuals who engage in the use of multiple psychoactive substances. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted. A total of 174 male individuals deprived of liberty participated in the study, all of whom were serving a closed regime sentence during the data collection steps. Participants were assessed with the following instruments: the "Addiction Severity Index" (ASI-6) and the "Barratt Impulsiveness Scale" (BIS-11). RESULTS: Amongst our sample, prevalences of 36.7% in suicidal ideation and of 16.0% in suicide attempts were found. Impulsivity (OR = 1.098, 95% CI: 1.008 - 1.197), social support (OR = 0.281, 95% CI: 0.085 - 0.925), witnessing someone being killed or beaten (OR = 5.173, 95% CI: 2.143 - 12.486), cigarette use (OR = 3.309, 95% CI: 1.063 - 10.293), and cocaine use (OR = 2.678, 95% CI: 1.040 - 6.897) were also found to be associated with suicidal ideation. No significant associations were found between drug use and suicide attempts. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of suicidal behaviors was observed in the study's sample, with findings demonstrating that impulsivity moderately differentiates the groups 'with' and 'without' suicidal ideation. Traumatic life events and substance use were also associated with suicide ideation, while social support was established as a protective factor for it.

Chronic pain and accidental acute toxicity deaths in Canada, 2016-2017. / Recherche quantitative originale La douleur chronique et les décès par intoxication aiguë accidentelle au Canada, 2016-2017.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple Canadian jurisdictions have reported a pattern of chronic pain among people who died from substance-related acute toxicity. This study examined the prevalence and characteristics of those with chronic pain using data from a national study of people who died of accidental acute toxicity. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis of accidental substance-related acute toxicity deaths that occurred in Canada between 1 January 2016 and 31 December 2017 was conducted. The prevalence of pain and pain-related conditions were summarized as counts and percentages of the overall sample. Subgroups of people with and without a documented history of chronic pain were compared across sociodemographic characteristics, health history, contextual factors and substances involved. RESULTS: From the overall sample (n = 7902), 1056 (13%) people had a history of chronic pain while 6366 (81%) had no documented history. Those with chronic pain tended to be older (40 years and older), unemployed, retired and/or receiving disability supports around the time of death. History of mental health conditions, trauma and surgery or injury was significantly more prevalent among people with chronic pain. Of the substances that most frequently contributed to death, opioids typically prescribed for pain (hydromorphone and oxycodone) were detected in toxicology more often among those with chronic pain than those without. CONCLUSION: Findings underscore the cross-cutting role of multiple comorbidities and unmanaged pain, which could compound the risk of acute toxicity death. Continued prioritization of harm reduction and regular patient engagement to assess ongoing needs are among the various opportunities for intervention.

Opioid and non-opioid analgesic regimens after fracture and risk of serious opioid-related events.

Background: Non-opioid analgesics are prescribed in combination with opioids among patients with long bone fracture to reduce opioid prescribing needs, yet evidence is limited on whether they reduce the risk of serious opioid-related events (SOREs). We compared the risk of SOREs among hospitalized patients with long bone fracture discharged with filled opioid prescriptions, with and without non-opioid analgesics. Design: We identified a retrospective cohort of analgesic-naïve adult patients with a long bone fracture hospitalization using the Merative MarketScan Commercial Database (2013-2020). The exposure was opioid and non-opioid analgesic (gabapentinoids, muscle relaxants, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen) prescriptions filled in the 3 days before through 42 days after discharge. The outcome was the development of new persistent opioid use or opioid use disorder during follow-up (day 43 through day 408 after discharge). We used Cox proportional hazards regression with inverse probability of treatment weighting with overlap trimming to compare outcomes among those that filled an opioid and a non-opioid analgesic to those that filled only an opioid analgesic. In secondary analyses, we used separate models to compare those that filled a prescription for each specific non-opioid analgesic type with opioids to those that filled only opioids. Results: Of 29 489 patients, most filled an opioid prescription alone (58.4%) or an opioid and non-opioid (22.0%). In the weighted proportional hazards regression model accounting for relevant covariates and total MME, filling both a non-opioid analgesic and an opioid analgesic was associated with 1.63 times increased risk of SOREs compared with filling an opioid analgesic only (95% CI 1.41 to 1.89). Filling a gabapentin prescription in combination with an opioid was associated with an increased risk of SOREs compared with those that filled an opioid only (adjusted HR: 1.84 (95% CI1.48 to 2.27)). Conclusions: Filling a non-opioid analgesic in combination with an opioid was associated with an increased risk of SOREs after long bone fracture. Level of evidence: Level III, prognostic/epidemiological. Study type: Retrospective cohort study.

Motivations and expectations of pregnant women using psychoactive substances during prenatal care: a phenomenological study / Motivaciones y expectativas de las gestantes consumidoras de sustancias psicoactivas durante la atención prenatal: un estudio fenomenológico / Motivações e expectativas do pré-natal de gestantes usuárias de substâncias psicoativas: estudo fenomenológico

Objective. Understand the motivations and expectations of pregnant women using psychoactive substances during prenatal care. Methods. A qualitative study developed in the light of Alfred Schütz's Theoretical Framework of Phenomenological Sociology, in which 25 pregnant women using psychoactive substances, belonging to a Family Health Strategy, participated. Data production took place between August and November 2022.Results. Two units of meanings emerged: (i) social influences for the performance of prenatal care and (ii) expectation regarding the care to be received by the health professional. Pregnant women do pre-natal due to family influences, for fear of losing their children due to loss of guardianship and concern about the well-being and development of the baby. And, the expectations are that they receive good attention, feel safe when they are attended to by health professionals and also that they are understood and have a relationship of trust. Conclusion. Pregnant women who use psychoactive substances bring motivations for prenatal care linked to the past, such as influences from family members and previous experiences. As for expectations, they are related to the child's health and the care expected by professionals. Finally, strategies to reduce harm during pregnancy of users of psychoactive substances are fundamental for the effectiveness of care.

Objetivo. Conocer las motivaciones y expectativas de las gestantes consumidoras de sustancias psicoactivas durante la atención prenatal. Método. Se trata de un estudio cualitativo basado en el marco teórico de la sociología fenomenológica de Alfred Schütz, en el que participaron 25 gestantes consumidoras de sustancias psicoactivas pertenecientes a una Estrategia de Salud Familiar de una unidad de salud en Brasil. Los datos se recogieron entre agosto y noviembre de 2022. Resultados. Emergieron dos unidades de significado: (i) influencias sociales para la atención prenatal y (ii) expectativas sobre la atención recibida por el profesional de salud. Las gestantes acuden al control prenatal por influencias familiares, miedo a separarse de sus hijos por pérdida de la tutela y preocupación por el bienestar y desarrollo del bebé. Sus expectativas son recibir una buena atención, sentirse seguras con los profesionales sanitarios y ser comprendidas y escuchadas a través de una relación de confianza. Conclusión. Las embarazadas usuarias de sustancias psicoactivas tienen motivaciones para el cuidado prenatal relacionadas con su pasado, como influencias familiares y experiencias individuales previas. En cuanto a las expectativas, están relacionadas con la salud del niño y los cuidados esperados que les brindarán los profesionales de salud. Por último, el diseño de estrategias para reducir los daños durante el embarazo de las consumidoras de sustancias psicoactivas es fundamental para un cuidado eficaz.

Objetivo. Compreender as motivações e expectativas de gestantes usuárias de substâncias psicoativas durante a realização do pré-natal. Métodos. Estudo de abordagem qualitativa desenvolvida à luz do referencial Teórico da Sociologia fenomenológica de Alfred Schütz, em que participaram 25 gestantes usuárias de substâncias psicoativas, pertencentes a uma Estratégia Saúde da Família. A produção de dados ocorreu entre os meses de agosto a novembro de 2022.Resultados. Emergiram duas unidades de significados: (i) influências sociais para a realização do pré-natal e (ii) expectativa em relação ao cuidado a ser recebido pelo profissional de saúde. As gestantes realizam o pré-natal por influências de familiares, por receio de afastamento dos filhos decorrente de perda da tutela e pela preocupação com o bem-estar e desenvolvimento do bebê. E, as expectativas é de que recebam um bom atendimento, sintam segurança nos profissionais de saúde e que sejam compreendidas e ouvidas por meio de uma relação de confiança. Conclusão. As gestantes usuárias de substâncias psicoativas trazem motivações para a realização do pré-natal atreladas ao passado, como influências de familiares e experiências prévias. Quanto as expectativas, estão relacionadas à saúde da criança e o cuidado esperado pelos profissionais. Por fim, as estratégias para reduzir danos durante a gestação de usuárias de substâncias psicoativas é fundamental para a efetividade do cuidado.

Asynchronous online training increased knowledge, confidence, and intent to screen and treat substance use disorders among primary care clinicians practicing in Texas.

INTRODUCTION: Despite increasing prevalence of substance use disorders (SUD), few patients are diagnosed and treated in primary care settings. This study evaluated changes in knowledge, confidence, and intention to implement screening and brief intervention (SBI) and SUD treatment after clinicians participated in an asynchronous online education course. METHODS: A self-selected sample of primary care clinicians in Texas participated in online SBI and SUD education March 2021-July 2023. Baseline and post-training surveys evaluated changes in knowledge, confidence, and intent to implement SBI and SUD treatment. Changes were compared using paired t-tests. Multivariable linear regression examined factors potentially associated with confidence and intention to implement changes. Clinician feedback regarding the course was included. RESULTS: Of 613 respondents, 50.9% were practicing family medicine clinicians. Knowledge of adolescent screening tools increased from 21.9% to 75.7% (p < 0.001). Knowledge about the number of drinks that define excessive drinking among non-pregnant women increased from 24.5% at baseline to 64.9% (p < 0.001). Clinicians reported lowest confidence in providing opioid use disorder pharmacotherapy, which improved after program participation. Intent to implement SBI and medication for alcohol, nicotine and opioid use disorders increased (p < 0.001) after training. No factors were associated with change in confidence or intention to implement in multivariable models (p > 0.05). Satisfaction was high and nearly 60% reported intention to change their clinical practice because of the program. CONCLUSION: Knowledge, confidence, and intent to implement SBI and SUD treatment increased after completing the online course. Clinician satisfaction was high and demonstrated improved intention to implement SBI and SUD treatment.

Inpatient case characteristics of SGLT2 inhibitor-associated diabetic ketoacidosis: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a serious complication in patients treated with sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i). The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between SGLT2i and the risk of DKA, and to identify high-risk groups and characteristics that should be emphasised. METHODS: A retrospective case series study was conducted to collect medical records of inpatients diagnosed with DKA and using SGLT2i before the onset of the disease from September 2022 to September 2023 in a tertiary hospital in Shanghai. Cases that met the inclusion criteria were retrieved through the electronic medical record system. Information was collected to compare the risk of DKA in patients with different characteristics. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients (12 men and 9 women) met the criteria for SGLT2i-associated DKA. The mean diabetes duration was 10.4 years, with 47.6% (10/21) of patients diagnosed with euglycaemic DKA. The drug treatment regimen most commonly used was the combination of SGLT2i and metformin, representing 52.4% (11/21) of cases. The most common clinical symptoms were nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and malaise. Common predisposing factors were acute infections, acute pancreatitis (predominantly hyperlipidaemic type), dietary inappropriateness, acute cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events and surgery. 71.4% of patients (15/21) had multiple risk factors. CONCLUSION: The use of SGLT2i in diabetic patients is associated with an increased risk of DKA, particularly in the presence of predisposing factors such as infection. Furthermore, long diabetes duration, decreased pancreatic ß-cell function and the combined use of metformin may also contribute to the risk of DKA in patients treated with SGLT2i. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for better identification and management of DKA risks associated with SGLT2i in clinical practice.

Prescrição de benzodiazepínicos em Unidades Básicas de Saúde em uma comunidade com alta vulnerabilidade social / Prescription of benzodiazepines in Health Centers in a community with high social vulnerability

RESUMO Os benzodiazepínicos, medicamentos mais prescritos no mundo, são extremamente úteis no manejo de patologias relativas ao sistema nervoso central, porém, nem sempre sua prescrição está relacionada com uma patologia. Este estudo buscou identificar os fatores influenciadores na prescrição de benzodiazepínicos na Atenção Básica do Sistema Único de Saúde e suas consequências, em uma região com alta vulnerabilidade social. Foram utilizados os princípios de um estudo qualitativo com amostra intencional de médicos prescritores construída com a ajuda dos Informantes-Chave e com tamanho (n = 10) definido pelo princípio da saturação teórica. A coleta de dados ocorreu mediante entrevistas semiestruturadas nas unidades básicas onde os profissionais atuavam. Os temas identificados relativos aos motivos da prescrição foram: relativos ao paciente (demanda do paciente; problemas sociais); relativos ao medicamento (dependência); relativos ao prescritor (uso irracional). A prescrição do benzodiazepínico deu-se devido às baixas condições sociais dos usuários nessa região e as consequências dessa conjuntura (vulnerabilidade social, problemas angustiantes de difícil resolução). Educação permanente para profissionais, ações interprofissionais e integralidade do cuidado foram demandas dos profissionais. O problema extrapola a ação do médico, e são sugeridas políticas públicas que garantam, às populações com essas características, acesso a saúde, trabalho e educação.

ABSTRACT Benzodiazepines, the most prescribed medications in the world, are extremely useful in managing conditions related to the central nervous system, however, their prescription is not always related to a pathology. This study sought to identify the factors influencing the prescription of benzodiazepines in Primary Care of the Unified Health System and their consequences, in a region with high social vulnerability. The principles of a qualitative study with intentional sampling of prescribing physicians were used, constructed with the help of Key Informants and with a size (N=10) defined by the principle of theoretical saturation. Collection took place through semi-structured interviews in the basic units where the professionals worked. The themes identified regarding the reasons for prescription were Patient-related (patient demand; social problems); Relating to medication (dependence); Relative to the prescriber (irrational use). The prescription of benzodiazepine was due to the low social conditions of users in this region and the consequences of this situation (social vulnerability, distressing problems with difficult resolution). Continuous education for professionals, interprofessional actions, and comprehensive care were demands of the professionals. The problem goes beyond the doctor's scope of action, and public policies that guarantee such populations access to health, work, and education are suggested.

Healthy eating among people on opioid agonist therapy: a qualitative study of patients' experiences and perspectives.

People with substance use disorders often have unhealthy diets, high in sweets and processed foods but low in nutritious items like fruits and vegetables, increasing noncommunicable disease risks. This study investigates healthy eating perceptions and barriers among individuals with opioid use disorder undergoing opioid agonist therapy. Interviews with 14 participants at opioid agonist therapy clinics in Western Norway, using a semi-structured guide and systematic text condensation for analysis, reveal that most participants view their diet as inadequate and express a desire to improve for better health. Barriers to healthy eating included oral health problems, smoking habits, and limited social relations, while economic factors were less of a concern for the participants. Participants did find healthy eating easier when they were in social settings. This study underscores the importance of understanding and addressing these barriers and facilitators to foster healthier eating patterns in this population, potentially enhancing overall health and well-being.

Screening for harmful substance use in emergency departments: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Substance use-related emergency department (ED) visits have increased substantially in North America. Screening for substance use in EDs is recommended; best approaches are unclear. This systematic review synthesizes evidence on diagnostic accuracy of ED screening tools to detect harmful substance use. METHODS: We included derivation or validation studies, with or without comparator, that included adult (≥ 18 years) ED patients and evaluated screening tools to identify general or specific substance use disorders or harmful use. Our search strategy combined concepts Emergency Department AND Screening AND Substance Use. Trained reviewers assessed title/abstracts and full-text articles for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias (QUADAS-2) independently and in duplicate. Reviewers resolved disagreements by discussion. Primary investigators adjudicated if necessary. Heterogeneity precluded meta-analysis. We descriptively summarized results. RESULTS: Our search strategy yielded 2696 studies; we included 33. Twenty-one (64%) evaluated a North American population. Fourteen (42%) applied screening among general ED patients. Screening tools were administered by research staff (n = 21), self-administered by patients (n = 10), or non-research healthcare providers (n = 1). Most studies evaluated alcohol use screens (n = 26), most commonly the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT; n = 14), Cut down/Annoyed/Guilty/Eye-opener (CAGE; n = 13), and Rapid Alcohol Problems Screen (RAPS/RAPS4/RAPS4-QF; n = 12). Four studies assessing six tools and screening thresholds for alcohol abuse/dependence in North American patients (AUDIT ≥ 8; CAGE ≥ 2; Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition [DSM-IV-2] ≥ 1; RAPS ≥ 1; National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism [NIAAA]; Tolerance/Worry/Eye-opener/Amnesia/K-Cut down [TWEAK] ≥ 3) reported both sensitivities and specificities ≥ 83%. Two studies evaluating a single alcohol screening question (SASQ) (When was the last time you had more than X drinks in 1 day?, X = 4 for women; X = 5 for men) reported sensitivities 82-85% and specificities 70-77%. Five evaluated screening tools for general substance abuse/dependence (Relax/Alone/Friends/Family/Trouble [RAFFT] ≥ 3, Drug Abuse Screening Test [DAST] ≥ 4, single drug screening question, Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test [ASSIST] ≥ 42/18), reporting sensitivities 64%-90% and specificities 61%-100%. Studies' risk of bias were mostly high or uncertain. CONCLUSIONS: Six screening tools demonstrated both sensitivities and specificities ≥ 83% for detecting alcohol abuse/dependence in EDs. Tools with the highest sensitivities (AUDIT ≥ 8; RAPS ≥ 1) and that prioritize simplicity and efficiency (SASQ) should be prioritized.

Cessation of Smoking Trial in the Emergency Department (COSTED): a multicentre randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Supporting people to quit smoking is one of the most powerful interventions to improve health. The Emergency Department (ED) represents a potentially valuable opportunity to deliver a smoking cessation intervention if it is sufficiently resourced. The objective of this trial was to determine whether an opportunistic ED-based smoking cessation intervention can help people to quit smoking. METHODS: In this multicentre, parallel-group, randomised controlled superiority trial conducted between January and August 2022, adults who smoked daily and attended one of six UK EDs were randomised to intervention (brief advice, e-cigarette starter kit and referral to stop smoking services) or control (written information on stop smoking services). The primary outcome was biochemically validated abstinence at 6 months. RESULTS: An intention-to-treat analysis included 972 of 1443 people screened for inclusion (484 in the intervention group, 488 in the control group). Of 975 participants randomised, 3 were subsequently excluded, 17 withdrew and 287 were lost to follow-up. The 6-month biochemically-verified abstinence rate was 7.2% in the intervention group and 4.1% in the control group (relative risk 1.76; 95% CI 1.03 to 3.01; p=0.038). Self-reported 7-day abstinence at 6 months was 23.3% in the intervention group and 12.9% in the control group (relative risk 1.80; 95% CI 1.36 to 2.38; p<0.001). No serious adverse events related to taking part in the trial were reported. CONCLUSIONS: An opportunistic smoking cessation intervention comprising brief advice, an e-cigarette starter kit and referral to stop smoking services is effective for sustained smoking abstinence with few reported adverse events. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04854616.

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.

Factores pronósticos de la conducta suicida en pacientes adictos a sustancias psicoactivas

Introducción: La relación entre las toxicomanías y el suicidio se asocian en su función como agente causal y precipitante de la conducta suicida. Objetivo: Determinar los factores pronósticos de la conducta suicida en pacientes adictos a sustancias psicoactivas. Métodos: Se desarrolló un estudio observacional transversal. Se trabajó con el universo, constituido por los pacientes adictos atendidos en el Hospital Militar Central "Dr. Carlos J. Finlay", desde 2016 a 2019. Las variables estudiadas fueron: conducta suicida, función ejecutiva, edad, sexo, características clínicas del consumo, sustancia consumida, deterioro cognitivo, ansiedad y depresión. Se utilizaron técnicas de la estadística descriptiva e inferencial. Resultados: Se estudiaron 257 pacientes con consumo, fundamentalmente de alcohol y marihuana, con edad promedio de 34 años; predominó el sexo masculino (89 %). La conducta suicida estuvo presente en el 53,7 % (n= 138). Los principales factores pronósticos en los pacientes fueron: necesidad subjetiva de consumo (odd ratio-OR= 3,4), depresión (OR= 3,3), deterioro cognitivo (OR= 3,0), tener 30 años de edad o menos al iniciar el consumo (OR= 2,6), antecedentes familiares de adicción (OR=2,3), nivel escolar de 9no grado (OR= 2,0), recaer antes de los 6 meses de tratamiento (OR= 1,1), tiempo consumiendo de 20 años o menos (OR= 3,0) y consumir otras drogas diferentes al alcohol (OR= 2,1). Conclusiones: Los principales factores pronósticos de la conducta suicida en los pacientes adictos estudiados son la necesidad subjetiva de consumo, la depresión y el deterioro cognitivo.

Introduction: The relationship between drug addiction and suicide is associated in its function as a causal and precipitating agent of suicidal behavior. Objective: To determine the prognostic factors of suicidal behavior in patients addicted to psychoactive substances. Methods: An observational and cross-sectional study was developed. It worked with the universe, made up of addicted patients treated at the Central Military Hospital "Dr. Carlos J. Finlay" from 2016 to 2019. The variables studied were: suicidal behavior, executive function, age, sex, clinical characteristics of consumption, substance consumed, cognitive impairment, anxiety and depression. Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used. Results: 257 patients with consumption, mainly of alcohol and marijuana, with an average age of 34 years were studied; the male sex predominated (89%). Suicidal behavior was present in 53.7% (n= 138). The main prognostic factors in the patients were: subjective need for consumption (odd ratio-OR= 3.4), depression (OR= 3.3), cognitive impairment (OR= 3.0), being 30 years of age or less at the start of the consumption (OR= 2.6), family history of addiction (OR= 2.3), 9th grade school level (OR= 2.0), relapse before 6 months of treatment (OR= 1.1), time consuming 20 years or less (OR= 3.0) and consuming drugs other than alcohol (OR= 2.1). Conclusions: The main prognostic factors of suicidal behavior in the addicted patients studied are: the subjective need for consumption or craving, depression and cognitive impairment.

Hospital-Initiated Smoking Cessation Among Patients Admitted with Behavioral Health Conditions.

BACKGROUND: Smoking rates among people living with behavioral health conditions (BHC) range from 30 to 65% and are 2-4 times higher than rates found in the general population. Starting tobacco treatment during a hospital stay is effective for smoking cessation, but little is known regarding treatment response among inpatients with BHC. OBJECTIVE: This study pooled data across multiple clinical trials to determine the relative success in quitting among participants with BHC compared to other study participants. PARTICIPANTS: Adults who smoke (≥ 18 years old) from five hospital-based smoking cessation randomized clinical trials. DESIGN: A retrospective analysis using data from the electronic health record to identify participants with primary diagnoses related to BHC. Recruitment and data analysis were conducted from 2011 to 2016. We used propensity score matching to pair patients with BHC to those with similar characteristics and logistic regression to determine differences between groups. MEASURES: The main outcome was self-reported 30-day abstinence 6 months post-discharge. RESULTS: Of 6612 participants, 798 patients had a BHC-related primary diagnosis. The matched sample included 642 pairs. Nearly 1 in 3 reported using tobacco medications after hospitalization, with no significant difference between patients with and without BHC (29.3% vs. 31.5%; OR (95% CI) = 0.90 (0.71, 1.14), p = 0.40). Nearly 1 in 5 patients with BHC reported abstinence at 6 months; however, their odds of abstinence were 30% lower than among people without BHC (OR (95% CI) = 0.70 (0.53,0.92), p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: When offered tobacco treatment, hospitalized patients with BHC were as likely as people without BHC to accept and engage in treatment. However, patients with BHC were less likely to report abstinence compared to those without BHC. Hospitals are a feasible and promising venue for tobacco treatment among inpatients with BHC. More studies are needed to identify treatment approaches that help people with BHC achieve long-term abstinence.

Understanding the research capacity of alcohol and other drugs services in New South Wales, Australia.

INTRODUCTION: Enhancing health system research capacity can support improved quality care. This study assessed the research capacity of public local health district (LHD) and non-government organisation (NGO) alcohol and other drug (AOD) services, at the organisational, team and individual level. Research barriers and motivators were also examined. METHODS: Staff from LHD and NGO AOD treatment services in New South Wales completed an online survey using the Research Capacity and Culture (RCC) tool. Overall median research capacity scores are presented for the RCC subscales (organisational, team and individual). Comparisons were conducted by service type (LHD/NGO), geographical location (metropolitan/rural) and affiliation with a research network (yes/no). Qualitative questions explored barriers and motivators to research at individual and team levels. RESULTS: Of 242 participants, 55% were LHD-based and 45% NGO-based. Overall RCC scores indicated moderate research capacity at all levels. Organisational capacity (Med = 6.50, interquartile range [IQR] = 3.50) scored significantly higher than the team (Med = 5.00, IQR = 6.00) and individual level (Med = 5.00, IQR = 4.25). No differences in RCC scores existed between NGOs and LHDs. Metropolitan AOD services scored higher research capacity at the organisational level (Med = 7.00, IQR = 3.00) than rural services (Med = 5.00, IQR = 5.00). LHDs affiliated with a research network scored significantly higher at the organisational, team and individual level than non-affiliated LHD services. Key research barriers were inadequate time and funding. Motivators included skill development and problem-identification requiring change. DISCUSSIONS AND CONCLUSIONS: AOD services in New South Wales have moderate research capacity. Identified barriers and motivators can be used to target responses that enhance capacity and improve treatment outcomes.

Mapping insomnia symptoms and circadian preferences to mental health problems in men and women across the lifespan.

This study identified subgroups in the general population based on combinations in three night-time insomnia symptoms and four dimensions of circadian preferences ("sleep profiles") and investigated the associations between sleep profiles and nine common mental health problems. The data came from the Lifelines cohort add-on study "Comorbid Conditions of ADHD" and included 37,716 individuals (aged 4-91 years) from the Dutch general population who completed a digital survey. Latent profile analysis was used to identify sleep profiles in twelve age-sex subgroups. Linear regression was used to investigate whether sleep profiles differ in mental health problems. Participants were classified into three sleep profiles: "Healthy Larks", who had early circadian preferences and no insomnia symptoms; "Sleepy Owls" with late circadian preferences and nonrestorative sleep; and "Sleepless Doves" with intermediate circadian preferences and severe insomnia symptoms. Compared to "Healthy Larks", all mental health problems were significantly more severe in "Sleepy Owls" and even worse in "Sleepless Doves". These associations were similar in men and women but weakened with age. However, "Sleepy Owls" and "Sleepless Doves" did not differ in heavy alcohol drinking, drug use, and smoking. Our findings strengthened the evidence for the universal role of healthy sleep in mental wellbeing.