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Polysubstance use in early adulthood and associated factors in the Republic of Ireland: an analysis of a nationally representative

Background and aims: Alcohol and other drug use is common in early adulthood; however, research on contemporary polysubstance use patterns—defined as use of multiple psychoactive substances—and their associated factors is limited. This study aimed to identify groups with differing polysubstance use patterns and to examine associations with individual, family and socio-environmental factors. Design: This is […]

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Trends in cocaine use and cocaine-related harms in Ireland: a retrospective, multi-source database study.

Background: Increased cocaine supply has coincided with increased global cocaine use. In 2019 Ireland had one of the highest last-year rates of cocaine use in Europe. However, there is a lack of data on the health-related impacts of cocaine use in European countries over time. Methods: This retrospective, multi-source database study utilised data from national […]

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Safety, cost and environmental impact of reprocessing high risk single-use medical devices: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Abstract: Aim: To estimate the safety, financial and environmental effects of reprocessing high risk SUMDs. Methods: Systematic review (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022365642) of primary trial and observational studies of human participants receiving reprocessed high risk SUMDs compared with first use of identical SUMDs. Reprocessing was defined as cleaning, disinfection, and sterilisation or related procedures, and function […]

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Early and risky adolescent alcohol use independently predict alcohol, tobacco, cannabis and other drug use in early adulthood in Ireland: a longitudinal analysis of a nationally representative cohort

BACKGROUND: Early and risky adolescent alcohol use have each been associated with adult alcohol consumption. However, it remains unclear whether these behaviours independently predict later-life substance use when considered jointly, and research examining links with substances other than alcohol is limited. This study addresses these gaps by examining longitudinal associations between age at first alcohol […]

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Factors associated with cocaine use at 17 and 20 years old: a longitudinal analysis of a nationally representative cohort

Purpose Despite growing concerns about trends in cocaine use, there is a shortage of longitudinal research that prospectively examines risk and protective factors associated with cocaine initiation and use in general youth populations. This study addresses this gap. Methods Growing Up in Ireland is a nationally representative cohort. Individual, family, and socio-environmental exposures associated with incident past-year […]

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Longitudinal associations between childhood adversity and alcohol use behaviours in early adulthood: examining the mediating roles of parental and peer relationships

BACKGROUND Research has demonstrated positive associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and alcohol use behaviours in young adults. However, many of these are based on cross-sectional data. The pathway between ACEs and alcohol misuse among emerging adults is not fully understood and there is a lack of data on how parental and peer relationships may […]

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Associations and mediating factors between adverse childhood experiences and substance use behaviours in early adulthood: a population-based longitudinal study

Background: Research has demonstrated positive associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and substance use behaviours in young adults. However, many of these are based on cross-sectional data. The pathway between ACEs and substance misuse among emerging adults is also not fully understood and few studies have investigated potential mediating factors. Methods: We analysed data from the Child […]

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Predictors and outcomes of adolescent alcohol and drug use: a scoping review

Background Adolescence is a pivotal life stage marked by educational advancement, entry into the workforce and formation of lasting relationships. Globally, adolescence is also the peak period during which individuals first engage in alcohol and/or drug consumption. This scoping review aimed to summarize existing longitudinal research on factors and outcomes related to adolescent substance use […]

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