Objective: The aim of this article is twofold: to present the sociodemographic profiles of people who inject drugs (PWID) in Togo and to assess the prevalence of health risks (sexually transmitted infections [STIs], the hepatitis C virus, and HIV), the problems linked to drug injection, and the factors characterizing PWIDs.
Participants And Methods: Using a questionnaire, this cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 384 PWIDs in Togo. The questionnaire focused on sociodemographic characteristics, consumption history, and known health problems and risks. Snowball sampling allowed for data collection in all regions of the country.
Results: In the sampling, the results revealed prevalence of 17% for STIs and 53% for the hepatitis C virus. The onset of medical problems and STI signs was significantly triggered when the person was female, over 25 years of age, polygamous, not attending school, unemployed, and had been using drugs for more than five years. Moreover, reused injection equipment was shown to be associated with the high STI prevalence.
Conclusion: Drug injection is dangerous and results in numerous health problems. This study shows that PWID vulnerability of stems from specific characteristics, such as being uneducated, single, unemployed, bereft of parents, and having a low monthly income. Additional research is required to further investigate the health risks associated with drug injection in view of providing PWIDs with comprehensive care.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.respe.2022.08.007 | DOI Listing |
Circ Genom Precis Med
January 2025
Mary and Steve Wen Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles. (W.F., N.D.W.).
Background: Lp(a; Lipoprotein[a]) is a predictor of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD); however, there are few algorithms incorporating Lp(a), especially from real-world settings. We developed an electronic health record (EHR)-based risk prediction algorithm including Lp(a).
Methods: Utilizing a large EHR database, we categorized Lp(a) cut points at 25, 50, and 75 mg/dL and constructed 10-year ASCVD risk prediction models incorporating Lp(a), with external validation in a pooled cohort of 4 US prospective studies.
Circ Genom Precis Med
January 2025
Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston. (S.M.U., K.P., B.T., A.C.F., P.N.).
Background: Earlier identification of high coronary artery disease (CAD) risk individuals may enable more effective prevention strategies. However, existing 10-year risk frameworks are ineffective at earlier identification. We sought to understand how the variable importance of genomic and clinical factors across life stages may significantly improve lifelong CAD event prediction.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFCirc Genom Precis Med
January 2025
Centre for Heart Lung Innovation, University of British Columbia, Vancouver. (K.H., M.A., L.R., Y.L., A.S., H.H., L.R.B., Z.W.L.).
Background: Protein-truncating mutations in the titin gene are associated with increased risk of atrial fibrillation. However, little is known about the underlying pathophysiology.
Methods: We identified a heterozygous titin truncating variant (TTNtv) in a patient with unexplained early onset atrial fibrillation and normal ventricular function.
Stroke
January 2025
Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania, PA. (L.I., S.E.Z., S.E.K., B.L.C.).
Background: A modified computed tomography angiography (CTA)-based Carotid Plaque Reporting and Data System (Plaque-RADS) classification was applied to a cohort of patients with embolic stroke of undetermined source to test whether high-risk Plaque-RADS subtypes are more prevalent on the ipsilateral side of stroke. With the widespread use of CTA for stroke evaluation, a CTA-based Plaque-RADS would be valuable for generalizability.
Methods: A retrospective observational cross-sectional study was conducted at a single integrated health system comprised of 3 hospitals with a comprehensive stroke center between October 1, 2015, and April 1, 2017.
Circ Genom Precis Med
January 2025
Garvan Institute of Medical Research, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. (A.B., J.S., A.C., J.I.).
Background: Females with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy present at a more advanced stage of the disease and have a higher risk of heart failure and death. The factors behind these differences are unclear. We aimed to investigate sex-related differences in clinical and genetic factors affecting adverse outcomes in the Sarcomeric Human Cardiomyopathy Registry.
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