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Kirabira J, Kagoya EK, Mpagi J, Atala CE, Ndamanywa K, Okibure A, Kibuuka R, Katongole F, Wandabwa J. Burden of alcohol and other substance use and correlates among undergraduate students at Busitema University in rural Eastern Uganda after COVID-19 lockdown. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6194. [PMID: 38486017 PMCID: PMC10940298 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-56861-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Use of alcohol and other substances remains a major health concern among higher learning institutions. This study aimed at assessing the prevalence of alcohol and other substance use among students at Busitema University in Eastern Uganda. A cross sectional survey was conducted among 658 undergraduate students using a questionnaire consisting of Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Tool and participant sociodemographic and clinical factors. Logistic regression was used to explore the associations. Two hundred sixty-five (40.3%) students reported ever using alcohol and 158 (24.0%) had used in last 3 months. Seventy-four (11.2%) students reported ever use of other substances including tobacco, cannabis, cocaine, stimulants sedatives and hallucinogens and 36 (5.5%) had used within the recent 3 months. After controlling for potential confounders, recent alcohol use was associated with engaging in romantic relationship (odd ratio (OR) = 1.9, P value (P) = 0.045) while having chronic medical conditions was protective (OR = 0.3, P = 0.031). On the other hand, recent use of other substances was 7 times higher among males (OR = 7.0, P = 0.008) compared to females while fourth year of study was protective (OR = 0.05, P = 0.011). Although alcohol use is a worsening challenge among university students, use of other substances is also highly prevalent after COVID-19 lockdown. There is need for universities to identify students with above factors and design interventions to address them in order to prevent the likely undesirable outcomes of alcohol and substance use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Kirabira
- Department of Psychiatry, Busitema University, Faculty of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 1460, Mbale, Uganda.
| | - Enid Kawala Kagoya
- Institute of Public Health, Department of Community Health, Busitema University, Faculty of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 1460, Mbale, Uganda
| | - Joseph Mpagi
- Deans Office, Department of Academics, Research and Innovation, Busitema University, Faculty of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 1460, Mbale, Uganda
| | - Christine Etoko Atala
- Department of Anaesthesia, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 1410, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Kalisiti Ndamanywa
- Directorate of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovations, Busitema University, P.O. Box 1460, Busia, Uganda
| | - Ambrose Okibure
- Institute of Public Health, Department of Community Health, Busitema University, Faculty of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 1460, Mbale, Uganda
| | - Ronald Kibuuka
- Department of Psychiatry, Busitema University, Faculty of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 1460, Mbale, Uganda
| | - Fauz Katongole
- Department of Pathology, Busitema University, Faculty of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 1460, Mbale, Uganda
| | - Julius Wandabwa
- Institute of Public Health, Department of Community Health, Busitema University, Faculty of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 1460, Mbale, Uganda
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Jelagat J, Budambula NLM, Ngari M, Budambula V. Polydrug Use among Students in a Public University in a Lower Middle-Income Country. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 2023:8085588. [PMID: 37560202 PMCID: PMC10409583 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8085588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Recreational drug use among students in tertiary institutions remains a public health concern. Despite documentation of drug use in Kenyan universities, most of the studies are based on self-reported history which is prone to social desirability bias. It is in this context that we sought to establish lifetime and current drug use among university students. The study investigated self-reported and confirmed drug use. Using proportionate to size and snowball sampling methods, 380 respondents were enrolled from three university campuses. Actual drug use was confirmed qualitatively using a 6 panel plus alcohol saliva test kit. The study participants' median (IQR) age was 22 (20-23) years, and 262 (69%) were male; 328 (86%) were degree-level students, while 127 (33%) were in their fourth year and above. A total of 221 (58%) students reported a lifetime ever use of drugs, while 193 (51%) tested positive for at least one drug. Alcohol, tobacco products (cotinine), marijuana, and amphetamine or khat were the most preferred drugs. The usage was either solely, concurrently, or simultaneously. Having multiple sexual partners compared to students with no sexual partner (adjusted risk ratio (aRR) of 2.33 (95% CI 1.45, 3.76)) and residing in Mishomoroni and Kisauni (aRR 1.50 (95% CI 1.08, 2.09)) were associated with risk of testing positive for any drug. Having one (aRR of 1.54 (95% CI 1.05, 2.26)) and multiple sexual partners (aRR 2.03 (95% CI 1.27, 3.25) and residing in Mishomoroni and Kisauni (aRR 1.48 (95% CI 1.05, 2.08)) were associated with self-reported drug use. One out of two students was currently using drugs. Irrespective of the method used to record data, alcohol, tobacco products, marijuana, and amphetamine or khat were the most preferred drugs. The usage was solely, concurrently, or simultaneously. Future interventions should focus on continuing students, students' residences, and those who are sexually active.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joan Jelagat
- Department of Environment and Health Sciences, Technical University of Mombasa, Kenya
| | | | - Moses Ngari
- KEMRI-Wellcome Trust Research Programme, Kilifi, Kenya
- Department of Public Health, Pwani University, Kenya
| | - Valentine Budambula
- Department of Environment and Health Sciences, Technical University of Mombasa, Kenya
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Kassew T, Tarekegn GE, Alamneh TS, Kassa SF, Liyew B, Terefe B. The prevalence and determinant factors of substance use among the youth in Ethiopia: A multilevel analysis of Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1096863. [PMID: 37032924 PMCID: PMC10076630 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1096863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In Ethiopia, the youth are more exposed to substances such as alcohol, Khat, and tobacco than other populations. Despite the seriousness of the situation, low- and middle-income nations, particularly Ethiopia, have intervention gaps. Service providers must be made more aware of relevant evidence to combat these problems. This research focused on finding out how common substance abuse is among teenagers and the factors that influence it. Methods The 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey data were used for secondary data analysis. This survey includes all young people aged 15 to 24 years. The total sample size was 10,594 people. Due to the hierarchical nature of the survey data, a multilevel logistic regression model was employed to uncover the individual- and community-level characteristics related to substances. Results In Ethiopia, the overall current prevalence of occasional or daily substance use 30 days prior to the survey was 46.74%. Of the participants, 36.34, 12.56, and 0.95% were drinking alcohol, chewing Khat, and smoking cigarettes/any tobacco products, respectively. Male sex, 20-24 years of age, exposure to media, having a job, and living in large central and metropolitan regions were the factors associated with the problem. Conclusion According to the 2016 EDHS, substance use among young people is widespread in Ethiopia. To lower the prevalence of substance use among youth, policymakers must increase the implementation of official rules, such as restricting alcohol, Khat, and tobacco product marketing to minors, prohibiting smoking in public places, and banning mass-media alcohol advertising. Specific interventions targeting at-risk populations, such as youth, are mainly required in prominent central and metropolitan locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilahun Kassew
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
- *Correspondence: Tilahun Kassew
| | - Gebrekidan Ewnetu Tarekegn
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tesfa Sewunet Alamneh
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Selam Fisiha Kassa
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Bikis Liyew
- Department of Emergency Medicine and Critical Care Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Bewuketu Terefe
- Department of Community Health Nursing, School of Nursing, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, 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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Roba HS, Gebremichael B, Adem HA, Beyene AS. Current Substances Use Among Students in Ethiopia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 20-Years Evidence. Subst Abuse 2021; 15:11782218211050352. [PMID: 34671181 PMCID: PMC8521424 DOI: 10.1177/11782218211050352] [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: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of psychoactive substances is one of the main public health issues worldwide. However, there is a lack of evidence on the magnitude of current substance use among students in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to provide comprehensive views of the current prevalence of substance use among students in Ethiopia. METHODS We searched PubMed/Medline, Health InterNetwork Access to Research Initiative (HINARI), Google Scholar, and gray literature sources between 2000 and 2019. The prevalence of current substances with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was estimated using the random-effects model. The results were presented using forest plots, and Cochrane Q-test and I 2 were used to measure the extents of between-study variations. RESULTS A total of 1543 study articles were identified from electronic databases, and 32 cross-sectional studies were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence of current use of at least 1 substance was 37.63% (95% CI: 33.66, 41.69), alcohol 27.61% (95% CI: 22.10, 33.48), khat 17.20% (95% CI: 14.03, 20.62), and smoking 9.74% (95% CI: 7.17, 12.64). The prevalence of any substance use in high school students versus university/college students was 41.55% (95% CI: 38.83, 44.29) versus 36.24% (95% CI: 32.37, 40.20), alcohol 24.21% (95% CI: 14.05, 36.11) versus 25.27% (95% CI: 19.76, 31.20), khat 13.82% (95% CI: 8.61, 20.02) versus 17.30% (95% CI:13.75, 21.16), and cigarette 8.30% (95% CI: 1.89, 18.60) versus 9.80% (95% CI: 7.32, 12.58). Meta-regression analysis revealed publication year, sample size, female proportion, and age were not significantly associated with the current use of substances. CONCLUSION Overall, the current substance use of any substance, alcohol, chewing khat, and smoking cigarettes was relatively high. A significant proportion of high school students were already using substances at an early age. Policymakers should formulate and implement regulations to control the pervasive use of substances by young people around educational institutions at all levels. PROTOCOL REGISTRATION The protocol has been registered on 19 August 2019 on the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) with ID: CDR42019130560.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirbo Shore Roba
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Berhe Gebremichael
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Hassen Abdi Adem
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Addisu Shunu Beyene
- School of Public Health, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
- Research Centre for Generational Health and Ageing, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
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Shegute T, Wasihun Y. Prevalence of Substance Use in University Students, Ethiopia. Subst Abuse 2021; 15:11782218211003558. [PMID: 33854324 PMCID: PMC8013928 DOI: 10.1177/11782218211003558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although substance use is a known public health problem and a pressing issue in Ethiopia, its real extent and magnitude are not yet properly explored. The current study aimed to determine the extent and predictors of substance use among regular undergraduate students in the Institute of Technology, Addis Ababa University. METHODS An institution-based cross-sectional study was carried among 794 undergraduate regular students at the Institute of Technology, Addis Ababa University, using a self-administered structured questionnaire filled by study participants. Data entry, cleaning, and coding were performed by EPI-INFO version 3.5.1. Statistical Package for Social Sciences; AOR: Adjusted odds ratio (SPSS) SPSS version 21 software was used to analyze data by performing descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariate analysis. RESULTS 73.7% of the study participants used substances at least once. The lifetime use of each substance includes alcohol (68.2%), khat (53.6%), cigarettes (46.1%), and illicit drugs (23.3%). Loss of family (AOR [95%CI], 34.50 [7.569, 157.263]), pocket money between 500 and 999 Ethiopian birr (AOR [95%CI], 9.978 [1.240, 80.280]), and above 1000 Ethiopian birr (AOR [95%CI], 10.831 [1.333, 87.971]) were identified predictors for khat use. The odds of lifetime alcohol use was higher among students coming from a divorced family (AOR [95%CI], 9.346 [3.162, 27.625]), lost one (AOR [95%CI], 37.406 [11.375, 123.008]), or both of their parents (AOR [95%CI], 18.750 [5.798, 60.633]). Students of urban origin (AOR [95%CI], 3.214 [1.950, 5.296]), and students with anxiety symptoms (AOR [95%CI], 2.655 [1.981, 3.557]) have a higher odds of lifetime cigarette smoking. The lifetime exposure to illicit drugs is higher among students in age groups between 20 and 24 years (AOR [95%CI], 5.963 [1.361, 26.135]), students coming from substance user family (AOR [95%CI], 2.172 [1.161, 4.063]), and students of urban origin (AOR [95%CI], 2.661 [1.202, 5.889]). CONCLUSION A higher prevalence of substance use requiring administrative and educational interventions was observed. Awareness creation interventions on the potential impacts of substance abuse should be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tewodros Shegute
- Department of Pharmacy, Menelik II Health and Medical Science College, Kotebe Metropolitan University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Yared Wasihun
- Yekatit 12 Hospital Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
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Ali T, Worku T. Current alcohol consumption and associated factors among school adolescents and youths in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. SAGE Open Med 2020; 8:2050312120974154. [PMID: 33282302 PMCID: PMC7682217 DOI: 10.1177/2050312120974154] [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: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of alcohol is an alarmingly growing public health concern worldwide, and it has an impact on younger generations. There are a few large scale and comprehensive nation-wise surveys conducted on the subject matter and study groups. Hence, the purpose of this study was to render strong evidence for policymakers and researchers on the prevalence of alcohol consumption and its associated factors among school adolescents and youths in Ethiopia. METHODS Systematic searching was conducted using electronic (Medline, EMBASE, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, PsycINFO, and Science direct), and grey literature sources. Cross-sectional studies conducted among adolescents and youths (12-24 years old) were included. Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tool was used to assess the quality of studies. Heterogeneity was examined by using forest plot and I2 heterogeneity tests. Publication bias was also assessed by inspecting the funnel plot and Egger's regression test. Stata/M16.0 for windows was used for the analysis. RESULTS A total of 26 studies were included in the final analysis with a total of 17,880 participants. The pooled prevalence of current alcohol consumption was 27.0% (95% CI = 22.0-32.0). In the subgroups, the prevalence of current alcohol consumption among high school, college, and university students was 23%, 27%, and 29%, respectively. The pooled data revealed that being a male (odds ratio = 1.93; 95% CI = 1.24-2.99), khat chewing (odds ratio = 6.65; 95% CI = 2.52-17.52), family members alcohol consumption behavior (odds ratio = 3.20; 95% CI = 2.08-5.17), and peer pressure (odds ratio = 3.79; 95% CI = 2.64-5.42) were significantly associated with alcohol consumption. CONCLUSION The pooled analysis of 26 studies indicate that over a quarter of school adolescents and youths consume alcohol in Ethiopia. Hence, we recommend designing and implementing community and school-based intervention programs to tackle the growing problems of alcohol consumption and its multifaceted impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilahun Ali
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
| | - Teshager Worku
- Department of Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, College of Health and Medical Sciences, Haramaya University, Harar, Ethiopia
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