High Mortality Among Non–HIV-Infected People Who Inject Drugs in Bangkok, Thailand, 2005–2012

Authors:
  • SVSuphak Vanichseni
    Suphak Vanichseni
  • PSPravan Suntharasamai
    Pravan Suntharasamai
  • USUdomsak Sangkum
    Udomsak Sangkum
  • PMPhilip A. Mock
    Philip A. Mock
  • RGRoman J. Gvetadze
    Roman J. Gvetadze
  • MCMarcel E. Curlin
    Marcel E. Curlin
  • MLManoj Leethochawalit
    Manoj Leethochawalit
  • SCSithisat Chiamwongpaet
    Sithisat Chiamwongpaet
  • BCBenjamaporn Chaipung
    Benjamaporn Chaipung
  • JMJanet M. McNicholl
    Janet M. McNicholl
  • LPLynn A. Paxton
    Lynn A. Paxton
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Abstract
Objectives. We examined the causes of hospitalization and death of people who inject drugs participating in the Bangkok Tenofovir Study, an HIV preexposure prophylaxis trial.Methods. The Bangkok Tenofovir Study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted during 2005 to 2012 among 2413 people who inject drugs. We reviewed medical records to define the causes of hospitalization and death, examined participant characteristics and risk behaviors to determine predictors of death, and compared the participant mortality rate with the rate of the general population of Bangkok, Thailand.Results. Participants were followed an average of 4 years; 107 died: 22 (20.6%) from overdose, 13 (12.2%) from traffic accidents, and 12 (11.2%) from sepsis. In multivariable analysis, older age (40–59 years; P = .001), injecting drugs (P = .03), and injecting midazolam (P < .001) were associated with death. The standardized mortality ratio was 2.9.Conclusions. People who injected drugs were nearly 3 times as likely to die as were those in the general population of Bangkok and injecting midazolam was independently associated with death. Drug overdose and traffic accidents were the most common causes of death, and their prevention should be public health priorities.

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