High Prevalence Of Substance Use Research Articles

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 <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<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.

The prevalence of substance use disorders and associated characteristics among patients admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Botswana.

Substance use disorders (SUDs) have increased substantially across the globe, and has become one of the world's most significant public health and socioeconomic challenge. This study examined the prevalence and patterns of substance use disorders among patients admitted to the main psychiatric hospital in Botswana, the Sbrana Psychiatric Hospital. This was a cross-sectional study of patients admitted to a major psychiatric hospital in Botswana. SUDs were assessed using the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) v13.0. Bivariate analysis was conducted to determine the association between socio-demographic characteristics and SUDs. Multivariate logistic regression was used to control for confounders. The final analysis involved 101 patients. Participants ranged in age from 18-60 years, and over half (59.4%) were male. The majority of participants (85.1%) had used potentially addicting substances at least once during their lifetime, with 63.4% having current substance use disorders. The most frequently used substances were tobacco, cannabis, alcohol, and cocaine at 58.4%, 42.6%, 34.7% and 12.8% respectively. SUDs were more common among participants who were male, ages 18-35 years, single, had a tertiary education, or were unemployed. There is a high prevalence of substance use and SUDs among psychiatric patients in Botswana. Screening for and interventions to manage SUDs should be part of routine care at psychiatric health care facilities in this country. Consideration should be given to the screening of all patients admitted to psychiatric hospitals in Botswana for SUDs using the ASSIST.

Short Term Effect of an Empowerment Education Intervention on Substance Use among Adolescents Living in Peri-urban Communities, Abuja, Nigeria

Physiological and emotional changes during adolescence increases their vulnerability to the adoption of risky behaviour such as substance use. Hence, adolescence has been reported to be a critical risk period for initiating the use of substances [1]. In Nigeria, research has shown a high prevalence of substance use among adolescents [2 &amp; 3]. &#x0D; Empowerment education intervention is a type of empowerment intervention with the potential to prevent and reduce adolescent substance use. This intervention involves a three-step methodology – listen, dialogue, and action to empower participants. This type of intervention has been reported to improve self-esteem, critical thinking, problem solving, community connectedness, and social support of the participants [4]. However, studies using the empowerment education intervention to prevent adolescent substance use are few in developing countries [5]. This study was, therefore, conducted to determine the short-term effect of an empowerment education intervention aimed at preventing adolescent substance use among adolescents living in peri-urban communities in Nigeria.&#x0D; This study involved a quasi-experimental design, conducted in Abuja with communities as the unit of randomization. Using G-power, the total sample size obtained was 300. Two peri-urban communities each were randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups, and adolescents from these communities who expressed interest in the project were enrolled for the study. All adolescents who were enrolled were aged between 11 to 19 years old, in secondary schools, and had basic reading and writing skills. Participants who were involved in similar programme were not included in the current study. The intervention group received weekly sessions for 12 weeks according to the Teen Heroes curriculum; an empowerment education curriculum developed according to Friere’s principles, which required some form of community action from the participants. The curriculum contains sessions on teamwork, alcohol and tobacco use, drug use, and planning a substance use project in the community. The sessions are mainly interactive, using problem posing method of education, interspersed with group activities and presentation. For the control group, monthly sessions on bullying and personal hygiene were conducted. Short-term post-intervention data was collected two weeks after the intervention. Data was collected on quantity of substance use as well as other risk and protective factors (delinquency, self-esteem, self-efficacy, attitude to substance use, peer support, behavioural conduct, social competence, depression and delinquency) identified in the problem behaviour theory. An independent t-test was conducted to determine if there was a significant difference in the mean quantity of substance use, as well as other risk and protective factors among the intervention and control groups. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant.&#x0D; Data was collected from two hundred and fifty-six participants, with 131 in the intervention group and 125 participants in the control group. Majority (62.1%) of the respondents were females, while 37.9% were males.&#x0D; Data analysis showed no significant effect of the intervention on the quantity of substances used by the participants two weeks post intervention. Perhaps, the nature of the substances did not allow for the effect of the intervention to be observed after two weeks. Additionally, the intervention did not address parental and familial factors of substance use which may have had a stronger effect on adolescent substance use. However, there was a significant mean difference in peer support, social competence and self-efficacy between the intervention and control groups. The effect observed on their peer support and social competence could be due to the interactive and social nature of the intervention, as it required lots of teamwork, discussions and project planning, while their self-efficacy could have been improved due to the practical nature of the intervention, as participants were expected to carry out a project for the community. This finding was supported by Thulin et al [6]. Other risk and protective variables were not significantly associated with the intervention. The findings are different from the studies conducted by Zimmerman et al. in 2018 [7], and Thulin et al. in 2022 [6] which found the intervention influenced delinquency, and prosocial behaviour. There is a need to conduct more medium- and longer-term studies to determine any delayed effect of the intervention on substance use, and other risk and protective factors. Conclusively, the intervention had no short-term effect on substance use, however an effect could be seen on social competence, peer support and self-efficacy.

Comparing Substance Use and School-Based Stressors Among Black and Latinx Transgender Youth and Peers With Shared Minoritized Identities

PurposeThe aim of this study is to compare substance use and school-based stressors among Black and Latinx transgender youth (trans BLY), White transgender youth (trans WY), and Black and Latinx cisgender youth (cis BLY) and identify associations between substance use and stressors among trans BLY. MethodsWe analyzed 2015–2017 Biennial California Healthy Kids Survey data with a weighted sample of the state’s secondary school population. The analytic sample included 9th and 11th grade trans BLY, trans WY, and cis BLY. Past 30-day and lifetime substance use (cigarettes, e-cigarettes/vaping, marijuana, and alcohol) and school-based stressors (victimization, race-, gender-, and sexuality-based harassment) were compared between cohorts via logistic regression. For trans BLY, associations between substance use and stressors were assessed via logistic regression. ResultsThe analytic sample (n = 19,780) included 252 trans BLY, 104 trans WY, and 19,424 cis BLY. Among trans BLY, estimated prevalence of 30-day (and lifetime) use of cigarettes, e-cigarette/vaping, marijuana, and alcohol were 13% (23%), 19% (39%), 27% (42%), and 29% (48%), respectively. Trans BLY had similar odds of 30-day and lifetime use of all substances compared to trans WY but higher odds of use compared to cis BLY. For trans BLY, race- and gender-based harassment and higher victimization levels were associated with higher odds of 30-day and lifetime use of all substances. Sexuality-based harassment was associated with higher odds of 30-day and lifetime marijuana and alcohol use. DiscussionTrans BLY have high prevalence of substance use, comparable with trans WY but higher than cis BLY. Substance use among trans BLY is associated with school-based stressors.

Pattern of substance use and substance use disorder in adolescent learners at public secondary schools in Gaborone, Botswana.

IntroductionSubstance use amongst adolescents remains a global public health challenge. The potential negative health outcomes of substance use suggest the need to understand the pattern of use and the associated factors among adolescents. This study aimed to describe the prevalence of substance use, SUDs, and PD and the associated factors in adolescent learners at public schools in Gaborone, Botswana.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted at 13 public secondary schools in Gaborone among 742 students. Assessment tools included the World Health Organization drug questionnaire, DSM-5 interview for SUD, and the General Health Questionnaire-12.ResultsThe mean age (SD) of the participants was 15.26 (1.57) years, and there were more females (55.5%). Over two-fifths (44.6%) of learners reported psychoactive substance use in the past 12 months, and 31.5% meeting DSM 5 criteria for a SUD. Alcohol was the most used psychoactive substance (25.1%). Male gender (AOR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.26–2.995), having a friend (AOR = 4.27; 95% CI: 2.68–6.78), or father (AOR = 1.87; 95% CI: 1.14–3.04), who uses substance, and higher levels of PD (AOR = 1.09; 95% CI: 1.03–1.17) remained significantly associated with SUD. Regular participation in religious activities negatively correlated with SUD (AOR = 0.61; 95% CI: 0.38–0.96).ConclusionThe high prevalence of substance use and SUDs among in-school adolescents is concerning. Substance use programs need to include family-focused and religious-based therapy and youth empowerment in developing positive peer relationships. Also, they should be integrated with mental health screening to assess comorbid PD.

Prevalence of substance use and associated factors among secondary school adolescents in Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania.

Substance use among school-going adolescents increases the risk of developing mental disorders, addiction, and substance use disorders. These may lead to poor academic performance and reduced productivity, which affects adolescent lives. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of substance use and associated factors among secondary school adolescents in the Kilimanjaro region, northern Tanzania. The study used secondary data from a cross-sectional survey of adolescents aged 10-19 years from public secondary schools in the Kilimanjaro Region, northern Tanzania. Substance use was measured using the Global School Health Survey (GSHS) questionnaire. Categorical variables were summarized using frequencies and percentages, while numerical variables used mean and standard deviation. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to obtain odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to determine risk factors associated with lifetime and current (within the past 30 days preceding the survey) substance use. The lifetime and current prevalence of substance use among 3224 adolescents was 19.7% and 12.8%, respectively, while alcohol and cigarettes were commonly used. Female adolescents had lower odds of current substance use (OR = 0.63, 95%CI 0.50-0.80). Higher odds of current substance use were among adolescents who have ever had sex (OR = 4.31, 95%CI 3.25-5.71), ever engaged in a physical fight (OR = 2.19, 95%CI 1.73-2.78), ever been bullied (OR = 1.55, 95%CI 1.16-2.05), always seen alcohol advertisements (OR = 1.87, 95%CI 1.37-2.53), and adolescents whose parent/guardians rarely understood their problems (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.03-1.85). Adolescents whose classmates always showed social support had lower odds of current substance use (AOR = 0.71, 95%CI 0.53-0.97). Similar factors were associated with lifetime substance users. The study reflects a high prevalence of substance use among adolescents in the Kilimanjaro region. Alcohol and cigarette are the most prevalent substances used. Regulatory measures are essential to limit alcohol advertisements that are media portrayed. Efforts are needed to reduce risk behaviors, such as physical violence and bullying, through peer support groups/clubs in school environments.

Substance Use Among Residents of Homeless Shelters During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings From France.

Objectives: To record the prevalence and risk factors of substance use amongst homeless persons during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: The ECHO study consisted in two independent cross-sectional waves of data collection in the regions of Paris, Lyon, and Strasbourg during the Spring of 2020 (n = 530) and 2021 (n = 319). Factors associated with substance use were explored using generalised logistic regression models. Results: The most prevalent substance used was tobacco (38%–43%), followed by alcohol (26%–34%). The use of both substances positively associated with each other, although risk factors varied depending on the substance. The only factors consistently associated with alcohol and tobacco use were being male, exposure to theft/assault and participants’ region of origin. Whilst the rate of tobacco use was relatively stable between Spring 2020 and 2021, alcohol use was more common in 2021. Conclusion: These findings highlight a high prevalence of substance use amongst homeless persons. People experiencing homelessness face specific challenges in the context of the pandemic, alongside greater vulnerability to illness and low healthcare access, therefore the need to improve prevention and support services for substance abuse within this population is vital.

Prevalence, associated factors and level of dependence of substance use among urban secondary school students, Benin.

The use of psychoactive substances is constantly increasing, particularly among young people. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence, associated factors and the level of dependence of those substances among secondary school students in Benin. This cross-sectional study included 627 students in grades 8-12, selected using a multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using the ASSIST questionnaire, followed by urine screening. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate factors associated with substance use. Overall, the lifetime prevalence of psychoactive substance use was 95.4% (95% CI = 93.4-96.9), while the current use was 78.8% (95% CI = 75.3-81.9). The most commonly used substances in the past 3months were alcohol, followed by stimulants and tobacco; 221 samples were analysed. Twenty-two (9.95%) were positive by urine screening. Substances detected were tramadol, fentanyl, THC, K2, BZDs, alcohol, methamphetamine and cotinine. Of the current users, 2.27% (n = 11) were at high risk of dependency. An association was found between substance use and age (p = 0.02). In conclusion, this study came up with a high prevalence of substance use among students. There is a need to develop and implement a health education programme in secondary schools to raise awareness of the potential risks.