Journal of Ethnicity in Substance Abuse最新文献

The substance use disorder in Pakistan is a significant problem that remains under-researched and it is caused by strong cultural and religious traditions. In spite of the severe psychological and social effects, a considerable number of women are blocked by several factors that deprive them of a chance to address the problem in a timely manner. So, the present study aimed to find the determinants of barriers to help seeking in women with substance use disorder in Pakistan. The study used phenomenological approach along with interpretative phenomenology analysis to analyze the data. The participants (N = 12) were recruited through snowball sampling strategy. The results revealed three master themes: a) cultural and religious barriers, b) institutional and structural limitations, and c) interpersonal challenges. Under cultural and religious barriers, the subthemes included externalized stigma and shame, gender expectations and norms, and religious misinterpretations. Institutional and structural limitations comprised a lack of gender-sensitive treatment services and awareness, and a lack of integration with mental health services. Finally, interpersonal challenges encompassed emotional turmoil and a lack of family support. It was concluded that there is an urgent need for gender-responsive, culturally sensitive, and family-inclusive strategies to improve access to treatment for women with substance use disorder in Pakistan.

This study aimed to predict nicotine dependence levels among university students in Türkiye by modeling the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) score as a continuous outcome using penalized regression and machine learning (ML) approaches. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a stratified sample of 1,120 university students, examining 24 psychological, behavioral, motivational, and sociodemographic variables. Six predictive models were compared: linear regression, Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO), Ridge regression, Elastic Net, Support Vector Regression (SVR), and tuned extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost). Penalized regression models and the tuned XGBoost algorithm demonstrated largely comparable predictive performance. XGBoost achieved the highest predictive accuracy (R² = 0.621; adjusted R² = 0.575) and the lowest RMSE (1.678). However, the LASSO model yielded nearly identical performance (R² = 0.620; RMSE = 1.680) while offering greater interpretability through embedded variable selection. Given the negligible difference in predictive accuracy, LASSO was selected as the primary model due to its clinical utility and ability to identify modifiable risk factors. The LASSO model explained approximately 59% of the variance in FTND scores and identified 11 significant predictors, including emotional symptoms (e.g., irritability and depressive mood), habitual smoking, intention to quit, daily cigarette consumption, and family smoking. This study highlights the value of interpretable modeling approaches and underscores that nicotine dependence is shaped by a complex interplay of psychosocial, behavioral, and demographic determinants in addition to physiological factors.

Manga are imaginative graphic novels that often feature adventurous, motivational, and inspirational storylines. Manga genres are broadly categorized by their primary intended audience, as defined by age and gender. The two most popular are Shōnen, targeting male adolescents ages 12 to 17, and Seinen, targeting young male adults ages 18 to 30. These popular genres sometimes present content that depicts risk-taking behavior, such as substance use, which may have adverse effects on young readers. This study documents and compares substance use-related content in Shōnen and Seinen. The study sample consisted of 500 randomly selected chapters from a set of top-selling Shōnen and Seinen series. We used Fisher's exact test to compare prevalence rates between the two genres. We found that 150 out of the 500 chapters (30%) had at least one depiction of substance use, related dialogue, or paraphernalia, with tobacco-related content comprising the majority of these depictions. Shōnen had more tobacco-related content than Seinen (p < 0.01), though the latter had more depictions of ashtrays (p < 0.01). Our sample presented no content related to vaping or prescription drug misuse. The nature and extent of this substance use-related content are generally consistent with current societal norms in Japan. Future research should examine whether young readers' exposure to this content changes their beliefs, attitudes, and behavioral intentions.

There are various studies which investigated the prevalence and risk of suicide among people who use substance. However, there is lack of a systematic review to intensively summarize and analyze the findings of these studies in order to deduce important clinical implications. Hence, this systematic review aimed to explore the prevalence, risk and protective factors of suicidal behavior among people who use drugs and alcohol. A comprehensive search for research articles from 1980 to 2025 was carried out through major databases, data extraction and assessment of quality of the selected research articles were performed by two authors. A total of 26 articles were selected for review. The prevalence of suicidal ideation among substance and alcohol users ranged from 9.9 to 50.7%, while the prevalence of suicidal attempt ranged from 2.7 to 47%. The common risk factors of suicidal behavior among people who use drugs and alcohol were history of dysphoric-mixed or depressive disorders, younger age (<30 years old or 30-39 years), increase number of drug use, polydrug use or concurrent use of more than one substance, history of personality disorders or traits, history of previous or repeated suicidal attempts, and female gender. Those with risk factors of suicidal behavior must be thoroughly monitored, and effective psychosocial intervention for managing the modifiable risk factors must be implemented.

This study aimed to explore potential mediation pathways between racial/ethnic discrimination experience and cannabis use intention through perceived cannabis accessibility and then perceived harm. Preteens (N = 2,690, ages 9-13) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (Release 4.0) were included. Structural equation modeling was conducted. Experiencing racial/ethnic discrimination was associated with higher cannabis use intention (β = 0.068, p < 0.05). Preteens who experienced racial/ethnic discrimination were more likely to perceive cannabis as more accessible (β = 0.134, p < 0.05), resulting in lower perceived harm (β=-0.123, p < 0.001), which subsequently increased cannabis use intention (β=-0.085, p < 0.001). These results emphasize the need for interventions to address discrimination-related trauma in preteens.

Introduction: The number of women with substance use disorder has been growing in Iran. The study aims investigation of a new integrated intervention for women and mothers in Tehran, Iran.

Method: This research employed an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design within a three-year cohort survey, investigated the effectiveness of an integrated intervention model on treatment retention and quality of life of mothers and pregnant women with substance use disorder. The data were collected through pre-post-test using questionnaires, focus group discussions guided by semi-structured interviews, and rapid multi-purpose urine test. The tools used are a ten-panel urine drug test and a 26-item WHOQOL-BREF. For the qualitative phase, these focus group discussions were carried out. 53 Participants met the inclusion criteria and entered the research.

Results: The findings show 60.4% of clients retained in treatment. While the overall quality of life did not show a statistically significant increase (p = 0.622, d = 0.13), significant improvements were observed in specific subsets of quality of life: Physical Health (MD = 9.811, 95% CI = [0.374, 19.247], p = 0.042, d = 0.59), Social Relations (MD = 9.729, 95% CI = [0.721, 18.737], p = 0.035, d = 0.61) and environmental (MD = 12.216, 95% CI = [2.688, 21.745], p = 0.013, d = 0.72). Two main themes of 'treatment aspects' and 'social aspects' in the model were identified as the main factors affecting the effectiveness of the treatment classified under different types of social support.

Conclusion: This study demonstrates that a comprehensive integrated intervention model effectively addresses the complex and specific needs of women in recovery. The treatment and social support components of this approach emerged as pivotal components, playing a critical role in meeting these multidimensional needs.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) can profoundly affect individuals' psychological functioning and internal meaning systems in later life. In this interaction, the individual's coping style and tendency toward harmful habits may play a decisive role. This study examined the association between adverse childhood experiences and spiritual well-being and tested the serial mediating roles of meaning-based coping and substance misuse in this association. The study sample consisted of a total of 501 volunteer participants, including 247 women (49.3%) and 254 men (50.7%). Participants' ages ranged from 18 to 47 years (M = 22.46 years, SD = 4.51). The study employed a cross-sectional descriptive design based on structural equation modeling. In addition to structural equation modeling, bootstrapping analysis was also performed. The results of the study indicate that the relationship between ACEs and spiritual well-being is serially mediated by meaning-based coping and substance misuse (β = -0.076, 95% CI = -0.125, -0.033; p < .05). The findings provide a deeper understanding of the relationship between ACEs and spiritual well-being and are discussed in light of possible explanations and limitations.

Cognitive enhancers (CE) are substances frequently used to enhance cognitive capabilities, especially in demanding environments, such as medical schools. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate students' knowledge, attitudes toward, and usage of CEs. Data was collected from 350 medical students through an online questionnaire. Around (22.3%) of participants were found to be users of prescription pills as CEs, with beta-blockers and nasal decongestants being the most frequently abused substances (16.3%). Lifetime usage of prescription pills as CEs was associated with usage of natural supplements (p < 0.05, OR: 2.01), tobacco smoking (p < 0.05, OR: 2.79) and low concentration rating (p < 0.05, OR: 0.66). The majority (66.9%) first heard about CEs from the internet or their family and friends. While around (38%) considered using CEs to improve their attention and concentration, around (35.1%) refused to due to concerns regarding their safety. Our study has shown that Jordanian medical students use cognitive enhancers in their various forms, including psychostimulant drugs. However, given their unproven efficacy, safety and possible ethical and public health implications of their usage, concerns arise as these students will become medical practitioners and in charge of drug prescriptions. Accordingly, this should prompt policymakers to implement educational initiatives to spread awareness.

This study examines the contexts in which alcohol and cannabis are used among White and Hispanic co-users in 40 selected cities in California. Data were obtained from a household sample of 1,069 adults aged 21 to 49, collected via an online standardized questionnaire. Alcohol and cannabis use occurred mostly in two primary settings: at home alone or with family and at home with friends. Controlled analyses identified distinct correlates associated with each consumption context. However, race/ethnicity and co-use status (concurrent vs. simultaneous use) did not have statistically significant effects in any drinking or cannabis use setting. While context related differences between White and Hispanic co-users of alcohol and cannabis were minimal, it would be premature to assume that policies to regulate context use, especially public access contexts, would be equally effective across both groups. Although their epidemiological profiles appear similar, tailored intervention strategies-differing in content, format, delivery, and implementation-may be necessary to maximize effectiveness.

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a significant global public health issue, contributing to high rates of morbidity, mortality and socio-economic disruption. In Myanmar particularly in border regions like Kachin State, AUD prevalence and its associated determinants remain poorly understood. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of AUD among adult males in Kachin State and to identify behavioral, psychosocial and marketing-related risk factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted in three purposively selected townships of Kachin State. A total of 428 adult males (≥18 years) were selected using multistage random sampling. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire incorporating the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and defined as an AUDIT score ≥8. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. The prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorder was 39.95% (95% CI: 35.40-44.68). Key factors associated with AUD were ease of access to alcohol (AOR: 4.44, 95% CI: 2.51-7.85), early initiation before age 18 (AOR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.23-4.40), smoking while drinking (AOR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.19-3.03), drink-driving history (AOR: 1.67, 95% CI: 1.04-2.71), reporting alcohol-related health issues (AOR: 2.63, 95% CI: 1.63-4.25) and depression (AOR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.14-2.03). Alcohol Use Disorder remains a pressing public health concern with multiple behavioral, psychosocial and environmental determinants. The strong associations with early initiation, risk behaviors, poor mental health and low awareness of harm indicate the need for early prevention, mental health support and public education. Interventions should also address alcohol accessibility and regulate marketing to mitigate the growing burden of AUD.