This study investigated the functional and interactive perspectives of substance use among young people in Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select 400 respondents in the four (4) faculties of the institution. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts, mean, and standard deviation. The findings revealed three domains (changing mood, social purposes, and sexual effects) of functional structure as the major reasons for substance use. The interactive perspective revealed that interpersonal influences ranked highest characterised by peer pressure (54.3%). Intrapersonal influences of substance use were to gain courage and to relieve stress. The study recommended the need for education on the use of illicit substance, and intervention strategies to reduce the usage as well as consequences as this could negatively impact the health of young people and increase the likelihood of anti-social behaviours in families and school-dropouts.
Received: 3 January 2023 / Accepted: 28 February 2023 / Published: 5 March 2023
Background: Timely discharge of medically ready acute care patients reduces strain on hospital resources and limits patient exposure to iatrogenic harm. The increased need for acute care beds during various stages of the COVID-19 pandemic has made addressing barriers to timely discharge even more critical. The aim of this study was to analyze discharge barriers and hospital length of stay (LOS) before vs. during COVID-19 for a subset of acute care patients with identified barriers at an urban medical center. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted with 64 patients in the baseline period before COVID-19 and 68 patients in the period during COVID-19. The Department of Care Coordination at the Johns Hopkins Hospital collected barrier and disposition data for the two six-week periods. A multivariable linear regression model was used to analyze the association between LOS and predictor variables including age, discharge barriers, discharge dispositions, and time period. Results: Acute care patients with three identified barriers experienced a significant increase in average LOS during the COVID-19 time period (43.5 vs. 70.3 days, p<0.001), while the average LOS for all patients in this dataset decreased (35.0 vs. 28.1 days). For both periods, “High Cost/Complex Care Needs” (28% before vs. 34% during) was the most common barrier, followed by “Insurance Company” (13% for both periods). Conclusions: Acute patients with three barriers experienced an increase in average LOS during the COVID-19 time period, while the average LOS of all patients in this dataset decreased during the pandemic. Further assessment of barriers and the impact of care pattern policies during the COVID-19 pandemic could inform discharge strategies.
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