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(Reference retrieved automatically from SciELO through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Causes of death among crack cocaine users

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Author(s):
Marcelo Ribeiro [1] ; John Dunn [2] ; Ricardo Sesso ; Andréa Costa Dias [4] ; Ronaldo Laranjeira [5]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Department of Psychiatry. Unidade de Pesquisa em Álcool e Drogas - Brasil
[2] Camden & Islington Mental Health & Social Care Trust. North Camden Drug Service
[4] Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Department of Psychiatry. Unidade de Pesquisa em Álcool e Drogas - Brasil
[5] Universidade Federal de São Paulo. Department of Psychiatry. Unidade de Pesquisa em Álcool e Drogas - Brasil
Total Affiliations: 5
Document type: Journal article
Source: Revista Brasileira de Psiquiatria; v. 28, n. 3, p. 196-202, 2006-09-00.
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, being homicide and AIDS the most common causes of death among such individuals. (AU)