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Roussos S, Angelopoulos T, Cholongitas E, Savvanis S, Papadopoulos N, Kapatais A, Chounta A, Ioannidou P, Deutsch M, Manolakopoulos S, Sevastianos V, Papageorgiou MV, Vlachogiannakos I, Mela M, Elefsiniotis I, Vrakas S, Karagiannakis D, Pliarchopoulou F, Chaikalis S, Tsirogianni E, Psichogiou M, Kalamitsis G, Leobilla F, Paraskevis D, Malliori M, Goulis I, Papatheodoridis G, Hatzakis A, Sypsa V. High levels of all-cause mortality among people who inject drugs from 2018 to 2022. Int J Drug Policy 2024; 126:104356. [PMID: 38394950 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugpo.2024.104356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mortality among people who inject drugs (PWID) is high, with overdose and HIV infection being the main causes of death. In Greece, there have been no data on mortality, and two HIV outbreaks have been recorded in this population in the past decade. In this study, we aim to estimate the all-cause crude mortality rate and the standardised mortality ratio in this population during 2018-2022. METHODS PWID recruited from two community-based programs in Athens and Thessaloniki during 2018-2021 were interviewed and tested for HIV/HCV. Data on vital status (deceased/alive) and date of death were obtained from death registries through December 31, 2022. All-cause crude mortality rates (CMR) and standardised mortality ratios (SMR) were estimated. Determinants of mortality were assessed using Cox proportional-hazards model. RESULTS Of 2,530 participants, 301 died over 8,543 person-years (PYs) of follow-up. The CMR (95 % CI) was 3.52 (3.15-3.94) deaths per 100 PYs; 3.10 per 100 PYs (2.68-3.58) in Athens and 4.48 per 100 PYs (3.74-5.37) in Thessaloniki. An increasing trend in CMR was identified over 2018-2022 in Athens (from 2.90 to 4.11 per 100 PYs, 41.5 % increase, p = 0.018). The pooled SMR (95 % CI) was 15.86 (14.17-17.76) for both cities and was particularly increased in younger individuals, females, those injecting daily, not enrolled to opioid agonist treatment and HIV-infected individuals. Older age, living in Thessaloniki, Greek origin, homelessness, history of injection in the past 12 months, and HIV infection were independently associated with higher risk of death. CONCLUSION Mortality among PWID in the two largest cities (Athens and Thessaloniki) in Greece in 2018-2022 was high, with the population in Thessaloniki being particularly affected. The increasing trend in mortality in Athens may reflect the long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Preventive programs such as take-home naloxone, screening and treatment for HIV, are urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sotirios Roussos
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodoros Angelopoulos
- Gastroenterology Resident, Gastroenterology Department, G.H.A. Korgialeneio Mpenakeio Hellenic Red Cross, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelos Cholongitas
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Spyridon Savvanis
- Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Athens "Elpis", Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Papadopoulos
- 2nd Department of Internal Medicine, 401 General Army Hospital of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Kapatais
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Western Attica General Hospital "Agia Varvara", Athens, Greece
| | - Athina Chounta
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, General University Hospital "Attikon", Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Ioannidou
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
| | - Melani Deutsch
- 2nd Academic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Spilios Manolakopoulos
- 2nd Academic Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Maria-Vasiliki Papageorgiou
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Vlachogiannakos
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Mela
- Department of Gastroenterology, Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Elefsiniotis
- Department of Internal Medicine-Hepatogastroenterology, "Agioi Anargyroi" General and Oncology Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Spyridon Vrakas
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tzaneion General Hospital of Piraeus, Piraeus, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Karagiannakis
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
| | - Fani Pliarchopoulou
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, General University Hospital "Attikon", Athens, Greece
| | - Savvas Chaikalis
- Hellenic Scientific Society for the Study of AIDS, Sexually Transmitted and Emerging Diseases, Athens, Greece
| | - Effrosyni Tsirogianni
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Mina Psichogiou
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | | | - Dimitrios Paraskevis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Meni Malliori
- Department of Psychiatry, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Goulis
- Fourth Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokratio Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Georgios Papatheodoridis
- Academic Department of Gastroenterology, Medical School of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, General Hospital of Athens "Laiko", Athens, Greece
| | - Angelos Hatzakis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Hellenic Scientific Society for the Study of AIDS, Sexually Transmitted and Emerging Diseases, Athens, Greece
| | - Vana Sypsa
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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Roussos S, Anagnostou O, Detsi I, Kokolesis E, Malliori M, Kalamitsis G, Sypsa V, Hatzakis A. Assessing the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in vulnerable social groups in Athens, Greece. Eur J Public Health 2021. [PMCID: PMC8574852 DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckab165.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The first case of SARS-CoV-2 in Greece was identified in February 2020. During the COVID-19 pandemic two lockdowns took place (March-May 2020/November 2020-ongoing). People who use drugs (PWUD), as well as the homeless, constitute vulnerable social groups. The main aim of this study is to assess the impact of social distancing measures during the COVID-19 pandemic on these groups. Methods A program was implemented in Athens between December 2020 and January 2021 in a sample of PWUD and homeless recruited both in Substitution Treatment Units and the Homeless Shelters. The interview was conducted with a structured questionnaire. Results The study included 303 participants (215 PWUD and 88 homeless individuals (HI)). The mean (SD) age was 49.2 (9.7) and 61.9 (10.2) years for PWUD and HI respectively. Chronic hepatitis C was reported by 33% of PWUD and 1.1% of HI. HIV infection was reported in 9.3% of PWUD. Testing for SARS-CoV-2 was reported by 55% and 100% of PWUD and HI respectively; 0.8% of PWUD and 5.7% of HI were found positive. Compliance with individual measures against SARS-CoV-2 was reported to be high (98-100%) during lockdowns. 88.8% and 98.9% of PWUD and HI reported change in the quality life. Feelings of isolation were reported by 46.6% and 11.5% on PWUD and HI, respectively. PWID enrollment in OST programmes during the 1st and 2nd lockdown was 67.1% and 92.9% respectively. OST attendees did not report changes in treatment during lockdowns. Access to hygiene materials was 9.8% and 100% in 1st and 2nd lockdown. Access to drugs was high (91.5% and 94.3%) in both lockdowns. The illegal drug use as compared to regular use was increased 12.2%/14.3%, decreased 40.2%/40%, stable 47.6%/45.7% for 1st/2nd lockdown respectively. Conclusions The population studied is well-aware and compliant with the prevention measures against COVID-19 with access to frequent laboratory testing, low levels of SARS-CoV-2 and access to prevention materials. Key messages Among PWUD the OST services provision was stable. Provision of antiseptics was higher during the 2nd lockdown while changes in drug use were similar during the 1st and 2nd lockdown. Limitation: This study does not assess PWUD with limited access to OST and HI living in the streets.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Roussos
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - O Anagnostou
- OKANA - Organization Against Drugs, Athens, Greece
| | - I Detsi
- OKANA - Organization Against Drugs, Athens, Greece
| | - E Kokolesis
- Hellenic Scientific Society for the Study of AIDS, Sexually, Athens, Greece
| | - M Malliori
- First Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - G Kalamitsis
- Hellenic Liver Patient Association, Athens, Greece
| | - V Sypsa
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - A Hatzakis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Papatheodoridis G, Thomas HC, Golna C, Bernardi M, Carballo M, Cornberg M, Dalekos G, Degertekin B, Dourakis S, Flisiak R, Goldberg D, Gore C, Goulis I, Hadziyannis S, Kalamitsis G, Kanavos P, Kautz A, Koskinas I, Leite BR, Malliori M, Manolakopoulos S, Matičič M, Papaevangelou V, Pirona A, Prati D, Raptopoulou-Gigi M, Reic T, Robaeys G, Schatz E, Souliotis K, Tountas Y, Wiktor S, Wilson D, Yfantopoulos J, Hatzakis A. Addressing barriers to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of hepatitis B and C in the face of persisting fiscal constraints in Europe: report from a high level conference. J Viral Hepat 2016; 23 Suppl 1:1-12. [PMID: 26809941 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2015] [Accepted: 11/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In the WHO-EURO region, around 28 million people are currently living with chronic viral hepatitis, and 120,000 people die every year because of it. Lack of awareness and understanding combined with the social stigma and discrimination exacerbate barriers related to access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment services for those most in need. In addition, the persisting economic crisis has impacted on public health spending, thus posing challenges on the sustainable investment in promotion, primary and secondary prevention, diagnosis and treatment of viral hepatitis across European countries. The Hepatitis B and C Public Policy Association in cooperation with the Hellenic Center for Disease Prevention and Control together with 10 partner organizations discussed at the Athens High Level Meeting held in June 2014 recent policy developments, persisting and emerging challenges related to the prevention and management of viral hepatitis and the need for a de minimis framework of urgent priorities for action, reflected in a Call to Action (Appendix S1). The discussion confirmed that persisting barriers do not allow the full realisation of the public health potential of diagnosing and preventing hepatitis B and C, treating hepatitis B and curing hepatitis C. Such barriers are related to (a) lack of evidence-based knowledge of hepatitis B and C, (b) limited access to prevention, diagnosis and treatment services with poor patient pathways, (c) declining resources and (d) the presence of social stigma and discrimination. The discussion also confirmed the emerging importance of fiscal constraints on the ability of policymakers to adequately address viral hepatitis challenges, particularly through increasing coverage of newer therapies. In Europe, it is critical that public policy bodies urgently agree on a conceptual framework for addressing the existing and emerging barriers to managing viral hepatitis. Such a framework would ensure all health systems share a common understanding of definitions and indicators and look to integrate their responses to manage policy spillovers in the most cost-effective manner, while forging wide partnerships to sustainably and successfully address viral hepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Papatheodoridis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - H C Thomas
- Hepatology and Gastroenterology Section, Department of Medicine, Imperial College, London, UK
| | - C Golna
- Hepatitis B & C Public Policy Association, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - M Bernardi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Carballo
- International Centre for Migration, Health and Development, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - M Cornberg
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Endocrinology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - G Dalekos
- University of Thessaly Medical School, Karditsa, Greece
| | - B Degertekin
- Acibadem University Medical School, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - S Dourakis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - R Flisiak
- Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland
| | | | - C Gore
- Hepatitis B & C Public Policy Association, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.,World Hepatitis Alliance, The Hepatitis C Trust, London, UK
| | - I Goulis
- Medical School, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - S Hadziyannis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - G Kalamitsis
- Hellenic Liver Patient Association "Prometheus", Athens, Greece
| | - P Kanavos
- London School of Economics, London, UK
| | - A Kautz
- European Liver Patients Association (ELPA), Sint-Truiden, Belgium
| | - I Koskinas
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - B R Leite
- National Parliament, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - M Malliori
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - S Manolakopoulos
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - M Matičič
- Viral Hepatitis Department, Infectious Diseases Clinic, University Medical Centre, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - V Papaevangelou
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - A Pirona
- European Monitoring Center for Drugs and Drug Addiction, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - D Prati
- Alessandro Manzoni Hospital, Lecco, Italy
| | - M Raptopoulou-Gigi
- Hellenic Center for Disease Control and Prevention (HCDCP), Athens, Greece
| | - T Reic
- European Liver Patients Association (ELPA), Sint-Truiden, Belgium
| | - G Robaeys
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepaatology, Ziekenhuis Oost Limburg, Genk, Belgium
| | - E Schatz
- Correlation Network, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Y Tountas
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - S Wiktor
- World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - J Yfantopoulos
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - A Hatzakis
- Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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