Pattern and Socio-Demographic Correlates of Substance Use Among Patients Attending the Drug Unit of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital https://doi.org/10.60787/NMJ-64-1-241

Abstract

Background: Substance use in different parts of the world seems to be on the increase and has continued to pose a threat to the health, and the social and economic fabric of families, communities, and nations. This study investigated the pattern and sociodemographic correlates of substance use among patients on drug treatment at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.

Methodology: The Nigerian Epidemiological Network on Drug Use (NENDU) data of attendees of the Drug Unit of the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital from January to December 2018 were studied following ethical clearance using a descriptive cross-sectional design. Analysis of data was done using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.

Result: A total of 104 patients were registered for treatment at the facility within the period studied. Results revealed that 42.3% used cannabis, alcohol use was 13.5%, with tobacco (11.5%), heroin (9.62%), tramadol (7.69%), cocaine (4.81%), codeine (3.85%), pentazocine 2.88%, cracked cocaine (1.98%), and sedative-hypnotics and hallucinogens (0.96%) in descending order. Most of the respondents that used substances/drugs were males, single, and had tertiary education.

Conclusion: The study concluded that there is an increasing prevalence of substance use. There is a need for increased sensitization and Health Education programs to curb the trend.