And Substance Involvement Screening Test Research Articles

Exploring the link between intelligence and drug abuse among juvenile felons in India

ABSTRACT Children involved in the juvenile justice system are more likely to struggle with substance abuse and intellectual disabilities. Substance abuse is a major public health concern among young individuals globally, including juvenile felons. This study examines the relationships and factors that influence juvenile felons’ substance abuse, intelligence, and delinquent behaviour. This study applies a descriptive cross-sectional survey design using a purposive sampling technique. The participants included 163 male juveniles from Tamil Nadu, India. The psychological measures used for the study were the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) scale, the Standard Progressive Matrices, and the Australian Self-reported Delinquency Scale. According to the study’s findings, intelligence does not have a significant impact on juvenile felons’ delinquent behaviour. Furthermore, the study identified repeated offences and runaway behaviour as factors that increase the risk of substance abuse. Juvenile felons’ substance abuse significantly influences and predicts their delinquent behaviour.

The role of metabolic syndrome as a mediator in the relationship between CCL11 levels and the presence of a mood episode with mixed features in young adults with bipolar disorder

Mixed features presentation in bipolar disorder (BD) represents the most severe form of the disease. BD may lead to cognitive and functional deterioration, a process known as neuroprogression, which appears to be exacerbated by increased serum levels of CCL11, a neuroprogression-related cytokine. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is highly prevalent in BD, and it is known that the presence of MetS may increase inflammation, which may contribute to increased CCL11 levels, and consequently impact on the severity of the disorder. What is not known is whether the MetS mediates the association between CCL11 levels and the presence of mood episodes with mixed features in BD. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the mediating effect of MetS on the relationship between CCL11 levels and the presence of mood episodes with mixed features in BD, in a population-based study. This is a cross-sectional study that included 184 young adults, 92 with BD and 92 populational controls, matched by sex and age. BD diagnosis was assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview – PLUS. Mood episodes with mixed features was defined according to DSM-IV and DSM-5 criteria. MetS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP/ATP III). Substance use was assessed through the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). CCL11 serum levels were analyzed using the multiplex analysis method Luminex 200™ system. The mediation model was tested using the MedMod module of the JAMOVI 2.4.8 software. Mediation analysis indicated a trend towards significance of MetS mediating the association between CCL11 and the presence of a mood episode with mixed features in BD (p = 0.065). Individuals with BD presenting with a mood episode with mixed features and MetS may have accelerated neuroprogression due to the influence of MetS on CCL11 levels, therefore, assessing for MetS occurrence in this population and implementing early interventions to prevent its development may be effective ways of delaying cognitive impairments related to this cytokine.

Patterns and Characteristics of Amphetamine-type Stimulant Use in a North-eastern State of India: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: South Asia generally reports low levels of amphetamine-type stimulant (ATS) use, with few studies on the pattern of ATS use. We assessed the pattern of ATS use and associated high-risk behavior in Manipur, a north-eastern state of India. Methods: 209 adult male ATS users (mean age 28.8 years) from three districts of Manipur were interviewed. Data were collected on the patterns of high-risk behavior with ATS use, health consequences, and help-seeking. The severity of use with various substances was assessed using the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). Depression and anxiety were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale, respectively. Results: The mean duration of ATS use was 3.7 years (SD 2.3). The majority used ATS almost daily (88%) and depended on ATS (77%). Methamphetamine (99.5%) was the most used ATS orally. Around 87% also suffered from opioid dependence. About 76% injected drugs, most commonly heroin. Almost three-fourths (78%) used ATS before their sexual intercourse, 31% of whom did not use condoms. Most reported physical problems with ATS and had above-cut-off scores on PHQ-9 and GAD-7. The majority (95%) reported that they could procure ATS easily. Also, the majority (93%) had thought of quitting ATS use. Discussion: Most ATS users start using ATS at a young age and have comorbid other drug use, including heroin. ATS use is associated with various physical and psychological problems. Focusing on ATS use in India and developing strategies to address this problem is essential.

Validation of the ACSID-11 for consistent screening of specific Internet-use disorders based on ICD-11 criteria for gaming disorder: A multitrait-multimethod approach

IntroductionWith the inclusion of gaming disorder in the ICD-11, diagnostic criteria were introduced for this relatively new disorder. These criteria may be applied to other potential specific Internet-use disorders. The 11-item Assessment of Criteria for Specific Internet-use Disorders (ACSID-11) was developed for consistent screening of gaming disorder, online buying-shopping disorder, online pornography-use disorder, social networks-use disorder, and online gambling disorder. This study tested the construct validity of the ACSID-11, including convergent and divergent measures. MethodsThe ACSID-11 measures five behavioral addictions with the same set of items by following the principles of the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). The ACSID-11 was administered to a convenience sample of active Internet users (N = 1597) together with validated and established measures of each specific Internet-use disorder along with screeners for mental health. Included are the Ten-Item Internet Gaming Disorder Test (IGDT-10), the Bergen Shopping Addiction Scale (BSAS), the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale (PPCS), the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) and the Berlin Inventory of Gambling behavior – Screening (BIG-S). The ACSID-11 was compared convergently and divergently through a multitrait-multimethod approach along with contingency tables with the other Internet-use disorder screeners. ResultsThe multitrait-multimethod results shows that each behavior assessed with the ACSID-11 has moderate to strong correlations (r's from 0.462 to 0.609) with the scores of the corresponding established measures and, furthermore, positive correlations (r's from 0.122 to 0.434) with measures of psychological distress and further shows that the ACSID-11 can be used for a comprehensive assessment of different behaviors. The contingency tables reveal large divergences between the ACSID-11 and other screening instruments concerning the classification of problematic specific Internet use based on the given cut-off values. ConclusionThe current work provides additional validation for the ACSID-11. Accordingly, this tool can be considered as reliable and valid for the simultaneous assessment of different Internet-use disorders: gaming disorder, online buying-shopping disorder, online pornography use disorder, social networks use disorder, and online gambling disorder. With a subsequent clinical validation of the scale and the proposed cut-off score, the ACSID-11 will be a thoroughly validated useful screening tool for clinical practice.

Prevalence and Determinants of Alcohol Use in Benue South Senatorial District, Nigeria

Introduction: Despite the huge public health problems of alcohol use, there is no community data in Benue South, Senatorial District. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of alcohol use and their determinants in Benue South Senatorial District.Materials and Method: 400 participants aged 18 to 60 years, who consented, were recruited consecutively in Okpokwu, Otukpo and Ohimini Local Government Areas (LGAs). A 3-part questionnaire, including the WHO Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) was administered to the participants.Results: The mean age was 29.12 years ± 10.5. The lifetime prevalence of alcohol use was 77.5% and the prevalence of current alcohol use was 47.5 %. The study found no determinant of alcohol use. There was no association between alcohol use and gender (p=0.163), age (p=0.043), educational level (p=0.934), community control of alcohol use (p=0.451) and ease of obtaining alcohol (p=0.920).Conclusion: Further research on alcohol use alongside routine screening and appropriate interventions in facilities is an important public health action.

Using the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) to Predict Gambling Disorder Among U.S. College Students.

The Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) screening tool has not previously been used to evaluate risk for gambling disorder (GD). We aimed to assess the level at which each specific substance involvement score (SSIS), measured by ASSIST, most optimally predicted GD among U.S. college students. Data were analyzed for 141,769 students from the National College Health Assessment (fall 2019-spring 2021) utilizing multivariable logistic regression models. Sensitivities and specificities were utilized to find optimal cutoffs that best identified those with GD, overall and by biological sex and age group. Lower threshold of substance risk related to prescription opioids, cocaine, and hallucinogens (all with SSIS cutoffs of 4) predicts gambling disorder compared to sedatives (SSIS cutoff of 19). Younger students had lower thresholds of substance risk predicting GD than older students for heroin, but for all other substance classifications students 25years and older had lower thresholds of SSIS predicting GD than students 18-24years old. This study aids in the understanding that substance use behavior may put students at risk for other addictive behaviors such as GD. This study is the first to utilize the ASSIST tool to predict GD among U.S. college students, extending its application beyond substance use disorders. The identification of optimal cutoffs for each SSIS provides a novel approach to concurrently screen for GD and substance use disorders. This unique contribution could enhance early detection and intervention strategies for GD in the college student population.

Substance Abuse and Sleep Quality in University Students.

Substance abuse remains a challenging public health issue, especially among young people. It has been shown that poor sleep and substance abuse may have mutual intensifying effects. This study aimed to evaluate the rates of substance abuse, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption and their association with sleep disturbances among university students in 2021. The participants were the students of the Faculty of Sciences, University of Guilan, Iran in 2021. Data were collected through a researcher-made demographic questionnaire, the first two questions of the translated version of the World Health Organization (WHO) Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). A total of 222 students entered the study from March to August 2021. The rates of substance abuse in the past three months and lifetime were 35.6% and 45.5%, respectively. The most common type of substance abuse was related to the 'other substances' category. Substance abuse was significantly higher in students living in dormitories and those with a family history of substance abuse. Poor sleep was found in 34.2% of the students, and substance abuse and alcohol consumption both in the past three months and lifetime were significantly associated with lower sleep quality. This study showed that substance abuse was significantly associated with sleep disturbances. The study results also illustrated an upward trend of substance abuse in recent years among students in Rasht, which may be related to economic issues in the country and/or the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the rising prevalence of substance abuse and its impacts on society, policymakers are highly recommended to pay special attention to its risk factors.

Evaluation of the psychometric properties and convergent validity of the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) questionnaire in Brazilian young adults

BackgroundThis cross-sectional study aims to evaluate the psychometric properties and the convergent validity of the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and linear regression adjusted for confounding factors were performed to obtain the adjusted beta value (βadj) for sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), burnout (Copenhagen Burnout Inventory), and depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9).ResultsThe study population consisted of 3187 young adult university students. The CFA indicated adequate fits for the one- and two-factor structure of the ASSIST, with better indices for the two-factor model. Convergent validity results confirmed the best fit of the one-factor model (version 3.1), in which individuals classified as “suggestive of dependence” showed a greater effect on worse sleep quality (βadj 2.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.48–2.84), burnout (βadj 12.25, 95% CI 8.43–16.06), and depressive symptoms (βadj 6.69, 95% CI 5.37–8.00).ConclusionsThe results and the literature review indicated that the one-factor presents an adequate factor structure and better convergent validity.

Validation of the Amharic version of Internet Addiction Test-20: a cross-sectional study.

Internet Addiction is defined as excessive internet use or poorly controlled preoccupations, impulses, or behaviors related to computer use and internet access that cause impairment or suffering. It had devastating effect on people lives, families, productivity, academic performance and rarely engaging in criminal acts like alcohol use, drug addiction, or compulsive gambling. This study aimed to investigate the psychometric properties of the Amharic version of Internet Addiction Test-20 among Addis Ababa University, College of Health Sciences medical students, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. A cross sectional study was carried out among 410 medical students using a convenience sampling method after stratifying them based on their year level. SPSS Version 23 was used to do Pearson's correlation coefficient to determine the convergent validity of Amharic version of IAT. We computed correlation coefficient between the aggregate scores of IAT-20 and the scores for depressive symptoms, problematic substance use, and other characteristics of participants which was assessed using Patient health questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) and questionnaire developed to assess demographic and internet use related characteristics, respectively. AMOS 23 software was used to conduct confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to evaluate the construct validity of Amharic version of IAT. Test-retest reliability was also determined with 2 weeks interval (n = 51). The data confirmed a two-factor structure. Normed Fit Index (NFI) = 0.89, Tucker Lewis Index (TLI) = 0.91 and Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.92, Root Mean Square Error Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.07, and Standardized Root Mean Residual (SRMR) =0.05 indicated a good fit model structure. There was moderate positive correlation between the aggregate scores of IAT-20 and PHQ-9 scores (r = 0.55, p < 0.00), but weak positive correlation between IAT-20 and ASSIST scores (r = 0.14, p < 0.00). IAT-20 was also found to have good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.89 for each factor). The test-retest reliability was also good for all items (Intra Class Correlation Coefficient (ICC) > 0.30) except item 16. We found that the IAT-20 is psychometrically sound and a simple screening test for Internet Addiction. However, it is important to acknowledge that further studies are necessary to replicate these findings on diverse population.

Determinants of substance use among young people attending primary health centers in India

Abstract Background Substance use is a complex condition with multidimensional determinants. The present study aims to find the prevalence and determinants of substance use among young people attending primary healthcare centers in India. Methods A multicentric cross-sectional study was conducted across 15 states in India on 1,630 young people (10–24 years) attending primary health centers. The Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) was used to capture data on substance use. The degree of substance involvement was assessed and multivariate regression analysis was conducted to determine the risk factors of substance use. Results The prevalence of substance use was 32.8%, with a median substance initiation age of 18 years. Among the substance users, 75.5% began before completing adolescence. Tobacco (26.4%), alcohol (26.1%) and cannabis (9.5%) were commonly consumed. Sociodemographic determinants included higher age, male gender, urban residence, positive family history, northeastern state residence and lower socioeconomic class. Over 80% of users had moderate or high involvement. Conclusions High substance use prevalence among young people in Indian healthcare centers underscores the urgency of targeted intervention. Insights on determinants guide effective prevention strategies for this complex public health issue.

Prevalence and Factors Associated with Self-Reported Substance Use among Patients with Mental Illness in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study

Background. Substance use is prevalent among patients with mental illness in low- and middle-income countries, including Tanzania. This heightened prevalence not only increases the risk of developing mental disorders and substance use disorders but also contributes to poor treatment outcomes for these patients. Despite these concerns, the current prevalence of substance use and its associated factors in this population remains unclear in Tanzania. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the 12-month period prevalence of self-reported substance use and associated factors among patients with mental illness. Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional analytical study among patients with mental illness at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Respondents were selected using a systematic random sampling technique. Data on self-reported substance use were collected using the World Health Organization’s (WHO) alcohol, smoking, and substance involvement screening test (ASSIST) V3.0. IBM SPSS version 25 was employed for data analysis, utilizing frequencies and percentages to determine the prevalence of self-reported substance use. The study employed bivariate and multiple logistic regression analyses to investigate the association between patient characteristics and self-reported substance use, with statistical significance set at a p value of &lt; 0.05. Results. A total of 364 patients were enrolled in the study, with 215 (59.1%) being male and a mean (SD) age of 35.57 (±9.01) years. Among the participants, 119 (32.7%) reported substance use. The most commonly used substances were alcohol (21.7%), tobacco (19.8%), and cannabis (12.9%). Factors significantly associated with self-reported substance use included younger age (AOR: 1.829; 95% CI: 1.112, 3.010; p=0.017), male gender (AOR: 2.346; 95% CI: 1.397, 3.939; p=0.001), positive family history of mental illness (AOR: 2.247; 95% CI: 1.364, 3.701; p=0.001), and a family history of substance use (AOR: 3.804; 95% CI: 2.305, 6.276; p&lt;0.001). Conclusions. A significant proportion, amounting to one-third of patients, reported substance use, highlighting the imperative need for targeted measures within this population. The implementation of routine substance use screening programs for patients with mental illness is crucial, alongside gender-sensitive and age-specific interventions. Consideration of patients’ family history of mental illness and substance use should be an integral part of these measures.

Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test validity in bipolar and psychotic disorders.

Patients with multi-episode bipolar and psychotic disorders have a high prevalence of substance use disorders, with negative consequences. A brief, easily administered screening test such as the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) is needed to identify those at risk in order to intervene appropriately. However, the ASSIST has not yet been validated in this population. This article aims to determine the validity and reliability of the ASSIST in detecting substance use disorders in patients with multi-episode bipolar and psychotic disorders. Western Cape Province, South Africa. The Structured Clinical Interview for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV) Axis I Disorders (SCID-I) was used as the gold standard for detecting substance abuse and dependence. Cronbach's alpha was used to determine the internal consistency of the ASSIST, and receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to evaluate its screening properties. Optimal cut off scores were calculated to maximise sensitivity and specificity. A total substance involvement lifetime score of ≥13 was found to have optimal sensitivity and specificity of just over 74%. The optimal cutoff score for alcohol was ≥4 and for cannabis, methamphetamine, and 'other drugs' was ≥3. The area under the curve was 0.7 or above for both the total and specific substance involvement scores. The ASSIST is a psychometrically sound screening test for substance use disorders in patients with multi-episode bipolar and psychotic disorders. This is the first study to validate the ASSIST in this population.

DSM-5 conduct disorder and symptoms in youths at high risk of psychosis in Kenya with DSM-5 mental disorders and substance use: towards integrated management

Little is known about the prevalence of Conduct Disorder (CD) and symptoms of CD in high risk psychosis persons at both clinical and community populations in LMICs and in particular Kenya. This study aimed to document (1) the prevalence of CD diagnosis and symptoms in youth who screened positive for psychosis and (2) the associated mental disorders and substance use in the same cohort in LMIC. The sample size was 536 students who had screened positive on the Washington Early Recognition Center Affectivity and Psychosis (WERCAP) from a population of 9,742 high school, college and university students, but had not converted to a psychotic disorder. We collected data on socio-demographic characteristics and used the following tools: Economic indicators tool; the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS) tool for DSM-5 diagnosis; World Health Organization (WHO) Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). Basic descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, Pearson correlation and Poisson regression were conducted. Five percent (5%) of the respondents met the criteria for DSM-5 CD. Indeterminate CD comprised 10.1%. Male gender, all substances except hallucinogens lifetime, obsessive compulsive disorder, psychosis, agoraphobia, social phobia, drug abuse/dependence, antisocial personality disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, suicidality, WERCAP screen for bipolar disorder and WERCAP screen for schizophrenia were significantly (p < 0.05) associated with CD. Deceitfulness or theft criteria symptoms showed that CD had no significant gender difference. Criteria symptoms in aggression to people and animals, destruction of property and serious violations of rules were more common among males. Our findings suggest the need to screen for and diagnose CD, mental disorders and substance use in high risk psychosis youths in Kenya. This will inform integrated management.

Nativity and the risk of opioid use disorder among Hispanic/Latinx women in primary care in Los Angeles, CA

Background: While rates of opioid use disorder (OUD) are lower among women compared to men, nativity may have disproportionate impacts on OUD risk among Hispanic/Latinx women but remain understudied. Objective: To assess the association between country of birth and reported OUD risk among low-income Hispanic/Latinx women in primary care in Los Angeles, CA. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 1189 non-pregnant, Hispanic/Latinx women attending two federally qualified health centers in Los Angeles between March and July 2013. OUD risk was assessed using the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), and moderate-to-high risk was defined as ASSIST score ≥ 4. Results: Overall, 4.2% of women (n = 49) were at moderate-to-high risk for OUD. Risk for OUD was higher among US-born women compared to foreign-born women (6.7 vs. 1.7%; p < .01), those who reported 2+ chronic medical conditions (p < .01), and those who were at moderate-to-high risk for other substance use disorders (p < .01). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, being U.S.-born was independently associated with being at moderate-to-high risk for OUD among Hispanic/Latinx women as compared to those who were foreign-born (AOR = 2.8; 95% CI 1.2–6.8). Conclusion: Among low-income Hispanic/Latinx women presenting to primary care, one in twenty patients is at-risk for OUD. The odds of moderate-high risk of OUD were three times as high in US-born compared to foreign-born women, and higher among those with chronic medical conditions and those at risk of other substance use disorders. Gender-specific and culturally-tailored screening for OUD may inform overdose prevention interventions for US-born Hispanic/Latinx women.

The Relationship between Vaping Cannabis and Frequency of Cannabis Use and Cannabis-Related Problems among Urban High School Students

Background: Vaping, including vaping cannabis, is increasing among adolescents. In this longitudinal study, we examined the relationship between vaping cannabis and frequency of cannabis use and related problems over 6 months among adolescents. Material and Methods: Data were from 233 participants (46.8% male, 93.1% African American, mean age = 16.4 years) reporting cannabis use. The Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) assessed frequency of past 30-day cannabis use and cannabis-related problems at baseline, 3- and 6-months post-baseline. We used latent growth curve modeling to compare vaping to non-vaping adolescents on trends in cannabis use frequency and ASSIST cannabis scores. Results: Adolescents who vaped cannabis (11.7%) had higher past 30-day frequency (mean = 17.89 days, SD = 10.49) of cannabis use at baseline compared to adolescents who had not vaped (mean = 12.1 days, SD = 10.93), but reported a significantly sharper decline in frequency of cannabis use (b = −0.34, p = 0.017). A significantly steeper decrease existed in the mean cannabis ASSIST scores for the vaping group than for the non-vaping group (b = −0.34, p = 0.014). Mean ASSIST scores on the cannabis subscale between the two groups were significantly different at 6-month follow-up (Vape mean = 6.00, SD = 8.12 vs. Non-vape mean = 9.6, SD = 9.39; p < 0.021). Conclusions: In a sample of cannabis-using adolescents, adolescents with experience vaping cannabis, compared to adolescents without vaping experience, on average reported sharper decreases in frequency of cannabis use and cannabis-related problems such as health or social problems.

Exploratory analysis of the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST): correlations and rankings among U.S. college students

ABSTRACT Objective We conducted an exploratory analysis of The Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) psychometric tool using the specific substance involvement score (SSIS) measures among U.S. college students to evaluate the relationships among 11 substance screening tools (prescription opioids, heroin, tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, prescription stimulants, inhalants, sedatives, and hallucinogens). Methods We used data from the American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment (fall 2019–spring 2021). Correlations and network analyses were conducted. Results We identified significantly positive correlations for all substance screening tools, with the strongest correlations seen between screening tools for heroin and prescription opioids. Cannabis ranked highest in screening for alcohol risk, alcohol highest in screening for tobacco and cannabis risk, prescription opioids highest in screening for heroin and cocaine, and inhalants highest in screening for other illicit drugs. Conclusions This study is the first to explore the application of the ASSIST tool in U.S. college students. The rankings represent a unique exploratory analysis evaluating the relationship between substance screening tools and substance use behavior in this population. As such, our findings provide a valuable foundation for future research.

Evaluating the agreement between different substance use recall periods in multiple HIV cohorts

BackgroundThis study aims to evaluate the agreement in substance use on both binary and ordinal scales between 3-month and 6-month recall periods with samples from different communities, demographic backgrounds, and HIV status. MethodsWe administered the Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) to 799 participants from three different North American cohorts focused on substance use and HIV. We conducted a within-person agreement analysis by calculating the agreement levels and Kappa statistic between data collected using the 3-month recall ASSIST and 6-month custom substance use surveys as well as different terminology for each substance in multiple cohorts. ResultsFor all drugs studied, the agreement on the binary use or ordinal frequency of use metrics showed a high agreement level between 80.4% and 97.9% and an adequate adjusted kappa value between 0.61 and 0.96, suggesting substantial agreement. According to the agreement criteria we proposed, substance use data collected using different recall periods and with variation in drug names can be harmonized across cohorts. ConclusionsThis study is the first to evaluate the feasibility of data harmonization of substance use by demonstrating high level of agreement between different recall periods in different cohorts. The results can inform data harmonization efforts in consortia where data are collected from cohorts using different questions and recall periods.

Drug Dependency Due to Traumatic Childhood Experiences and Low Emotional Intelligence of Juvenile Felons in India

ABSTRACT Children involved with the juvenile justice system for engaging in unlawful acts are more likely than their peers of the same age to use cannabis and alcohol, which increases the likelihood of adverse behavioral outcomes and prolonged involvement with the judicial system. This study focuses on the relationship between child maltreatment, emotional intelligence and drug dependence among children in conflict with the law. The participants of the study are 130 justice-involved male juveniles in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu who are given the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), the Juvenile Victimization Questionnaire (JVQ), and Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS) for assessment. Interviews are conducted to obtain the data required for the study. For the statistical analysis, frequency, t-test, correlation, and regression analyses are used. Results of the study indicates that low level/lack of emotional intelligence which enhances the likelihood of juveniles being in conflict with the law and engaging in harmful, drug-dependent behavior. No significant relationship is observed between child maltreatment and drug-dependent behavior. For these juveniles, marijuana serves as the gateway drug. Peer influence and school dropout have a substantial influence on drug-dependent behavior.

Opioid use disorder in two samples of the Lebanese population: scale validation and correlation with sleep and mood disorders.

The revised Opioid Risk Tool (ORT-OUD) is a brief, self-report scale designed to provide clinicians with a simple, validated method to screen for the risk of developing an Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) in patients without a prior history of substance abuse. This study aimed to translate and validate the Arabic version of ORT-OUD in the Lebanese population and assess its clinical validity in a sample of patients with OUD. This cross-sectional study in the Lebanese population used several validated scales to assess the risk of OUD, including the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). Other tools evaluated chronotype and sleep and mood disturbances. Principal component analysis with Varimax rotation was applied to assess ORT-OUD construct validity. Convergent validity with the Arabic version of ASSIST was evaluated. The ORT-OUD criterion validity was then assessed in a clinical sample of patients with OUD. This study included 581 participants. The prevalence of the OUD risk in the Lebanese population using the ORT-OUD scale and the ASSIST-opioids scale was estimated at 14.5% and 6.54%, respectively. No items of the ORT-OUD were removed; all items converged over a solution of four factors with an eigenvalue > 1, explaining a total of 68.2% of the variance (Cronbach's alpha = 0.648). The correlation coefficients between the ORT-OUD total score and ASSIST subscales were as follows: ASSIST-opioids (r = 0.174; p = < 0.001), ASSIST-sedatives (r = 0.249; p < 0.001), and ASSIST-alcohol (r = 0.161; p = < 0.001). ORT-OUD clinical validation showed a correlation with ASSIST-opioids (r = 0.251; p = 0.093) and ASSIST-sedatives (r = 0.598; p < 0.001). Higher ORT-OUD scores were associated with a family and personal history of alcohol and substance consumption and higher insomnia and anxiety scores. This study is the first to validate the Arabic version of ORT-OUD in the Lebanese population, an essential step towards improving the detection and management of OUD in this population.

Frequency of Smoking, Alcohol Consumption, and Substance Use in Relation to General Health Indicators in Guilan University of Medical Sciences.

The risk of substance use is increasing among university students, especially medical students. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of smoking, alcohol consumption, and substance use and its relationship with general health indicators among the students of Guilan University of Medical Sciences (GUMS) in 2020. The differences in the frequency of substance use were also investigated from 2005. This was a cross-sectional analytical study conducted on 406 students of GUMS, Iran, in 2020. The data were collected through three online questionnaires including a demographic questionnaire, the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST), and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). The data were entered into SPSS software version 22 and analyzed using Chi-square, Fisher's Exact tests, and logistic regression at a significance level of 0.05. In this study, 53.9% of the participants were female, 46.1% were male, and 54.4% of them experienced using substances in their lifetime. The highest prevalence of use was in consumers of tobacco (46.8%), alcoholic beverages (34.7%), and cannabinoid compounds (19%). Besides, 48.5% of the participants were suspected of having some degree of psychiatric disorders, among which depression (11.6%) and anxiety (8.4%) were the most common. Moreover, substance use during students' lifetime had a statistically significant association with anxiety, depression, and mental health. The results of this study showed the prevalence of smoking, alcohol consumption, and substance use among the students of GUMS is worrying. The relationship between consumption and consumer's health indicators highlights the necessity of intervention and purposeful planning by policymakers in this field.