Rodrigo Lopes de Felipe

Transactional Sex among Noninjecting Illicit Drug Users: Implications for HIV Transmission

Noninjecting illicit drug users (NIDUs) present high risk for HIV infection, due especially to transactional sex. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence and risk factors for transactional sex among NIDUs in the Southwest region of Goiás State, Central Brazil. The prevalence of self-reported transactional sex was 22.8%. Prevalence in women and men was 52.7% and 16.8%, respectively, a significant difference (p < 0.001). Crack use and history of sexually transmitted infections (STI) were risk factors for transactional sex in men. Homelessness, crack use, sex under the influence of drugs, and history of sexual violence were risk factors for transactional sex in women. A high prevalence of transactional sex was observed among NIDUs. This risk behavior may contribute to the high rates of HIV among this population and their social networks and in the general population.

HIV testing in Non-Injection Drug Users: prevalence and associated factors

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of and identify factors associated with lifetime testing for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in non-injection drug users (NIDU). A cross-sectional study was conducted with 323 individuals in clinics for chemical dependency in the state of Goiás in the Central-West region of Brazil. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with lifetime HIV testing. Testing for HIV was associated with age, female gender, crack use, history of sexually transmitted infections, acquaintance with people living with HIV/AIDS and/or who had died from AIDS, and history of having received some instruction on HIV/AIDS prevention methods. It was found that only 26.6% reported having access to the HIV rapid test. We concluded determinants for HIV testing must be taken into account when planning prevention and programming strategies. These include the widening of testing coverage among NIDU, educational health actions, establishment of links between sexually transmitted infection prevention services and addiction treatment services, and the use of rapid tests to help people who are in contact with the virus learn about their HIV status, enter treatment, and improve their quality of life.

COMMON MENTAL DISORDER AMONG ALCOHOL AND DRUG ABUSERS: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Objective: to estimate the prevalence of the probability of common mental disorders among abusers of alcohol and other drugs. Method: a cross-sectional study. The sample was made up of 234 individuals undergoing treatment and rehabilitation for chemical dependence in private clinics and in a Psychosocial Care Center in the Southeast area of the state of Goias, Brazil. Instruments on sociodemographic profile, use of licit and/or illicit drugs, and a questionnaire that tracks common mental suffering were applied. Results: the outcome variable was the probability of common mental disorder, with 37.2% of the total of the sample. Association between the probability of common mental disorders and the female gender (odds ratio=4.06; 95% CI 1.56-10.56), age ≤25 years old (odds ratio=3.00; 95% CCI 1.41-6.38), and use of marijuana in life (odds ratio=2.83; 95% CI 1.38-5.78) were found. Conclusion: the study showed an association between the use and abuse of drugs and risk for common mental disorders.

TRANSTORNO MENTAL COMUM ENTRE INDIVÍDUOS QUE ABUSAM DE ÁLCOOL E DROGAS: ESTUDO TRANSVERSAL

Objective: to estimate the prevalence of the probability of common mental disorders among abusers of alcohol and other drugs. Method: a cross-sectional study. The sample was made up of 234 individuals undergoing treatment and rehabilitation for chemical dependence in private clinics and in a Psychosocial Care Center in the Southeast area of the state of Goias, Brazil. Instruments on sociodemographic profile, use of licit and/or illicit drugs, and a questionnaire that tracks common mental suffering were applied. Results: the outcome variable was the probability of common mental disorder, with 37.2% of the total of the sample. Association between the probability of common mental disorders and the female gender (odds ratio=4.06; 95% CI 1.56-10.56), age ≤25 years old (odds ratio=3.00; 95% CCI 1.41-6.38), and use of marijuana in life (odds ratio=2.83; 95% CI 1.38-5.78) were found. Conclusion: the study showed an association between the use and abuse of drugs and risk for common mental disorders.

TRASTORNO MENTAL COMÚN ENTRE PERSONAS QUE ABUSAN DE ALCOHOL Y DROGAS: ESTUDIO TRASVERSAL

Objective: to estimate the prevalence of the probability of common mental disorders among abusers of alcohol and other drugs. Method: a cross-sectional study. The sample was made up of 234 individuals undergoing treatment and rehabilitation for chemical dependence in private clinics and in a Psychosocial Care Center in the Southeast area of the state of Goias, Brazil. Instruments on sociodemographic profile, use of licit and/or illicit drugs, and a questionnaire that tracks common mental suffering were applied. Results: the outcome variable was the probability of common mental disorder, with 37.2% of the total of the sample. Association between the probability of common mental disorders and the female gender (odds ratio=4.06; 95% CI 1.56-10.56), age ≤25 years old (odds ratio=3.00; 95% CCI 1.41-6.38), and use of marijuana in life (odds ratio=2.83; 95% CI 1.38-5.78) were found. Conclusion: the study showed an association between the use and abuse of drugs and risk for common mental disorders.

Prevalence and Factors Associated With Criminal Behavior Among Illicit Drug Users: A Cross-Sectional Study

ABSTRACT Background: Studies indicate high rates of criminal behavior, violent activities, and legal problems among illicit drug users (IDU) in Brazil. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and factors associated with criminal behavior among IDU undergoing treatment for chemical dependency in Central Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out with IDU undergoing treatment for chemical dependence. Data were collected by means of face-to-face interviews and analyzed using logistic regression. Results: Of the total participants (n = 274), 46.7%, 15.7%, and 10.9% reported involvement in robbery, drug trafficking and homicide, respectively. Robbery was associated with young age, withdrawal symptoms, prison record, sex work, and crack use, while drug trafficking was associated with young age, low education, and marijuana use. Homicides were associated with cocaine and marijuana use. Conclusion: The results show high rates of criminal behavior among drug users, demonstrating associations between socio-demographic and behavioral characteristics, illicit drug use, and practices of illegal activities. These variables must be considered when planning programs and policies to reduce harm related to drug use and abuse.