Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy最新文献

{"title":"Addressing the unanswered questions: a qualitative exploration focusing on community dwellers using pregabalin without prescription in Islamabad city, Pakistan.","authors":"Muhammad Mujtaba Hafeez, Inayat Ur Rehman, Ruqaia Gul, Fahad Saleem, Noorasyikin Shamsuddin, Long Chiau Ming, Kashif Ullah Khan, Nada A Alsaleh, Alaa A Alsharif, Mohammad Bashaar","doi":"10.1186/s13011-026-00720-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13011-026-00720-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Pregabalin's non-medical use is frequently reported in the literature. However, knowledge related to this non-medical use is scarce, especially from community dwellers of a developing nation. Lacking baseline information, the current study qualitatively explored the motives and reasons for non-medical use of pregabalin among the general population of Islamabad city, Pakistan.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>By adopting the phenomenological approach, a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted. Community dwellers approaching pharmacies and purchasing pregabalin without a prescription were approached for face-to-face, in-depth interviews. The interviews were audio-taped, individually transcribed (verbatim), and were then analysed for thematic contents by the standard content analysis framework.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most of the participants (10, 66.6%) were in the 18-27 age group. All participants were male and most of them worked in the private sector Islamabad city. Thematic content analysis resulted in five major themes and five subthemes. Peers at the workplace were identified as a major source of information regarding pregabalin use. Being lethargic, easing physical exertion and poor work-life balance were the reasons for pregabalin use among the study respondents. Intriguingly, pregabalin was also reported as a performance enhancer by some of the participants. The participants had no information on clinical use of pregabalin and most of them had the opinion that the drug is safe to use and has no side effects.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights the non-medical use of pregabalin in Islamabad, driven by challenges like difficult living conditions, work-related fatigue, fear of the future, and work-life balance. The findings emphasize the need for public awareness campaigns, rigorous regulations on pregabalin sales, and accessible support for those individuals involved in non-medical use of pregabalin.</p>","PeriodicalId":22041,"journal":{"name":"Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13169566/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147610041","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Performance-enhancing drug use in sports: a Bayesian variable selection and profile regression approach to identifying risk factors and estimating prevalence.","authors":"Zarina Vakhitova, Claudio Mezzetti, Clair Alston-Knox, Sophia Jowett, Daniel Rhind, Ching-Ying Lin, Po-Ching Huang, Matteo Vergani, Kerry O'Brien","doi":"10.1186/s13011-025-00699-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13011-025-00699-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: This study has two objectives: (1) to identify the attitudinal and demographic factors most closely associated with performance-enhancing drugs (PED) use in sports; (2) to propose a new method for estimating PED use prevalence that mitigates the limitations of self-report surveys. METHODS: We analyse survey data from a sample of 2113 athletes attending ten UK universities, using a two-step approach. First, Bayesian Variable Selection (BVS) is used to identify the factors most closely associated with PED use. Second, these factors are incorporated into a Bayesian Profile Regression (BPR) model to identify clusters of athletes with similar attitudes toward PEDs. The prevalence of PED use is then estimated by linking these clusters with reported PED use via a logit model. RESULTS: Four key factors are significantly associated with PED use: being male, believing PED use is necessary to excel in sports, having a perceived estimate of PED use prevalence among elite athletes higher than the sample average, and having a perceived estimate of PED use prevalence among sportspeople in general higher than the sample average. BPR identifies four distinct clusters of athletes: (1) non-users; (2) use-admitters; (3) use-admitters and non-admitters; (4) most likely non-users. Using this new methodology, PED use prevalence is estimated at 13.7%, considerably higher than the 3.4% obtained through direct questioning. CONCLUSION: The proposed method identifies attitudinal and demographic factors associated with PED use and provides a more accurate estimate of its prevalence, which can inform the development of more effective anti-doping programmes. </p>","PeriodicalId":22041,"journal":{"name":"Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13019719/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147522083","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence and factors associated with substance use among adolescent girls and young women working in artisanal and small-scale gold mining communities of Uganda: a cross-sectional exploratory study.","authors":"Betty Kwagala, Stephen Ojiambo Wandera, Patricia Ndugga, Olivia Nankinga, Charles Lwanga, Fred Ngabirano, Lydia Kapiriri","doi":"10.1186/s13011-026-00719-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13011-026-00719-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) employs many adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) who face distinct vulnerabilities. Work and leisure activities in ASGM often involve substance use. This increases the health, financial, and social burdens of AGYW. This paper examines the prevalence of and factors associated with substance use among AGYW in ASGM in Uganda. METHODS: This paper uses a cross-sectional survey of 810 females aged 15–24 years who work in the ASGM sector in Central and Eastern Uganda. To assess the prevalence and determinants of substance use, we used frequency distributions, chi-squared tests, and a complementary log-log model at the multivariable level of analysis. RESULTS: Nineteen percent (19%) of the respondents reported substance use (mainly alcohol) as a general habit or regular behavior. The odds of substance use were higher among respondents: who cohabited (AOR 2.07; 95% CI 1.14–3.77), and those who were previously married (AOR 2.20; 95% CI 1.42–3.42) compared with those who had never been married; from Central (AOR 7.13; 95% CI 3.92–13.00) compared to Eastern region; and those who had multiple sexual partners (AOR 2.24; 95% CI 1.51–3.32) compared to those that did not. Other Christians (Born Again and Seventh Day Adventists) had lower odds of substance use compared to Catholics (AOR 0.61; 95% CI 0.40–0.90). Respondents who earned more than $70 a month and those who did not state their earnings had lower odds of substance use (AOR 0.66; 95% 0.46–0.96), and (AOR 0.49; 95% CI 0.24–0.98) respectively, compared to AGYW who earned less than $70 a month. CONCLUSIONS: Substance use among AGYW is prevalent and is associated with poverty as well as unstable or stressful sexual or social relationships. This is evidenced by higher odds among low-income earners, those who were previously married and cohabiting respondents, and those with multiple sexual partners. Addressing substance use in the ASGM sector requires multi-sectoral, participatory, preventive, and management approaches, which include robust oversight in the sector, poverty reduction, and addressing psychosocial, family, work, and community-level factors. </p>","PeriodicalId":22041,"journal":{"name":"Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13122919/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147481671","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Postpartum women's motivation for substance use recovery: an exploratory qualitative study of recovery capital.","authors":"Jodie Bigalky, April Mackey, Etieno Essien, Ava Bahrey, Pammla Petrucka","doi":"10.1186/s13011-026-00718-5","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13011-026-00718-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Canada is facing a national opioid crisis, with an average of 20 opioid-related deaths reported daily. Postpartum women who use non-prescription opioids and unregulated substances are at high risk of relapse and overdose. They also face significant health and social challenges that create barriers to successful, long-term recovery. While many women reduce or stop substance use during pregnancy, sustained recovery in the postpartum period remains a challenge. Despite this, little research has explored the personal, social, and structural factors, collectively conceptualized as recovery capital, that sustain motivation for recovery after birth. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the factors that influence motivation for recovery among postpartum women with a history of substance use, with particular attention to the personal, social, and structural dimensions of recovery capital.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An exploratory qualitative design was used to capture the experiences of 16 postpartum women in Saskatchewan, Canada, who had given birth within the previous two years and were in recovery from non-prescription opioid or unregulated substance use for at least three months. Participants were recruited through public health and treatment agencies. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in-person or by phone and analyzed using Braun and Clarke's six-phase thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The sample (N = 16) was primarily Indigenous (n = 14), predominantly in their twenties, and single (n = 14), with most participants having a high school education or less, low household income, and limited employment. Thematic analysis identified four themes: (1) the impact of limited accessibility on recovery, (2) parenthood as a motivator, (3) the role of peer, family, and professional support systems, and (4) the transformative power of resilience.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Postpartum women with substance use disorders are highly motivated to recover, often driven by their roles as mothers. However, motivation alone is not enough without adequate recovery capital, including access to integrated, trauma-informed, and culturally safe treatment, social supports, and structural resources. Findings highlight the importance of expanding substance use programs that address structural barriers, promote resilience, and include peer, family, and professional supports. Comprehensive, strength-based treatment models are critical to sustaining and supporting long-term recovery for postpartum women.</p>","PeriodicalId":22041,"journal":{"name":"Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13113841/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147481633","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Lessons from COVID-19: Perspectives of senior managers and decision-makers in substance use services in Wales.","authors":"Shannon Murray, Katy Holloway, Marian Buhociu, Martin Blakebrough, Caroline Phipps","doi":"10.1186/s13011-026-00714-9","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13011-026-00714-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted substance use services, potentially exacerbating existing inequities in access to treatment. This study examines the perspectives of senior managers and decision-makers in Wales regarding equity issues in substance use services during the pandemic. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen senior managers and decision-makers from various organisations in the substance use field in Wales. Interviews were conducted during autumn 2020. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify key themes related to equity in access to treatment. RESULTS: Key findings highlighted significant disparities between third sector and statutory NHS services, particularly in access to PPE, and recognition as essential workers. The rapid shift to digital service provision exposed a digital divide, potentially excluding vulnerable service users. However, the pandemic also accelerated innovations in service delivery, such as the introduction of long-acting injectable buprenorphine and revised take-home medication policies. Long-term concerns included the economic impact on vulnerable populations, potential increases in mental health issues and substance use, and funding uncertainties for third sector services. CONCLUSIONS: The pandemic exposed and exacerbated existing inequities in substance use services while also driving rapid innovation. Findings suggest a need for greater recognition and support for third sector services, strategies to address the digital divide, and sustained funding to ensure equitable access to treatment. These insights can inform policy and practice to develop more equitable and resilient substance use services in preparation for any future crises. </p>","PeriodicalId":22041,"journal":{"name":"Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy","volume":"21 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12983707/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147445154","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ho'ouna Pono: a 20-year journey of designing, implementing, and sustaining prevention for rural, Indigenous communities.","authors":"Kelsie H Okamura, M Asher Cramer, Tessa Palafu, Susana Helm, Francis Dalisay, Zoe Primack, Danielle Carreira Ching, Savannah Goshgarian-Miller, Michelle Liu, Steven Keone Chin, Sarah Momilani Marshall, Paula Angela Saladino, Zarek K Kon, Sarah D Song, Reilynn Yamane, Nadia Yoshizumi-Kim, Cerila C Rapadas, Scott K Okamoto","doi":"10.1186/s13011-026-00715-8","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13011-026-00715-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Numerous research studies indicate that Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) youth report disproportionately higher substance use rates than other ethnic groups, as well as higher adverse effects associated with their use. Nonetheless, there has been a historical lack of evidence-based, culturally relevant interventions designed to prevent NHPI substance use. This article describes the trajectory of school-based, culturally grounded substance use prevention research for NHPI youth funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse over the past two decades. METHODS: A review and synthesis of published research documenting the development, evaluation, implementation, and adaptation of the Hoʻouna Pono (HP) program is presented. The interconnectedness of separate funded research studies is highlighted. RESULTS: The HP program was developed and evaluated through 5 interconnected studies—a pre-prevention study, a pilot study, an efficacy trial, an implementation study, and an e-cigarette adaptation study. The program was also adapted to different regions through two complementary studies—a Guam adaptation (Fuestan Manhoben) and a Windward Oʻahu hybrid implementation trial (Mohala Na Pua). CONCLUSIONS: The life course of the HP program may serve as a model for the development of culturally grounded prevention for under-researched and underserved youth populations. The program is a foundation for future substance use prevention adaptations across Hawaiʻi and the Pacific. CLINICAL TRIAL: Not applicable. </p>","PeriodicalId":22041,"journal":{"name":"Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13127057/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147349206","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Acceptability of screening for substance use among children at Ugandan health facilities.","authors":"Harriet Aber-Odonga, Juliet Ndimwibo Babirye, David Musoke, Nazarius Mbona Tumwesigye, Ingunn Marie S Engebretsen, Fred Nuwaha","doi":"10.1186/s13011-026-00716-7","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13011-026-00716-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Substance use among children and adolescents is an emerging public health concern, with studies from some settings reporting substantial levels of alcohol and other substance use among young people. However, in many low- and middle-income countries, including Uganda, the role, feasibility, and implications of routine substance use screening in primary healthcare settings remain poorly understood. Validated tools such as the CRAFFT (Car, Relax, Alone, Forget, Friends, Trouble) screening instrument have been used in other contexts, but evidence on their acceptability among children, caregivers, and health workers in African primary care settings is limited. This study assessed the acceptability of the CRAFFT tool among children aged 6–17 years, their caregivers, and health workers in primary healthcare settings in Uganda. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 824 children, their caregivers, and 47 health workers across selected health facilities. Acceptability was measured using Likert-scale questionnaires tailored to each participant group; children, caregivers, and health workers alongside open-ended questions. Quantitative data were analyzed using STATA 18, and qualitative feedback was analyzed thematically. RESULTS: The CRAFFT screening tool was generally acceptable across all participant groups. Children found the tool easy to understand and informative, caregivers appreciated its potential for early identification of risky behaviors, and health workers viewed it as useful in identification of substance use. However, several concerns were raised, including long screening durations, lack of privacy, cultural and religious sensitivities, and doubts about the relevance of screening younger children. CONCLUSION: CRAFFT screening was found to be acceptable among children, caregivers, and health workers in Ugandan health facilities. However, successful implementation requires addressing key barriers such as confidentiality, time burden, and cultural appropriateness. Integrating screening into routine care, especially in community and school settings, may enhance uptake and early intervention for substance use among children and adolescents. </p>","PeriodicalId":22041,"journal":{"name":"Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13067607/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147349234","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The relationship between methadone dosage and plasma level changes with aging in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients.","authors":"Anat Sason, Miriam Adelson, Shaul Schreiber, Einat Peles","doi":"10.1186/s13011-026-00713-w","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13011-026-00713-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: As aging is associated with physiological changes, patients in methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) may require an adequate methadone dose adjustment. We aimed to study the relationship between aging and methadone dose and plasma level. METHODS: Patients with two methadone plasma level results, above one year apart, were included. Methadone dose and plasma levels, as well as their changes over time, were studied by age group. RESULTS: 318 patients, 36.5% aged <50 years, 53.5% 50–64, and 10.1% aged ≥65 years, were compared. Methadone dose did not differ between groups (120.8±38.6 mg/day); however, methadone plasma levels were lowest in the <50y group (580.9±270.9 ng/ml), followed by the 50–64y group (715.4±345.1 ng/ml), and highest in the ≥65y group (893.1±379 ng/ml, p<0.001). This was also reflected in the proportion of patients with (≥1000 ng/ml methadone plasma levels): 6.9%, 18.8%, and 37.5%, respectively (p<0.001). Groups also differed in BMI, which was lowest in the ≥65 years group (24.8±3.9), compared to 26.0±5.5 in the <50 and 26.9±5.1 in the 50–64.9 age group (p=0.053). Methadone plasma levels still significantly differed by age group (p<0.001) after controlling for methadone dose (p<0.001) and BMI (p=0.02) (ANOVA, corrected model p<0.001, F=37.8). Following 4.6±1 years, at the latest evaluation, both methadone doses (Repeated Measures p(Time)=0.004) and plasma levels (p(Time)=0.002) were reduced, with no interaction by age group (p(Time*Group)=0.4 and 0.5, respectively), but only methadone plasma levels differed by age groups (p(Group)<0.001). The proportion of ≥1000 ng/ml methadone plasma levels remained significantly higher among the older age group. CONCLUSIONS: Although the dose of methadone does not require elevation over the years, due to aging, methadone plasma level evaluation should be considered to avoid excessively high methadone plasma levels. However, as the older group represented a small subgroup, additional larger cohort studies and future follow-up are needed to confirm our preliminary findings. </p>","PeriodicalId":22041,"journal":{"name":"Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy","volume":"21 1","pages":"17"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12922290/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146228802","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating the DALY impact of disease associated with second-hand smoke exposure in different socio-demographic index regions.","authors":"Rasoul GholamiVeis, Mehdi Moradinazar, Mehdi Mirzaei-Alavijeh, Farhad Farasati, Mahshad Taherpour, Farzad Jalilian","doi":"10.1186/s13011-026-00711-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13011-026-00711-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Secondhand smoke (SHS) remains a major global health concern, exposing individuals to toxic compounds that significantly increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic disorders, and respiratory illnesses. This study aims to assess the global burden of disease attributable to SHS by analyzing Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) across Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) regions. This study utilized secondary data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD 2021) database, analyzing epidemiological metrics across 204 countries. The SDI was applied to assess disparities, and SHS exposure was defined based on household and workplace factors. Statistical analyses estimated the burden of SHS-associated diseases, stratified by demographic and socioeconomic categories, with results mapped globally using ArcGIS. Globally, ischemic heart disease posed a greater burden on males (131.31 DALY) compared to females (96.42 DALY), while diabetes mellitus and stroke affected females more (46.99 and 84.05 DALY, respectively). COPD exhibited the highest DALY rates in low-middle SDI regions (males: 129.85; females: 124.42), whereas high-income regions had the lowest burden. Diabetes mellitus showed a rising trend across SDI regions, with females in middle and high-middle SDI regions experiencing the highest YLDs. The analysis reveals significant disparities in disease burden from secondhand smoke exposure across regions and sexes. The findings highlight the sex-specific and regional variations in disease burden, underscoring the need for targeted health interventions and tobacco control strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":22041,"journal":{"name":"Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy","volume":"21 1","pages":"16"},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12922337/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146228779","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recruiting people who inject drugs (PWID) into research: benefits and challenges of respondent driven sampling (RDS) in a sample in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.","authors":"Cecilia Milford, Timothy S Hardwick, Shannon Bosman, Tammany Cavanagh, Michael Wilson, Jennifer A Smit, Brian C Zanoni","doi":"10.1186/s13011-026-00712-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13011-026-00712-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: People who inject drugs (PWID) are often excluded in research due to social circumstances and a lack of creativity when recruiting this community. Respondent driven sampling (RDS) is one method used to access marginalised and stigmatised communities such as PWID. This study piloted RDS with PWID in eThekwini District, South Africa, and also explored participants’ perspectives of the usefulness of this approach to recruit PWID. METHODS: In-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with 10 key stakeholders, followed by a cross-sectional survey among 45 PWID recruited via RDS. Further, 11 of these PWID participated in IDIs. Survey data were entered into REDCap and descriptively analysed. IDIs were transcribed, translated and thematically analysed using Dedoose software. RESULTS: Participants described barriers and facilitators accessing PWID for research. Access to PWID was viewed as challenging because of factors including stigma and concerns of criminalisation. However, making use of PWID networks and peers was felt to be important to facilitate recruitment. RDS was described as an acceptable recruitment strategy, and was rated as “not burdensome” by most (98%). RDS was successfully carried out in this pilot. Participation of PWID in research was viewed as important, but challenging. It was felt that participation of PWID could be impacted by concerns of opioid withdrawal, therefore timing (length and time) of participation was important to consider in study design. Reimbursement strategies for PWID participating in research were discussed. Incentives for participation, including cash reimbursement, were viewed favourably for PWID. CONCLUSIONS: RDS is plausible for recruitment of PWID in eThekwini District, South Africa. It can be used to further understand PWID networks and to better serve them for future research and appropriate care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: N/A, not a clinical trial. </p>","PeriodicalId":22041,"journal":{"name":"Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.4,"publicationDate":"2026-02-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13020174/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146221404","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}