Psychosocial implications of substance use disorders among patients attending a psychiatric facility in Lagos

Abstract

Substance use disorders have become a major family and public health problem because of the associated socio-economic burden to the public in terms of rising health care costs, loss of productivity, reduced family income and other disabilities. The study aimed to assess the psychosocial implications of substance use disorder in patients attending a psychiatric facility in Lagos. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional study amongst 420 participants aged 18-64 years. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to assess the socio-demographic characteristics and psychosocial problems in the study participants. The mean age of study participants was 27.69± 8.575. There were more participants who were within the ages of 18-25 years and there were more males. Additionally, 57.2% had secondary level of education, 60% were unemployed and 58.8% had no monthly income. Most common age at first use of substance was less than 18 years. The most common psychoactive substances used by study participants were alcohol, cannabis and tobacco. Interpersonal relationship problems were reported in 50.2% of study participants, job problems in 56.0%, and economic problems in 87.4%. Psychiatric diagnosis was reported by 33.3% of the participants and medical diagnosis in 34% of participants. Sociodemographic characteristics significantly associated with relationship problems were age (p=0.004), occupation p=0.021), tribe (0.040), religion (p=0.028), and monthly income (p=0.022). Socio-demographic characteristics significantly associated with job problems were  educational level (p=0.022),  occupation (p=0.037), age at f irst use (p=0.002). Socio-demographic characteristics significantly associated with economic problems were monthly income (p=0.001), age at first use (p=0.024). The study concluded that there is a high prevalence of psychosocial problems from persons with substance use disorder and curbing the menace of substance abuse requires a collaborative effort from families, religious organizations, media, secondary and tertiary institution authorities, health educators, community and the government.