Crack Cocaine Use and Mortality Risk: A Follow-Up Study on 178 Individuals in Drug Treatment for Crack Cocaine Problems
Background: In Europe, crack cocaine use is mainly observed in vulnerable and marginalized groups, many of whom have other substance use problems, including heroin-related problems. Objectives: To examine mortality risk and causes of death in a cohort of crack users. Methods: We performed a follow...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Milano University Press
2024-05-01
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| Series: | Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Public Health |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://riviste.unimi.it/index.php/ebph/article/view/22517 |
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| Summary: | Background: In Europe, crack cocaine use is mainly observed in vulnerable and marginalized groups, many of whom have other substance use problems, including heroin-related problems.
Objectives: To examine mortality risk and causes of death in a cohort of crack users.
Methods: We performed a follow-up study to assess mortality in a cohort of patients who entered drug treatment for crack cocaine problems in the metropolitan area of Bologna (Northern Italy) from 1992 to 2020.
Results: Most of participants were polydrug users, 75% reported concomitant heroin, 55% cocaine and 24% alcohol use; 43% have injected a substance. Mortality was six times higher than in the general population, and overdose and infectious diseases were among the leading causes of death.
Conclusions: Longitudinal epidemiological studies are needed to systematically assess the health outcomes of crack cocaine use.
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| ISSN: | 2282-0930 |