Female Drug Research Articles

Representation of women in clinical trials supporting FDA-approval of contemporary cancer therapies.

Contemporary anticancer therapies frequently have different efficacy and side effects in men and women. Yet, whether women are well-represented in pivotal trials supporting contemporary anticancer drugs is unknown. Leveraging the Drugs@FDA database, clinicaltrials.gov, MEDLINE, and publicly available FDA-drug-reviews, we identified all pivotal (phase II and III) non-sex specific trials supporting FDA-approval of anticancer drugs (1998-2018). Observed-enrollment-rates were compared to expected-population-rates derived from concurrent US-National-Cancer-Institute's Surveillance-Epidemiology-and-End-Results (SEER) reported rates and US-Census databases. Primary outcome was the proportional representation of women across trials, evaluated by a participation-to-prevalence ratio (PPR), according to cancer type. Secondary outcome was the report of any sex-specific analysis of efficacy and/or safety, irrespective of treatment-arm. Overall, there were 148 trials, enrolling 60,216 participants (60.5 ± 4.0 years, 40.7% female, 79.1% biologic, targeted, or immune-based therapies) evaluating 99 drugs. Sex was reported in 146 (98.6%) trials, wherein 40.7% (24,538) were women, compared to 59.3% (35,678) men (p < .01). Altogether, women were under-represented in 66.9% trials compared to the proportional incidence of cancers by respective disease type; weight-average PPR of 0.91 (relative difference: -9.1%, p < .01). Women were most under-represented in gastric (PPR = 0.63), liver (PPR = 0.71), and lung (PPR = .81) cancer trials. Sex-based safety data was reported in 4.0% trials. There was no association between adequate female enrollment and drug efficacy (HR: 0.616 vs. 0.613, p = .96). Over time, there was no difference in the percentage of women recruited into clinical trials. Among pivotal clinical trials supporting contemporary FDA-approved cancer drugs, women were frequently under-represented and sex-specific-efficacy and safety-outcomes were commonly not reported.

Association Between the Oxidative Balance Score and Endometriosis: A Population-Based Study.

To investigate the association between the oxidative balance score (OBS) and endometriosis. This cross-sectional study used four cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (1999-2000, 2001-2002, 2003-2004, and 2005-2006). OBS involved 16 dietary nutrients and 4 lifestyle factors, including 5 pro-oxidants and 15 anti-oxidants. According to weighted quartiles, the OBS was divided into four categories: < 12.54, 12.54-18.70, 18.71-24.68, and > 24.68. Endometriosis was diagnosed based on a question from the reproductive health questionnaire. Weighted multivariate logistic analysis was used to investigate the association between OBS and endometriosis. Subgroup analysis was performed based on menstrual regularity and female hormone use. A total of 5095 women were included, with 1140 (22.37%), 1232 (24.18%), 1224 (24.02%), and 1499 (29.42%) women in the OBS < 12.54, of 12.54-18.70, of 18.71-24.68, and > 24.68 categories, respectively. After adjusting age, race, family poverty-to-income ratio (PIR), education level, uterine fibroids, menstrual regularity, oophorectomy, female hormone use, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and steroid drug, a high OBS (> 24.68) was found to be associated with lower odds of endometriosis [odds ratio (OR) = 0.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.50-0.97, P = 0.033] compared to a low OBS (< 12.54). The similar result was also found in women with irregular menstruation (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.37-0.91, P = 0.020) and with female hormone use (OR = 0.71, 95% CI: 0.52-0.98, P = 0.037). A high OBS was associated with lower odds of endometriosis, especially in women with irregular menstruation and female hormone use.

Association between socioeconomic and motherhood characteristics with receiving community-based treatment services among justice-involved young female drug users: a retrospective cohort study in Taiwan

BackgroundDrug-involved individuals who contact treatment services in Taiwan are mostly driven by criminal justice systems either as an alternative or adjunct to criminal sanctions for a drug offence. With a focus on justice-involved young female drug users, the present study examines the extent to which socioeconomic and motherhood characteristics are associated with receiving deferred prosecution, a scheme diverting drug offenders to community-based addiction treatment.MethodsWe identified a cohort of 5869 women under the age of 30 arrested for using Schedule II drugs (primarily amphetamine-like stimulants) from the 2011–2017 National Police Criminal Records in Taiwan. Information concerning socioeconomic characteristics, pregnancy and live birth history, and deferred prosecution was obtained through linkage with the 2006–2019 National Health Insurance, birth registration, and deferred prosecution datasets. Multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate the association with stratification by recidivism status.ResultsWithin six months of arrest, 21% of first-time offenders (n = 2645) received deferred prosecution and 23% received correction-based rehabilitation; the corresponding estimates for recidivists (n = 3224) were 6% and 15%, respectively. Among first-time offenders, low/unstable income was associated with lower odds of deferred prosecution (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.88). For recidivists, those with low/unstable income (aOR = 1.58) or unemployment (aOR = 1.58) had higher odds of correction-based rehabilitation; being pregnant at arrest was linked with reduced odds of deferred prosecution (aOR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.71) and correction-based rehabilitation (aOR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.32, 0.77).ConclusionsFor the young women arrested for drug offences, disadvantaged socioeconomic conditions were generally unfavored by the diversion to treatment in the community. Childbearing upon arrest may lower not only the odds of receiving medical treatment but also correctional intervention. The criminal prosecution policy and process should be informed by female drug offenders’ need for treatment and recovery.

Legal Protection For Breastfeeding Female Drug Concerts And The Children Of Prisoners (Study At Class Iii Women's Correctional Institution Mataram)

Legal Protection For Breastfeeding Female Drug Concerts And The Children Of Prisoners (Study At Class Iii Women's Correctional Institution Mataram)

MGlu2 and mGlu3 receptor negative allosteric modulators attenuate the interoceptive effects of alcohol in male and female rats

RationaleThe subjective effects of alcohol are associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD) vulnerability and treatment outcomes. The interoceptive effects of alcohol are part of these subjective effects and can be measured in animal models using drug discrimination procedures. The newly developed mGlu2 and mGlu3 negative allosteric modulators (NAMs) are potential therapeutics for AUD and may alter interoceptive sensitivity to alcohol. ObjectivesTo determine the effects of mGlu2 and mGlu3 NAMs on the interoceptive effects of alcohol in rats. MethodsLong-Evans rats were trained to discriminate the interoceptive stimulus effects of alcohol (2.0 g/kg, i.g.) from water using both operant (males only) and Pavlovian (male and female) drug discrimination techniques. Following acquisition training, an alcohol dose-response (0, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 g/kg) experiment was conducted to confirm stimulus control over behavior. Next, to test the involvement of mGlu2 and mGlu3, rats were pretreated with the mGlu2-NAM (VU6001966; 0, 3, 6, 12 mg/kg, i.p.) or the mGlu3-NAM (VU6010572; 0, 3, 6, 12 mg/kg, i.p.) before alcohol administration (2.0 g/kg, i.g.). ResultsIn Pavlovian discrimination, male rats showed greater interoceptive sensitivity to 1.0 and 2.0 g/kg alcohol compared to female rats. Both mGlu2-NAM and mGlu3-NAM attenuated the interoceptive effects of alcohol in male and female rats using Pavlovian and operant discrimination. There may be a potential sex difference in response to the mGlu2-NAM at the highest dose tested. ConclusionsMale rats may be more sensitive to the interoceptive effects of the 2.0 g/kg alcohol training dose compared to female rats. Both mGlu2-and mGlu3-NAM attenuate the interoceptive effects of alcohol in male and female rats. These drugs may have potential for treatment of AUD in part by blunting the subjective effects of alcohol.

Vulnerability to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) / Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) among adolescent girls and young women in India: A rapid review.

Limited evidence is available on the vulnerability of Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) to sexual risk behaviour and STI/HIV. Though there are almost no statistics available on vulnerability, related literature suggests that AGYW have low awareness about sexual risk behaviour/ transmission and the prevalence of STI/HIV, making them vulnerable. We conducted a rapid review of peer-reviewed studies addressing transmission network, prevalence, incidence awareness, common determinants of sexual risk behaviour/STI/HIV, health-seeking behaviour and existing interventions addressing the situation among AGYW (age 15-24) to inform the evidence gap in this crucial area of research. We registered the study in PROSPERO (CRD42023403713). We developed detailed inclusion/exclusion criteria, searched JSTOR, PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Population Council Knowledge Commons databases and followed the guidance from Cochrane Rapid Review to develop the rapid review. We also searched the bibliography of the included studies. We included the English language peer-reviewed quantitative, qualitative, mixed method studies published from Jan 1 2000 to Mar 31 2023. Six reviewers extracted data, and the seventh reviewer independently assessed the quality. Ninety-six studies met the inclusion criteria. We used descriptive statistics and narrative synthesis methods for data analysis. We also conducted a Risk of Bias Assessment (RoB) to check the quality of the included studies. Inadequate literature was found on the transmission network. Prevalence and awareness of STI/HIV are low among AGYW. However, Female Sex Workers, sex-trafficked women or drug users in this age group suffer more. Age, education, income, relationship dynamics with spouses/partners, multiple partners, and substance use are crucial in determining STI/HIV. Traditional sources of health seeking are more popular than formal sources because of social stigma. Mass media campaigns, community mobilization programs, and life skills training programs increase awareness about HIV, condom use and self-efficacy. The inclusion of only English language studies and not conducting meta-analysis because of high heterogeneity are some of the limitations of the study.

Motivations for abstinence reported by women: a phenomenological analysis based on Edith Stein

Objective: to understand how women with a history of substance abuse elaborate theirmotivations for abstinence, through dialogue with Edith Stein’s Phenomenology. Methodology:qualitative study with three female drug users. The participants, who were chosen throughdeliberate sampling, took part in individual and semi-structured interviews that were audiorecordedand completely transcribed. Based on the phenomenological method, the interviewswere analyzed. Results: distinct experiences (sensory, empathetic, and volitional) appear asmobilizing in the elaboration of each participant about their abstinence process. In dialogue withStein, the process of acceptance of these mobilizing experiences was recognized, as well as therecognition of human finitude and the activation of the will aimed at changing the state of things.Conclusion: it is concluded that it is possible to identify shared elements, just as it is importantto emphasize the specificity of each story and recognize the uniqueness of each woman whoexperiences or has experienced substance abuse.

Estradiol reduction through aromatase inhibition impairs cocaine seeking in male rats.

Clinical and preclinical research on cocaine use disorder (CUD) has shown that sex differences in drug seeking are influenced by hormonal fluctuations. Estradiol (E2), a sex steroid hormone, has been linked to female drug effects, vulnerability to use/abuse, and psychosocial factors. Preclinical studies show that estradiol in females facilitates the extinction of cocaine-seeking behavior indicating a possible role in regulating extinction learning. Similar to females, males' brains contain the aromatase enzyme which converts testosterone to estradiol. However, it is unclear whether estradiol plays a role in male extinction learning as it does in females. Furthermore, how endogenously aromatized estradiol affects drug addiction in males is unknown. Therefore, this study investigated whether endogenous estradiol regulates cocaine seeking in male rats. We hypothesized that decreased aromatase enzyme activity, resulting in decreased estradiol synthesis in male brains, will impair extinction learning leading to increased cocaine-seeking behavior. This hypothesis was tested using cocaine-conditioned place preference (CPP), and short access self-administration (SA), followed by extinction and reinstatement. Before each extinction session for CPP or SA, male rats received an injection of either 1 (low dose) or 2.5 mg/kg (high dose) of the aromatase inhibitor Fadrozole (FAD), or vehicle. FAD groups showed dose-dependent effects on cocaine-seeking behavior compared to the vehicle group during CPP extinction. Specifically, low dose FAD facilitated extinction of cocaine CPP, whereas high dose FAD impaired it. In contrast, neither dose of FAD had any effects on the extinction of cocaine SA. Interestingly, only the low dose FAD group had decreased active lever pressing during cue- and cocaine-primed reinstatement compared to the vehicle group. Neither dose of FAD had an effect on sucrose extinction or reinstatement of sucrose seeking. These results from CPP experiments suggest that estradiol may impact extinction learning, as a low dose of FAD may strengthen the formation of cocaine extinction memory. Additionally, in male rats undergoing cocaine SA, the same low dose of aromatase inhibitor effectively reduced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior. Thus, estradiol impacts cocaine seeking and extinction in both males and females, and it may also influence the development of sex-specific treatment strategies for CUD.

Profile of Prisoners with Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI) In Correctional Institution Level IIA Kerobokan, Badung, Bali

Background: Prisoners have a high risk of being infected with latent Mycobacterium tuberculosis (LTBI). Crowded living conditions, poor ventilation, and inadequate facilities lead to a high risk of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) transmission in correctional institutions ( CI ). TB disease causes a decline in the health of prisoners so it affects the quality of life while serving in prison. For this reason, it is necessary to conduct research on the profile of prisoners with LTBI. The results can later be used as a consideration for improving the health status of CI. This study was conducted in July 2023 in Level IIA prison, Kerobokan, Badung, Bali with variables in the form of characteristics of prisoners with positive LTBI status. Methods: Sample collection using cluster sampling by taking all prisoners in 1 block who have active TB patients. Prisoners underwent Tuberculin Skin Tests to determine LTBI status. Results: Prisoners with LTBI were found with the following characteristics: female gender (56.67%), aged &lt;60 years (93.3%), smoking history (70%), length of stay in prison ≥12 months (73.3%), drug users (36.67%), history of alcohol consumption (50%). Conclusion: This study provides an overview of the profile of prisoners with LTBI in level IIA Kerobokan prison, Badung, Bali. Latent TB infection was more prevalent among female prisoners with female gender, young age, active smokers, drug and alcohol consumption, and length of stay in prison more than 12 months.

Structural Modeling of Risky Behaviors Based on Attention, Memory, and Inhibition Systems with the Mediating Role of Emotion Regulation in Female Drug Users

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the structural model of risky behaviors based on attention, memory, and inhibition systems with the mediating role of emotion regulation in female drug users. Methods: This research was descriptive-correlational and employed structural equation modeling. The study population consisted of all drug users (marijuana) in Isfahan who visited addiction treatment centers during 2023. The sample included 200 female drug users (marijuana) selected through convenience sampling based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data were collected using the Attention and Memory Improvement Software, Wechsler's Clinical Memory Test, the Behavioral Inhibition and Activation Scales (Carver &amp; White, 1994), the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (Garnefski &amp; Kraaij, 2006), and the Risk-Taking Behavior Questionnaire (Lejuez, 2002). In this study, descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation were used to organize, summarize, and describe the characteristics of the participants and research variables. In the inferential statistics section, structural equation modeling and Pearson correlation methods were employed for data analysis using SPSS.22 and AMOS.22 software. Findings: Fit indices 0.599=PCFI, 0.611=PNFI, 2.88=CMIN/DF, 0.072=RMSEA, 0.913=IFI, 0.920=CFI, and 0.909=GFI indicated a good fit of the proposed model with the data. Hence, the proposed model is suitably fitted. Conclusion: Thus, it can be concluded that the structural model of risky behaviors based on the attention system with the mediating role of emotion regulation fits well for drug-using individuals.

Effects of Different Exercise Modalities on Sex Hormones and Anxiety and Depression in Female Drug Addicts

To explore the effects of different exercise modes on sex hormones and anxiety and depression of female drug addicts. METHODS: A random sampling method was used to include 30 female drug addicts who met the criteria from the Female Compulsory Drug Rehabilitation Center in Nanan District, Chongqing, China, who were randomly divided into a yoga group (n=10), a physical fitness group (n=10), and a control group (n=10), and underwent intervention training for a period of 12 weeks, 3 times per week, 1 h each time. The subjects' serum luteinizing hormone (LH), pituitary prolactin (PRL), and estradiol (E2) levels were quantitatively detected and analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Changes in sex hormone levels of female drug addicts showed that serum luteinizing hormone (LH), pituitary prolactin (PRL), and estradiol (E2) levels were reduced compared with those of the control group. 12 weeks of different training interventions were able to regulate sex hormones, and hormone levels of the Yoga group and the Physical Fitness group were all significantly reduced (P&lt;0.01), and the Yoga group was significantly lower than the Physical Fitness group and the control group (P&lt;0.05); and reduced anxiety (HAHA), and reduced anxiety (HAHA). And reduce anxiety (HAHA) and depression (SDS) status.

Acute toxicity test of the Li-Dan-He-Ji granules

To observe the acute toxic reaction of the Li-Dan-He-Ji granules, and to evaluate its safety. Sixty C57BL6/J mice were randomly divided into normal control group, vehicle group and drug treatment group, with 10 females and 10 males in each group. According to the Technical guidelines for the study of toxicity of single drug administration, the maximum administration dosage (MAD) was used to intragastric administration of Li-Dan-He-Ji granules 0.04 mL/g (42.8 g/kg), three times within 24 hours, with an interval of 6 hours. The vehicle group was fed with the same pure water. The normal control group received no treatment. The mice were observed continuously for 14 days, and the appearance characteristics, behavioral activities, body weight changes and the number of deaths in each group were recorded. At the 14 days, blood samples were collected from the eyeballs, and routine blood tests such as white blood cell count (WBC), lymphocyte count (LYM), neutrophil count (NEU), lymphocyte percentage (LYM%), neutrophil percentage (NEU%), red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), and platelet count (PLT) were performed. And alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr) and other biochemical indicators. The mice were then sacrificed, and the histopathological changes of liver and kidney were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The organ indexes of heart, liver, spleen, lung, kidney and thymus were calculated. The median lethal dose (LD50) of Li-Dan-He-Ji granules were not obtained. During the MAD experiment, the animals in each group did not die, their behavioral activities were normal, and there was no significant change in liver and kidney histopathological examination. There were no significant differences in body weight, blood routine, biochemical indexes and organ index among all groups (all P > 0.05). The body weight (g) of normal control female and male group, vehicle female and male group and drug female and male group before administration were 18.96±1.14, 19.65±1.45, 19.33±1.30, 19.53±1.22, 19.28±1.69 and 19.48±1.28; 14 days after administration were 27.69±0.81, 28.19±2.22, 27.77±1.00, 27.88±1.85, 27.92±1.33 and 28.07±1.93, respectively. The Li-Dan-He-Ji granules have low oral toxicity, combined with clinical observation, can be safely used in infants.

Disseminated histoplasmosis diagnosed on peripheral blood smear: a case report

Abstract Introduction/Objective Histoplasmosis is an infection caused by the inhalation of a dimorphic fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum. H. Capsulatum var capsulatum is the main variety we encounter in the United States and is endemic in the Mississippi river valley. In immunocompetent individuals the infection is usually asymptomatic or presents as flu- like symptoms. Disseminated histoplasmosis is a severe and often fatal opportunistic infection if not treated, usually seen in immunocompromised patients. Methods/Case Report We report a case of a 27-year-old female intra-venous drug user with past medical history of untreated HIV diagnosed in 2018, who is being admitted for suspected necrotizing fasciitis of the vulva. On admission, her complete blood count shows pancytopenia with a white blood cell count of 2.9 × 109/L (NR 4.3-10.8 × 109/L), hemoglobin 6.1 g/dL (NR 12-16 g/dL), and a platelet count of 43 × 109/L (NR 150-400 × 109/L). A peripheral blood smear obtained showing rare neutrophils with intracellular organism highly suggestive of histoplasma capsulatum. CT Chest showing diffuse ground glass opacities and a subsequent cytology from bronchoalveolar lavage performed revealed numerous macrophages filled with ovoid organism surrounded by a cytoplasmic halo, GMS stain highlights the rim consistent with histoplasma capsulatum. Patient expired after one week in the ICU for severe acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, histoplasmosis, strep pneumonia and hepatic failure. Results (if a Case Study enter NA) NA Conclusion Careful examination of Peripheral blood smear along with correct clinical history can aid in early diagnosis of disseminated histoplasmosis.

Female Drug Enforcement Officers’ Perceptions and Experiences in the Drug-Law Enforcement World

This qualitative phenomenological study focused on the lived experiences of female drug enforcement officers in the drug enforcement field. Using quota sampling, ten female drug enforcement officers of PDEA ROXII were the participants of the study. The feminist theory helped to clarify the constructed meanings the women attached to their experiences. In-depth interviews were conducted, and the data analysis was guided by the Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen method. The findings revealed that all of the women pursued law enforcement careers because of job security, influence from family and friends, and the desire to help the country solve the problem of illegal drugs. Their job satisfaction was influenced by the successful performance of their duties through the arrest of high-value targets, a conviction of drug personalities, and their perception that they have a challenging and exciting job. Physical and physiological barriers, safety and security, number of cases handled, and desire to practice their professions also influenced their careers. This study revealed that there is gender equality perceived by the female drug enforcers in PDEA ROXII. The differences in roles and their exemptions in certain situations in the conduct of anti-illegal drug operations were not perceived as inequality but more as special treatment and protection of their male counterparts to them. This study contributes to social change by raising awareness about the current status, concerns, and accomplishments of women in law enforcement. Additionally, findings may assist police administrators and legislators in creating policies and procedures that incorporate the needs of female drug enforcement officers.

The Rationale for Initiation and Continuation of Drug Abuse among Female Users: A Study of the Youth in Dhaka City

This paper explores the reasons for female drug abuse in an urban setting. It is concerned with a gender-sensitive approach to one of the burning issues of the 21st century: abusive and non-medical consumption of drugs among the youth. It focuses on social learning theory, control theory, labeling theory, and strain theory to understand and explain why female drug abusers initiate and continue to abuse drugs. This phenomenological research was carried out in three female rehabilitation centers in the Dhaka region. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with twenty research participants: twelve female drug abusers (aged 12-30 years), seven rehabilitation personnel, and an official working with the Department of Narcotics Control, Bangladesh. This study finds some crucial reasons for initiating and continuing drug abuse among young female drug abusers, including traumatic experiences in life, the influence of peers and relatives, curiosity and sensation-seeking, easy access to and availability of unprescribed medicinal drugs, and social stigma. Social Science Review, Vol. 40(1), Jun 2023 Page 21-39

‘Secrecy, Trust, Safety’: a Multi-stakeholder Situation Assessment of Gendered and Contextual Vulnerabilities and Service Level Responsiveness to the Needs of Women Who Use Drugs in Egypt

AbstractWomen account for one in every three people who use drugs worldwide and tend to progress to drug use disorders in a shorter time than men. There is limited understanding of the situation of women who use drugs in the Middle East and North Africa. A multi-stakeholder rapid situation assessment (RSA) was conducted which aimed to investigate gendered and contextual vulnerabilities and service level responsiveness to the needs of women who use drugs (WWUD) in Egypt. An updated profile of female service user characteristics was sought via mapping of addiction and harm reduction services in the National Drug Observatory system. In-depth interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of representatives of UN agencies and health professionals providing treatment/harm reduction (government, private, community) (n = 21). Focus groups were facilitated with a convenience sample of women in treatment, accessing HIV services and community harm reduction services (n = 75). Thematic analysis and triangulation across data sources occurred. Eight themes emerged: profile of women who use drugs; access to drugs and settings for female drug use; dimensions of stigma; trauma and drivers of female drug use; networks and intimate partner relationships; high-risk behaviours and harms; barriers to help-seeking and accessing services; and enhancing gender-responsive and gender-transformative evidence-based services. This RSA yields a contemporary insight into the vulnerabilities, traumas, discrimination and stigma-related challenges experienced by WWUD in Egypt. Recommendations are made to enhance harm reduction awareness and uptake and to integrate gender-responsive care within existing maternal, addiction and harm reduction service structures.

Trends and associated factors of HIV, HCV and syphilis infection among different drug users in the China–Vietnam border area: an 11-year cross-sectional study (2010–2020)

BackgroundData on recent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and syphilis prevalence among drug users in the Southwest China are sparse despite the high burden of drug use. This study aims at assessing the prevalence trends and related factors of HIV, HCV and syphilis infection among different drug users in the China–Vietnam border area.MethodsA continuous cross-sectional survey was conducted among drug users from 2010 to 2020 in the China–Vietnam border area. Chi-square trend tests were used to assess the trend of HIV, HCV and syphilis prevalence and the proportion for drug type used by drug users. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify associated factors of HIV, HCV and syphilis infection in different drug users.ResultsIn this study, a total of 28,951 drug users were included, of which 27,893 (96.45%) male, 15,660 (54.09%) aged 13–34 years, 24,543 (84.77%) heroin-only users, 2062 (7.12%) synthetic drug-only (SD-only) users and 2346 (8.10%) poly-drug users. From 2010 to 2020, the proportion of heroin-only users decreased from 87.79% to 75.46%, whereas SD-only users and poly-drug users increased from 5.16% to 16.03%, and from 7.05% to 8.52%, respectively. The prevalence of HIV, HCV, and syphilis during the study period declined from 12.76%, 60.37% and 5.72% to 4.35%, 53.29% and 4.53%, respectively, among heroin-only users and declined from 18.30%, 66.67% and 15.69% to 6.95%, 27.81% and 5.35%, respectively, among poly-drug users; however, the prevalence of HIV and HCV among SD-only users increased from 0.89% and 8.93% to 2.84% and 18.75%, respectively. Having ever injected drugs and needle sharing were common associated factors for both HIV and HCV infection among poly-drug users and heroin-only users. Aged ≥ 35 years old was an associated factor for HIV, HCV and syphilis infection among the SD-only users. Female drug users were at high risk of contracting syphilis among three different drug users.ConclusionsThe prevalence of HIV, HCV and syphilis among heroin-only users and poly-drug users decreased during the study period. However, the prevalence of HIV and HCV among SD-only users increased. Comprehensive intervention strategies, particularly focusing on the SD-only users are needed in order to bring down the disease burden in this population in the China–Vietnam border areas.

Effective sanction avoidance in drug trafficking: The construction and validation of the restrictive deterrence utility scale using a sample of female drug offenders.

Drug traffickers perform many crime strategies to avoid legal sanctions. The use of any crime strategy is mainly for reducing the risk of arrest, which has been the focus of research on restrictive deterrence. This study aims to develop a Restrictive Deterrence Utility Scale (RDUS) to measure the effectiveness of crime strategies used in drug trafficking. Survey data were collected from August to October 2021, including 294 female drug offenders aged between 21 and 61 years serving sentences with a median length of around 10 years in a Southern city in Mainland China. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted for scale investigation. Three valid and reliable factors for the RDUS were found: anomaly avoidance, reduction of exposure time, and the use of weapons and tools. Composite reliability, convergent validity, discriminant validity of three factors were confirmed with Cronbach α being higher than 0.9, that being higher than correspondent Average Variance Extracted which all being higher than 0.5 and higher than correspondent factor correlation. The RDUS offers a helpful method for assessing the motivation for drug traffickers to persist in drug crime and for formulating appropriate interventions for drug prohibition.

Effectiveness of group metacognitive therapy on recovery indicators in Muslim female drug abusers: Evidence from Afghanistan

Objective: Substance abuse is associated with a plethora of issues and harmful outcomes. It contributes to antisocial behavior and psychological disorders. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of metacognitive group therapy (MCGT) on recovery indicators in Muslim female drug abusers in the Herat Province of Afghanistan.Methods: In this study, Muslim female drug abusers (N=30, mean age 38.15 years, 100% female, 100% Afghan) were randomized to group metacognitive therapy (MCGT) or treatment as usual (TAU). The MCT group received six sessions of MCT in addition to conventional treatment. The TAU group received only conventional treatment. All participants completed a demographic questionnaire and Metacognition Questionnaire, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Drug Use Evaluation Questionnaire, Personal Concerns Inventory, Motivational Structure Questionnaire, and Situational Confidence Questionnaire (SCQ). Data were collected at baseline and at the 3-month follow-up sessions. Results: Compared with TAU, MCT reduced anxiety, depression, drug use evaluation, and personal concerns, as well as improved motivational structure, situational confidence, and metacognitive beliefs. Conclusions: It seems that MCT may be an essential addition to methadone maintenance therapy.This study strongly suggests that MCT is an effective treatment for improving Muslim drug abusers’ recovery indicators, but only in cases of mild to moderate severity. For persons with severe substance abuse, additional treatment may be necessary.

The Relationship between Health and morality of the Female Drug Addicts

At present, there are a large number of drug users and drug dealers in our country, this phenomenon will cause a certain degree of seriousness to the normal life of the people and the stability of the social order influences. With the implementation of China's first "Drug Control Law," more attention has been paid to drug control, drug treatment, and rehabilitation, as well as the psychological status of drug users. Drug treatment institutions and researchers have also increased their focus on these areas. The issues of drugs, crime, and suicide were once considered social epidemics in Western countries, with each influencing and being related to the others. In recent years, there has been an increase in both the types of drugs abused and the number of drug users. Consequently, there has been a shift in the demographics of drug users; it is no longer predominantly men but also includes a significant rise in female drug users. This phenomenon raises great concerns because not only does drug abuse have a profound impact on society but also specifically affects women due to their unique roles within society and families. After conducting a systematic investigation, it was found that women have become a high-risk group for substance abuse. The particularity of women's societal roles and responsibilities determines that female drug users pose greater harm to society overall. Female drug users exhibit distinct characteristics associated with poor health conditions that are closely linked to their substance abuse behaviors. This article aims to analyze the current situation, characteristics, moral implications of female drug use while providing relevant suggestions and countermeasures through studying this issue within in China.