Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Dan Lewer, Thomas D. Brothers, Naomi Van Hest, Matthew Hickman, Adam Holland, Prianka Padmanathan, Paola Zaninotto
Summary: This study examined the causes of death among people who use illicit opioids in England and analyzed how these causes change over time and with age. The findings reveal that individuals who use illicit opioids are at a higher risk of death across various causes compared to the general population.
LANCET PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kang Mao, Zhugen Yang, Hua Zhang, Xiqing Li, Jonathan M. Cooper
Summary: Wastewater-based epidemiology is a powerful technique for monitoring illicit drugs, and a surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy sensor assembled with noble metal core-shell nanoparticles on a custom-made glassy nanofibrous electrospun paper matrix enables sensitive and selective detection of methamphetamine. The study shows that higher drug mass loads are generally found in sewage influent from urban areas, suggesting more local methamphetamine usage compared to less populated areas.
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Nicole Adrielli Monteiro Zemolin, Everton Daniel Rauber, Bruna Brondani, Jessica Klockner Knorst, Fausto Medeiros Mendes, Thiago Machado Ardenghi
Summary: This study examined the impact of the consumption of licit and illicit substances on the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of adolescents in Brazil. Data was collected through a questionnaire and the Brazilian short version of Child Perceptions Questionnaire 11-14. The results showed that adolescents who reported using illicit substances had higher CPQ11-14 scores and that alcohol use was related to worse levels of OHRQoL, while cigarette consumption acted as a protective factor.
Article
Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary
Arne van den Bos, Eric Blaauw, Bert Bieleman
Summary: The use of illicit recreational drugs, particularly MDMA/Ecstasy, among Dutch university students shows signs of normalisation but is not fully normalised.
JOURNAL OF YOUTH STUDIES
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Nicole G. Hammond, Borge Sivertsen, Jens Christoffer Skogen, Simon Overland, Ian Colman
Summary: The study aimed to estimate the associations between various forms of substance use and self-harming thoughts and behaviors, and to examine the effect of gender on these associations. The results showed that frequent alcohol consumption was associated with an increased risk of self-harm and suicidality for both young women and men, while the associations between illicit substance use and self-harm and suicidality were stronger in women compared to men.
SOCIAL PSYCHIATRY AND PSYCHIATRIC EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Giuseppe M. Merone, Angela Tartaglia, Sandra Rossi, Francesco Santavenere, Elisa Bassotti, Cristian D'Ovidio, Martina Bonelli, Enrica Rosato, Ugo de Grazia, Marcello Locatelli, Fabio Savini
Summary: Narcotic and psychotropic substances have significant effects on the central nervous system and can lead to tolerance, addiction, or dependence. Analytical evaluations of these substances in seized samples must meet high reliability and transparency standards. The validated method provides simultaneous quantitative determination of multiple substances with precision levels consistent with international guidelines.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sawsan Abuhammad, Reem Hatamleh, Besher Gharaibeh, Abedallah Kasem, Nasr Alrabadi
Summary: This study investigated the attitudes and behaviors of health professional undergraduate students at a university in Jordan towards illicit substance users. The results showed that younger female students tended to have more positive attitudes towards illicit substance users.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Chao Wang, Nicholas Lassi
Summary: This study examines the shift of illicit fentanyl production from China to India due to changes in Chinese drug regulations. The implications of this shift are explored in terms of law, drug enforcement, pharmaceutical industry, and public health. The study also highlights the legislative mechanisms employed by the Indian government to address this challenge and suggests harm reduction measures to reduce domestic demand.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Economics
Volker Grossmann, Holger Strulik
Summary: Empirical evidence in the U.S. shows a connection between illicit opioid use and socio-economic deprivation among the middle class. A labor market model with mental health status and healthcare system indicates that declining tasks and status for the middle class lead to increased mentally distressed workers, who may turn to illicit drugs or health goods for relief. It is suggested that addressing the rise in opioid use among the U.S. middle class requires consideration of both socio-economic decline and falling drug prices, with a central role played by the healthcare system in providing mental health care.
JOURNAL OF ECONOMIC BEHAVIOR & ORGANIZATION
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Holly Foster, Jodie Stevenson, Umair Akram
Summary: This study examined the prevalence of illegal drug use in UK students and explored motivators behind such behavior. Substance use, psychosocial motivators, and psychiatric distress were found to be related. Cannabis, cocaine, nitrous oxide, ketamine, and MDMA were the most commonly used drugs among the students. Anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and insomnia were associated with higher reports of substance use. Poor self-confidence and self-medication were identified as key motivators of drug use in those experiencing higher levels of psychiatric distress. These findings contribute to the existing literature on illicit substance use in UK students and provide insights into the psychosocial factors driving such behavior.
Article
Medicine, Legal
A. Silvestre, P. Basilicata, L. Coraggio, R. Guadagni, A. Simonelli, M. Pieri
Summary: The study analyzed toxicological analysis results of seized materials in Neapolitan area from 2013 to 2018, revealing stable percentages of THC and heroin, while showing a continuous increase in cocaine active principle percentages. The study also found that the active principle contents were higher in this area compared to other Italian regions during the same period.
FORENSIC SCIENCE INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Analytical
Keugtae Kim, Stephanie Stoll, Rajendra Singh, Woo Hyoung Lee, Jae-Hoon Hwang
Summary: Illicit drugs have significant impacts worldwide, and there is a need for sensor technology to detect them in water for real-time monitoring. Electrochemical and optical sensors are promising tools due to their portability and low cost.
TRAC-TRENDS IN ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yao-Te Yen, Yu-Syuan Lin, Yin-Jue Chang, Ming-Ta Li, San-Chong Chyueh, Huan-Tsung Chang
Summary: This study demonstrates a rapid and accurate screening method for illicit drugs using different probes and optical techniques. By establishing a deep learning-drug screening platform and system, the testing results are consistent with GC-MS, indicating the potential of this technology for multi-drug screening at crime scenes.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Dan Aberg, Daniel Chaplin, Chris Freeman, Bela Paizs, Christian Dunn
Summary: High drug use at music festivals can lead to the direct release of illicit drugs into the environment, posing a potential threat. A study found significantly higher concentrations of illicit drugs in the Whitelake River downstream of Glastonbury Festival, indicating ongoing impact on aquatic life.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Charlie J. E. Davey, Michiel H. S. Kraak, Antonia Praetorius, Thomas L. ter Laak, Annemarie P. van Wezel
Summary: This study aimed to assess the risk posed by psychopharmaceuticals and illicit drugs in European surface waters by analyzing occurrence and toxicity data. The study found that a substantial proportion of data-rich psychopharmaceuticals in surface waters pose an ecological risk to aquatic non-target organisms.
Article
Oncology
Anayawa Nyambe, Jarl K. Kampen, Guido Van Hal
Summary: Awareness of prevention services increases women's likelihood to seek screening services, but no increase in the number of daughters vaccinated was found in this study.
JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION
(2023)
Letter
Oncology
Lilu Ding, Marcel J. W. Greuter, Guido Van Hal, Geertruida H. de Bock
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sophia E. Fedorowicz, Robert C. Dempsey, Naomi Ellis, Elliott Phillips, Christopher Gidlow
Summary: This scoping review examined how suicide risk assessments are conducted and experienced by healthcare practitioners, patients, carers, relatives, and friends of people who have died by suicide in the UK. The study found considerable variation in the ways in which suicide risk assessments are conducted in practice, and highlighted the need for increased inclusion of patient perspectives and better training for healthcare staff. Further research is needed to understand how the process can be improved.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Stefan Rach, Lisa Kuehne, Hajo Zeeb, Wolfgang Ahrens, Ulrike Haug, Hermann Pohlabeln
Summary: This study found that even a mild case of COVID-19 can lead to post-COVID-19 condition, characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, breathing difficulties, and cognitive problems. Females and individuals with initial symptoms including fatigue, breathing difficulties, and cognitive problems are more likely to experience post-COVID-19 symptoms.
ANNALS OF MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Kaja Rahu, Mati Rahu, Anssi Auvinen, Hajo Zeeb, John D. Boice Jr
Summary: From 1986 to 1991, 4831 men from Estonia were sent to clean up radioactively contaminated areas near Chernobyl. The study compared their cancer incidence rates to that of the male population of Estonia. It was found that there was an excess of radiation-related cancers combined, but not when smoking- and alcohol-related cancers were excluded. Less educated workers had a higher risk of all cancers and smoking-related cancers. An elevated risk of alcohol-related cancers was evident 15 to 24 years after return from the Chernobyl area.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Robert C. Dempsey, Sophia E. Fedorowicz, Alex M. Wood
Summary: Social norms play an important role in health-related behaviors and intentions, including suicidal behavior and non-suicidal self-injury. This scoping review identified 36 English language studies that investigated the role of perceived social norms in suicide and NSSI outcomes. The findings suggest that conformity to restrictive social norms is associated with worse outcomes, while certain pro-social norms may be protective. However, there is a lack of consistency in defining and measuring social norms, a lack of theory-based hypothesis testing, and limited longitudinal studies.
Article
Immunology
Putri Bungsu Machmud, Amand Fuehrer, Cornelia Gottschick, Rafael Mikolajczyk
Summary: In order to achieve the goals of the Global Hepatitis Elimination 2030 program, Indonesia is preparing a new regulation for hepatitis B vaccinations for adults. This study aimed to determine the factors influencing vaccine uptake for hepatitis B in the adult population, and identify barriers to, and facilitators of, hepatitis B vaccination programs. The survey found that only 15% of participants received at least one dose of the hepatitis B vaccine. Factors associated with vaccine uptake included location, education level, occupation, and health insurance coverage. The qualitative study identified barriers such as cost, vaccine availability, limited resources, and ineffective dissemination of information.
Article
Education & Educational Research
Sara De Bruyn, Edwin Wouters, Koen Ponnet, Robert Tholen, Guido Van Hal
Summary: Research on stimulant misuse among students is increasing, with qualitative research on the topic being limited. This study aimed to develop subtypes of stimulant misuse by understanding the motivations driving students' decision to use. Through focus groups and interviews with Flemish university students, the researchers identified four subtypes based on academic need and frequency of use. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for developing targeted preventive measures.
STUDIES IN HIGHER EDUCATION
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Miriam Heinig, Wiebke Schaefer, Ingo Langner, Hajo Zeeb, Ulrike Haug
Summary: This study used a large cohort of claims data to provide new insights into longitudinal adherence to the mammography screening program and the use of mammography outside of the program in Germany. Between the ages of 50-59, 57% of eligible women participated in the German mammography screening program at least three times, while 28% never participated. Among non-participants, 15% had at least three non-screening mammographies during this period, indicating potential gray screening. Participants were more likely to use other preventive measures compared to non-participants.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Karla Romero Starke, Melanie Schubert, Pauline Kaboth, Julia Gerlach, Janice Hegewald, Matthias Reusche, Dieter Friedemann, Andrea Zuelke, Steffi G. Riedel-Heller, Hajo Zeeb, Andreas Seidler
Summary: Noise annoyance is a significant issue in Europe, and this study aimed to investigate the impact of road, railway, and aircraft noise on high annoyance. The results showed that aircraft noise had the highest risk, followed by road and railway noise. Compared to the WHO review, aircraft noise had a higher proportion of highly annoyed individuals. These findings are important for public policy-making, and regular updates of exposure-response relationships are recommended.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Berit Brandes, Louisa Sell, Christoph Buck, Heide Busse, Hajo Zeeb, Mirko Brandes
Summary: This study tested the feasibility of the ACTIPROS toolbox, which provides twelve evidence-based PA interventions that can be selected according to the needs. At least one intervention from the toolbox was successfully implemented in the participating schools, and unsuitable interventions were replaced in a timely manner. Results showed that the ACTIPROS toolbox was associated with an increase in physical activity, but further testing is needed in a larger sample.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BEHAVIORAL NUTRITION AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Deborah Jael Herrera, Wessel van de Veerdonk, Neamin M. Berhe, Sarah Talboom, Marlon van Loo, Andrea Ruiz Alejos, Allegra Ferrari, Guido Van Hal
Summary: This research aimed to understand the effectiveness of shared decision-making tools for cancer screening and explored the preferences of vulnerable people and clinicians regarding the specific characteristics of these tools. The findings showed that these tools were more effective for vulnerable populations and that preferences varied between patients and clinicians. Collaboration and effective communication between patients and clinicians are important for improving the development and use of these tools.
Article
Immunology
Bianca Klee, Sophie Diexer, Myka Harun Sarajan, Nadine Glaser, Mascha Binder, Thomas Frese, Matthias Girndt, Daniel Sedding, Jessica I. Hoell, Irene Moor, Michael Gekle, Rafael Mikolajczyk, Cornelia Gottschick
Summary: During the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany, there were regional disparities in vaccination uptake, which were influenced by political stances.
Article
Pediatrics
Ferdinand Salonna, Michal Vorlicek, Lukas Rubin, Jana Vasickova, Josef Mitas
Summary: Adolescence is a critical stage in developing physical activity habits and preferences. Our study found that Czech adolescents misperceive their peers' physical activity levels, underestimating the prevalence of sufficient activity. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions based on social norms to increase adolescents' physical activity.
Article
Health Policy & Services
Saskia Muellmann, Dirk Gansefort, Hajo Zeeb, Tilman Brand
Summary: This study evaluates the lasting effect of community-based capacity building for physical activity among the elderly on community readiness. The findings suggest that implementing capacity building and a local physical activity action plan for older adults did not significantly increase community readiness scores in the intervention communities. However, the process evaluation highlights several factors that facilitate successful cooperation with community stakeholders, including building on existing networks, using a structured approach, providing financial support, and linking activities to existing community events.
HEALTH PROMOTION INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
