Can Contingency Management Solve the Problem of Adherence to Antiretroviral Therapy in Drug-Dependent Individuals?

Drug misuse among people living with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is associated with higher mortality. It is a frequently observed reason for treatment abandonment, with people who misuse drugs showing a 10 to 25 times higher risk of HIV than the general population. The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of contingency management (CM) to improve adherence to antiretroviral therapy in people living with HIV and substance use disorder (SUD). The inclusion criteria consisted of studies written in English, Italian, Spanish, German, and French; studies conducted with humans; and clinical trials that combined SUD treatment with CM for people living with HIV. Two hundred twenty-two articles were identified, five met all inclusion criteria, and three provided enough data to perform the meta-analysis. We considered treatment adherence by measuring the increase in the CD4 count as our primary outcome. We found a significant increase in treatment adherence in the patient group compared with the control groups during the intervention phase. Positive findings did not persist after the cessation of the incentives. The meta-analysis showed that the intervention improved patient adherence by 2.69 (95% confidence interval: [0.08, 0.51]; p = .007) compared with the control group during the intervention period. All short-term CM studies converged on a positive result for adherence to antiretroviral therapy.

The Interactions Between Vulnerabilities for HIV and Syphilis among Cisgender and Transgender People Who Use Drugs.

In Brazil, transgender people are most affected by HIV, and crack cocaine addiction may contribute to social vulnerability and exposure to sexual and violence-related risks. This cross-sectional study comprised 2393 individuals seeking addiction treatment, consisting of 43 trans women, 1995 cisgender men, and 355 cisgender women. Records of rapid test results for HIV and syphilis and screening responses of trans women were compared to both cisgender groups using a logistic regression model to identify associated risk factors. HIV prevalence was higher in the transgender group (39.5%) than in cis women and men (5.9% and 3.6%, respectively). Our study showed an eightfold higher chance of a positive HIV test among transgender individuals who used drugs (OR: 8.79, p < .01, 95% CI: 3.90-19.78) compared to cisgender people who used drugs. A lifetime history of syphilis infection was more common in transgender people (60.0%) and cis women (32.8%) than in cis men (9.5%). Active syphilis was also more common in the transgender population (OR: 5.46, p < .01, 95% CI: 2.63 11.32). In our sample, 44.2% of transgender individuals had a history of at least one suicide attempt in their lifetime. Our results showed that transgender women were at higher risk of crack cocaine use (OR: 5.51, p < .01, 95% CI: 2.16-14.06) than cisgender men and women. The study showed that trans women had a higher prevalence of syphilis and HIV, and a greater chance of being homeless. The synergy of these vulnerabilities may have led to our findings of high psychotic symptoms and a history of suicide attempts in transgender individuals.

Aspectos de saúde mental investigados em policiais: uma revisão integrativa / The aspects of mental health investigated in the police: an integrative review

Resumo Esta revisão integrativa teve por objetivo identificar quais aspectos de saúde mental dos policiais têm sido mais investigados na literatura, considerando o período de 2012 a 2018. Foram realizadas buscas nas bases de dados PubMed, LILACS, SciELO e PePSIC. Foram analisados 84 artigos, quanto a 4 categorias: características dos estudos; saúde mental dos policiais; fatores de risco para problemas mentais; e fatores protetivos e para desenvolvimento da saúde. A análise dos artigos mostrou que Estados Unidos e Brasil produziram mais sobre o tema e que depressão, estresse e transtornos de ansiedade foram as patologias mais frequentes nos artigos analisados. Fatores individuais e do trabalho associaram-se ao adoecimento e fatores protetivos e intervenções foram pouco investigados. Estudos futuros poderão abordar essas lacunas.

Abstract This integrative review aimed to identify which aspects of the police officers' mental health have been more investigated in the literature, considering the period from 2012 to 2018. We searched the PubMed, LILACS, SciELO and PePSIC databases. A total of 84 articles were analyzed in four categories: characteristics of the studies; mental health of police officers; risk factors for mental problems; and protective and health development factors. The analysis of the articles showed that the United States and Brazil were the countries with most production on the subject, and that depression, stress, and anxiety disorders were the most frequent pathologies in the analyzed articles. Individual and work factors were associated with illness and protective factors and interventions were scarcely investigated. Future studies may address these shortcomings.

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

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.

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.

Tradição e socialização nos terreiros de candomblé de uberaba-mg: análise bioecológica dos percursos religiosos / La tradición y la socialización en los terreiros de candomblé de uberaba-mg: análisis bioecológica a partir de las trayectorias religiosas / The tradition and socialization in the candomblé centers of uberaba-mg: bioecological analysis of religious trajectories

Resumo Este estudo teve por objetivo compreender, a partir de uma análise bioecológica, como se dão as relações entre tradição e sociabilidade em terreiros de Candomblé da cidade de Uberaba-MG, Brasil, a partir das narrativas desenvolvimentais de seus adeptos. Foram entrevistados 14 adeptos de dois terreiros de nações diferentes (Ketu e Efon), com pelo menos sete anos de iniciação. Os resultados indicaram forte tradição e transmissão geracional e oral de conhecimentos. As relações interpessoais nos terreiros são fraternas e resgatam elementos da hierarquia familiar, com forte percepção do apoio social dessa rede. Os entrevistados, pelo tempo de iniciação, assumem a responsabilidade de transmitir os conhecimentos religiosos, preservando a tradição. Este estudo evidenciou como as noções de tradição e sociabilidade atravessam os processos desenvolvimentais dos adeptos do Candomblé, permitindo a construção de normas, relações e itinerários que encontram nas comunidades de referência um espaço de acolhimento e pertencimento.

Resumen Este estudio tuvo por objetivo comprender, a partir de un análisis bioecológico, cómo se dan las relaciones entre tradición y sociabilidad en terreiros de Candomblé de la ciudad de Uberaba-MG, Brasil, a partir de las narrativas desarrollativas de sus adeptos. Se entrevistaron a 14 adeptos de dos terreiros de naciones diferentes (Ketu y Efon), con al menos siete años de iniciación. Los resultados indicaron fuerte tradición y transmisión generacional y oral de conocimientos. Las relaciones interpersonales en los terreros son fraternas y rescatan elementos de la jerarquía familiar, con fuerte percepción del apoyo social de esa red. Los entrevistados, por el tiempo de iniciación, asumen la responsabilidad de transmitir los conocimientos religiosos, preservando la tradición. Este estudio evidenció cómo las nociones de tradición y sociabilidad atraviesan los procesos desarrollativos de los adeptos del Candomblé, permitiendo la construcción de normas, relaciones e itinerarios que encuentran en las comunidades de referencia un espacio de acogida y pertenencia.

Abstract This study aimed to understand, from a bioecological analysis, how the relationships between tradition and sociability in Candomblé centers of the city of Uberaba-MG, Brazil, are based on the developmental narratives of their followers. We interviewed 14 followers from two centers of different nations (Ketu and Efon), with at least seven years of initiation. The results indicated strong tradition and generational and oral transmission of knowledge. Interpersonal relationships in the Candomblé meeting places are fraternal and rescue elements of the family hierarchy, with a strong perception of the social support of this network. The interviewees, by the time of initiation, assume the responsibility of transmitting the religious knowledge in order to preserve the tradition. This study showed how the notions of tradition and sociability cross the developmental processes of Candomblé followers, allowing the construction of norms, relationships and itineraries that find in the communities of reference a space of welcome and belonging.

Adulterants in crack cocaine in Brazil.

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.

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.

Preliminary results from Brazil's first recovery housing program.

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.

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.

Contingency management targeting abstinence is effective in reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms among crack cocaine-dependent individuals.

Although contingency management (CM) is effective in promoting abstinence and treatment retention among crack cocaine users who meet the criteria for cocaine dependence, less is known about its off-target effects. In this secondary analysis, we evaluated the impact of CM on depressive and anxiety symptoms in a sample of cocaine-dependent individuals under treatment. Sixty-five crack cocaine users who met the criteria for cocaine dependence were randomly assigned to receive 12 weeks of standard treatment alone (STA; n = 32) or 12 weeks of standard treatment plus CM (STCM; n = 33). The outcome measures of the secondary analysis were depressive and anxiety symptoms assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). At baseline, 59 (90.8%) of the participants reported at least mild depressive symptoms and 47 (72.5%) reported at least mild anxiety symptoms. The mean BDI-II (24.5 ± 12.1) and BAI (20.7 ± 13.5) scores in the sample as a whole was moderate. After treatment, the reported levels of depressive symptoms (ß = -9.6, p < .05) and anxiety symptoms (ß = -9.9, p < .05) were lower among the individuals receiving STCM than among those receiving STA. This study provides evidence that an STCM intervention targeting crack cocaine abstinence also produces significant reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms. This low cost intervention also demonstrated significant promise and optimization potential for crack cocaine users in a setting of scarce resources and high mental health comorbidity. Relevance Statement: We found that the prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms were extremely high among crack cocaine users, and that, among such individuals, contingency management (CM) reduced depressive and anxiety symptomatology to a greater degree than did standard treatment. Our results suggest that CM targeting crack cocaine abuse can have off-target effects on psychiatric symptomatology. (PsycINFO Database Record