Why are drug-related deaths among women increasing in Scotland? A mixed-methods analysis of possible explanations.

ABSTRACT: Drug-related deaths have increased significantly in Scotland in recent years, with a much greater percentage increase in deaths among women than among men. We undertook a mixed-methods project to identify explanations for this trend, comprising three parallel methodological strands: (i) an analysis of available routine data, including drug treatment data, death registrations, and surveys of people using needle exchanges; (ii) thematic analysis of interviews and focus groups with professional stakeholders and (iii) secondary analysis of interviews with women who use drugs. Results indicated that the observed trend is likely to reflect multiple, interacting causes. Potential contributors identified were: ageing; changing patterns of substance use; increasing prevalence of physical and mental

SUBMITTER: Tweed EJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7612287 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature