Understanding The Methamphetamine Epidemic And Its Implications For Service Provision And Harm Reduction: The VicMeth Cohort
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,270,774.00
Summary
The Victorian methamphetamine epidemic has received extensive media coverage highlighting the devastating impact of the drug and resultant public concern. We will follow up a cohort of 800 methamphetamine smokers from metropolitan and regional Victoria bi-annually for a period of 5 years to determine the natural history of methamphetamine use to inform optimal intervention strategies and arrest the increases in harm observed in Victoria recently.
Determining Patterns Of Cessation And Relapse In A Cohort Of People Who Inject Drugs
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,189,791.00
Summary
Harms related to injecting drug use represent the bulk of the burden attributable to illicit drugs in Australia. In this study we will determine rates of long term cessation of injecting drug use, and relapse, and key drivers of these outcomes such as drug treatment or housing provision. Findings will inform policy and practice around injecting drug use in Australia over the coming decade.
Investigating The Relationships Between Cannabis And Other Drug Use, Mental Health, Early-life Factors And Life-course Outcomes: Integrative Analyses Of Data From Four Australasian Cohort Studies
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$292,097.00
Summary
The current study will be the first of its kind to use integrative data analyses _ a highly innovative approach _ to pool data from four large and long-running Australasian cohort studies to better understand the link between cannabis use and later-life outcomes. Dramatically improved knowledge of these relationships will create a clearer picture of the interventions required to reduce the harms associated with cannabis use.
Toward A Comprehensive Picture Of The Epidemiology Of Alcohol And Illicit Drug Use Disorders: Novel Analyses Of The World Health Organization's World Mental Health Surveys
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$734,155.00
Summary
Alcohol and illicit drug use are among the biggest risk factors for disease burden, but there is much that is not known about the natural history of substance use. This study involves analysis of data from the WHO World Mental Health Survey (WMHS) initiative, which contains data on >160,000 participants from more than 31 countries. This study will examine the patterns and predictors of substance use problems, using novel statistical techniques predict who is at greatest risk.
The Relationship Between Accident Culpability And Drug Presence In Blood Samples Taken From Persons Injured In Motor Vehicle Collisions.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$200,721.00
Summary
This project aims to determine the incidence of drugs in blood samples taken under the Victorian Road Safety Act 1986 from drivers involved in non-fatal collisions, the relative importance of illicit drugs, legal drugs used as prescribed, and legal drugs misused by drivers in non-fatal collisions by examining driver culpability in these accidents.
Drugs On The Darknet: Assessing The Global Health Risks Of A Rapidly Expanding Market
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$399,692.00
Summary
Cryptomarkets facilitate the trade of illicit drugs in online environments using anonymising networks and virtual currencies. This project will identify and characterise the net health outcomes of drug cryptomarkets, using anonymous self-report data, archival monitoring and forensic profiling. Without this kind of research, health services and policy makers will be ill-equipped to respond effectively to the expansion of drug cryptomarkets.
Novel Interventions To Address Methamphetamines In Aboriginal Communities, Including A Randomised Trial Of A Web Based Therapeutic Tool Used To Treat Dependence In Clinical Settings.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$2,177,908.00
Summary
Methamphetamine use in Aboriginal communities has gained much media attention, despite limited research studies to ascertain the full extent of its use and its impact. We propose a randomised trial of a web based therapeutic tool for use in Aboriginal Medical Services to treat clients using methamphetamines. In addition we will characterise the health and well-being of Aboriginal people who use methamphetamines and trial unique Aboriginal community led interventions to address methamphetamines.
Recidivism, Health And Social Functioning Following Release To The Community Of NSW Prisoners With Problematic Drug Use, An Evaluation Of The Connections Program
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$536,966.00
Summary
High rates of return to custody and poor health are experienced by ex-inmates with problematic drug use. This project will evaluate the Connections program, an innovative, statewide program in NSW Adult Correctional Centres providing pre-release assessment and post-release support for patients with problematic drug use. It will determine if patients on the Connections program have lower rates of recidivism and better health outcomes; and if outcomes are different for Aboriginal patients.
Development Of An Ocular Adhesive Film With Local Drug Delivery To Prevent Infection And Inflammation In Corneal Wounds.
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$370,915.00
Summary
Corneal wounds and surgery are often accompanied by topical treatments to prevent infection and inflammation. The project will provide an innovative solution with a versatile, easy-to-use device that seals wounds without stitches while delivering the necessary drugs directly to the wound site. This versatile technology will prevent infection and inflammation, provide relief and encourage wound healing. It will be a world's first that will save treatment costs, reduce pain and save sight.
Understanding And Preventing Hepatitis C Transmission Within Sexual Partnerships
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$383,286.00
Summary
Transmission of hepatitis C among people who inject drugs occurs primarily as a result of sharing of equipment used to inject drugs, the majority of which occurs between intimate couples. However, there is little research in this area. This study will produce sophisticated and nuanced data able to capture the complexities of equipment sharing in couples and use these insights to suggest recommendations for hepatitis C prevention strategies.