Characteristics of Spiking in Ghent: a Multicentric Prospective Observational Study..

Launched by UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, GHENT · Jan 4, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial, titled "Characteristics of Spiking in Ghent," is focused on understanding the occurrence and details of a serious issue called "spiking." Spiking happens when someone unknowingly ingests a substance that can cause harm, often through drinks or food. The study will collect information from participants in the Ghent area to better understand how often this happens and the different types of substances involved. To do this, researchers will use tests on urine and blood samples to look for these substances.

To be eligible for the study, participants must be at least 18 years old and either personally suspect that they have been spiked or have been suspected by a physician, police, or paramedics. Participants should be willing to provide urine and/or blood samples, depending on how long it has been since the incident. It's important to note that those who report the incident more than five days later or cannot complete a questionnaire reliably will not be able to join. If you decide to participate, you will help contribute valuable information that could improve safety and awareness in the community.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • \>18 years
• • Patient self-reports suspicion of spiking OR there is a suspicion of spiking by physician, police, paramedics or patient's companions
• • willingness to provide urine and/or blood samples (depending on timing after event)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Reporting more than 5 days after spiking
• • Unable to reliably complete the questionnaire (can be after clinical observation/recovery).
• • Not declaring proficiency in the language in which informed consent is offered (Dutch/English).
• • Not agreeing to the informed consent.
• • Do not consent to blood and urine collection and/or analysis.
• • There is a suspicion of Drug Facilitated Sexual Assault (to be referred to Care Center Sexual Violence, ZSG, where parallel study is ongoing).