Motives for New Psychoactive Substances Consumption among Young Adults in Uzbekistan: A Qualitative Study Protocol

New psychoactive substances (NPS) represent a global problem, especially among young people. In Central Asia, while the trafficking in NPS continues to grow, there remains a lack of data on the social, health and psychological consequences of their use.

To investigate the motives behind the NPS use among young people in the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as the medical and social characteristics of this group.

The study will include young people (18-35 years) who have used NPS in the preceeding 30 days (on the basis of self-reports) or are undergoing rehabilitation and plan to cease the NPS use within the next 12-18 months. Semi-structured interviews will reveal the reasons for NPS use, risk perception, stigma, barriers to seeking help, and the need for preventive and rehabilitation services. Interviews will take place at the Republican Mental Health Center and two specialized rehabilitation centers in Uzbekistan between November 2024 and the completion of enrollment (25-30 participants), but no later than May 2025. Additionally, a focus group of psychiatrists, psychotherapists, narcologists, and psychologists will evaluate the level of awareness amongst health care professionals as regards of NPS use and its prevalence, medical, and social implications.

The study will identify the key motives of NPS use, usage patterns, and social and medical barriers of help-seeking. Findings will contribute to the development of prevention and rehabilitation strategies, including digital communication platforms and interactive educational programs.

The study focuses on raising awareness about the consequences of NPS in the Republic of Uzbekistan. This is essential for developing effective public health prevention and rehabilitation programs.