Evaluating the Efficacy of Awareness Campaigns in Addressing Psychiatric Aspects of Drug Addiction: A Tertiary Level Hospital in Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: The burgeoning issue of drug addiction, coupled with its intricate linkages to psychiatric aspects, necessitates innovative interventions. This research delves into the efficacy of awareness campaigns as a strategy for addressing the psychiatric dimensions of drug addiction, specifically within the confines of a tertiary level hospital in Bangladesh. Methods: This prospective study examined the impact of awareness campaigns on drug addiction's psychiatric dimensions. Using purposive sampling, 100 patients were selected from the Department of Psychiatry, Rajshahi Medical College, between January 2020 and December 2022. Quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews were conducted to measure changes in awareness, attitudes, and behaviors. Standardized scales gauged shifts over time. Ethical considerations were adhered to. Pre- and post-campaign comparisons facilitated longitudinal assessment. Results: Preliminary findings reveal a positive shift in participants' awareness of psychiatric aspects linked to drug addiction after exposure to awareness campaigns. Initial awareness levels of 25% concerning psychiatric dimensions rose significantly to 68% post-campaign. Moreover, willingness to seek comprehensive treatment increased from 32% before the campaign to 75% afterward. Actively seeking treatment information also saw a rise, climbing from 18% pre-campaign to 56% post-campaign. Qualitative insights highlighted that 83% of participants acknowledged the campaigns' role in enhancing understanding. Additionally, participants displayed improved attitudes towards seeking treatment for both addiction and concurrent psychiatric issues. These results collectively indicate the campaigns' efficacy in fostering heightened awareness, altering attitudes, and driving proactive behaviors. Conclusions: The initial results indicate that awareness campaigns hold promise as effective tools in addressing the psychiatric dimensions of drug addiction treatment. A comprehensive analysis of the complete dataset will provide deeper insights into the extent of these changes and their potential long-term implications for treatment outcomes.