High Prevalence Of Substance Use Research Articles

Substance use during pregnancy and postpartum among individuals with perinatally-acquired HIV in the United States

Use of cannabis and alcohol were common during pregnancy and the first year postpartum among people with HIV in the United States (2007–2019), but there were no major differences in substance use during pregnancy based on mode of HIV acquisition. The relatively high prevalence of substance use in this population, particularly postpartum alcohol and cannabis use, warrants further attention.

Prevalence of Substance Use Among Students in Health Colleges in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Substance misuse is a global and substantial health concern that includes the inappropriate use of illicit substances or prescription and over-the-counter medications, which subsequently leads to poor outcomes such as a mental health disorder, financial distress, work malfunction, and academic failure. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of substance use, identify associated risk factors, explore potential complications within this specific demographic, and investigate the relationship between sociodemographic/lifestyle variables such as age, gender, marital status, family income, smoking, physical activity, and academic variables including grade point averages (GPAs), study hours, and the parental educational level with substance use history among students in health colleges in Saudi Arabia. This quantitative, descriptive cross-sectional study employed a questionnaire-based approach to collect data from students in health colleges across the regions of Saudi Arabia in the year 2022. The study found the prevalence of the use of various substances among students in health colleges to be 20.2%. Multiple factors were found to be associated with substance abuse. Smoking habits were the strongest predictor of substance misuse, with 49.1% of smokers reporting a history of substance use, compared to only 15.5% of non-smokers. This makes smoking the most impactful lifestyle factor related to substance use. Sleep patterns also played a significant role. A notable 43.6% of those who took up to two hours to fall asleep reported substance use, followed by 32.4% of those with sleep disorders and 25.5% with poor sleep quality. Unpredictable sleep patterns and a history of sleep disorders further strengthened the link between disrupted sleep and substance misuse. Academic performance, specifically GPA, showed that individuals with lower academic achievement were more likely to report substance use. Among those with a GPA below 3.0, 43.5% had a history of substance use, while only 16.7% of those with a GPA above 4.5 did so. The findings underscored the high prevalence of substance use, even among students in health colleges, and shed light on its connection to specific determinants. This poses a serious public health concern, as substance use is associated with poorer GPA, diminished knowledge acquisition, and overall academic performance. This, in turn, may negatively impact their future roles as healthcare providers, compromising both the quality of patient care and their personal well-being. These results emphasize the need for further investigations to unravel the underlying mechanisms of substance misuse and formulate innovative strategies to address this pressing issue effectively.

The effects of substance use on non-communicable diseases among older adults aged 60 and above in the North-eastern States of India.

The North-eastern region of India has a relatively higher prevalence of substance use, which together with poor dietary practices and a lack of physical activity is one of the key risk factors for NCDs among older adults in the region. Understanding the prevalence of NCDs and their relationship to substance use can help develop preventive strategies and sensitization in North-eastern India. To assess the prevalence of NCDs and the strength of the association of substance abuse among the geriatric population of North-eastern states in India, for the development of preventive strategies. Data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI Wave-I, 2017-18) were drawn to develop this paper. The bi-variate and binary logistic regression analyses were carried out to predict the association between non-communicable diseases and substance use adjusting select socio-demographic characteristics. The paper revealed the prevalence of NCDs among urban people (61.45%) is higher than among rural people (42.45%). Hypertension (37.29%) can be seen as the most prevalent disease among the following given NCDs followed by Diabetes (8.94%). The chances of having Cancer are nineteen times higher (OR = 19.8; C.I. = 18.82-20.83) if an individual has past smoking behaviour after controlling for socio-demographic and physical activity variables. Since, the high prevalence of hypertension correlated with the high level of substance abuse, require immediate attention to develop appropriate intervention strategies for its control (substance abuse) and prevention of hypertension. In a lower middle-income country like India, preventive measures, rather than curative measures will be cost-effective and helpful.

Investigation of prevalence of substance use disorders using direct and indirect methods and factors affecting initiation of substance use

ABSTRACT Background Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) are among some of the major health problems in different societies, especially in Iran, resulting in devastating outcomes. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of SUDs using both direct and indirect (network scale-up (NUS) and cross-wise model (CM) methods and to identify the factors affecting initiation of substance use. Methods The study was conducted among people aged 15–69 years in Kermanshah, Iran, with a total of 6127 people selected utilizing a stratified sampling method. Results The prevalence of SUDs was estimated at 3.85% by direct CM, 11.05% by indirect CM and 10.07% by NUS. The results of multivariate logistic regression revealed that the most important factors in increasing the chance of substance use were history of substance use in the family, mental diseases, poor economic status, and age group of 31–45 years. Conclusion Regarding the almost three-fold prevalence of indirect methods for estimating the prevalence of SUDs compared to direct methods on the one hand and the high prevalence of substance use in the province on the other, special prevention health programs are required by considering the groups at risk.

TAPS-tool reveals severe under detection of substance use problems in patients with severe mental illness.

Substance use disorders (SUD) and associated problems are highly prevalent but often undetected in patients with Severe Mental Illness (SMI). This study investigates the prevalence, under-detection, and variables associated with a high risk of SUD in a Dutch sample of adult outpatient SMI patients (N = 83). Substance use (The Tobacco, Alcohol, Prescription medication, and other Substance use -TAPS-tool), quality of life (Manchester Short Assessment of Quality of Life-MANSA), general functioning (Health of the Nation Outcome Scale-HoNOS), DSM-5 classifications and patient characteristics (age, education, marital status) were assessed. Detection of SUD was determined by calculating % agreement of DSM-5 classification to TAPS outcome. A logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association of patient characteristics, quality of life and general functioning to an increased risk of SUD as determined by the TAPS. Concerning prevalence, 89% of the patients used tobacco, above guideline-recommended daily limits of alcohol, illicit drugs or prescription medications for nonmedical purposes. Almost all smokers, half of the alcohol users and three-quarter of the patients that use marihuana or stimulant drugs had a high risk of SUD. All patients with high risk of SUD associated with alcohol, drugs or medications also had SUD associated with tobacco use. Concerning under detection less than half of the patients with a high risk of SUD according the TAPS had a SUD in their DSM-5 classification. Gender, partner, age and satisfaction about the relationship with family had a significant association with a high risk of SUD. Screening for addiction in an SMI sample with the TAPS-tool revealed a high prevalence of substance use and a high risk of SUD. TAPS outcomes compared to the clinically obtained DSM-5 classification revealed a high degree of under-detection of substance use problems. Smoking seems to pose a specific additional risk of addiction and deserves more attention in treatment to achieve greater health care benefits.

Substance Use–Related Alterations of Social Decision Making in a Longitudinal Cohort of Young Adults

BackgroundSubstance use disorders are associated with severe negative social and health-related outcomes. Evidence has accumulated that long-term substance use is associated with alterations in social interaction behavior, which likely contributes to the vicious cycle of substance use disorder. However, little is known about whether these social problems originate from contextual factors only or also from the substance use itself—in other words, if they are predisposed or substance induced. MethodsWe studied the causation behind behavioral alterations of substance users over a 9-year period (ages 11–20 years) in an urban age cohort (N = 1002) with a high prevalence of substance use at age 20. We identified common substance use patterns using toxicological hair analysis, examined behavioral alterations with incentivized games, and used teacher assessments across different ages to determine the causes and effects that underlie substance use–related impairments in social interaction. ResultsWe found that opioid and stimulant users showed reduced prosocial behavior compared with nonusers, particularly in interpersonal trust and perspective taking (e.g., they were approximately 50% less likely to trust others). Our longitudinal analyses suggest a causal relationship between the nonmedical use of prescription opioids and impaired social behavior, whereas impairments among stimulant users seem to be partially predisposed. Moreover, women tended to be more severely affected by opioid use than men. However, no behavioral alterations were found among young adult cannabis or ecstasy users. ConclusionsHighly addictive substances such as opioids can impair users’ social behavior by undermining fundamental human interaction, thereby fueling a vicious cycle of substance use and social isolation.

Determinants of substance use and the impact on mental health status, risky sexual and physical health behaviors among unmarried students

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the prevalence of substance use and its association with other risky behaviors among unmarried male students. Methods This was a cross-sectional study at the University of Nigeria on the use of cigarette, alcohol and psychoactive drugs among students who resided off-campus. Questionnaires were analyzed using SPPS (Version-25). Descriptive statistics were utilized in summarizing the responses. The correlates and predictors of substances use were also determined. Results A total of 491 students participated in the study (response rate = 98.1%). The prevalence of recent use of tobacco, psychoactive drugs, and alcohol was 28.1%, 20.6%, and 46.8% respectively. Also, 13% considered committing suicide, 22.4% were victims of sexual assault, while 56.1% experienced serious injury. Alcohol use (aOR = 0.078, [0.029–0.210], p < 0.001) and driving being drunk (aOR = 0.123, [0.030–0.503], p < 0.001) influenced the current use of tobacco. Previous suicide attempt (aOR = 5.765, [1.148–28.944], p < 0.05) was a predictor of alcohol use. Recent use of psychoactive drugs was influenced by their age and been driven by a drunk driver (p < 0.05). Conclusion Unmarried male students exhibited high prevalence of substance use and other risky health behaviors. These risky substances use practices were also influenced by their age, risky sexual and physical practices induced by alcohol and mental health status.

Insights into substance abuse knowledge and attitudes among high school students in Anbar Province, Iraq

Background: The high prevalence of substance use among children and adolescents has become a major global public health concern. This study aims to explore adolescents' knowledge and attitudes toward substance abuse. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2nd to February 15th, 2023 in Ramadi City, Anbar Province, Iraq. Students from eight high schools participated, selected through a multistage sampling approach. The bivariate analysis included independent sample t-tests and one-way ANOVA. Furthermore, a multivariable linear regression analysis was employed to predict factors influencing knowledge and attitudes. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 16. Results: The study included 415 students, with a mean age of 16.7 (±9.3) years, with a majority being male (52.8%). Accuracy rates for knowledge and attitude were 79.6% and 70.2%, respectively. About 79.3% of participants were familiar with terms related to drug abuse in Iraq. Regression analysis showed that higher knowledge scores were linked with male gender and a household income exceeding IQD 600,000 monthly (95% CI:1.311 to 2.923; P &lt;0.001; and 95% CI:1.072 to 2.331; P =0.001), respectively. Attitudes toward drug abuse prevention were influenced by male participants and students with employed fathers (95% CI:1.245 to 4.302; P=0.025; and 95% CI: 2.073 to 6.737; P=0.032), respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, most of the students had sufficient knowledge and a constructive attitude toward drug use. Male gender, high income, and employed fathers were the main predictors.

Academic Self-Efficacy and Substance Use Among Undergraduate Students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State

Students’ academic self-efficacy significantly affects their academic achievement and health. Students with low sense of academic self-efficacy choose to avoid challenges and academic stress, thereby resorting to substance use as the best way to relieve academic stress. This is a cross-sectional study conducted between July 2023 and October 2023 to determine the prevalence of substance use and influence of academic self-efficacy and certain socio-demographic variables on substance use among undergraduate students of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka. Consecutive sampling technique was used to select 373 respondents from the four campuses and pre-tested questionnaire on substance use (QSU) and General self-efficacy scale (GSE) were used to collect data. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 and then summarized in tables of frequency and percentages. Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine differences in academic self -efficacy between substance and non-substance users. Chi-square was used to test the influence of age, gender, academic level of study, location of campus on substance use and binary logistic regression was used to determine the predictor effect of gender and age on substance use. Results showed high prevalence of substance use (46.5%). Alcohol was the most commonly used substance (42.2%). Substance users have low mean score (29.08) of academic self -efficacy compared to non-substance users (32.40) and this is significant (p = 0.014). Age, gender, current level of study and location of campus showed significant influence to substance use (P&lt;0.001). Supportive academic environments which can promote students’ self-efficacy should be created by lecturers and university management.

Substance use and type of Road Traffic Injury in Mexico City.

Limited data are available in Mexico on the prevalence of alcohol and drug use and the possible differences in their effects on types of road traffic injury (RTI), such as those involving pedestrians, drivers or passengers of motorcycles or other motor vehicles, and the association between substance use and driving behaviors, for preventive purposes. The sample comprised 433 adult RTI patients, admitted to the emergency department (ED) of a public hospital in Mexico City (January to April 2022). Breath Alcohol Concentration (BAC) was measured using a breath tester, and six types of drugs (amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, cannabis, cocaine, and methamphetamine) were assessed using a saliva screen test. RTI patients also self-reported their alcohol and drug use in the six hours prior to the accident. Approximately 62% of respondents had been involved in a motorcycle crash. One in three patients self-reported or had traces of a substance in their saliva or breath. The most common substance was alcohol (23.6%), followed by cannabis and stimulants (10.9%). One in five patients reported having used a cell phone ten minutes before the injury. One in three had not been using any safety device, the only behavior exacerbated by substance use. We found a high prevalence of substance use in the sample of RTI patients admitted to the ED, regardless of the type of the RTI, together with high cell phone rates. Motorcycle passengers under the influence were particularly likely not to have been wearing a helmet.

Substance use patterns in an adolescent psychiatric unit in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Substance use among adolescents carries a significant public health and socioeconomic burden with potential long-term consequences for the adolescent substance user (SU). Adolescents with mental health challenges are vulnerable to substance use and substance use worsens outcomes in this population. This study aimed to describe the substance use patterns among inpatients admitted to a specialised tertiary adolescent inpatient unit in Johannesburg over a 4-year period. This study was conducted at the Tara H. Moross Centre (Tara Hospital), in Johannesburg in the Gauteng province of South Africa. This was a retrospective comparative record review of all patients admitted to the adolescent unit over the 4 years. A lifetime history of substance use was documented in 44.1% (n = 52) of the 118 patient's records included in the final analysis. Cannabis was the most frequently used substance (n = 36, 69.2%). There were significant differences between the SU and substance nonuser groups regarding family structure (p = 0.012), family history of substance abuse (p = 0.046) and conflict within the family (p < 0.001). The high prevalence of substance use in this sample demonstrates the dual burden of mental health disorders and substance use in an adolescent treatment programme in Johannesburg. Primary caregiver burden and relational difficulties within the family unit should be observed for planned multidisciplinary interventions. The findings of this review provide an update on the pattern and prevalence of substance use among this adolescent mental healthcare user group, highlighting potential therapeutic targets.

The role of interpersonal trauma and substance use in mental health: A large population-based study

Both interpersonal trauma (IPT) and substance use are linked to mental health problems, however their interplay is understudied. This study will investigate the relationship between IPT, substance use and mental health in a large population-based sample.Participants included 3756 individuals, mainly young university students using a snowball sampling method. History of IPT was collected retrospectively using the Traumatic Experiences Checklist. Substance use was examined using the World Health Organization's Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test. Mental health symptoms were assessed by the DSM-5 Level 1 Cross-Cutting Symptom Measure. Moderation analyses were performed investigating the relationship between IPT, substance use, and mental health symptoms.Participants exposed to IPT had a higher prevalence of substance use (cannabis, alcohol, tobacco) and had more severe mental health problems than people without IPT. Substance use was associated with a blunted increase of depression, anxiety, and anger in trauma victims. A history of abuse was more strongly linked to substance use than neglect. Moderation analyses further revealed that cannabis use increased psychotic symptoms and psychotic symptoms increased cannabis use in participants with high levels of IPT.Our findings indicate that substance use worsens psychotic symptoms in IPT victims whilst dampening other mental health symptoms.

Prevalence, risk and protective factors of substance use amongst adolescents living in peri‐urban communities in Abuja, Nigeria

AbstractAdolescents living in peri‐urban communities are more vulnerable to risky behaviours such as substance use. This was a cross‐sectional study carried out to determine the prevalence, risk and protective factors of adolescent substance use in peri‐urban communities in Abuja. Data on lifetime and current substance use were collected using the Youth Risk Behaviour Survey Instrument. Data on risk and protective factors of adolescent substance use, based on the Problem Behaviour Theory, were also collected. Using the SPSS software, descriptive analysis was conducted to summarise the data. Bivariate analysis was conducted using chi‐square and independent t‐tests, and multivariate analysis was conducted using logistic regression. A p‐value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The prevalence of lifetime substance use was 22.8%, whilst current substance use was 18.5%. The consumption of mixed drinks was the most currently used form substance at 8.1%, followed by alcohol (5.7%) and shisha (4.7%). Multivariate analysis showed that self‐esteem (0.007), delinquency (p &lt; 0.001) and parent alcohol use (p = 0.045) were independently associated with adolescent substance use. There is a high prevalence of substance use amongst adolescents living in peri‐urban communities in Abuja, Nigeria, as well as a new pattern of substance use consumption. The findings showed that some risk factors identified by the problem behaviour theory were independently associated with adolescent substance use, whilst the protective factors were not. There is a dire need for adolescent substance use interventions in peri‐urban communities that addresses certain risk factors.

Substance use among pregnant women in NSW prisons

Introduction and aimsLittle is published about pregnant women in custody. Existing data on the prevalence of substance use among incarcerated pregnant women or their needs are scant. This study sought to determine the prevalence and characteristics of women with substance use histories who present to prison pregnant in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Design and methodsA retrospective review of prison medical health records was completed for pregnant women entering New South Wales custodial settings between January 2020 and June 2021. ResultsWe identified 158 prison receptions among 141 pregnant women (median age 28 years [IQR 25–33 years]), 42 % identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Eighty four percent of the women (n = 119) reported recent use of one or more than one substance and 36 % had injected drugs. The most commonly used substances were (meth)amphetamine (60 %), cannabis (40 %) and opioids (28 %). We found discrepancies between drug problems self-reported at reception screening on entry to prison and self-reported drug use collected during the subsequent drug and alcohol specialist assessment while incarcerated. Most (88 %) women described their current pregnancy as unplanned and half (52 %) were unaware they were pregnant before incarceration. ConclusionsThese findings highlight the high prevalence of substance use in incarcerated pregnant women and that many women are unaware of their pregnancy prior to incarceration. Findings emphasize the importance of timely and appropriate drug and alcohol assessment and treatment to minimize harm for both the mother and foetus and also underscore the urgent need for enhanced access to contraception for these women.

Implementation of Substance Use Services to Justice-Involved Youth: Examining Barriers, Facilitators, and Best Practices.

Justice-involved youth are known to be at elevated risk of substance use disorder (SUD). This review examines literature published over a 10-year period and summarizes evidence-based practices for screening, treatment, and linkage to care for justice-involved youth as well as barriers and facilitators that may arise during implementation. Strategies to incorporate a health equity lens and trauma-informed approaches are discussed. Despite high prevalence of substance use and research showing that treatment reduces recidivism, few juvenile justice systems universally screen and treat youth with SUD. There is limited developmentally appropriate guidance available for those seeking to better address substance use in juvenile justice settings. This review highlights gaps in the literature, which must be addressed to increase access to treatment and improve outcomes for this vulnerable youth population.

Associations of psychoactive substances and steroid hormones in hair: Findings relevant to stress research from a large cohort of young adults

ObjectiveEpidemiological studies increasingly use hair samples to assess people’s cumulative exposure to steroid hormones, but how the use of different psychoactive substances may affect steroid hormone levels in hair is, so far, largely unknown. The current study addresses this gap by establishing the substance exposure correlates of cortisol, cortisone, and testosterone in hair, while also accounting for a number of relevant covariates. MethodData came from a large urban community-sample of young adults with a high prevalence of substance use (N = 1002, mean age=20.6 years, 50.2% female), who provided 3 cm of hair samples. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) quantified cortisol, cortisone, and testosterone, as well as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, “Ecstasy”), cocaine, several opioids, and their respective metabolites. Multiple linear regression models with covariates were used to predict steroid hormone levels from substance exposure in a four-step approach: In the full sample, low and high substance hair concentrations (median split) were first tested against no use for each substance individually (step 1) and for all substances together (step 2). Then, within the participants with any substance in hair only, the continuous hair concentration of each substance in pg/mg (step 3) and finally of all substances together, were regressed (step 4). ResultsLow, high, and continuous levels of THC in hair were robustly associated with higher levels of cortisol (sig. in step 1 low THC: β = 0.29, p = .021; high THC: β = 0.42, p = .001; step 2: low THC: β = 0.27, p = 0.036, and high THC: β = 0.40, p = .004, and step 4: β = 0.12, p = .041). Participants with high MDMA levels had higher levels of cortisone without adjusting for other substances (step 1: β = 0.34, p = .026), but this effect was not significant in the other models. While high THC levels were associated with lower levels of testosterone in step 2 (β = −0.35, p = .018), MDMA concentration was positively related to testosterone concentration with and without adjusting for other substances (step 3: β = 0.24, p = .041; step 4: β = 0.17, 95%, p = .015) in male participants. ConclusionThe use of psychoactive substances, especially of cannabis and ecstasy, should be considered in studies investigating steroid hormones in hair.

Substance Use Patterns and Their Association with Depression and Social Factors During COVID-19 Among Harlem Residents in New York City

This study aimed to identify the prevalence of substance use before and during COVID-19; and examined its association with depression and social factors among 437 residents from the neighborhood of Harlem in Northern Manhattan, New York City. Over a third of respondents reported using any substance before COVID-19, and initiating/increasing substance use during COVID-19. The most common substances used before COVID-19 and initiated/increased during COVID-19 were smoking (20.8% vs. 18.3%), marijuana (18.8% vs. 15.3%), and vaping (14.2% and 11.4%). The percentages of any hard drug use were 7.3% and 3.4%, respectively. After adjustment, residents with mild (Prevalence Ratio [PR] = 2.86, 95% CI 1.65, 4.92) and moderate (PR = 3.21, 95% CI 1.86, 5.56) symptoms of depression, and housing insecurity (PR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.12, 1.91) had at least a 47% greater probability of initiating and/or increasing substance use. Conversely, respondents with employment insecurity (PR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.57, 0.88) were 29% less likely to report such patterns. No association was found between substance use initiation and/or increase and food insecurity. High prevalence of substance use during COVID-19 may lead residents to turn to substance use as a coping mechanism for psychosocial stressors. Thus, it is essential to provide accessible and culturally sensitive mental health and substance use services.

TYPES OF SUBSTANCE USES AMONG SAUDI FEMALE USERS IN JEDDAH, KINGDOM OF SAUDI ARABIAFROM 2008 TO 2017: CASE - CONTROL STUDY

Background: Substance use is a major public health problem, necessitating further investigation in Saudi Arabia. This research was carried out to evaluate the patterns of substance use among Saudi women. Method:This was a case-control studyconducted in Jeddah. Data was collected and analyzed using Chi-square tests. Results: The mean age of the cases (mean± SD) was 29.9±10.9 years, while that of controls was 33.7±10.9 years. Most (71%) cases were smoking nicotine, (61.8%)using cannabis, and (47.3%) using amphetamine. Most of them were single (37%), separated (4.8%), or divorced (24.2%). More cases than controls were likely to have been in multiple marriages (p&lt;0.001), have a lower education level (p&lt;0.001), be unemployed (p&lt;0.001), have a household income of less than 5000 SR (p&lt;0.001), and live in families in conflicts (p&lt;0.001).Tuberculosis (p=0.012), HIV (p=0.036), hepatitis C or B (p=0.044), and sickle cell disease (p&lt;0.001)were more prevalent in cases than controls.Casesalso hada significantly higher prevalence of schizophrenia, depression, bipolar and personality disorders (all p&lt;0.001) than controls. Conclusion:These findings indicate the high prevalence of substance use in young Saudi females and the association with socio-economic, demographic, and mental health factors.

Correlates of substance use and dependence among internally displaced persons in Maiduguri, Nigeria

ABSTRACT Background Internally displaced persons (IDPs) are frequently subjected to traumatic events, making them vulnerable to using substances. This study explores predictors and types of substances used by IDPs, prevalence of substance dependence, and reasons for substance use. Methods Cross-sectional survey data were obtained from 520 IDPs living in camps located in Borno State, Nigeria. The Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT) was adapted and administered to the participants. IBM SPSS was used to conduct univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses. Results More than half (66.2%, n = 344) of the survey participants used at least one substance while a third of them (31.2%, n = 162) used more than one substance. About one in ten respondents met the instrument cut-off for dependence. The most popular substance used was Kolanut (46.5%, n = 242). Popular reasons for substance use were availability of substance, influence from others, and having a disease condition. Education, marital status, employment, and number of substances used were significantly associated with substance dependence. Conclusions A high prevalence of substance use was found among the IDPs. The study highlights the need for intervention in the substance use problem affecting this vulnerable population.

Alarming use of Psychoactive Drugs Amongst Medical Under and Post Graduate Students

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with the use of psychoactive drugs amongst medical undergraduate and postgraduate students. Study Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire to obtain information on the consumption patterns of psychoactive substances. Study Place and Duration: The study was carried out at Department of Psychiatry, Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, over a period of twelve months from January, 2022 to December, 2022. Methods: A total of 2,500 medical students, comprising 1,800 undergraduates and 700 postgraduates, were randomly selected from the participating institution. The questionnaire collected data on demographics, academic performance, substance use, and factors contributing to the consumption of psychoactive drugs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression models. Results: The overall prevalence of psychoactive drug use among the medical students was found to be 35.8%, with a higher rate among postgraduate students (42.1%) compared to undergraduates (32.6%). The most commonly used substances were stimulants, followed by opioids and sedatives. Factors significantly associated with psychoactive drug use included high levels of stress, academic pressure, and peer influence. Students who reported using psychoactive drugs had a higher incidence of poor academic performance and mental health issues. Gender differences were also observed, with male students showing a higher prevalence of substance use than female students. Conclusion: The study highlights the alarming prevalence of psychoactive drug use among medical undergraduate and postgraduate students, which can adversely impact their academic performance, mental health, and future professional lives. It is imperative for educational institutions and policymakers to implement targeted interventions to address the underlying factors contributing to substance use, such as stress management and peer support programs. Furthermore, fostering a culture of open dialogue and increasing awareness about the consequences of psychoactive drug use can help mitigate this growing public health concern. Keywords: psychoactive drugs, medical students, undergraduate, postgraduate, prevalence, substance use, academic performance, stress, mental health.