Prevalence and Demographic Correlates of Substance Use among Adults with Mental Illness in Eastern Cape, South Africa: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

This study reports on the prevalence and demographic correlates of substance use among individuals with mental illness in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Outpatient Clinic of a large hospital in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. A pre-validated tool on alcohol and psychoactive drug use was administered to 390 individuals with mental illness. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to explore the demographic correlates of alcohol and psychoactive drug use. Of the total participants (N = 390), 64.4% and 33.3% reported lifetime (ever used) and past-year use of alcohol, respectively, but the prevalence of risky alcohol use was 18.5%. After adjusting for relevant covariates, only male sex, younger age, and rural residence remained significantly associated with risky alcohol use. The prevalence of ever-use and past-year use of psychoactive substances was 39.7% and 17.4%, respectively. The most common substance ever used was cannabis (37.4%). Male sex, younger age, owning a business, and being unemployed were significantly associated with higher odds of lifetime and past-year use of psychoactive substances. Findings highlight the need for dedicated infrastructure and staff training in the management of these dual diagnoses in the region.

Comorbidity and Treatment in Older Psychiatric In-patients—A Retrospective Study in a Chinese Psychiatric Hospital

“…From our findings, mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substance use (F10-F19) were more common in male patients than in female patients ( P < 0.0001), consistent with their increased exposure to alcohol, drug, and other psychoactive substances ( 35 , 36 ), whereas mood [affective] disorders were significantly more frequent in female than in male patients ( P = 0.048), which is related to the higher incidence of depression in women ( 4 ). Correspondingly, there were sex differences in the prescriptions of antidepressant drugs (51.9% males vs. 45.4% females) and anti-anxiety drugs (male 36.9% vs. female 47%) ( 37 ), and depression accompanied by anxiety disorders or anxiety symptoms was more common in female patients ( 38 , 39 ).…”

Factors associated with patient readmission to a specialised psychiatric hospital in the Eastern Cape

“…Studies have shown that young, unemployed men living in rural areas are factors strongly associated with substance use. 29 Similarly, the current study has shown that substance use was prevalent among young male patients and, given the readmissions, is likely an ongoing challenge in communities.…”

“…Substance use causes a significant burden on individual productivity, the economy and the social aspects of individuals, as well as families and communities. 29 Approximately 13.3% of South Africans were found to have used drugs in their lifetime. 30 The role of environment cannot be discounted in the case of substance use, including the level of urbanisation and socio-economic status.…”

Factors associated with smoking and transitioning to nyaope injection amongst women in the City of Tshwane Municipality: A self-report by women

“…It is well understood that mental health issues lead to drug use (UNODC 2015). Several studies have found a higher prevalence of SUDs in people with mental illnesses (range of 21.3% -55.6%) than in the general population (3% -4%) (Tindimwebwa, Ajayi & Adeniyi 2021).…”

“…It is well understood that mental health issues lead to drug use (UNODC 2015 ). Several studies have found a higher prevalence of SUDs in people with mental illnesses (range of 21.3% – 55.6%) than in the general population (3% – 4%) (Tindimwebwa, Ajayi & Adeniyi 2021 ). Women are more likely than men to attribute their substance use to trauma or stressors such as relationship issues, environmental stress or family issues (UNODC 2018 ).…”