The characteristics and patterns of utilization of healthcare services among Omanis with substance use disorders attending therapy for cessation.

Nabila Al Wahaibi,Tahira M A Juma,Fatma Al Hinai,Abdulla Al Khatri,Falaah Al Ruqeishy,Samir Al-Adawi,Sangeetha Mahadevan,Nasser Al-Sibani,Anwaar Al Lawati,Yahya Al-Farsi,Stéphanie Baggio

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0210532

Nabila Al Wahaibi, Tahira M A Juma + Show 9 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0210532

Copy DOI

Abstract

BackgroundIt is indicated that Oman is witnessing an increase in issues pertinent to alcohol and psychoactive substance use.AimThe aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of Omanis with substance use disorder attending a specialized hospital in Oman and the pattern of their utilization of healthcare services. A related aim was to ascertain the age group most vulnerable to alcohol and substance use in Oman.MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care center specialized for treatment of those engaging in substance use in Oman. The participants in the study were selected from a convenience sample among patients seeking consultation at the center for alcohol and substance use. A six-part questionnaire was designed to obtain information regarding socio-demographic background, clinical history, healthcare utilization and perceived hurdles to access. Chi-square analyses were used to evaluate the significance of differences among categorical data. Logistic regression modelling was used to obtain measures of association after adjusting for confounding factors.ResultsAmong the patients (n = 293) seeking cessation therapy, 99% were male and less than 30 years of age. Peer influences on the initiation of substance use were significant. Most patients had a history of polysubstance use, including intravenous substance use. Cannabis and alcohol were the first substances consumed by most patients and Hepatitis C and psychiatric disorders were found to be the most common co-morbidities. The participants that reported use of cannabis and benzodiazepines were more likely to perceive “improvement” upon receiving treatment.ConclusionThis study indicated that males below 30 years of age with a history of polysubstance use were likely to attend a hospital specialized in treating substance use disorder in Oman. This study identified information regarding socio-demographic background, risk factors and perceived hurdles to healthcare that could serve as groundwork for further studies conducted on newly emerging issues of substance use in Oman.

Highlights

Indigenous populations of the Arabian Gulf have not shown signs of non-medical use of substances [1]
The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of Omanis with substance use disorder attending a specialized hospital in Oman and the pattern of their utilization of healthcare services
Cannabis and alcohol were the first substances consumed by most patients and Hepatitis C and psychiatric disorders were found to be the most common co-morbidities

Summary

Introduction

Indigenous populations of the Arabian Gulf have not shown signs of non-medical use of substances [1]. With the rise in demand from a growing expatriate population and the expanding tourism industry, the consumption of alcohol has increased [6]. Al Marri and Oei [1] have indicated that the use of other psychoactive substances in this region has been on the rise as well. Studies all over the world have shown youth to be at a higher risk for non-medical use of substances compared to the rest of the population [8, 9,10]. It is indicated that Oman is witnessing an increase in issues pertinent to alcohol and psychoactive substance use

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion