Factors Associated with Severe Addictions in Cannabis Users Undergoing Treatment at the National Center for the Integrated Care of Addictions in Dakar (Senegal)

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine the factors associated with severe addiction in cannabis users who are undergoing treatment at the national center for the integrated care of addictions in Dakar. A retrospective, descriptive and analytical study was conducted at the national center for the integrated care of addictions in Dakar. The study period was from 2015 to 2018. Patients were being treated for cannabis addiction. Data entry was done using Epi info7 software while analysis was done using SPSS version 22. A total of 273 patients were enrolled in our study. Factors associated with severe cannabis addiction were: being over 20 years of age with an ORaj=6.1 [2.4-15.6], being of Senegalese nationality with an ORaj=4.3 [1.1-17.9], having more than one child with an ORaj=3.8 [1.1-14.1], consuming cannabis 2 to 3 times a week or more with an ORaj=32.1 [3.9-100] and starting age of consumption less than or equal to 15 years with an ORaj=4.5 [1.8-11.8]. Factors associated with psychiatric disorders were: having an address other than Dakar center with an ORaj=2.8 [1.2-6.6], having an addiction problem in the family with an ORaj=3.9 [1.5-10.7], lack of professional activity with an ORaj=3, 6 [1.5-8.7], being treated by a specialist in addictology with an OR aj=5.1 [1.5-17.8] and finally having a history of psychiatric hospitalization with an OR aj=55.9 [19.6-158]. The factors associated with the severe addiction and psychiatric disorders found in this study should push health authorities to reflect on a new strategy to fight this pandemic that is cannabis use. The use of the media for mass and parental awareness is essential.