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Roshanfekr P, Ahmadi S, Amirahmadi R, Karimijavan G, Yazarloo R, Hosseinabadi M, SoleimanvandiAzar N, Karimi SE. Sexual Behaviors in Iranian Working Children and the Correlated Risk Factors: Result of the Large-Scale Rapid Assessment and Response (RAR) Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2024; 36:189-198. [PMID: 38616796 PMCID: PMC11008545 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2024.2322978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the sexual behaviors among working children and the associated factors. This cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 1937 working children in the 10-18 age range in 15 provincial capitals in 2019-20 (Feb-May); the Response rate was 94.9%. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the variable of sexual behaviors. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) are reported. The prevalence of sexual behaviors in working children was 4.2%. The results showed a significant difference between those who reported sexual behaviors and those who did not in terms of age, identity document (ID), running away from home, alcohol use, and substance use. There was a statistically significant relationship between fathers' unemployment and sexual behaviors among working children. Furthermore, we found that having divorced parents could increase the odds of sexual behaviors by 3.74 times. The findings showed that related welfare and support organizations should design and implement effective and continuous training and interventions to raise awareness and reduce the prevalence of high-risk sexual behaviors in working children. They should also provide family counseling and promote parental supervision of children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payam Roshanfekr
- Social Welfare Management Research Center, Social Health Research Institute, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Ahmadi
- Social Development & Health Promotion Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | - Gelavizh Karimijavan
- Department of Speech Therapy, Rehabilitation Faculty, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Yazarloo
- Department of social science, Payam_e_noor University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Hosseinabadi
- Social Injured Affairs Office, Social Deputy, State Welfare Organization, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda SoleimanvandiAzar
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Research Center, Psychosocial Health Research Institute, Department of Community and Family Medicine, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salah Eddin Karimi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Health Management and Safety Promotion Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Ali Hassan SME, Satti SA, Alhassan MA. Reasons for leaving home and pattern of child abuse and substance misuse among street children in Khartoum, Sudan: a cross-sectional survey. Pan Afr Med J 2023; 46:36. [PMID: 38145200 PMCID: PMC10746872 DOI: 10.11604/pamj.2023.46.36.33887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Street children are particularly susceptible to health-related adversities, including those resulting from substance abuse and child abuse. Information on street children is deficient in Sudan. This study provides basic data on characteristics, factors for leaving home, the pattern of child abuse and substance misuse among street children in Khartoum State, Sudan. This is a descriptive, cross-sectional, and community-based study. Data were collected through direct questioning of a sample of street children using a structured, standardized, and pretested interview-administered questionnaire. Two hundred and seventy-five (275) street children were interviewed. Most street children were males (83%). Of the interviewed children, 36.7% were illiterate, 66.1% had a single parent, and 36% did not recognize a home to return to. The commonest reported reasons for being on the streets were family conflicts and financial/economic difficulties (28.4 % and 27.5%), respectively. 89.1% of the children admitted to being substance abusers, mostly of glue (86.5%) and smoked tobacco (67.3%). Seventy-five-point three percent 75.3% of the children reported being subjected to a form of abuse, with physical and sexual abuse reported by 70.2% and 27%, respectively. Of the 74 children who reported sexual abuse, 49 were males (29% of males), and 25 were females (65% of females). The survey results are thought to guide further research and shape appropriate policymaking and coordinated interventions by concerned stakeholders, whether governmental or non-governmental.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Satti Abdelrahim Satti
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Almughtaribeen University, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Mohammed Abdulrahman Alhassan
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Armoon B, Griffiths MD, Mohammadi R, Ahounbar E. The global distribution and epidemiology of alcohol and drug use among street-involved children and youth: a meta-analysis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2023; 49:381-398. [PMID: 37310881 DOI: 10.1080/00952990.2023.2201872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Background: Street-involved children and youth (SICY) who work and live on/of the streets are more likely to inject drugs and engage in psychoactive substance use.Objectives: The present study aimed to identify the prevalence, distribution, sociodemographic determinants, and risk-taking associated with alcohol and drug use among SICY.Methods: Studies published in English related to alcohol and drug use among SICY were searched for from December 1 1985 to July 1 2022, on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science.Results: After full-text paper evaluation, 73 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Results indicated that lifetime prevalence rates were 44% (alcohol), 44% (crack), 33% (inhalants), 44% (solvents), 16% (tranquilizer/sedatives), 22% (opioids), and 62% (polysubstance use). The current prevalence rates were 40% (alcohol), 21% (crack), 20% (inhalants), 11% (tranquilizer/sedatives), and 1% (opioids). Also, life-time and current prevalence of alcohol and crack use, current prevalence of tranquilizer/sedative use, and life-time prevalence of polysubstance use were higher among older age groups. Life-time prevalence of tranquilizer/sedative use was lower among older age groups.Conclusions: The high prevalence of using alcohol, crack, and inhalants is a major issue because they are used extensively among different age groups, including minors. Such findings are beneficial for policymakers, health authorities, and professionals in developing programs aimed at minimizing inhalant use and other types of substance use harms among this group. It is important to accurately monitor this risk-exposed population to understand the mechanisms that might help protect them from high-risk substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahram Armoon
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran
| | - Mark D Griffiths
- International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Rasool Mohammadi
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Nutrition, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Elaheh Ahounbar
- Orygen, The National Center of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Center for Youth Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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Armoon B, Griffiths MD, Mohammadi R. The Global Distribution and Epidemiology of Psychoactive Substance Use and Injection Drug Use Among Street-Involved Children and Youth: A Meta-Analysis. Subst Use Misuse 2023; 58:746-764. [PMID: 36924274 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2023.2181036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Background: Globally, street-involved children and youth (SICY) who work and live on/of the streets are at higher risk of increased psychoactive substances and injecting drug use. Objectives: The present study aimed to identify the prevalence, distribution, sociodemographic factors, and risk-taking behaviors associated with psychoactive substances and injecting drug use among SICY. Methods: Studies in English published from December 1 1985 to July 1 2022, were searched for on PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science to identify primary studies on psychoactive substances and injecting drug use among SICY. The pooled-prevalence estimates were obtained using a robust fixed-effects model. Results: The most commonly reported life-time and current psychoactive substance was tobacco followed by cannabis, LSD/ecstasy, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and injection drug use. The results showed that life-time and current prevalence of methamphetamine and cannabis use, as well as life-time prevalence of cocaine, LSD/ecstasy, heroin, tobacco, and injecting drug use increased as age rose while current prevalence of cocaine and tobacco use decreased as age rose. SICY who were male, homeless, had parents who had died, had history of substance use among family members or best friends, had experienced violence, had casual sex partners, had a history of working in the sex trade, and had unprotected sex were all related to psychoactive substance use and injecting drug use. Conclusions: Research examining this population suffers from lack of studies, therefore, improving the knowledge for interventions aimed at reducing risk behaviors, particularly those related to the transmission of sexually transmitted infections such as HIV is of great importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahram Armoon
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Saveh University of Medical Sciences, Saveh, Iran
| | - Mark D Griffiths
- International Gaming Research Unit, Psychology Department, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Rasool Mohammadi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Health and Nutrition, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
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Admasu Basha E, Semu Tefera A, Tesema Tilahun A, Fenta Amede A. Magnitude and Associated Factors of Psychoactive Substance Use among Youths at Selected Administrative Towns of North Shewa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. JOURNAL OF ADDICTION 2023; 2023:2124999. [PMID: 37051109 PMCID: PMC10085653 DOI: 10.1155/2023/2124999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Youth and adolescent psychoactive substance use is a major public health problem worldwide which affects the health of individuals, families, and the community as a whole. This study was aimed at assessing the level of psychoactive substance use and the associated factors among the youths of North Sowa zone, Amhara region, Ethiopia, 2020/21. Community based cross-sectional study design with a multistage sampling technique was used. A total of 632 youths were involved in the study. Linear logistic regression analysis was used for both bivariate and multivariate analysis. The prevalence of life time and current psychoactive substance use was found to be 66.1% and 65%, respectively. Male sex and history of substance use from family members and friends were significantly associated with psychoactive substance use. In this study, the prevalence of life time and current psychoactive substance use was high as compared to other studies conducted in Ethiopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elyas Admasu Basha
- Department of Nursing, College of Health Science, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, P.O. Box 445, Ethiopia
| | - Aklil Semu Tefera
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
| | - Alemnesh Tesema Tilahun
- Department of Laboratory, College of Medicine, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia
| | - Asrat Fenta Amede
- Department of HIT, Debre Berhan Health Science College, Debre Berhan, P.O. Box 37, Ethiopia
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Birhanu A, Bete T, Eyeberu A, Getachew T, Yadeta E, Negash A, Lami M, Balcha T, Sertsu A, Deballa A. Nearly One-Fourth of Eastern Ethiopian Adolescents are Current Psychoactive Substance Users: A School-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Subst Abuse Rehabil 2023; 14:25-34. [PMID: 37131538 PMCID: PMC10149075 DOI: 10.2147/sar.s401843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Psychoactive substance use is a growing health problem in both developing and developed countries. Despite adolescents being at high risk of practicing risky behaviors including substance use, there is no adequate information on the problem in the Harari Region, in the Eastern part of Ethiopia. Hence, the present study aimed to identify the burden of current substance use in high school adolescent students of Harari Region, Ethiopia, from 10th April to 10th May 2022. Methods A school-based cross-sectional study was employed on a total of 1498 randomly selected adolescent students. Poisson regression was used for the assessment of substance use over the last three months among adolescent students. The substance use burden was reported by IRR (incidence rate ratio) at a 95% Confidence interval. The final model fitness was checked using Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) reports. The variables that had less than 0.05 P-value were declared to be statistically significant. Results The overall psychoactive substance use was 373 (24.9%, 95% Confidence Interval (CI); 22.8-27.1%). The substances included khat (21.6%, 95% CI; 18.6-23.6%), alcohol drinking (1.8%; 95% CI; 1.3-2.6%), and smoking (1.2%, 95% CI; 0.75-1.9%). Being male (IRR (Incidence Rate ratio) = 1.21, 95% CI; 1.11-1.38), availability of the substance (IRR (Incidence Rate ratio) = 2.02, 95%; 1.53-2.66), having substance user friends (IRR=1.60: 95% CI: 1.30-2.01), and being at a younger age (IRR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.02-1.44) increased the psychoactive substance use rate in the adolescents. Conclusion and Recommendation One out of four adolescents was a current psychoactive substance user. Being male, substance availability, having substance-user friends, and being at younger age increased the psychoactive substance use rate in school adolescents in Eastern Ethiopia. The intervention that involves the schools' community, students' families, and executive bodies should be strengthened to overcome the substance use-related burdens among high school adolescent students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdi Birhanu
- School of Medicine, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
- Correspondence: Abdi Birhanu, Haramaya University, P.O. Box: 235, Harar, Ethiopia, Email
| | - Tilahun Bete
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Addis Eyeberu
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Tamirat Getachew
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Elias Yadeta
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Abraham Negash
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Magarsa Lami
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Tegenu Balcha
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Addisu Sertsu
- Department of Nursing, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Adera Deballa
- Department of Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
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Asfaw Z, Mitiku M, Abebe HT, Atsbeha MT. A Community-Based Study of Level and Determinants of Substance Use: Findings from Children Experiencing Homelessness in Major Cities of Northern Ethiopia. Subst Abuse Rehabil 2022; 13:101-110. [DOI: 10.2147/sar.s381768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
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Shegaw M, Fekadu W, Beka M, Menberu M, Yohannes K, Yimer S, Seid M, Necho M, Moges S, Anbesaw T. Problematic substance use and its associated factors among street youth in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:930059. [PMID: 35966470 PMCID: PMC9365990 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.930059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Problematic substance use is becoming a common problem in marginalized groups such as street youths. However, there is a dearth of studies on the prevalence and factors associated with problematic substance use among street youth in Ethiopia. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of problematic substance use and identify its associated factors among street youth. METHODS This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted between June and July 2020. A total of 252 participants were included in this study. Systematic random sampling was used to recruit participants. Cut down, annoyed, guilty feeling, and eye opening-adapted to include drugs (CAGE-AIDs) were used to assess problematic substance use. The data were entered into epidata and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Logistic regression with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used to show the strength of association. A p-value < 0.5 was statistically significant. RESULTS The prevalence of problematic substance use was 55.8%, 95% CI (49-63%). Peer pressure [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.01, 95% CI: 1.38, 6.59], family conflict [AOR = 5.05, 95% CI: 1.67, 15.25], physical abuse [AOR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.11, 5.84], and substance use in the family [AOR = 2.85, 95% CI: 1.29, 6.27] were the factors significantly associated with problematic substance use. CONCLUSION The prevalence of problematic substance use was high. It was also found that peer pressure, family conflict, substance use in the family, and physical abuse were the factors associated with problematic substance use. Therefore, proper screening and intervention for individuals with problematic substance use are needed, and further research should be conducted for marginalized groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maregu Shegaw
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Wubalem Fekadu
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Michael Beka
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Melake Menberu
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
| | - Kalkidan Yohannes
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Science, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Solomon Yimer
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Science, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
| | - Mohammed Seid
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Mogesie Necho
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
| | - Solomon Moges
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Science, Woldia University, Woldia, Ethiopia
| | - Tamrat Anbesaw
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Science, Wollo University, Dessie, Ethiopia
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Roble AK, Osman MO, Lathwal OP, Aden AA. Prevalence of Cigarette Smoking and Associated Factors Among Adolescents in Eastern Ethiopia, 2020. Subst Abuse Rehabil 2021; 12:73-80. [PMID: 34675751 PMCID: PMC8520971 DOI: 10.2147/sar.s331349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cigarette smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable morbidity and mortality globally, and it is accountable for many causes of premature deaths. Despite the negative consequences of cigarette smoking, studies to identify factors associated with cigarette smoking are scanty and little is known about this practice in the Somali region so far, so this study aimed to assess the prevalence of cigarette smoking and associated factors among adolescents in the Gode, eastern Ethiopia 2020. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study design was employed among 341 adolescents in the Godey administration of the Somali Region, Eastern Ethiopia from July to August 2020. A systematic sampling technique was used to select study participants. Data were collected using a pretested interviewer administered questionnaire. The collected data were entered with Epi-Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 22 software for statistical analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to identify the true effect of predictor variables on the outcome variable after controlling for possible confounders. Statistical significance was declared at a p-value < 0.05. Results Over all, the prevalence of current cigarette smoking among adolescents was found to be 21.1% (95% CI: (16.7−25.5). Having smoker parents [AOR = 2.57, 95% CI: (1.32–5.02)], whose friends smoke cigarette [AOR = 4.78, 95% CI: (2.12–10.76)], and currently chewing khat [AOR = 6.01, 95% CI: (2.96–12.23)] were significantly associated predictors of current cigarette smoking in the final model of multivariable analysis. Conclusion The prevalence of cigarette smoking was relatively high in this study area. This study reported having smokers’ parents, having smokers’ friends and chewing khat were found to be independent predictors for cigarette smoking. Therefore, effective smoking prevention and intervention programs are required in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdurahman Kedir Roble
- Department of Midwifery, College of Medicine and Health Science, Jigjiga University, Jigjiga, Ethiopia
| | - Mohamed Omar Osman
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Jigjiga University, Jigjiga, Ethiopia
| | - Om Parkash Lathwal
- Department of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Science, Jigjiga University, Jigjiga, Ethiopia
| | - Abdirashid Abdi Aden
- Primary Health Care and Health Extension Program Directorate Office, Somali Regional Health Bureau, Jigjiga, Ethiopia
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Substance Use among Homeless Reproductive Age People in Southern Ethiopia. Int J Reprod Med 2021; 2021:8272986. [PMID: 33816608 PMCID: PMC7987451 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8272986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Substance use by homeless reproductive age people may result to anxiety, involvement of risky sexual behaviors, and increasing the likelihood of unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Therefore, this study assessed the magnitude of alcohol use, sexual intercourse after alcohol use, and its associated factors among homeless reproductive age people in southern Ethiopia. Methods Community-based cross-sectional study design was conducted among homeless reproductive age people. The snowball sampling technique was used to recruit 842 participants. Pretested and structured interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data were entered into Epidata version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 23 for analysis. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the association of independent variables with the outcome variables. Odds ratio with their 95% confidence interval and P value was used to identify the significant variables. Results More than half 423 (53.2%) of the respondents had taken a drink that contains alcohol in the last one year of the study period. Out of 324 khat chewers, 190 (58.64%) had sex after chewing khat. More than one-thirds, 323(38.4%) homeless people were smoking cigarette during the study period. Factors associated with alcohol use were age 19-25 years (AOR: 0.49; CI: 0.34, 0.72), ≥26 years (AOR: 0.40; CI: 0.25, 0.65), level of education (AOR: 0.61; CI: 0.39, 0.94), place of residence: major urban (AOR: 0.31; CI: 0.18, 0.51), small town (AOR: 0.38; CI: 0.23, 0.63), ever heard about STDs (AOR: 0.14; CI: 0.07, 027), and being a cigarette smoker (AOR: 2.67; CI: 1.94, 3.71). Conclusions In this study, significant percentage of respondents had taken a drink that contains alcohol. Age, level of education, place of residence, ever heard about STDs, and smoking cigarette were variables significantly associated with alcohol use. Awareness creation on the effect and outcome of substance use is recommended.
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Asante KO, Nefale MT. Substance Use among Street-Connected Children and Adolescents in Ghana and South Africa: A Cross-Country Comparison Study. Behav Sci (Basel) 2021; 11:bs11030028. [PMID: 33673464 PMCID: PMC7997445 DOI: 10.3390/bs11030028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Using two cross-sectional surveys with a purposive sample of 376 homeless children and adolescents in both Ghana and South Africa, this study was conducted to examine the prevalence, sociodemographic and psychosocial correlates of substance use among street children and adolescents. An interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on substance use, sociodemographic and psychosocial variables. Both bivariate and multivariate analyses showed that street-connected adolescents in Ghana reported higher prevalence of lifetime alcohol use and past-month alcohol use than those in South Africa. The protective effect of male gender was not observed in South Africa but significantly more pronounced in Ghana for all substances except past-month marijuana use. Sexual assault, indirect sexual victimization, physical beating, robbery, assault with a weapon and survival sex increased the odds of lifetime alcohol use and past-month alcohol use in Ghana. However, in South Africa, only robbery and assault with a weapon increased the odds of lifetime alcohol use while robbery and sexual assault increased the odds of past-month alcohol use. These results have implications for the development of harm reduction interventions, taking into consideration both the psychosocial and cultural context of substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwaku Oppong Asante
- Department of Psychology, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
- Department of Psychology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9301, South Africa
- Correspondence: or
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