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JAMA Network Open Mar 2024Despite individual studies suggesting that sex differences exist in the association between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and suicide, most existing systematic reviews and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Despite individual studies suggesting that sex differences exist in the association between alcohol use disorder (AUD) and suicide, most existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses have reported associations across the sexes.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the sex-specific association between AUD and suicide mortality.
DATA SOURCES
Embase, MEDLINE (including MEDLINE In-Process), PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched from database inception to April 27, 2022.
STUDY SELECTION
Inclusion criteria consisted of the following: (1) original, quantitative study, (2) inclusion of a measure of association and its corresponding measure of variability (or sufficient data to calculate these [eg, 95% CI]), and (3) results stratified by sex.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Data extraction was completed by one reviewer and then cross-checked by a second reviewer. Risk of bias was assessed by study design. Categorical random-effects meta-analyses were conducted to obtain sex-specific pooled estimates of the association between AUD and suicide mortality risk. Methodological moderators (ie, study design and comparator group) were assessed using sex-stratified meta-regressions.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The association between AUD and suicide mortality.
RESULTS
A total of 16 347 unique records were identified in the systematic search; 24 studies were ultimately included for 37 870 699 participants (59.7% male and 40.3% female) (23 risk estimates for male and 17 for female participants). Participants ranged in age from 15 years to 65 years or older. Sex-specific meta-regression models indicated that study design (ie, longitudinal vs cross-sectional study design) affected the observed association between AUD and suicide mortality for both male participants (log odds ratio, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.08-1.28]; P = .03) and female participants (log odds ratio, 1.41 [95% CI, 0.57-2.24]; P < .001). For males and females, among longitudinal studies, the pooled odds ratios were 2.68 (95% CI, 1.86-3.87; I2 = 99% [n = 14]) and 2.39 (95% CI, 1.50-3.81; I2 = 90% [n = 11]), respectively.
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
This systematic review and meta-analysis yielded substantive evidence that AUD was associated with suicide mortality and that the association was similar across the sexes. The findings underscore the importance of identifying and treating AUD as part of a comprehensive suicide prevention strategy.
Topics: Female; Male; Humans; Adolescent; Alcoholism; Cross-Sectional Studies; Sexual Behavior; Sex Characteristics; Suicide
PubMed: 38470417
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.1941 -
The Lancet. Global Health Dec 2023People who inject drugs are disproportionately affected by HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, while there is little global data on HIV and HCV testing and...
BACKGROUND
People who inject drugs are disproportionately affected by HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, while there is little global data on HIV and HCV testing and treatment coverage of this population. We conducted a systematic review to evaluate country-level, regional, and global coverage of HIV and HCV testing and treatment among people who inject drugs.
METHODS
We did a systematic review, and searched bibliographic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO) and grey literature for studies published between Jan 1, 2017, and April 30, 2022, that evaluated the proportion of people who inject drugs who received testing or treatment for HIV or HCV. For each country, we estimated the proportion of people who inject drugs tested for HIV antibodies in the past 12 months (recent), people who inject drugs ever tested for HCV antibodies and HCV RNA, people who inject drugs with HIV currently receiving antiretroviral therapy, and people who inject drugs with HCV ever receiving HCV antiviral treatment. Regional and global estimates, weighted by the population size of people who inject drugs, were generated where sufficient data were available. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020173974).
FINDINGS
512 documents reported data eligible for analyses, including 337 peer-reviewed articles, 27 conference abstracts or presentations, and 148 documents from grey literature or supplementary searches. Data of recent HIV antibody testing were available for 67 countries and ever having had HCV antibody testing were available for 49 countries. Globally, an estimated 48·8% of people who inject drugs were recently tested for HIV antibodies (95% uncertainty interval [UI] 43·3-54·2%; range 0·9-86·0%), and 47·1% had ever been tested for HCV antibodies (95% UI 43·4-51·0%; range 0·0-93·3%). HCV RNA testing data were available from three countries. Coverage of HIV antibody testing was high (>75%) in four countries and for HCV antibody testing in 15 countries. The estimated uptake of current HIV treatment (18 countries) ranged from 2·6% to 81·9%, and the estimated uptake of ever having HCV treatment (23 countries) ranged from 1·8% to 88·6% across countries. Uptake of HIV treatment was high in two countries, and of HCV treatment in one country.
INTERPRETATION
HIV and HCV testing and treatment uptake among people who inject drugs was highly variable, and suboptimal in most countries. Strategies to improve access to HIV and HCV care among people who inject drugs and the availability of public health surveillance are urgently required.
FUNDING
Australian National Health and Medical Research Council and UK National Institute for Health and Care Research Health Protection Research Unit in Behavioural Science and Evaluation.
Topics: Humans; Substance Abuse, Intravenous; HIV Antibodies; Hepatitis C Antibodies; Drug Users; Australia; Hepatitis C; HIV Infections; Hepacivirus; HIV-1; RNA
PubMed: 37973339
DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(23)00461-8 -
The American Journal of Drug and... Nov 2023Previous studies have reviewed the evidence on the increase in alcohol consumption after a terrorist attack. However, an increase does not necessarily imply the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Previous studies have reviewed the evidence on the increase in alcohol consumption after a terrorist attack. However, an increase does not necessarily imply the presence of an alcohol use disorder. To conduct a systematic and meta-analytic review of the literature on the prevalence of increased alcohol consumption and alcohol use disorders in adult exposed to terrorism. A search of PsycINFO, MEDLINE and PTSDpubs identified 29 studies published up to March 2023 in which 38 adult samples totaling 282,753 persons exposed to terrorism were assessed. Using inverse variance heterogeneity models, pooled prevalence rates of increased alcohol use and alcohol use disorders were calculated. 6% (95% CI [2.9, 9.5]) of the adults exposed to a terrorist attack increased their alcohol consumption. The prevalence of increased alcohol use varied depending on the degree of exposure ( = .006, = .18) and the procedure for measuring increases (= .043, = .37). The prevalence of alcohol use disorders in adults exposed to a terrorist attack was 5.5% (95% CI [3.7, 7.5]), a rate that was not higher than that obtained in the general population and varied depending on the type of alcohol disorder ( = .015, = .30). A relevant number of adults exposed to terrorist attacks will subsequently increase their alcohol consumption, but this increase is not associated with an increase in the prevalence of alcohol use disorders. Effects of terrorism on people's health are potentially widespread, but concerns of excessive alcohol use after terrorist attacks may be unwarranted.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Alcohol Drinking; Alcoholism; Prevalence; Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic; Terrorism
PubMed: 38011685
DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2023.2275526 -
Trauma, Violence & Abuse Dec 2023Relationships have been well established between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and later psychosis (29 systematic reviews) violence (4 systematic reviews). To... (Review)
Review
Relationships have been well established between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and later psychosis (29 systematic reviews) violence (4 systematic reviews). To date, just one review has explored childhood maltreatment, specifically, and violence with psychosis. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analyses of a wider range of ACEs and later psychosis with compared with psychosis alone, violence alone or neither, completing searches in January 2021. In all, 15 studies met inclusion criteria, but only six included all four groups of interest. Two substantial studies recorded ACEs from sources independent of those affected and probably emergent psychosis or violence; others relied on retrospective recall. Meta-analyses were possible only for within-psychosis-group comparisons; histories of physical abuse, sexual abuse, and having a criminal/violent parent or living with family alcohol/drug use were each associated with around twice the odds of psychosis with violence as psychosis alone. Although ACE measures in the four-way comparisons were too divergent for firm conclusions, abuse histories, and parental criminality emerged as likely antecedents, one study evidencing psychosis as mediating between ACEs and violence. Without longitudinal prospective study, pathways between ACEs and later problems remain unclear. Our findings add weight to the case for exploring ACEs in addition to abuse as possible indicators of later violence among people with psychosis and for trauma-informed interventions, which is important because some people are reluctant to disclose abuse histories.
PubMed: 36117458
DOI: 10.1177/15248380221122818 -
The American Journal of Drug and... Mar 2024The use of cannabis is highly prevalent during adolescence compared to the general adult population. In addition to the high comorbidity between cannabis use and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The use of cannabis is highly prevalent during adolescence compared to the general adult population. In addition to the high comorbidity between cannabis use and anxiety disorders, early evidence suggests that cannabis may precede the development of anxiety. Moreover, adolescence represents a major developmental period for both neurobiological and psychological processes, placing these individuals at a heightened vulnerability to the influence of cannabis. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the prospective associations between adolescent cannabis use and subsequent anxiety outcomes (i.e. anxiety disorders and/or symptoms). Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted encompassing data from articles published between database inception and September 2022. Six longitudinal studies were identified for quantitative analysis, while twelve non-overlapping longitudinal studies were identified for qualitative review (total = 18; 33380 subjects). Meta-analytical findings supported an association between adolescent cannabis use and the development of a subsequent anxiety disorder (Odds Ratio = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.37-3.36, < .01). These findings were consistent with our qualitative synthesis where nine of the twelve longitudinal studies observed a significant relationship between adolescent cannabis use and exacerbation of anxiety symptoms later in life, irrespective of an anxiety disorder diagnosis. In summary, the current evidence suggests a prospective association between adolescent cannabis use and later anxiety symptoms and disorders. These findings underscore the importance of refining research methodologies, considering sex-based differences and controlling for confounding factors, as well as implementing educational initiatives and developing clinical interventions to address the mental health risks associated with cannabis use among adolescents.
Topics: Humans; Adolescent; Anxiety Disorders; Marijuana Use; Anxiety; Longitudinal Studies
PubMed: 38285048
DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2023.2299922 -
Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica Aug 2023Genetic studies of bipolar disorder (BD) have shown varied results, which is in part because of the heterogeneity of the disorder. Identifying clinical phenotypes of BD... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Genetic studies of bipolar disorder (BD) have shown varied results, which is in part because of the heterogeneity of the disorder. Identifying clinical phenotypes of BD could reduce variability and benefit research. Since BD has a robust genetic component, studies can investigate clinical traits that cluster in families to identify phenotypes with a probable genetic basis.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review of the current literature on familial clinical traits of BD. Text screening and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers, and random effects meta-analysis was used.
RESULTS
Of 1117 unique records, 16 studies met inclusion criteria. These studies indicated 14 potentially familial traits of BD: age of onset (OR: 4.50; 95% CI: [3.25, 6.22]), bipolar type (OR: 2.05 [1.50, 2.79]), lithium response (OR: 3.71 [1.28, 10.82]), polarity at onset (OR: 1.17 [1.03, 1.34]), psychotic features (OR: 2.20 [1.51, 3.20]), mood-incongruent psychosis (OR: 2.52 [1.66, 3.83]), puerperal psychosis (OR: 6.54 [2.55, 16.77]), rapid cycling (OR: 4.95 [0.96, 25.40]), suicide attempt (OR: 1.04 [0.65, 1.67]), alcoholism (OR: 1.53 [1.09, 2.16]), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OR: 3.10 [1.31; 7.09]), panic disorder (OR: 2.69 [1.12; 6.48]), social anxiety disorder (OR: 1.00 [0.39, 2.55]), and specific phobia (OR: 1.94 [0.95; 3.96]). For most traits, tests of heterogeneity were significant and publication bias was likely.
CONCLUSION
The results of our review and meta-analysis highlight the lack of studies investigating familial clinical traits of BD, despite the need to address heterogeneity. The large degree of variability between studies must be reduced for future research.
Topics: Humans; Bipolar Disorder; Phenotype; Psychotic Disorders; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Panic Disorder
PubMed: 37190775
DOI: 10.1111/acps.13569 -
Frontiers in Psychiatry 2023Substance use disorder (SUD) is a significant public health issue with a high mortality rate. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has shown promising results in treating SUD in... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a significant public health issue with a high mortality rate. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has shown promising results in treating SUD in certain cases. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of DBS in the treatment of SUD and reduction of relapse rates.
METHODS
We performed a thorough and methodical search of the existing scientific literature, adhering to the PRISMA guidelines, to identify 16 original studies that fulfilled our inclusion criteria. We used the evidence levels recommended by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine to assess bias. The R version 4.2.3 software was utilized to calculate the mean effect size. We estimated study heterogeneity by employing tau2 and I2 indices and conducting Cochran's Q test.
RESULTS
The results showed that DBS treatment resulted in a significant improvement in the clinical SUD scales of patients, with an average improvement of 59.6%. The observed relapse rate was 8%. The meta-analysis estimated a mean effect size of 55.9 [40.4; 71.4]. Heterogeneity analysis showed a large degree of heterogeneity among the included studies. Subgroup and meta-regression analysis based on age and SUD type suggested that DBS may be more effective for patients above 45 years of age, and for alcohol and opioid addiction compared to nicotine addiction.
CONCLUSION
The current literature suggests that DBS has a moderate effect on SUD symptoms. However, the limited number of studies and small sample size indicate that more research is needed to better understand the factors that influence its effectiveness.
PubMed: 37636824
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1231760 -
Trauma, Violence & Abuse Jul 2024Since the last two decades, the scientific community has made an effort to analyze drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA). However, a lack of understanding remains about... (Review)
Review
Since the last two decades, the scientific community has made an effort to analyze drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA). However, a lack of understanding remains about the DFSA problem, particularly concerning the opportunistic variant. Facing this situation, a systematic review of the term DFSA is carried out from its first appearance in the scientific databases consulted (Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed) to the current day. The search resulted in 773 publications, reduced to a final study sample composed of 19 articles. Eligible studies for this review had to meet certain inclusion criteria, in addition to providing information on DFSA prevalence, DFSA victim profile, DFSA offender profile, involved drugs, or contextual information about the assault. The results demonstrated that the assailants are men, who mostly know victims before the assault. The victims are young women under 30 years old. Alcohol is the drug involved in most DFSA cases, prevailing a voluntary use. Most assaults occur in private spaces, particularly the aggressors' own homes. Furthermore, there is a detected need for a standard definition of DFSA to allow the different actors involved in dealing with sexual violence to work effectively together, and, at the same time, it is detected that the available studies overrepresent proactive DFSA and underestimate opportunism, the most common involved in DFSA cases.
Topics: Humans; Sex Offenses; Female; Crime Victims; Male; Adult; Substance-Related Disorders; Young Adult; Prevalence
PubMed: 37650508
DOI: 10.1177/15248380231195877 -
Drug and Alcohol Review May 2024Hospital alcohol and/or other drug (AOD) testing is important for identifying AOD-related injuries; however, testing methods vary. This systematic review aimed to... (Review)
Review
ISSUE
Hospital alcohol and/or other drug (AOD) testing is important for identifying AOD-related injuries; however, testing methods vary. This systematic review aimed to examine biological AOD testing methods from hospital-based studies of injured patients and quantify what proportion reported key information on those testing methods.
APPROACH
Observational studies published in English from 2010 onwards involving biological AOD testing for injured patients presenting to hospital were included. Studies examining single injury causes were excluded. Extracted data included concentration thresholds for AOD detection (e.g., lower limits of detection, author-defined cut-offs), test type (e.g., immunoassay, breathalyser) and approach (e.g., routine, clinical discretion), timing of testing, sample type and the proportion of injured cases tested for AODs.
KEY FINDINGS
Of 83 included studies, 76 measured alcohol and 37 other drugs. Forty-nine studies defined blood alcohol concentration thresholds (ranging from 0 to 0.1 g/100 mL). Seven studies defined concentration thresholds for other drugs. Testing approach was reported in 39/76 alcohol and 18/37 other drug studies. Sample type was commonly reported (alcohol: n = 69/76; other drugs: n = 28/37); alcohol was typically measured using blood (n = 60) and other drugs using urine (n = 20). Studies that reported the proportion of cases tested (alcohol: n = 53/76; other drugs: n = 28/37), reported that between 0% and 89% of cases were not tested for alcohol and 0% and 91% for other drugs. Timing of testing was often unreported (alcohol: n = 61; other drugs: n = 30).
IMPLICATIONS AND CONCLUSION
Variation in AOD testing methods alongside incomplete reporting of those methods limits data comparability and interpretation. Standardised reporting of testing methods will assist AOD-related injury surveillance and prevention.
Topics: Humans; Substance Abuse Detection; Wounds and Injuries; Substance-Related Disorders; Hospitals; Blood Alcohol Content; Ethanol
PubMed: 38316529
DOI: 10.1111/dar.13816 -
Archivos de Bronconeumologia Oct 2023There are multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the efficacy and safety of pharmacological treatments against nicotine dependence. However, there are few...
INTRODUCTION
There are multiple systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the efficacy and safety of pharmacological treatments against nicotine dependence. However, there are few guidelines to answer frequent questions asked by a clinician treating a smoker. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to facilitate the treatment of tobacco addiction.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
12 PICO questions are formulated from a GLOBAL PICO question: "Efficacy and safety of pharmacological treatment of tobacco dependence". A systematic review was carried out to answer each of the questions and recommendations were made. The GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system was used to grade the certainty of the estimated effects and the strength of the recommendations.
RESULTS
Varenicline, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion and cytisine are more effective than placebo. Varenicline and combined nicotine therapy are superior to the other therapies. In smokers with high dependence, a combination of drugs is recommended, being more effective those associations containing varenicline. Other optimization strategies with lower efficacy consist of increasing the doses, the duration, or retreat with varenicline. In specific populations varenicline or NRT is recommended. In hospitalized, the treatment of choice is NRT. In pregnancy it is indicated to prioritize behavioral treatment. The financing of smoking cessation treatments increases the number of smokers who quit smoking. There is no scientific evidence of the efficacy of pharmacological treatment of smoking cessation in adolescents.
CONCLUSIONS
The answers to the 12 questions allow us to extract recommendations and algorithms for the pharmacological treatment of tobacco dependence.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Adolescent; Tobacco Use Disorder; Varenicline; Smoking Cessation; Nicotinic Agonists; Thoracic Surgery; Pulmonary Medicine; Tobacco Use Cessation Devices; Bupropion; Alcoholism
PubMed: 37567792
DOI: 10.1016/j.arbres.2023.07.024