scholarly journals Factors influencing psychoactive substance use among adolescents in public secondary schools in Uganda

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.

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.


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.


2020 ◽  
Vol 27 (07) ◽  
pp. 1488-1492
Author(s):  
Muhammad Ilyas Jat ◽  
Muhammad Tarique Arain ◽  
Saima Qureshi ◽  
Kheenpal Das ◽  
Anum Haider

The use psychoactive substances are on the rise in general population and even seen more among those who are involved in criminal activities. There are many reasons for such irrational use of psychoactive substances. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and reasons of use of different psychoactive substances among prisoners at Malir prison, Karachi. Study Design: Descriptive Cross-Sectional study. Setting: Malir prison, Karachi. Period: 22nd April 2019 to 26th May 2019. Material & Methods: This study was conducted at district Malir prison, Karachi. All the cases who were imprisoned due to any reason and had history of psychoactive substance use were enrolled. Thorough history and examination was carried out. Ethical considerations were taken as per international guidelines. Results: Among all 490 male prisoners who used to take different type of psychoactive substance, majority were of age ranges of 21 to 35 years and 55% were married while 44% were single and 1% were divorced or separated. Out of 490 cases 453 (92%) were using different substances thorough routes other than injections while 37 (8%) were injection users. Majority of prisoners 252 (52%) were using Heroin while 86 (17%) were using Crystals, 74 (15%) Cannabis, 37 (8%) Synthetic substances, 24 (5%) Ice, 6 (1%) Opioid and 11 (2%) were using some other type of substance. The most common reason of substance use was peer pressure followed by fun and frustration. Conclusion: Substance use prevalence is high in prison. Existing services for the management of drug dependence are not meeting the global standard of evidence based comprehensive drug treatment and rehabilitation.


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.


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.


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.


Author(s):  
Deborah O. Onisile ◽  
Bede C. Akpunne ◽  
Oluseyi A. Alakija

Aim: Abuse of psychoactive substances among secondary school adolescents is a huge problem globally. This study examined the influence of psychoactive substance use on psychopathological symptoms among secondary school adolescents in Ede, Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey design.              Place of Study: Redeemer’s University Ede Osun state, Southwestern Nigeria. Methodology: Four hundred and ninety-six (496) secondary school adolescents (mean age 15.7 years) were purposively selected from five secondary schools in Ede metropolis. Substance Abuse Inventory (SABI) and Awaritefe Psychological Index (API Form-X) were used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. Four hypotheses were tested using a Regression Analysis, Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Independent Sample t-test and at 0.05% level of significance. Results: A high prevalence of psychopathological symptoms was observed among the participants. Psychoactive substance use was observed to jointly and significantly predict psychopathological symptoms (R² = .106, p = .001). Sex has significant influence on manifested psychopathological symptoms with female adolescents reporting higher mean scores on insomnia, intellect disorder, heat disorder, mood disorder, alimentary track disorder and general psychopathology. Age was observed to be inversely correlated with psychopathological symptoms. Significant difference was found between drug users and non-user on severities of psychopathological symptoms. Conclusions: This research finding indicates a high prevalence of psychopathological symptoms; that the use psychoactive substance is significantly linked the psychopathological symptoms and that age of involvement in psychoactive substance is also a significant risk factor for psychopathology among adolescents.


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