Factors Influencing Illicit Drug Substance Abuse and Its Perceived Psychosocial Impact Among Individuals Undergoing Deaddiction Treatment at Male Drug Rehabilitation Centers of Eastern Nepal.

BACKGROUND

Understanding drug abuse triggers is crucial for preventing youth from succumbing to addiction. This study aimed to identify the drivers and psychosocial factors influencing illicit drug-substance abuse among individuals undergoing deaddiction treatment at male drug rehabilitation centers in eastern Nepal.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 14 registered drug rehabilitation centers in Koshi Province, Nepal. The determinants and psychosocial impact were assessed using a semi-structured, five-point Likert scale questionnaire, and an overall factor mean score>2.5 was considered high. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationships between predictors and outcome variables.

FINDINGS: Overall, 229 participants with a median age of 25 years (Q1=21, Q3=29) were surveyed; the majority had finished secondary-level education (42.4%). Diazepam (66.4%) and tramadol (48.5%) were the most frequently abused pharmaceutical products, whereas marijuana (92.1%) and brown sugar (62%) were the most commonly abused illicit substances. The most common sources of acquiring illicit products were peers (84.7%), cross-border trade (74.2%), and pharmacies (53.3%). Exploratory analysis revealed that the family, socioeconomic factors, peers, and school-related factors had a high influence on illicit drug or substance abuse, and these factors were significantly associated with higher odds of developing adverse psychosocial impact (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Diazepam, tramadol, marijuana, and brown sugar were the most frequently abused illicit drugs and substances in eastern Nepal. Family, socioeconomic factors, peers, and school-related factors were found to have a substantial influence on drug addiction, and these were significantly associated with high psychosocial consequences.