Drug abuse in slum population

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Epidemiology
• Sociology

Background:

• Substance abuse poses a significant global health challenge, with variations in prevalence and patterns across different populations and regions.
• Slums, characterized by unique socio-economic challenges, may exhibit distinct substance abuse profiles potentially linked to these issues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the prevalence and patterns of substance abuse within a specific slum population in India.
• To understand the socio-demographic characteristics of substance abusers in the selected slum area.

Main Methods:

• A two-phase study was conducted in the Prakash Chandra Sethi Nagar slum area of Indore.
• Phase one involved community sensitization and preliminary data collection with key informants.
• Phase two utilized a house-to-house survey with semi-structured proformas to interview all family members.

Main Results:

• A high prevalence rate of substance abuse was observed at 560/1000 population.
• Tobacco (53.9%) and alcohol (46.5%) were the most commonly abused substances, followed by gutka, cannabis, opiates, sedatives/hypnotics, solvents, and cocaine.
• Substance abuse was more prevalent in males (78.2%) and laborers (72%), with females constituting 28.2% of abusers.

Conclusions:

• The slum population studied exhibited higher substance abuse prevalence rates compared to the general population.
• Tobacco and alcohol represent major substance abuse concerns within this urban slum community.
• Addressing substance abuse in slum settings requires tailored interventions considering socio-economic factors.