Researchers at University of Sherbrooke publish new data on clinical trial research

[Guest guest]

HEPATITIS ALERT

December 31, 2007

Researchers at University of Sherbrooke publish new data on clinical trial research According to a study from Longueuil, Canada, "Young injectors are a group with high-risk behaviours, particularly with respect to HIV infection and hepatitis C. A leading strategy to prevent these infections could be the prevention of injection, especially among the youngest individuals. We report analyses on initiation into drug injection from a prospective cohort study of street youth conducted in Montreal, Canada." "Among 118 non-injector participants under 18 years of age followed for an average of 1.31 years, we estimated an incidence rate of injection of 22.7 per 100 person-years. Independent predictors of initiation were: a lifetime history of use of <= 4 types of drugs, recent daily alcohol drinking, a recent episode of homelessness, a lifetime history of rape, and recent involvement in survival sex. The observed high rate of initiation into injection clearly indicates that interventions to prevent injection should target especially adolescent street youth," wrote E. Roy and colleagues, University of Sherbrooke.

The researchers concluded: "These interventions should address simultaneously individual and structural factors, such as substance abuse and living conditions." Roy and colleagues published the results of their research in Drugs - Education Prevention and Policy (Risk factors for initiation into drug injection among adolescent street youth. Drugs - Education Prevention and Policy, 2007;14(5):389-399).

For additional information, contact E. Roy, University of Sherbrooke, Faculty Med & Science Sante, Programme Etud & rech Toxicomanie, Campus Longueuil, 1111 Rue St. Ouest, Tour O, Longueuil, PQ J4K 5G4, Canada.

www.NewsRx.com