Suchergebnisse

This study characterized individuals dying from illicit and nonillicit drug overdoses in Utah. Data were gathered from medical examiner records, death certificates, and next-of-kin interviews, 2008-2009. Among 374 decedents, 92 (25%) involved illicit drugs, 244 (65%) involved nonillicit drugs, and 38 (10%) involved a combination of both as the cause of death. Nonillicit compared with illicit drug-related decedents were more likely older, married, and of normal or overweight, and had a history of chronic pain. Nonillicit drug-related decedents were less likely to have had a history of alcohol and/or illicit drug use. Nevertheless, most decedents in both drug categories had a history of alcohol drinking and illicit substance use. Several psychological maladies characterized both illicit and nonillicit decedent cases, with a majority experiencing past anxiety, sadness, pain, insomnia, mood swings, irritability, hopelessness, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Impulsive tendencies and mood swings were more common in illicit drug-related deaths.

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to assess the perceptions of Thailand adolescents regarding the prevalence of smoking, the popularity of smoking among successful/elite elements of society, and disapproval of smoking by friends and parents. These perceptions were analyzed in conjunction with actual smoking and smoking susceptibility rates among the subjects to determine whether beliefs and behaviors were associated with each other. This study was conducted among a school‐based sample of 2516 Chiang Mai, Thailand upper secondary and vocational students. Although perceived prevalence of smoking was not associated with smoking outcomes, perceived popularity of smoking among the successful and elite was associated with higher risk, and perceived disapproval by friends/parents was associated with lower risk. Youth smoking programs should consider assessing and taking these social normative factors into account when considering educational intervention strategies that aim to lower adolescent smoking rates.