Pattern of illicit substance use and associated factors among male inmates of a highly populated Brazilian prison complex

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to assess the pattern of illicit substance use and associated factors among male inmates of a highly populated Brazilian prison complex. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with a population-based sample of 756 adult male prisoners. A semi-structured questionnaire was answered with the aid of a previously trained interviewer. Chi-square tests and binary logistic regression were used to analytically assess the data. Results About 49.5% of the inmates reported use during imprisonment. Marijuana was the most common drug among illicit drug users (77.8%), followed by crack and cocaine (1.9% and 0.3%, respectively). Over 20% of drug users presented polydrug consumption pattern. The consumption of illicit substances was associated with prisoner’s gender identity (p = .047), marital status (p < .001), age (p < .001), income (p < .001), tobacco and alcohol consumption (p < .001, for both associations). Tobacco and alcohol consumption, younger age and not being in a relationship were associated with an increased risk of consuming illicit drugs during imprisonment. Conclusions The prevalence of illicit drug use by male prisoners was high. Polydrug use pattern often accompanies the consumption of alcohol and tobacco.