scholarly journals Comorbidity between psychological distress and drug use among patients in treatment centres in Jamaica: implications for policies and programme design

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (spe) ◽  
pp. 133-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patrice Reid ◽  
Robert Mann ◽  
Carol Strike ◽  
Bruna Brands ◽  
Akwatu Khenti

This research explored comorbidity between psychological distress and drug use among patients in treatment centres in Jamaica and the possible implications for policy and programme design for treatment centres. The study was cross-sectional and consisted of 56 adult patients of Jamaican nationality, ages 18 to 70 years old being treated in centres for substance use across three parishes. Patients completed a questionnaire consisting of an adapted version of the EULAC-CICAD Admission form; the Kessler Intrument-10; and the Family APGAR scale. Results indicate that 10.7% of the patients were categorized to have severe psychological distress; 32.1% categorized with severe psychological distress. Across the general sample 66.1% have high perceived family functioning, 16.1% perceive moderate family dysfunction and 17.9% perceive severe family dysfunction. The predominant treatment received across the centres was counseling 83.9% and 83.9% of patients reported being satisfied with their treatment. Overall, results may serve as a stepping stone to larger work to be done in the area; so as to capture a better picture of the phenomena as it exists in Jamaica.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen A Fairman ◽  
Kelsey Buckley

ABSTRACT Introduction Predictors of deaths of despair, including substance use disorder, psychological distress, and suicidality, are known to be elevated among young adults and recent military veterans. Limited information is available to distinguish age effects from service-era effects. We assessed these effects on indicators of potential for deaths of despair in a large national sample of U.S. adults aged ≥19 years. Materials and Methods The study was a retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of publicly available data for 2015-2019 from 201,846 respondents to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), which measures psychological symptoms and substance use behaviors using standardized scales and diagnostic definitions. Indicators of potential for a death of despair included liver cirrhosis, past-year serious suicidal ideation, serious psychological distress per the Kessler-6 scale, and active substance use disorder (e.g., binge drinking on ≥5 occasions in the past month, nonmedical use of prescribed controlled substances, and illicit drug use). Bivariate, age-stratified bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using statistical software and tests appropriate for the NSDUH complex sampling design. Covariates included demographic characteristics, chronic conditions, and religious service attendance. Results Indicators were strongly and consistently age-associated, with ≥1 indicator experienced by 45.5% of respondents aged 19-25 years and 10.7% of those aged ≥65 years (P < .01). After age stratification, service-era effects were modest and occurred only among adults aged ≥35 years. The largest service-associated increase was among adults aged 35-49 years; service beginning or after 1975 was associated (P < .01), with increased prevalence of ≥1 indicator (30.2%-34.2% for veterans and 25.2% for nonveterans) or ≥2 indicators (6.4%-8.2% for veterans and 5.4% for nonveterans). Covariate-adjusted results were similar, with adjusted probabilities of ≥1 indicator declining steadily with increasing age: among those 19-34 years, 39.9% of nonveterans and 42.2% of Persian Gulf/Afghanistan veterans; among those aged ≥65 years, 10.3% of nonveterans, 9.2% of World War II/Korea veterans, and 14.4% of Vietnam veterans. Conclusions After accounting for age, military service-era effects on potential for a death of despair were modest but discernible. Because underlying causes of deaths of despair may vary by service era (e.g., hostility to Vietnam service experienced by older adults versus environmental exposures in the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan), providers treating veterans of different ages should be sensitive to era-related effects. Findings suggest the importance of querying for symptoms of mental distress and actively engaging affected individuals, veteran or nonveteran, in appropriate treatment to prevent deaths of despair.


2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 469-476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosely Almeida Souza ◽  
Gislaine Desani da Costa ◽  
Cintia Hitomi Yamashita ◽  
Fernanda Amendola ◽  
Jaqueline Correa Gaspar ◽  
...  

Objective: To classify families of elderly with depressive symptoms regarding their functioning and to ascertain the presence of an association between these symptoms, family functioning and the characteristics of the elderly. Method: This was an observational, analytical, cross-sectional study performed with 33 teams of the Family Health Strategy in Dourados, MS. The sample consisted of 374 elderly divided into two groups (with and without depressive symptoms). The instruments for data collection were a sociodemographic instrument, the GeriatricDepression Scale (15 items) and the Family Apgar. Results: An association was observed between depressive symptoms and family dysfunction, female gender, four or more people living together, and physical inactivity. Conclusion: The functional family may represent effective support for the elderly with depressive symptoms, because it offers a comfortable environment that ensures the well-being of its members. The dysfunctional family can barely provide necessary care for the elderly, which can exacerbate depressive symptoms.



2009 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 229-236 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah R. Baker ◽  
Jan Owens ◽  
Melanie Stern ◽  
Derrick Willmot

Objective: To examine the role of parents’ coping strategies and social support in the family impact of cleft lip and palate (CLP) and levels of adjustment and psychological distress and to investigate whether a child's age, type of cleft, or other reported medical problems influenced such outcomes. Design: A cross-sectional study. Participants: One hundred three parents of children or young adults with CLP recruited from families attending a multidisciplinary cleft lip and palate clinic. Outcome measures: Family impact, psychological distress, and positive adjustment were assessed using validated psychological questionnaires. Results: Findings indicated that while there were many impacts of a child's CLP, negative outcomes (family impact, psychological distress) were not high. In contrast, parents reported high levels of positive adjustment or stress-related growth as a result of their child's condition. Participants also reported high levels of social support and relied more on the use of approach rather than avoidance-oriented coping strategies. Having more support from friends and family was associated with less negative family impact, lower psychological distress, and better adjustment. Greater use of approach coping was associated with more positive adjustment; whereas, avoidant coping was associated with a greater family impact and more psychological distress. Having a younger child and/or a child with medical problems in addition to CLP was associated with a greater impact on the family. Conclusions: How parents cope with their child's condition and the levels of support received may have implications for caregivers, the family unit, and the delivery of more family-oriented CLP services.


2007 ◽  
Vol 38 (9) ◽  
pp. 1241-1249 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. A. Ringen ◽  
T. V. Lagerberg ◽  
A. B. Birkenæs ◽  
J. Engn ◽  
A. Færden ◽  
...  

BackgroundSchizophrenia and bipolar disorder have partly overlapping clinical profiles, which include an over-representation of substance-use behaviour. There are few previous studies directly comparing substance-use patterns in the two disorders. The objective of the present study was to compare the prevalence of substance use in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, and investigate possible differences in pattern and frequency of use.MethodA total of 336 patients with schizophrenia or bipolar spectrum disorder from a catchment area-based hospital service were included in a cross-sectional study. In addition to thorough clinical assessments, patients were interviewed about drug-use history, habits and patterns of use. The prevalence and drug-use patterns were compared between groups.ResultsPatients with bipolar disorder had higher rates of alcohol consumption, while schizophrenia patients more often used centrally stimulating substances, had more frequent use of non-alcoholic drugs and more often used more than one non-alcoholic drug. Single use of cannabis was more frequent in bipolar disorder.ConclusionThe present study showed diagnosis-specific patterns of substance use in severe mental disorder. This suggests a need for more disease-specific treatment strategies, and indicates that substance use may be an important factor in studies of overlapping disease mechanisms.


Author(s):  
Ganesh S. Lokhande ◽  
Shekhar S. Rajderkar ◽  
Sachin B. Jadhav ◽  
Ujwala U. Ukey

Background: Adolescence is recognized as the period for onset of behaviors and conditions that not only affect health limited to that time but also lead to adulthood disorders. Unhealthy behaviors such as smoking, drinking, and illicit drug use often begin during adolescence. Behavior patterns that influence health in adulthood have their origin in adolescence. The habit of substance use comes either from the peer groups or it may be generated within the family because the elders are resorting to one or the other form of substance use. Considering such factors, the present study had been undertaken with the objectives to study socio-economic class wise prevalence of substance use in study population; to study knowledge, attitude and practices of study population regarding substance use; to study various determinants that affect substance use.Methods: Cross sectional, descriptive study was being conducted in selected High schools and Junior Colleges in the Miraj Town. The method of data collection was the pre-designed, pre-tested proforma.Results: Various forms of tobacco, alcohol and pan masala were used by 58.9% of the family members/friends/peer groups of the study participants. Overall use [ever use + regular use] of tobacco products was observed in 9.0%, alcohol in 4.6% and pan masala in 33.3% of the study participants.Conclusions: Several factors can enhance the risk for initiating or continuing substance use including socioeconomic status, substance use by family members or friends and peer group influence.


2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 142-159
Author(s):  
José jaime Castaño castrillón ◽  
Carlos mario Arias trujillo ◽  
Isabel cristina Carmona serna ◽  
Andrés felipe Castro torres ◽  
Audrey nathalie Ferreira gonzález ◽  
...  

Objetivo: Analizar la funcionalidad familiar, y factores relacionados en un grupo de adolescentes embarazadas que asisten a control prenatal en los centros de atención de ASSBASALUD ESE (Manizales, Colombia). Materiales y métodos:Estudiode corte transversal con una población de 190 adolescentes embarazadas entre los 12 y 21 años, el instrumento utilizado fue una encuesta escrita, anónima, que interrogaba sobre variables sociodemográficas, relación con sus padres, tipo de educación recibida, situaciones conflictivas en la familia y funcionalidad familiar. Resultados: Promedio de edad de 18 años, el 72,1% de la población presentó disfuncionalidad familiar de leve a severa, 46,9% tenían una relación con el padre entre ninguna y regular, 25,3% con la madre, 38,9% presentaban antecedentes de violencia familiar, 25,8% depresión, 23,2% de consumo de alcohol, 36,3% pensaban que no iban a quedar embarazadas, 26,8% deseaban tener hijos, la buena funcionalidad familiar tuvo relación significativa con no empleo de métodos anticonceptivos (p=0,000), alto número de embarazos (p=0,025), alto número de abortos (p=0,007) entre otras. Conclusiones: La población de adolescentes gestantes estudiada tiene características similares a las poblaciones de otras ciudades de Colombia, y otros países. Se demuestra que, como prácticamente en todos los ámbitos del ser humano, en este también la familia es decisiva y determinante en la presencia de embarazo precoz en estas adolescentes. Objective: To examine family functioning and related factors in a group of pregnantadolescents attending prenatal-control care in ASSBASALUD ESE centers (Manizales,Colombia). Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study with a population of 190pregnant adolescents between 12 and 21 years, the instrument used was a writtensurvey, anonymously, which questioned about sociodemographic variables, relationshipwith parents, type of education, conflict situations in the family and family functioning.Results: Average age 18 years, 72.1% of the population had family dysfunction frommild to severe, 46.9% had none or a moderate relationship with the father and 25.3%with the mother, 38, 9% had a history of family violence, depression 25.8%, 23.2%for alcohol, 36.3% thought they would not get pregnant, 26.8% wanted children. Agood family functioning was significantly related with no presence of family violence(p=0,000), with no pregnancies < 17 years (p=0,020), no use of contraceptive methods(p = 0.000), a high number of pregnancies (p=0,025), no induced abortions (p=0,007),discussions about pregnancies and sexuality with parents (p=0,000). Conclusions: Thestudied population of pregnant teenagers has characteristics similar to the populationsof other cities of Colombia, and other countries. It is demonstrated that, as practicallyin all areas of the human being, in this the family is also crucial and decisive in thepresence of early pregnancy in these adolescents.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brittany Punches ◽  
Kimberly W. Hart ◽  
Christopher J Lindsell ◽  
Raul Mandler ◽  
Katia Delrahim-Howlett ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Understanding the prevalence of substance use disorder (SUD) in emergency department (ED) settings could facilitate prevention and treatment responses to the epidemic. However, little information is available on the true prevalence of SUD in the ED population. We characterized 1) methods for determining the prevalence of substance use and SUDs within an ED, and 2) the degree to which prevalence differs between geographically proximate EDs. Methods: This cross-sectional, multi-hospital study analyzed data from prior studies and electronic health records (EHR). Our data sources included 1) interviews of a population-based sample of ED patients, 2) chart review for a cohort of ED patients, and 3) ICD-9 codes from an urban, academic trauma center. In addition, ICD-9 codes were obtained for three geographically proximate hospitals of differing type. The sampling methods and ED settings were compared descriptively in terms of their population characteristics and estimated prevalence of SUDs. Results: Prevalence of SUDs at the urban academic center was extremely high, particularly when measured by prospective survey, but also with chart review. Use over the prior year (binge drinking, illicit drug use, or treatment for alcohol or drug use) as determined by self-report and chart review respectively was: 41.9% and 15.2% for alcohol, 36.2% and 21.6% for drugs, and 59.2% and 30.4% for either. Estimates using ICD-9 codes indicated a far lower prevalence of substance use and suggest differences between EDs. Conclusions: SUDs are highly prevalent in ED populations, though significant variability between EDs is likely. SUDs are infrequently coded, suggesting that clinicians may be unaware of SUDs, or that discharge coding is insufficient to understand and respond to SUDs. Feasible and efficacious methods of identification and documentation of SUDs is an urgent priority to aid efforts to facilitate health services planning and quality improvement, and enable pragmatic clinical trials.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Bahramnejad ◽  
Abedin Iranpour ◽  
Nouzar Nakhaee

Abstract Background Recent evidence from Western countries suggests that private school students are more prone to drug use. Such an evidence is lacking in Muslim countries. The aim of this study was to examine whether the risk of drug use is higher in private schools than public schools.Methods This cross sectional study was conducted on 650 tenth grade students of Kerman city, the center of largest province of Iran using cluster sampling. Well-validated questionnaires regarding current, lifetime substance use, and perceived use by classmates were utilized. Substances included in the questionnaire were waterpipe, cigarette, alcohol, marijuana, opium, methamphetamine, and Naas. Drug Use Tendency Scale was used to measure the attitudes of students towards drug use.Results The response rate was 93.7%. More than 82% of sample were public school students (n = 504). Current use of cigarette and marijuana was higher in private schools (12.2% and 3.0%, respectively) than public schools (4.4% and 0.5%, respectively) (P < 0.05). Perceived prevalence of cigarette smoking by classmates was higher among private school students.Conclusion Despite the popular belief that private schools are better than public schools regarding the risk of substance use, students who attend private schools may be at a higher risk of turning to some drugs comparing to public schools in Iran.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Bahramnejad ◽  
Abedin Iranpour ◽  
Nouzar Nakhaee

Abstract Background : Recent evidence from Western countries suggests that private school students are more prone to drug use. Such an evidence is lacking in Muslim countries. The aim of this study was to examine whether the risk of drug use is higher in private schools than public schools. Methods : This cross sectional study was conducted on 650 tenth grade students of Kerman city, the center of largest province of Iran using cluster sampling. Well-validated questionnaires regarding current, lifetime substance use, and perceived use by classmates were utilized. Substances included in the questionnaire were waterpipe, cigarette, alcohol, marijuana, opium, methamphetamine, and Naas. Drug Use Tendency Scale was used to measure the attitudes of students towards drug use. Results : The response rate was 93.7%. More than 82% of sample were public school students (n=504). Current use of cigarette and marijuana was higher in private schools (12.2% and 3.0%, respectively) than public schools (4.4% and 0.5%, respectively) (P<0.05). Perceived prevalence of cigarette smoking by classmates was higher among private school students. Conclusion : Despite the popular belief that private schools are better than public schools regarding the risk of substance use, students who attend private schools may be at a higher risk of turning to some drugs comparing to public schools in Iran.


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