A cross-sectional study on prevalence of non-fatal drug overdose and associated risk characteristics among out-of-treatment injecting drug users in North Vietnam.
In a community-based cross-sectional survey among out-of-treatment male opiate injecting drug users (IDU) aged 18-45, data on non-fatal overdose were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. From August to September 2003, 299 IDU were recruited in two districts of Bac Ninh, a semi-urban province in North Vietnam. Prevalence of lifetime and recent non-fatal overdose were 43.5 and 83.1%, respectively. Logistic regression analyses showed associations between non-fatal overdose and younger age, unemployment, residence in the provincial township, frequency of injecting, injecting heroin mixed with valium, and history of drug treatment. While recognizing the limitations of this study, it is the first in Southeast Asia to report on prevalence of drug use-related overdose. Future research is recommended on occurrence of fatal overdose in this population.
Bergenstrom
Anne
A
Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA. abergenstrom@yahoo.com
Quan
Vu Minh
VM
Van Nam
Le
L
McClausland
Kristen
K
Thuoc
Nguyen Phuong
NP
Celentano
David
D
Go
Vivian
V
D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D015819:Substance Abuse, Intravenous; D014744:Vietnam / Q000453:epidemiology