Lin K, Jia J, Zhu X, Zhang B, Zhu Z, Li L, Sun J. Drug addiction and impact of urbanization: a systematic review.
Curr Opin Psychiatry 2025;
38:235-251. [PMID:
40009758 DOI:
10.1097/yco.0000000000000997]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2025]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Using the ecological public health framework, this study aims to systematically review the risk of illicit drug use and its associated negative health outcomes relating to urbanization.
RECENT FINDINGS
Previous studies have indicated that urbanization associated with increased population density drives segregation of vulnerable communities of low socioeconomic status (SES). Marginalized individuals in segregated communities have increased risk of poor mental health and illicit drug use.
SUMMARY
The results indicated that urban-specific environmental risk factors, individual characteristics and level of social support all influenced risk of drug use, substance use disorder (SUD), overdose, and drug-use associated death. Urban environmental risk factors of economic disparity, marginalization and barriers in accessing healthcare and negative individual characteristics of low education, low income and comorbid diagnosis of mental illness significantly increased risk of drug use. In contrast, better social support reduced the risk of drug use.
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