scholarly journals Associations between psychoactive substance use and sensation seeking behavior among drivers in Norway

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.

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.


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.


2015 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bhadkamkar M. ◽  
Rejani T.G. ◽  
Arvind A.

Introduction: The relation between criminal behavior and different dimensions of personality features were studied extensively and available literature on offenders has described different personality traits observed in them. However very few literature is available on Indian population. Aim: To find the prominent personality traits, attribution styles used and level of sensation seeking among prisoners. Method: the study design used was cross-sectional design. 30 offenders from Sabarmati Central Jail were selected using purposive sampling. Tools: To assess attribution style, personality traits and sensation seeking behavior, following tool were used. Attribution Style Questionnaire, Eysenck‘s Personality Questionnaire, Brief Sensation Seeking Scale Result:43% prisoners scored high on neuroticism trait. 55% prisoners showed extraversion and 60 % females showed neuroticism as a predominant personality trait. 66.67 % prisoners had internal locus of control. 76.67 % prisoners had low level of sensation seeking. Implication: this study will throw light upon the criminal behavior and personality of prisoners which will be beneficial for future therapy work.


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. 


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.


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.


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tonny Ssekamatte ◽  
Simon P. S. Kibira ◽  
Moses Tetui ◽  
John Bosco Isunju ◽  
Richard K. Mugambe ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Psychoactive substance use is a public health challenge among young people in informal settlements. Though rarely examined, psychoactive substance use is linked to sexual expectancies and inhibitions, and consequently high-risk sexual behaviours. This study examined the association between sexual expectancies and inhibitions, and high-risk sexual behaviours among young psychoactive substance users (PSUs) in informal settlements in Kampala, Uganda. Methods This cross-sectional study recruited 744 young PSUs from informal settlements in Kampala. Respondent driven sampling was used to recruit respondents. A ‘modified’ Poisson regression model was used for inferential statistics. Data were analysed using the Stata 14 software. 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, and 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 associated with 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 associated with high-risk sexual behaviours included the belief that psychoactive substances improve sexual performance and improve confidence in approaching a sexual partner. Psychoactive substance use inhibitions associated with high-risk sexual behaviours included an increased likelihood of engaging in sexual intercourse, difficulties in refusing to engage in sexual intercourse, and forgetting to use condoms while intoxicated. Interventions targeting a reduction in high-risk sexual behaviour should integrate the impact of psychoactive substance use on sexual behaviour.


2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (6) ◽  
pp. 1240-1242
Author(s):  
A. A. Mufti ◽  
Z. Khan ◽  
M.U. Marri ◽  
A. Kamal ◽  
E. Gul ◽  
...  

Aim: To determine the depression in primary caregivers of patients of psychoactive substance use. Study design: Descriptive cross-sectional Place and duration of study: Department of Psychiatry, Jinnah Medical College Hospital Peshawar from 1st June 2020 to 31st December 2020. Methodology: One hundred and twenty patients of both genders were enrolled. Patients detailed demographics age, sex and body mass index were recorded after taking informed written consent. Patients were aged between 18-70 years of age. Depression and anxiety were calculated in primary caregivers of patients of psychoactive substance use. Results: Seventy (58.3%) patients were males and 50 (41.7%) patients were females. Mean age of the patients were 33.12±7.15 years with mean body mass index 25.08 ± 16.5 kg/m2. Psychoactive substance use resulted high level of depression and anxiety among the patients. 15 (12.5%) patients had mild, 30 (25%) showed moderate and 75 (62.5%) patients showed severe depression. Anxiety among patients was 12 (10%) mild, 26 (21.7%) moderate and 82 (68.3%) patients had severe. 30(25%) were illiterate and 90 (75%) were literate. Conclusion: The caregivers of patients of psychoactive substance use had severity of depression with negative intimation among the cases. In patients with substance use disorders, depression and anxiety are usually found. The development of anxiety and depression on the one hand is obviously associated with the seriousness of medication-related issues on the other side. Keywords: Anxiety, Depression, Substance use, Caregivers.


2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-76
Author(s):  
Aloysius Rukundo ◽  
Grace Kibanja ◽  
Karl Steffens

Rukundo, A., Kibanja, G., & Steffens, K. (2017). Factors influencing psychoactive substance use among adolescents in public secondary schools in Uganda. The International Journal Of Alcohol And Drug Research, 6(1), 69-76. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v6i1.237Introduction: Studies exploring psychoactive substance use (PASU) among adolescents report a variety of both intrapersonal and interpersonal negatively and positively reinforcing factors. While existing studies have looked at factors affecting PASU among adolescents in general, little has been done to explore such factors in schools.Objective: This paper examines the factors that influence PASU among adolescents in Ugandan public schools.Methods: The study generated data from 12 focus group discussions (FGDs), based on a qualitative, cross-sectional exploratory design using purposive sampling. We used a focus group guide based on the question “What factors influence use ofResults: All focus groups noted peer pressure as the strongest factor influencing use of substances in schools, with relief from domestic stress being identified as the second strongest factor. The FGDs tackled other factors related to PASU in public schools in Uganda, though not to as big of an extent.Conclusion: Present study results generally seem to suggest that PASU among adolescents in public schools is a result of the interaction between adolescents, the substances in question, and the environment in which those adolescents live.


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