NCJ Number
240405
Journal
Journal of Child & Adolescent Substance Abuse Volume: 21 Issue: 3 Dated: July - August 2012 Pages: 238-246
Date Published
July 2012
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This study investigated the prevalence of two frequently abused substancescannabis and opiumin samples of the young population in Isfahan, Iran.
Abstract
The prevalence of drug abuse has been reported to be up to 17.0 percent in Iran. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of two frequently abused substancescannabis and opiumin samples of the young population in Isfahan, Iran. In a survey done from January 2005 to December 2006, 537 individuals aged 13-20 years were recruited using a multistage probability sampling method. Demographic and clinical data were recorded through face-to-face interviews, physical examinations, and reviews of the patients' medical records by trained interviewers. Morphine and cannabis were detected by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) on each blood sample. The rates of morphine and cannabis abuse were 2.2 percent and 3.2 percent, respectively. They were abused in 0.5 percent and 15.3 percent of cigarette smokers as well. Male-to-female ratio in addicts was 4:1, and the mean age of addicts was 17.54 +/- 1.86 years old. There was a significant relationship between male gender and addiction (P = 0.002). The prevalence of substance abuse in urban and rural areas was 6.3 percent and 9.5 percent, respectively. A total of 2.5 percent of rural females were addicted, compared to 2.4 percent in Isfahan (city). In Isfahan, opium was the most commonly abused substance while in rural areas cannabis was the most commonly abused. Substance abuse among adolescents has increased dramatically and has a significant negative effect on society. It seems that substance abuse is more prevalent than it is estimated. Therefore, developing and implementing appropriate solutions for solving this problem seems necessary. Abstract published by arrangement with Taylor and Francis.