Association of Khat Use Disorder and Antisocial Personality Disorder Among Inmates in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional...

To examine the relationship between khat use disorder and antisocial personality disorder in newly admitted inmates in a correctional facility in Ethiopia.

A cross-sectional study using successive sampling was conducted among 411 new inmates from April 20 to July 19, 2019. The Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test was utilized to measure khat use. DSM-5 diagnostic criteria were used to identify antisocial personality disorder. Environmental, criminal, and clinical backgrounds of the inmates were also evaluated.

The prevalence of current khat use and khat use disorder was 49.4% and 37%, respectively. The prevalence of khat use disorder among inmates with antisocial personality disorder was 76%. Inmates with antisocial personality disorder were twice as likely as those without antisocial personality disorder to have khat use disorder (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2; 95% CI, 1.2-3.4). Punishment for misconduct in prior imprisonment (AOR = 3; 95% CI, 1.6-5.3), family history of alcohol use (AOR = 2; 95% CI, 1.3-3.5), and chronic physical illness (AOR = 5.3; 95% CI, 2.4-11.8) were significantly associated with khat use disorder.

The prevalence of khat use disorder was higher among inmates with antisocial personality disorder, and antisocial personality disorder is linked to khat use disorder. The findings of this study suggest the need for the establishment of a mental health system in all prison institutions in Ethiopia to enhance early screening for underlying medical conditions, history of substance use, and antisocial personality disorder. Those inmates with identified substance use need detoxification therapy and motivational interviews after prison admission.

Prim Care Companion CNS Disord 2023;25(5):22m03470.

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