Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study targeted individuals who turned for the first time to health services following problems caused by cocaine use (CUD). Our aim was to estimate mortality risk for individuals who were clients of PATS (public addiction treatment services) and never-PATS (those who were not). METHOD: Follow-up study. People resident in Emilia Romagna Region (Northern Italy), aged 18 years and older who for the first time turned to a HOS (hospital ward), an ED (emergency department), a MHS (community mental health centre) or to a PATS for cocaine use disorder were selected. The reference period was between 01/01/2009 and 31/12/2019 and the territory was the metropolitan area of Bologna. CMR (Crude mortality rates) per 1000 PY (Person Years) and SMRs (standardized mortality ratios) were calculated. RESULTS: The cohort was made up of 3,196 subjects. CMR was 4.5 (95% CI 3.6-6.6) per thousand patient/years, SMRs were 4.3 (95% CI 3.5-5.4). The results highlight high CMRs (5.5, 95% CI 3.8-8.1) and SMRs (4.7, 95% CI 3.2-6.9) for individuals who never accessed PATS. Higher and statistically significant incidence rate ratios were found from the multivariate analysis among females and natives, in patients never accessed to PATS, aged more than 35 years and reporting using alcohol or opioids at first admission. CONCLUSIONS: Innovative strategies to facilitate the reduction of barriers to access and to facilitate taking charge in PATS for people with cocaine use disorders must be identified.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call