Physical trauma and substance abuse: a comparative study on substance abuse in patients with physical trauma versus...

To evaluate the prevalence of substance abuse in a sample of patients with acute physical trauma in comparison with the general population.

Prospective study using structured interview based on DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed) criteria for substance dependence and abuse.

Hospitals at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, and the general population in Shiraz.

1,324 subjects selected randomly (324 subjects from patients with acute physical trauma, and 1,000 subjects from general population).

The mean age was 37 (SD=15.5, age range=15-83 yr.) In the general population, the mean age was 36.5 (SD=14.29, age range=15-83). Substance use was much more prevalent among patients with acute physical trauma than in the general population. It should be mentioned that drug use precedes the trauma in the patient population and may contribute to the occurrence of trauma or disease.

Substance use was significantly more prevalent in males than in females. Cultural attitudes toward usage of substances were found to affect the type and amount of the used substance. These findings should be considered when planning preventive and therapeutic programs.