Prevalence and associated factors of hepatitis C infection (HCV) in a multi-site Canadian population of illicit opioid and other drug users (OPICAN).

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is highly prevalent in illicit drug user populations, with three in four new HCV infections related to this risk behaviour and a growing HCV disease burden in Canada. Using data from a multi-site cohort study of illicit opioid users in five Canadian cities (OPICAN), this paper explores the prevalence and predictors of HCV status in this high-risk population.

Methods: HCV status of cohort participants was assessed by salivary antibody test.

Illicit drug use among Canadian University undergraduates.

The purpose of this study was to examine rates and patterns of illicit drug use among Canadian university undergraduates, to compare these rates with those for non-university samples, and to describe drug-use trends among university undergaduates in the province of Ontario between 1988 and 1998. A national mail survey was carried out based on stratified 2-stage sample design. The sample comprised 7,800 Canadian undergraduates from 16 universities (52% of eligible respondents).

Cigarette use among Canadian undergraduates.

Objective: To describe the prevalence of daily cigarette use among Canadian undergraduates. Estimates are also compared to earlier Ontario surveys.

Methods: Data are drawn from the Canadian Campus Survey, a national mail survey, conducted in the fall of 1998, with a random sample of 7,800 students from 16 universities.

Heavy drinking on Canadian campuses.

Objective: To describe the prevalence and frequency of heavy drinking episodes among Canadian undergraduates.

Methods: Data are drawn from the Canadian Campus Survey, a national mail survey, conducted in the fall of 1998, with a random sample of 7,800 students from 16 universities.

Results: Overall, 62.

Drug treatment courts--a viable option for Canada? Sentencing issues and preliminary findings from the Toronto court.

The first drug treatment court in Canada began operation in Toronto in December of 1998. This paper describes some aspects of the evolution, structure, and operation of this court. In addition, the federally-funded evaluation of the new program has produced data from the first 18 months of its full operation when 198 drug-dependent individuals were admitted.