Prevalence and reasons of use of different psychoactive substances among prisoners at Malir Prison, Karachi.

Authors

  • Muhammad Ilyas Jat Dr. Ruth K. M PFAU, Civil Hospital, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi.
  • Muhammad Tarique Arain Dr. Ruth K. M PFAU, Civil Hospital, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi.
  • Saima Qureshi Dr. Ruth K. M PFAU, Civil Hospital, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi.
  • Kheenpal Das Dr. Ruth K. M PFAU, Civil Hospital, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi.
  • Anum Haider Dr. Ruth K. M PFAU, Civil Hospital, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29309/TPMJ/2020.27.07.4473

Keywords:

Prevalence, Prisoners, Psychoactive Substance, Use

Abstract

The use psychoactive substances are on the rise in general population and even seen more among those who are involved in criminal activities. There are many reasons for such irrational use of psychoactive substances. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and reasons of use of different psychoactive substances among prisoners at Malir prison, Karachi. Study Design: Descriptive Cross-Sectional study. Setting: Malir prison, Karachi. Period: 22nd April 2019 to 26th May 2019. Material & Methods: This study was conducted at district Malir prison, Karachi. All the cases who were imprisoned due to any reason and had history of psychoactive substance use were enrolled. Thorough history and examination was carried out. Ethical considerations were taken as per international guidelines. Results: Among all 490 male prisoners who used to take different type of psychoactive substance, majority were of age ranges of 21 to 35 years and 55% were married while 44% were single and 1% were divorced or separated. Out of 490 cases 453 (92%) were using different substances thorough routes other than injections while 37 (8%) were injection users. Majority of prisoners 252 (52%) were using Heroin while 86 (17%) were using Crystals, 74 (15%) Cannabis, 37 (8%) Synthetic substances, 24 (5%) Ice, 6 (1%) Opioid and 11 (2%) were using some other type of substance. The most common reason of substance use was peer pressure followed by fun and frustration. Conclusion: Substance use prevalence is high in prison. Existing services for the management of drug dependence are not meeting the global standard of evidence based comprehensive drug treatment and rehabilitation.

Author Biographies

Muhammad Ilyas Jat, Dr. Ruth K. M PFAU, Civil Hospital, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi.

MBBS, FCPS

Assistant Professor Psychiatry

Muhammad Tarique Arain, Dr. Ruth K. M PFAU, Civil Hospital, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi.

MBBS, FCPS

Assistant Professor Psychiatry

Saima Qureshi, Dr. Ruth K. M PFAU, Civil Hospital, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi.

MBBS, FCPS

Assistant Professor Psychiatry

Kheenpal Das, Dr. Ruth K. M PFAU, Civil Hospital, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi.

MBBS, FCPS

Assistant Professor Psychiatry

Anum Haider, Dr. Ruth K. M PFAU, Civil Hospital, Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi.

MBBS, FCPS

Assistant Professor Psychiatry

 

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Published

2020-07-10