Causes of death among crack cocaine users.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The study accompanied 131 crack-cocaine users over a 5-year period, and examined mortality patterns, as well as the causes of death among them.

METHOD:

All patients admitted to a detoxification unit in Sao Paulo between 1992 and 1994 were interviewed during two follow-up periods: 1995-1996 and 1998-1999.

RESULTS:

After 5 years, 124 patients were localized (95%). By the study endpoint (1999), 23 patients (17.6%) had died. Homicide was the most prevalent cause of death (n = 13). Almost one third of the deaths were due to the HIV infection, especially among those with a history of intravenous drug use. Less than 10% died from overdose.

CONCLUSIONS:

The study suggests that the mortality risk among crack cocaine users is greater than that seen in the general population, homicide and AIDS being the most common causes of death among such individuals.

• Authors: Marcelo Ribeiro, John Dunn, Ricardo Sesso, Andréa Costa Dias, Ronaldo Laranjeira
• Journal: Revista brasileira de psiquiatria (Sao Paulo, Brazil : 1999) (Braz J Psychiatry) Vol. 28 Issue 3 Pg. 196-202 (Sep 2006) ISSN: 1516-4446 [Print] Brazil
• PMID: 17063219 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Crack Cocaine

Topics

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (mortality)
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Age Distribution
• Brazil (epidemiology)
• Cause of Death
• Child
• Cocaine-Related Disorders (mortality)
• Crack Cocaine
• Drug Overdose (mortality)
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Homicide (statistics & numerical data)
• Hospitals, General (statistics & numerical data)
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Patient Discharge (statistics & numerical data)
• Sex Distribution