Table 1 Research topics in the top 50 cited articles on harm reduction related to injectable drug use

Naloxone distribution and overdose prevention

Articles related to the distribution of naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, and the prevention of opioid overdose deaths. Naloxone distribution programs aim to increase access to naloxone and educate laypersons on its use to save lives in the event of an overdose. This topic directly relates to harm reduction by reducing opioid-related deaths.

HIV transmission and injection drug use

Articles focusing on the incidence and transmission of HIV among people who inject drugs (PWID). These studies often evaluate the impact of needle and syringe programs, harm reduction interventions, and other prevention strategies on reducing HIV transmission among PWID. This topic addresses harm reduction by targeting the prevention of HIV infection in the context of injection drug use.

Hepatitis C transmission and injection drug use

Articles exploring the transmission and prevention of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among people who inject drugs. These studies assess the effectiveness of interventions such as needle and syringe programs, opioid substitution therapy, and antiviral treatment in reducing HCV transmission. This topic relates to harm reduction by addressing the prevention of HCV infection among PWID.

Drug use and harm reduction interventions

Articles examining various harm reduction interventions for drug users, including overdose prevention programs, syringe exchange programs, addiction interventions, and risk reduction strategies. These studies assess the effectiveness of different interventions in reducing harm associated with drug use. This topic directly relates to harm reduction by focusing on interventions aimed at minimizing the negative consequences of drug use.

Heroin and opioid use

Articles investigating the patterns, perceptions, and risks associated with heroin and opioid use. These studies often explore issues such as adulteration of heroin, transition to illicit drug injection, opioid overdose deaths, and access to opioid substitution therapy. This topic provides insights into the specific challenges and risks associated with heroin and opioid use, which are central to harm reduction efforts.

Opioid overdose and mortality

Articles examining opioid overdose rates, mortality, and the impact of interventions such as naloxone distribution, overdose education, and addiction treatment programs on reducing overdose deaths. This topic directly addresses harm reduction by focusing on strategies to prevent opioid overdose fatalities.

Injection drug use and risk behaviors

Articles investigating risk behaviors associated with injection drug use, including high-risk sexual behaviors, sharing of drug injection equipment, and the spread of infectious diseases. These studies often assess the impact of harm reduction programs on reducing risky behaviors and promoting safer injection practices. This topic highlights the importance of harm reduction interventions in minimizing risks related to injection drug use.

Policies and strategies for harm reduction

Articles discussing policies, legal changes, and strategies aimed at increasing access to harm reduction interventions such as naloxone, syringe exchange programs, and opioid substitution therapy. These studies examine the impact of different policy approaches on reducing drug-related harms and improving public health outcomes. This topic addresses harm reduction from a broader policy and implementation perspective.

Peer education and support interventions

Articles evaluating the effectiveness of peer-education interventions and support programs in reducing risk behaviors, improving access to care, and enhancing adherence to HIV medications among injection drug users. These studies highlight the value of peer-based approaches in harm reduction efforts and promoting positive health outcomes among drug users.

Methadone treatment and mortality

Articles assessing the impact of methadone treatment, an opioid substitution therapy, on mortality rates among heroin users recognize the effectiveness of opioid substitution therapy in reducing harms associated with heroin use. These studies contribute to harm reduction by providing evidence of the benefits of methadone treatment in improving health outcomes and reducing mortality rates.