Internet Fraud among Patients Admitted for Psychoactive Substance Use Disorders in Selected Hospitals of Southwestern Nigeria: Prevalence, Predictors, and Implications.

BACKGROUND

The nexus between internet fraud and drug abuse is a complex and multifaceted issue that has garnered significant attention in recent years. The study aims to explore the relationship between internet fraud and psychoactive substance use among patients admitted for substance use disorders in southwest Nigeria.

METHODS

The study used a cross-sectional approach, using a mixed qualitative and quantitative method, to examine patients admitted for psychoactive substance use disorder in southwestern Nigeria between March 2023 and May 2024. Statistical significance was determined at p-values less than 0.05 for quantitative data, while content analysis was used for qualitative variables.

FINDINGS: The study revealed that the average respondent, who was 28.5 years old, experienced their first episode of mental illness at 26.9 years and had 2.5 relapses. They began using drugs at 16.9 years and started internet fraud at 19.9 years. Several factors influenced the likelihood of engaging in internet fraud. Respondents whose parents were together (P<0.001), those who were employed (P=0.001), and individuals from monogamous families (P=0.001) had significantly lower odds of engaging in internet fraud. Additionally, respondents with a secondary school certificate were less likely to engage in internet fraud compared to those with a Bachelor's degree (P<0.014). Single individuals (P=0.001), males (P<0.001), and those with more relapses (P=0.001) were much more likely to engage in internet fraud.

CONCLUSION

The study reported that drug abuse predates internet fraud among the respondents. Relevant stakeholders must invest in curbing the scourge of drug abuse, as it has been linked to internet fraud.