University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) under permanent embargo

A systematic review of injecting-related injury and disease among people who inject drugs

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-19, 17:09 authored by Larney, S, Amy PeacockAmy Peacock, Mathers, BM, Hickman, M, Degenhardt, L

Background: Non-viral injecting-related injuries and diseases (IRID), such as abscesses and vascular damage, can result in significant morbidity and mortality if untreated. There has been no systematic assessment of the prevalence of non-viral IRID among people who inject drugs; this review aimed to address this gap, as well as identify risk factors for experience of specific IRID.

Methods: We searched MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL databases to identify studies on the prevalence of, or risk factors for, IRID directly linked to injecting in samples of people who inject illicit drugs.

Results: We included 33 studies: 29 reported IRID prevalence in people who inject drugs, and 17 provided data on IRID risk factors. Skin and soft tissue infections at injecting sites were the most commonly reported IRID, with wide variation in lifetime prevalence (6–69%). Female sex, more frequent injecting, and intramuscular and subcutaneous injecting appear to be associated with skin and softtissue infections atinjecting sites. Cleaning injecting sites was protective against skin infections. Other IRID included infective endocarditis (lifetime prevalence ranging from 0.5–12%); sepsis (2–10%); bone and joint infections (0.5–2%); and thrombosis and emboli (3–27%).

Conclusions: There were significant gaps in the data, including a dearth of research on prevalence of IRID in low- and middle-income countries, and potential risk and protective factors for IRID. A consistent approach to measurement, including standardised definitions of IRID, is required for future research.

History

Publication title

Drug and Alcohol Dependence

Volume

171

Pagination

39-49

ISSN

0376-8716

Department/School

School of Psychological Sciences

Publisher

Elsevier

Place of publication

Ireland

Rights statement

© 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Public health (excl. specific population health) not elsewhere classified

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC