Abuse and misuse of tramadol among the youth in hodan district mogadishu somalia

Abstract

Objectives: Tramadol is a synthetic (man-made) pain reliever (analgesic). Researchers and doctors do not know the exact mechanism of action of tramadol, but it is similar to morphine. The objective of the study was is to assess the knowledge and contact traces of tramadol in Hodan district Mogadishu Somalia. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was adopted using structured questionnaire as the major instrument for the collection of data- this was both closed and open-ended. Methodology: A sample size of 130 respondents was used through the use of simple random sampling technique. Quantitative data analysis methods were used with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 in the analysis of the data. Results: The study found that majority (70%) of respondents knew about tramadol of which more happened to be males. The study found that participants take higher doses of tramadol. The study found that preponderance (58.5%) of respondents knew people who use tramadol of which majority were their friends and co-workers. It also turned out that (83.1%) of the respondents knew where tramadol is readily available. Conclusions: In determining the main purpose of tramadol as energy booster, (30%) attested sexual ecstasy and performance. In conclusion, the availability of tramadol in our Somali community should be highly regulated since its abuse among the youth is on the ascendency. It is a real issue that should be tackled with concerted effort to curtail this menace most especially in the Hodan district.