Related Experiment Videos
Pathways to Addiction: A Gender-Based Study on Drug Use in a Triangular Clinic and Drop-in Center, Kerman, Iran
Farzaneh Zolala1, Mina Mahdavian2, Ali Akbar Haghdoost3
1Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IR Iran.
Background:
Addiction is characterized differently among women and men, and they begin using drugs for different reasons and motives.
Objectives:
The aim of the study was to explore the gendered experiences and patterns of illicit drug use initiation in an Iranian context.
Patients And Methods:
A total of 29 participants (15 men and 14 women) took part in in-depth interviews conducted at a HIV triangulation clinic (for men and women) and drop-in-center for women in Kerman in 2011.
Results:
The results of the study suggest that patterns of drug use are different among Iranian men and women. Men often transit to drug use from cigarette smoking, whereas women's drug use practices often begins with opium. Unlike women, men who used drugs were often single at their drug use debut.
Conclusions:
Different patterns of first exposure to drug use among men and women highlight the role of gendered expectations and socio-cultural norms in shaping drug use experiences of people who use drugs and call for gender-specific harm reduction interventions.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Dependence
Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Specialized Care Centers and Settings-II
Rural health centers are specialized care facilities in remote locations with very few medical personnel. The primary care providers who run the centers are mostly Registered Nurse Practitioners. Here, emergency treatment is provided to critically ill or injured patients before they are transferred to the closest hospital. Fortunately, due to advancement in technology, many rural healthcare facilities and professionals have easy access to diagnostic and treatment...
Specialized Care Centers and Settings-I
Daycare centers
They provide several functions. Some facilities care for healthy newborns and children whose parents work, while others are medically focused and care for...
Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications
Drug Toxicity: Risk factors