scholarly journals Psychoactive Substance Use Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults With Visual Impairment

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 987-988
Author(s):  
Francisco Lopez ◽  
Jason Leddy ◽  
Benjamin Han ◽  
Joseph Palamar

Abstract Older adults with visual impairment may be at risk for developing substance use disorder (SUD) as psychoactive substance use is often used to cope with the stressors of vision loss. This study estimates the national prevalence and risk of psychoactive substance use among older adults with visual impairment. We analyzed data of respondents age ≥50 from the 2015-2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an annual cross-sectional survey of a nationally representative sample of non-institutionalized individuals in the U.S. (N=43,886). We estimated and compared prevalence of past-year use of cannabis, cocaine, misuse of prescription opioids, sedatives, stimulants/tranquilizers, alcohol use disorder (AUD), any SUD, and nicotine dependence between adults with visual impairment to those without. Comparisons were conducted using chi-square and we used multivariable generalized linear models using Poisson and log link to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) for adults with visual impairment relative to those without, controlling for demographics and diagnosis of ≥2 chronic diseases. An estimated 6.1% experienced visual impairment. Those with visual impairment had higher prevalence of AUD, nicotine dependence, misuse of prescription opioids, tranquilizers, and stimulants, and SUDs. In adjusted analyses, vision-impaired adults had higher risk of AUD (aPR=1.71, 95% CI: 1.40-2.09), nicotine dependence (aPR =1.53, 95% CI:1.35-1.73), opioid misuse (aPR =1.54, 95% CI:1.26-1.90), and SUD (aPR=1.67, 95% CI:1.40-2.01). Psychoactive substance use adds unique health risks for older adults with vision loss, who may suffer significant psychological stress and loss of independence. Screening for substance use among all older adults with visual impairment should be considered.

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ragnhild Elén Gjulem Jamt ◽  
Hallvard Gjerde ◽  
Håvard Furuhaugen ◽  
Giovanni Romeo ◽  
Vigdis Vindenes ◽  
...  

Abstract BackgroundDrug use and risky driving is associated with sensation seeking. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between use of psychoactive substances and levels of the sensation seeking personality trait as measured with the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale 4 among drivers in Norway. MethodA cross-sectional design was applied to estimate the association between psychoactive substance use and sensation seeking behavior. Drivers in normal traffic were included in two roadside surveys: one in the north (September 2014 – October 2015) and the other in the south-east of Norway (April 2016 – April 2017). Oral fluid was analyzed for alcohol and psychoactive drugs, and data on sex, age and time of participation were recorded. Participants filled in the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale 4 questionnaire. ResultsA total of 8053 drivers were included, of which 32% were women and 62% were under 40 years. The prevalence of alcohol was 0.3%, stimulants 0.6%, tetrahydrocannabinol 1.4% and benzodiazepines and/or z-hypnotics 2.0% and polydrug use 0.6% Associations between the use of tetrahydrocannabinol or benzodiazepines and/or z-hypnotics and a low score on the “thrill and adventure seeking” domain of the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale 4 (OR = 1.723, 95% C.I. = 1.001- 2.966, p = 0.05) were found. Associations were also found between the use of stimulants and the highest scores on the “experience seeking” (OR = 2.085, 95% C.I. = 1.084-4.009, p = 0.028) and “disinhibition” (OR = 4.791, 95% C.I. =1.748-13.135, p = 0.002) domains of the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale 4. No associations were found between sensation seeking behavior and alcohol or polydrug use. ConclusionA high degree of sensation seeking was found among drivers who had used stimulants, in contrast to drives who had used tetrahydrocannabinol and benzodiazepines and/or z-hypnotics who showed a low degree of sensation seeking. The combination of sensation seeking behavior and the use of stimulants might lead to increased risky behavior and thus traffic crashes.


PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0254043
Author(s):  
Audun Brunes ◽  
Marianne B. Hansen ◽  
Trond Heir

Background Knowledge about self-efficacy and its significance for the quality of life of people with visual impairment is lacking. The aims of the study were to compare general self-efficacy in individuals with visual impairment with the general population, and to investigate the association between self-efficacy and life satisfaction. Methods A telephone-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between January and May 2017 in a probability sample of adults who were members of the Norwegian Association of the Blind and Partially Sighted. Participants were asked questions about their sociodemographic characteristics, characteristics of vision loss, general self-efficacy (General Self-efficacy Scale), and life satisfaction (Cantril’s Ladder of Life Satisfaction). We obtained norm data from a representative survey of the general Norwegian population (N = 1792; mean age 53.2 years; 52.5% females). Results People with visual impairment had higher levels of general self-efficacy than people in the general population (Mean: 31.5 versus 29.0, p < .001). Results from linear regression analyses of the visual impairment population showed that higher education and residential in an urban municipality were associated with higher self-efficacy. Having additional impairments and a previous history of physical or sexual assaults were associated with lower self-efficacy. A linear dose-response relationship was found between self-efficacy and life satisfaction, in the visual impairment population as well as in the general population. Conclusions People with visual impairment have higher self-efficacy than people in the general population, possibly due to extensive mastery experience in how to handle life as visually impaired. Self-efficacy seems to be important in achieving the best possible life.


2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (5) ◽  
pp. 843-849
Author(s):  
Ali G Hamedani ◽  
Dylan P Thibault ◽  
Judy A Shea ◽  
Allison W Willis

Abstract Background Vision loss may be a risk factor for hallucinations, but this has not been studied at the population level. Methods To determine the association between self-reported vision loss and hallucinations in a large community-based sample of older adults, we performed a cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of two large, nationally representative US health surveys: the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) and the Health and Retirement Study (HRS). Visual impairment and hallucinations were self- or proxy-reported. Multivariate single and mixed effects logistic regression models were built to examine whether visual impairment and history of cataract surgery were associated with hallucinations. Results In NHATS (n = 1520), hallucinations were more prevalent in those who reported difficulty reading newspaper print (OR 1.77, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.32–2.39) or recognising someone across the street (OR 2.48, 95% CI: 1.86–3.31) after adjusting for confounders. In HRS (n = 3682), a similar association was observed for overall (OR 1.32, 95% CI: 1.08–1.60), distance (OR 1.61, 95% CI: 1.32–1.96) and near eyesight difficulties (OR 1.52, 95% CI: 1.25–1.85). In neither sample was there a significant association between cataract surgery and hallucinations after adjusting for covariates. Conclusions Visual dysfunction is associated with increased odds of hallucinations in the older US adult population. This suggests that the prevention and treatment of vision loss may potentially reduce the prevalence of hallucinations in older adults.


2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-106
Author(s):  
Viviana Cruz Ramírez ◽  
Carlos Gómez Restrepo ◽  
Carlos J Rincón

Introducción: Se ha propuesto una estrecha asociación entre trastornos del afecto y ansiedad en adolescentes con consumo de sustancias. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia del consumo de sustancias psicoactivas y los trastornos mentales más frecuentes asociados éste consumo, en adolescentes colombianos. Metodología: Estudio transversal, con datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud Mental 2015. Con adolescentes entre 12 y 17 años, en quienes se les aplicó CIDI-CAPI (versión 21.1.3) asistida por computador y Assist modificado. Resultados: Se describió información de 408 adolescentes entre 12 y 17 años que reportan consumo de sustancias psicoactivas por lo menos una vez en la vida, siendo una muestra representativa a nivel nacional. Se encontró que la sustancia de mayor consumo fue el alcohol con una prevalencia de 16,6% (IC95% 14,2-19,2), Bogotá constituye la región con mayor consumo de sustancias con una prevalencia de 33,8% (IC95% 24,7-44,2). Ser hombre entre los 16 y 17 años representa un factor de riesgo para consumo de sustancias, así mismo, presentar trastornos del afecto aumenta 2,28 veces el riesgo de consumo de sustancias psicoactivas. Conclusiones: La población adolescente con trastornos del afecto o ansiedad se encuentra en mayor riesgo de consumir sustancias psicoactivas. Introduction: An association between affective and anxiety disorders has been proposed in adolescents with substance use. Objective: To determine the prevalence of psychoactive substance use and the most frequent mental disorders associated with this consumption, in Colombian adolescents. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that uses data from the National Mental Health Survey 2015. With adolescents between 12 and 17 years old, in whom CIDI-CAPI (version 21.1.3) was applied by computer and modified ASSIST. Results: A total of 408 adolescents between 12 and 17 years old who reported psychoactive substance use at least once in their lives were described , this group was  a representative sample of national population. The most frequent consumed substance was alcohol with a prevalence of 16.6% (95% CI, 14.2-19.2), Bogotá is the region with the highest consumption of substances with a prevalence of 33.8% (IC95 % 24.7-44.2). Otherwise, being a man between 16 and 17 years old represents a risk factor for substance use. Likewise, presenting affective disorders increases by 2.28 times the risk of psychoactive substance use. Conclusions: adolescents with affective or anxiety disorders are at higher risk of psychoactive substances use, making difficult the treatment and desmonstrating the vulnerability of this population. 


BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S245-S245
Author(s):  
Dean Connolly ◽  
Emma Davies ◽  
Michael Lynskey ◽  
Monica Barratt ◽  
Larissa Maier ◽  
...  

AimsTo describe and compare psychoactive substance misuse help-seeking among transgender (trans) and cisgender (cis) participants from a large multi-national cross-sectional survey.BackgroundTrans people experience stressors related to their minority status which have been associated with increased rates of psychoactive substance use and related harm. Despite this, there is a paucity of evidence relating to the treatment needs of trans people who use psychoactive substances, beyond a small body of literature describing a culture of transphobic hostility in general substance misuse services. This paper aims to describe and compare psychoactive substance misuse help-seeking among trans and cis participants from a large multi-national cross-sectional survey.MethodOver 180,000 participants, recruited from the world's largest annual survey of drug use - the Global Drug Survey (GDS) - during 2018 and 2019, reported use of a range of psychoactive substances in the preceding 12 months. Five gender groups (118,157 cis men, 64,319 cis women, 369 trans men, 353 trans women and 1,857 non-binary people) were compared, using Chi-square and z-tests with Bonferroni correction, on items relating to the desire to use less psychoactive substances and the need to seek help to achieve this. Respondents from GDS 2018 were also assessed for substance dependence. Binary logistic regression was used to compare gender groups on self-reported substance dependence to frame the help-seeking analyses.ResultTrans respondents (n = 1,710) to GDS 2018 were significantly more likely than cis respondents to report use of illicit substances (OR = 1.66-2.93) and dependence on cannabis (OR = 2.39), alcohol (OR = 3.28) and novel psychoactive substances (OR = 4.60). In the combined GDS 2018 and 2019 dataset, there were no significant differences between trans (n = 2,579) and cis (n = 182,476) participants on the desire to reduce substance use. However, among those who did report wanting to use less, non-binary people and trans women were most likely to want help to achieve this.ConclusionTrans respondents reported a greater need for help with reducing substance use than cis respondents. Given the deficit of specialist services for psychoactive substance users who are trans, there is a need for a more thorough understanding of the barriers and facilitators to their engagement in general substance misuse services. In the interim, substance misuse service providers require education about gender minority status to help meet the needs of trans clients.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tonny Ssekamatte ◽  
Simon P.S. Kibira ◽  
Moses Tetui ◽  
John Bosco Isunju ◽  
Richard K. Mugambe ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The use of psychoactive substances is a public health challenge among young people in informal settlements. Though rarely examined, the use of psychoactive substances is linked to sexual expectancies and inhibitions, and consequently high-risk sexual behaviours. This study examined the association between sexual expectancies and inhibitions on high-risk sexual behaviours among young psychoactive substance users (PSU) in the informal settlements of Kampala, Uganda.MethodsThis cross-sectional study recruited 744 young PSU in the informal settlements of Kampala. Data were analysed using Stata 14 software. A ‘modified’ Poisson regression model was used for inferential statistics. Results Of the 744 study participants, 45.6% believed that psychoactive substance use improves sexual performance; 43.3% believed that psychoactive substances make sex more pleasurable; while more than half (53.3%) believed that psychoactive substances give courage or confidence to approach a partner for sex. The belief that psychoactive substance use improves sexual performance (PR 1.14, 95% CI: 1.01-1.30), increases the likelihood of engaging in sex (PR 1.20, 95% CI: 1.04-1.40) or gives courage or confidence to approach a sexual partner (PR 1.21, 95% CI: 1.05-1.39) were positively associated with ever having sex while under the influence of psychoactive substances. The belief that a psychoactive substance user, under the influence of psychoactive substances is more likely to engage in sex (PR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.15-1.90), and likely to find it difficult to refuse sex (PR 1.28, 95% CI: 1.06-1.55) were positively associated with engaging in multiple sexual partnerships. The belief that one easily forgets to use a condom when under the influence of psychoactive substances, was positively associated with inconsistent condom use (PR 1.26, 95% CI: 1.09-1.45).Conclusion Psychoactive substance use expectancies such as the belief that psychoactive substances improve sexual performance, and give courage or confidence to approach a sexual partner, and inhibitions such as an increased likelihood of engaging in sexual intercourse, finding difficulties in refusing to engage in sexual intercourse, and forgetting to use condoms while intoxicated predicted high-risk sexual behaviours among young PSU. Therefore, is essential to implement sexual and reproductive health and risk reduction interventions targeting young PSU in informal settlements.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ragnhild Elén Gjulem Jamt ◽  
Hallvard Gjerde ◽  
Håvard Furuhaugen ◽  
Giovanni Romeo ◽  
Vigdis Vindenes ◽  
...  

Abstract Background/aim Drug use and risky driving is associated with sensation seeking. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between use of psychoactive substances and levels of the sensation seeking personality trait as measured with the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale 4 among drivers in Norway. Method A cross-sectional design was applied to estimate the association between psychoactive substance use and sensation seeking behavior. Drivers in normal traffic were included in two roadside surveys: one in the north (September 2014 – October 2015) and the other in the south-east of Norway (April 2016 – April 2017). Oral fluid was analyzed for alcohol and psychoactive drugs, and data on sex, age and time of participation were recorded. Participants filled in the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale 4 questionnaire. Results A total of 8053 drivers were included, of which 32% were women and 62% were under 40 years. The prevalence of alcohol was 0.3%, stimulants 0.6%, tetrahydrocannabinol 1.4%, benzodiazepines and/or z-hypnotics 2.0% and polydrug use 0.6%. Associations between the use of tetrahydrocannabinol or benzodiazepines and/or z-hypnotics and a low score on the “thrill and adventure seeking” domain of the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale 4 (OR = 1.723, 95% C.I. = 1.001- 2.966). Associations were also found between the use of stimulants and the highest scores on the “experience seeking” (OR = 2.085, 95% C.I. = 1.084-4.009) and “disinhibition” (OR = 4.791, 95% C.I. =1.748-13.135) domains of the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale 4. No associations were found between sensation seeking behavior and alcohol or polydrug use. Conclusion A high degree of sensation seeking was found among drivers who had used stimulating drugs, in contrast to drives who had used tetrahydrocannabinol and benzodiazepines and/or z-hypnotics who showed a low degree of sensation seeking. The combination of sensation seeking behavior and the use of stimulants might lead to increased risky behavior and thus traffic crashes.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ragnhild E. G. Jamt ◽  
Hallvard Gjerde ◽  
Håvard Furuhaugen ◽  
Giovanni Romeo ◽  
Vigdis Vindenes ◽  
...  

Abstract Background/aim Drug use and risky driving is associated with sensation seeking. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between use of psychoactive substances and levels of the sensation seeking personality trait as measured with the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale 4 among drivers in Norway. Method A cross-sectional design was applied to estimate the association between psychoactive substance use and sensation seeking behavior. Drivers in normal traffic were included in two roadside surveys: one in the north (September 2014 – October 2015) and the other in the south-east of Norway (April 2016 – April 2017). Oral fluid was analyzed for alcohol and psychoactive drugs, and data on sex, age and time of participation were recorded. Participants filled in the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale 4 questionnaire. Results A total of 8053 drivers were included, of which 32% were women and 62% were under 40 years. The prevalence of alcohol was 0.3%, stimulants 0.6%, tetrahydrocannabinol 1.4%, benzodiazepines and/or z-hypnotics 2.0% and polydrug use 0.6%. Associations were found between the use of tetrahydrocannabinol or benzodiazepines and/or z-hypnotics and a low score on the “thrill and adventure seeking” domain of the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale 4 (OR = 1.723, 95% C.I. = 1.001–2.966). Associations were also found between the use of stimulants and the highest scores on the “experience seeking” (OR = 2.085, 95% C.I. = 1.084–4.009) and “disinhibition” (OR = 4.791, 95% C.I. =1.748–13.135) domains of the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale 4. No associations were found between sensation seeking behavior and alcohol or polydrug use. Conclusion A high degree of sensation seeking was found among drivers who had used stimulating drugs, in contrast to drives who had used tetrahydrocannabinol and benzodiazepines and/or z-hypnotics who showed a low degree of sensation seeking. The combination of sensation seeking behavior and the use of stimulants might lead to increased risky behavior and thus traffic crashes.


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