A qualitative study of using nicotine products for smoking cessation after discharge from residential drug and alcohol treatment in Australia.

Introduction: Tobacco smoking is highly prevalent among alcohol and other drugs (AOD) service clients and, despite interest in quitting, abstinence is rarely sustained. Nicotine products may assist after discharge from residential treatment services, but little is known about client receptivity to them. This study examined AOD withdrawal service clients' experiences of two types of nicotine products for smoking cessation post-discharge, combination nicotine replacement therapy (cNRT) and nicotine vaping products (NVP).

The burden of skin and soft tissue, bone and joint infections in an Australian cohort of people who inject drugs.

Introduction: There are currently limited data regarding the clinical and economic significance of skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) and bone and joint infections in Australian people who inject drugs (PWID).

Methods: Retrospective cohort study in adult PWID admitted to Monash Health, a large heath care network with six hospitals in Victoria, Australia. Inpatients were identified using administrative datasets and International Classification of Disease (ICD-10) coding for specific infection-related conditions.

Distribution of rapid HCV antibody self-test kits via needle/syringe dispensing machines: Implementation and evaluation of the Vend-C pilot study in Melbourne, Australia.

Recent guidance from the World Health Organization strongly recommended hepatitis C virus (HCV) self-testing. We implemented the Vend-C pilot study to explore the effectiveness and feasibility of distributing rapid HCV antibody self-test kits to people who inject drugs via needle/syringe dispensing machines (SDMs). Over a 51-day study period between August and September 2022, we distributed HCV antibody self-test kits via two SDMs.

Analysis of four syringe dispensing machine point-of-access data 2017-2020 in Melbourne, Australia: machine utilisation and client demographics.

Background: Australian needle and syringe distribution occurs via a mix of modalities, including syringe dispensing machines (SDMs). SDMs are electronic vending machines providing (often) 24-h access to needles/syringes and may attract greater numbers of people who are younger, female, and/or have limited connection to health care services compared to individuals accessing fixed-site needle and syringe programs (NSPs). However, validating the demographic characteristics of SDM clients has proven difficult in previous research.