Harmful use of alcohol is associated with noncommunicable diseases. Ghana reported that 46.8 % of deaths were due to noncommunicable diseases, which mostly affected men. In order to reduce the risk of harmful use of alcohol and its negative consequences, there is a need to understand the drinking patterns of young and middle-aged men. This study therefore sought to investigate the prevalence of various drinking patterns among young and middle-aged men in Ghana and their respective predictors.
Methods
This study employed a cross-sectional quantitative study design that relied on dataset from Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, 2022, which consisted of background characteristics and patterns of alcohol use of 7, 044 men. Association and predictors of various drinking pattern among young and middle-aged men were identified using Pearson’s chi-square and binary logistic regression analyses respectively.
Results
Prevalence of abstinence, moderate, “low-risk” (low intensity), heavy and high-intensity drinking were found to be 68.3 %, 20.4 %, 5.4 %, 2.9 % and 2.9 % respectively. Chi-square analysis revealed that all demographic characteristics of participants were significantly associated with drinking patterns. Predictors of moderate and low-risk drinking patterns were age, smoking of tobacco, and currently working. Age, region of residence and separation from partner were identified as predictors of heavy and high-intensity drinking. Protective factors which promoted abstinence were marriage and wealth index.
Conclusion
Harmful use of alcohol was prevalent among young and middle-aged men in Ghana. This study therefore recommends the formulation and implementation of alcohol consumption reducing policies that are tailored to target various high-risk groups.
{"title":"Prevalence and predictors of drinking patterns among young and middle-aged men in Ghana","authors":"Christian Chukwuma Ndu , Chioma Shallom Ndu , Georgina Afoakwah , Adusei Bofa","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100266","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100266","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Harmful use of alcohol is associated with noncommunicable diseases. Ghana reported that 46.8 % of deaths were due to noncommunicable diseases, which mostly affected men. In order to reduce the risk of harmful use of alcohol and its negative consequences, there is a need to understand the drinking patterns of young and middle-aged men. This study therefore sought to investigate the prevalence of various drinking patterns among young and middle-aged men in Ghana and their respective predictors.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study employed a cross-sectional quantitative study design that relied on dataset from Ghana Demographic and Health Survey, 2022, which consisted of background characteristics and patterns of alcohol use of 7, 044 men. Association and predictors of various drinking pattern among young and middle-aged men were identified using Pearson’s chi-square and binary logistic regression analyses respectively.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Prevalence of abstinence, moderate, “low-risk” (low intensity), heavy and high-intensity drinking were found to be 68.3 %, 20.4 %, 5.4 %, 2.9 % and 2.9 % respectively. Chi-square analysis revealed that all demographic characteristics of participants were significantly associated with drinking patterns. Predictors of moderate and low-risk drinking patterns were age, smoking of tobacco, and currently working. Age, region of residence and separation from partner were identified as predictors of heavy and high-intensity drinking. Protective factors which promoted abstinence were marriage and wealth index.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Harmful use of alcohol was prevalent among young and middle-aged men in Ghana. This study therefore recommends the formulation and implementation of alcohol consumption reducing policies that are tailored to target various high-risk groups.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100266"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145519420","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-22DOI: 10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100184
Zemikael Getu , Tefera Tadesse , Sisay Mengestu
This study evaluated the effectiveness of a novel management-oriented anti-doping intervention to enhance knowledge, attitudes, and ethical decision-making among young elite athletes. A randomized controlled trial involved 321 athletes (Intervention: n=161, 50% female, mean age = 17.2 years, SD = 1.5; Control: n=160, 48% female, Mean age = 17.1 years, SD = 1.4). The intervention, which emphasized stakeholder engagement, resource optimization, and athlete empowerment through interactive learning and peer mentorship, significantly improved all measured outcomes. Specifically, knowledge increased by 45% (p<.001, Eta²=.05), attitudes towards doping enhanced by 30% (p<.001, Eta²=.04), and ethical decision-making skills improved by 35% (p<.001, Eta²=.06). These findings underscore the significance of adopting a management-focused approach in anti-doping education, suggesting that such strategies not only help to establish a clean sports environment but also empower athletes to take ownership of their ethical responsibilities. The implications of this research extend to the broader context of anti-doping education, highlighting the need for innovative and comprehensive strategies that actively involve athletes and stakeholders in the fight against doping in sports.
{"title":"Evaluating the effectiveness of management-based anti-doping education for young elite Ethiopian athletes","authors":"Zemikael Getu , Tefera Tadesse , Sisay Mengestu","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100184","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100184","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study evaluated the effectiveness of a novel management-oriented anti-doping intervention to enhance knowledge, attitudes, and ethical decision-making among young elite athletes. A randomized controlled trial involved 321 athletes (Intervention: n=161, 50% female, mean age = 17.2 years, SD = 1.5; Control: n=160, 48% female, Mean age = 17.1 years, SD = 1.4). The intervention, which emphasized stakeholder engagement, resource optimization, and athlete empowerment through interactive learning and peer mentorship, significantly improved all measured outcomes. Specifically, knowledge increased by 45% (p<.001, Eta²=.05), attitudes towards doping enhanced by 30% (p<.001, Eta²=.04), and ethical decision-making skills improved by 35% (p<.001, Eta²=.06). These findings underscore the significance of adopting a management-focused approach in anti-doping education, suggesting that such strategies not only help to establish a clean sports environment but also empower athletes to take ownership of their ethical responsibilities. The implications of this research extend to the broader context of anti-doping education, highlighting the need for innovative and comprehensive strategies that actively involve athletes and stakeholders in the fight against doping in sports.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100184"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145415136","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
The type and quality of relationships that individuals struggling with addiction establish in their daily lives play a crucial role in their recovery and liberation from addiction. Therefore, this study aims to predict substance use relapse based on marital intimacy, family intimacy, and internet emotional relationships.
Methods
This study employed a descriptive-correlational design. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The statistical population consisted of addicted individuals aged 24 to 65 and above with substance abuse. The socio-statistics of this study were all substance users in NA in Bojnord city/ North Khorasan province/ Iran: 2024. Participants were either self-referred or admitted through legal intervention. A total of 384 individuals were selected as available sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires, including the Walker & Thompson Marital Intimacy Scale, the Family of Origin Scale by Hovestadt et al., the Iranian Internet Emotional Relationships Questionnaire by Barghi Irani and Aziz, and the Substance Use Relapse Prediction Scale by Wright et al. After data collection, raw data were scored and analyzed using SPSS 16 and R software. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation coefficients, stepwise regression, structural equation modeling (SEM), and path analysis.
Results
Statistical analyses revealed a significant relationship between substance use relapse and marital intimacy, family intimacy, and internet emotional relationships (P < 0.001). Specifically, increased marital and family intimacy significantly reduced the likelihood of substance use relapse among addicted individuals (P < 0.001). Another finding indicated an inverse yet significant relationship between substance use relapse and internet emotional relationships (P < 0.001).
Conclusion
Based on the findings, marital intimacy, family intimacy, and internet emotional relationships can predict substance use relapse in individuals struggling with addiction. Therefore, it is recommended to organize educational programs aimed at fostering intimacy within family relationships to promote constructive interactions between family members and addicted individuals.
{"title":"The role of internet emotional relationships, family and marital intimacy in predicting substance use relapse: A structural equation modeling study","authors":"Mohammad Khorrami , Kosar Haghani , Fatemeh Agheh Kholerdi , Farideh ghavasi , Pouneh Hasannezhad vayani , Farshid Fathy Karkaragh","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100183","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100183","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The type and quality of relationships that individuals struggling with addiction establish in their daily lives play a crucial role in their recovery and liberation from addiction. Therefore, this study aims to predict substance use relapse based on marital intimacy, family intimacy, and internet emotional relationships.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study employed a descriptive-correlational design. Data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The statistical population consisted of addicted individuals aged 24 to 65 and above with substance abuse. The socio-statistics of this study were all substance users in NA in Bojnord city/ North Khorasan province/ Iran: 2024. Participants were either self-referred or admitted through legal intervention. A total of 384 individuals were selected as available sampling. Data were collected through questionnaires, including the Walker & Thompson Marital Intimacy Scale, the Family of Origin Scale by Hovestadt et al., the Iranian Internet Emotional Relationships Questionnaire by Barghi Irani and Aziz, and the Substance Use Relapse Prediction Scale by Wright et al. After data collection, raw data were scored and analyzed using SPSS 16 and R software. Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation coefficients, stepwise regression, structural equation modeling (SEM), and path analysis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Statistical analyses revealed a significant relationship between substance use relapse and marital intimacy, family intimacy, and internet emotional relationships (P < 0.001). Specifically, increased marital and family intimacy significantly reduced the likelihood of substance use relapse among addicted individuals (P < 0.001). Another finding indicated an inverse yet significant relationship between substance use relapse and internet emotional relationships (P < 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Based on the findings, marital intimacy, family intimacy, and internet emotional relationships can predict substance use relapse in individuals struggling with addiction. Therefore, it is recommended to organize educational programs aimed at fostering intimacy within family relationships to promote constructive interactions between family members and addicted individuals.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100183"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145415138","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-17DOI: 10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100182
Israt Jahan , Md Saiful Islam , Muhammad Al Amin Dewan , Md Saif Mahabub , Halley M. Pontes
Background
During the COVID-19 period, online activities such as internet browsing, online gaming, social media use became increasingly popular sources of entertainment for adolescents. However, excessive engagement in social media platforms may lead to problematic social media use (PSMU), which has been associated with negative mental health outcomes.
Objective
The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of PSMU and its association with the psychological factors, including depression, anxiety, and loneliness among school-going adolescents in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
A paper-and-pencil cross sectional survey was carried out between August and September 2021 comprising 543 school-going adolescents (61.0 % males; mean age: 16.13 ± 1.83 years; age range: 9-18 years) recruited through convenience sampling from four selected secondary and higher-secondary schools in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. The self-reported survey included informed consent and questions concerning socio-demographics, lifestyle-related information, and four Bangla version of psychometric instruments (i.e., Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9], Generalized Anxiety Disorder [GAD-7], University of California, Los Angeles [UCLA] Loneliness Scale, and the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale [BSMAS]).
Results
The prevalence of PSMU in the sample was 26.7 %. In the hierarchical regression analysis, higher mean scores of BSMAS (the score indicates the higher severity level of the PSMU) were significantly associated with being in a relationship (β = 0.11, p < 0.01), having depression (β = 0.16, p < 0.01), anxiety (β = 0.11, p ≤ 0.05), and loneliness (β = 0.19, p < 0.01). The model accounted for 17 % of the variance in PSMU, indicating moderate effect sizes and meaningful associations.
Conclusions
The findings suggest that PSMU was significantly connected with depression, anxiety, and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, Bangladesh should prioritise school-based digital literacy, peer support, and awareness programs to curb PSMU among adolescents.
在2019冠状病毒病期间，浏览互联网、在线游戏、使用社交媒体等在线活动日益成为青少年的娱乐来源。然而，过度使用社交媒体平台可能会导致有问题的社交媒体使用（PSMU），这与负面的心理健康结果有关。目的调查2019冠状病毒病（COVID-19）大流行期间孟加拉国学龄青少年PSMU患病率及其与抑郁、焦虑和孤独感等心理因素的关系。方法于2021年8月至9月对孟加拉国达卡市4所中学和高中的543名在校青少年（男性占61.0%，平均年龄：16.13±1.83岁，年龄范围：9-18岁）进行纸笔横断面调查。自我报告调查包括知情同意和有关社会人口统计学、生活方式相关信息的问题，以及四种孟加拉语版心理测量工具（即患者健康问卷[PHQ-9]、广泛焦虑障碍[GAD-7]、加州大学洛杉矶分校[UCLA]孤独量表和卑尔根社交媒体成瘾量表[BSMAS]）。结果本组PSMU患病率为26.7%。在分层回归分析中，较高的BSMAS平均得分（分数表明PSMU严重程度较高）与恋爱（β = 0.11, p < 0.01）、抑郁（β = 0.16, p < 0.01）、焦虑（β = 0.11, p≤0.05）和孤独（β = 0.19, p < 0.01）显著相关。该模型占PSMU方差的17%，表明中等效应大小和有意义的关联。结论新冠肺炎大流行期间，PSMU与抑郁、焦虑和孤独显著相关。因此，孟加拉国应优先考虑以学校为基础的数字素养、同伴支持和意识项目，以遏制青少年中的PSMU。
{"title":"Problematic social media use among school-going adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic: Correlates with depression, anxiety and loneliness","authors":"Israt Jahan , Md Saiful Islam , Muhammad Al Amin Dewan , Md Saif Mahabub , Halley M. Pontes","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100182","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100182","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>During the COVID-19 period, online activities such as internet browsing, online gaming, social media use became increasingly popular sources of entertainment for adolescents. However, excessive engagement in social media platforms may lead to problematic social media use (PSMU), which has been associated with negative mental health outcomes.</div></div><div><h3>Objective</h3><div>The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of PSMU and its association with the psychological factors, including depression, anxiety, and loneliness among school-going adolescents in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A paper-and-pencil cross sectional survey was carried out between August and September 2021 comprising 543 school-going adolescents (61.0 % males; mean age: 16.13 ± 1.83 years; age range: 9-18 years) recruited through convenience sampling from four selected secondary and higher-secondary schools in Dhaka city, Bangladesh. The self-reported survey included informed consent and questions concerning socio-demographics, lifestyle-related information, and four Bangla version of psychometric instruments (i.e., Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9], Generalized Anxiety Disorder [GAD-7], University of California, Los Angeles [UCLA] Loneliness Scale, and the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale [BSMAS]).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The prevalence of PSMU in the sample was 26.7 %. In the hierarchical regression analysis, higher mean scores of BSMAS (the score indicates the higher severity level of the PSMU) were significantly associated with being in a relationship (β = 0.11, <em>p</em> < 0.01), having depression (β = 0.16, <em>p</em> < 0.01), anxiety (β = 0.11, <em>p</em> ≤ 0.05), and loneliness (β = 0.19, <em>p</em> < 0.01). The model accounted for 17 % of the variance in PSMU, indicating moderate effect sizes and meaningful associations.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The findings suggest that PSMU was significantly connected with depression, anxiety, and loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, Bangladesh should prioritise school-based digital literacy, peer support, and awareness programs to curb PSMU among adolescents.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100182"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145415240","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-10-11DOI: 10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100181
Garyfallia Daroglou , Vassilis Barkoukis , Lucas R W Fairs , John Toner , Luke Jones , John L. Perry , Andrei V. Micle , Nikolaos C. Theodorou , Sabina Shakhverdieva , Marius Stoicescu , Pompiliu-Nicolae Constantin , Milica V. Vesic , Nenad Dikic , Marija Andjelkovic , Jesús Muñoz-Guerra Revilla , Elena García Grimau , Miguel A E Martínez , Javier Argaya Amigo , Anne Schomöller , Adam R. Nicholls
Background
Doping in sports is a worldwide problem which affects the integrity of sports and can endanger the physical and psychological health of athletes. Whistleblowing represents a method for detecting doping offences that may otherwise have gone undetected, but our understanding of whistleblowing against doping offences is limited. The purpose of this paper was to identify whether personal and social psychological variables were associated with intentions to report doping in sport.
Method
1146 active athletes aged ≥15 years, regularly training and participating in competitions participated to the study. Athletes were informed about study aims and gave informed consent. The sample completed measures related to organizational support, protection and costs of whistleblowing behaviours, justice/legitimacy, personal responsibility, group identification, similarity/favourability, personal benefits, perceived behavioral control, attitudes, and intentions. Internal consistency across multi-item scales was good to excellent (ω range 0.78–.96). Data were analysed using structural equation modeling.
Results
There were significant relationships between intentions and among perceived costs, benefits, personal factors, and organizational structures. The structural model fit was acceptable (CFI = 0.95, TLI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.03) and showed that personal responsibility, group identification, and role-model favorability/similarity positively predicted perceived benefits, whereas organizational support/protection negatively predicted perceived costs. In turn, perceived benefits were associated with more positive attitudes and greater perceived behavioral control, which was the strongest direct predictor of whistleblowing intentions.
Conclusions
The findings underscore the complex interplay between personal and organizational factors in shaping attitudes and perceived behavioral control toward whistleblowing, ultimately influencing intentions.
{"title":"Athletes’ beliefs about whistleblowing doping misconduct from six European countries: A social cognitive perspective","authors":"Garyfallia Daroglou , Vassilis Barkoukis , Lucas R W Fairs , John Toner , Luke Jones , John L. Perry , Andrei V. Micle , Nikolaos C. Theodorou , Sabina Shakhverdieva , Marius Stoicescu , Pompiliu-Nicolae Constantin , Milica V. Vesic , Nenad Dikic , Marija Andjelkovic , Jesús Muñoz-Guerra Revilla , Elena García Grimau , Miguel A E Martínez , Javier Argaya Amigo , Anne Schomöller , Adam R. Nicholls","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100181","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100181","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Doping in sports is a worldwide problem which affects the integrity of sports and can endanger the physical and psychological health of athletes. Whistleblowing represents a method for detecting doping offences that may otherwise have gone undetected, but our understanding of whistleblowing against doping offences is limited. The purpose of this paper was to identify whether personal and social psychological variables were associated with intentions to report doping in sport.</div></div><div><h3>Method</h3><div>1146 active athletes aged ≥15 years, regularly training and participating in competitions participated to the study. Athletes were informed about study aims and gave informed consent. The sample completed measures related to organizational support, protection and costs of whistleblowing behaviours, justice/legitimacy, personal responsibility, group identification, similarity/favourability, personal benefits, perceived behavioral control, attitudes, and intentions. Internal consistency across multi-item scales was good to excellent (<em>ω</em> range 0.78–.96). Data were analysed using structural equation modeling.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>There were significant relationships between intentions and among perceived costs, benefits, personal factors, and organizational structures. The structural model fit was acceptable (<em>CFI</em> = 0.95, <em>TLI</em> = 0.94, <em>RMSEA</em> = 0.03) and showed that personal responsibility, group identification, and role-model favorability/similarity positively predicted perceived benefits, whereas organizational support/protection negatively predicted perceived costs. In turn, perceived benefits were associated with more positive attitudes and greater perceived behavioral control, which was the strongest direct predictor of whistleblowing intentions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>The findings underscore the complex interplay between personal and organizational factors in shaping attitudes and perceived behavioral control toward whistleblowing, ultimately influencing intentions.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100181"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145319641","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-08-05DOI: 10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100180
Benjamin Oritsemuelebi , Benneth Ben-Azu , Best Ordinioha , Ogheneoruese Orovwigho , Jerome N. Asiwe , Emmanuel O. Chidebe , Promise. I Iyere , Beauty Ijirigho , Oghenerukevwe Tebu
Background
Recreational drug use among youths has emerged as a significant public health concern, particularly in Nigeria's South-South Geopolitical Zone. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of the use of recreational drugs among youths in Abraka, Delta State.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of approximately 4 months, from January 2024 to April 2024, involving 470 youths residing in Abraka, selected through a multistage sampling. Data were collected using a validated structured self-administered questionnaire, while data management and statistical analysis were performed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 25, employing descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of drug use.
Results
The respondents were 64.5 % male, 66.8 % aged 21–30, 75.1 % single, 56.2 % had secondary education, 45.5 % were skilled workers, 94.5 % Christians, and 42.1 % had a family history of drug use. Regarding knowledge, 82.6 % recognized the risk of long-term dependence, 88.9 % acknowledged marijuana's short-term effects, 89.4 % understood the risk of kidney and liver damage, and 79.1 % were aware of suicidal tendencies associated with severe drug use. Knowledge was rated good in 63.2 %, fair in 31.3 %, and poor in 5.5 %.
Attitudes varied: 47.0 % strongly disagreed with drug use, 46.6 % did not view drugs as harmful, 65.1 % agreed that illegal drug possession leads to arrest, and 81.1 % had a positive attitude toward drug use. Awareness was high (98.7 %), particularly for codeine (85.0 %), alcohol (82.9 %), and cannabis (76.2 %). The prevalence of drug use was 41.9 %, with alcohol (59.1 %), tobacco (35.1 %), and marijuana (22.3 %) being the most commonly used substances. Married individuals were 1.6 times more likely to use drugs compared to singles (AOR = 1.6, 95 % CI: 1.0–2.6, p = 0.030), and those with tertiary education were 2.1 times more likely to use drugs than those with secondary education or less (AOR = 2.1, 95 % CI: 1.5–3.1, p < 0.001). These associations were statistically significant, indicating that marital status and educational level are important socio-demographic predictors of recreational drug use
Conclusion
The study stresses the need for drug education addressing health risks and social factors. Targeted interventions, including peer-influenced education and community support, are essential to reduce drug use among youths in Abraka. Nonetheless, future studies should address some limitations, such as examining the prevalence and predictors of recreational drug use in a more diverse demographic, including various age groups and gender representations, and reducing reliance on self-reported data regarding drug use behaviors and related health issues.
背景青少年使用娱乐性药物已成为一个重大的公共卫生问题，特别是在尼日利亚的南南地缘政治区。本研究评估了三角洲州阿布拉卡青少年使用娱乐性药物的流行程度和决定因素。方法从2024年1月至2024年4月，通过多阶段抽样，对居住在阿布拉卡的470名青年进行了为期约4个月的横断面研究。采用经验证的结构化自填问卷收集数据，使用Microsoft Excel和SPSS version 25对数据进行管理和统计分析，采用描述性统计、卡方检验和多变量logistic回归来确定药物使用的预测因素。结果男性占64.5%，21 ~ 30岁占66.8%，单身占75.1%，中等文化程度占56.2%，熟练工人占45.5%，基督徒占94.5%，有吸毒家族史占42.1%。在知识方面，82.6%的人认识到长期依赖大麻的风险，88.9%的人认识到大麻的短期影响，89.4%的人了解肾脏和肝脏损害的风险，79.1%的人知道严重使用大麻有自杀倾向。63.2%的人认为知识良好，31.3%的人认为知识一般，5.5%的人认为知识差。态度各不相同：47.0%的人强烈反对吸毒，46.6%的人不认为吸毒有害，65.1%的人同意非法持有毒品会被逮捕，81.1%的人对吸毒持积极态度。对可待因（85.0%）、酒精（82.9%）和大麻（76.2%）的知晓率很高（98.7%）。毒品使用率为41.9%，其中酒精（59.1%）、烟草（35.1%）和大麻（22.3%）是最常用的物质。已婚人士吸毒的可能性是单身人士的1.6倍（AOR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.0-2.6, p = 0.030），受过高等教育的人吸毒的可能性是受过中等及以下教育的人的2.1倍（AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.5-3.1, p < 0.001）。这些相关性具有统计学意义，表明婚姻状况和受教育程度是娱乐性药物使用的重要社会人口学预测因素。结论强调对健康风险和社会因素进行毒品教育的必要性。有针对性的干预措施，包括受同龄人影响的教育和社区支持，对于减少阿布拉卡青年吸毒至关重要。尽管如此，未来的研究应解决一些局限性，例如在更多样化的人口统计中检查娱乐性药物使用的流行程度和预测因素，包括不同年龄组和性别代表，以及减少对关于药物使用行为和相关健康问题的自我报告数据的依赖。
{"title":"Prevalence and determinants of recreational drug use and related health effects among youths","authors":"Benjamin Oritsemuelebi , Benneth Ben-Azu , Best Ordinioha , Ogheneoruese Orovwigho , Jerome N. Asiwe , Emmanuel O. Chidebe , Promise. I Iyere , Beauty Ijirigho , Oghenerukevwe Tebu","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100180","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100180","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Recreational drug use among youths has emerged as a significant public health concern, particularly in Nigeria's South-South Geopolitical Zone. This study assessed the prevalence and determinants of the use of recreational drugs among youths in Abraka, Delta State.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted over a period of approximately 4 months, from January 2024 to April 2024, involving 470 youths residing in Abraka, selected through a multistage sampling. Data were collected using a validated structured self-administered questionnaire, while data management and statistical analysis were performed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 25, employing descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression to identify predictors of drug use.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The respondents were 64.5 % male, 66.8 % aged 21–30, 75.1 % single, 56.2 % had secondary education, 45.5 % were skilled workers, 94.5 % Christians, and 42.1 % had a family history of drug use. Regarding knowledge, 82.6 % recognized the risk of long-term dependence, 88.9 % acknowledged marijuana's short-term effects, 89.4 % understood the risk of kidney and liver damage, and 79.1 % were aware of suicidal tendencies associated with severe drug use. Knowledge was rated good in 63.2 %, fair in 31.3 %, and poor in 5.5 %.</div><div>Attitudes varied: 47.0 % strongly disagreed with drug use, 46.6 % did not view drugs as harmful, 65.1 % agreed that illegal drug possession leads to arrest, and 81.1 % had a positive attitude toward drug use. Awareness was high (98.7 %), particularly for codeine (85.0 %), alcohol (82.9 %), and cannabis (76.2 %). The prevalence of drug use was 41.9 %, with alcohol (59.1 %), tobacco (35.1 %), and marijuana (22.3 %) being the most commonly used substances. Married individuals were 1.6 times more likely to use drugs compared to singles (AOR = 1.6, 95 % CI: 1.0–2.6, <em>p</em> = 0.030), and those with tertiary education were 2.1 times more likely to use drugs than those with secondary education or less (AOR = 2.1, 95 % CI: 1.5–3.1, <em>p</em> < 0.001). These associations were statistically significant, indicating that marital status and educational level are important socio-demographic predictors of recreational drug use</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The study stresses the need for drug education addressing health risks and social factors. Targeted interventions, including peer-influenced education and community support, are essential to reduce drug use among youths in Abraka. Nonetheless, future studies should address some limitations, such as examining the prevalence and predictors of recreational drug use in a more diverse demographic, including various age groups and gender representations, and reducing reliance on self-reported data regarding drug use behaviors and related health issues.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100180"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144913528","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
We aimed to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors in adults addicted to the Internet and compare them to controls.
Methods
The present case-control study was conducted on 780 individuals randomly selected from the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorders Study (MASHAD study). Addiction to the Internet was determined by the self-administered Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Participants with IAT scores >30 and lower than 30 were recruited to the Internet-addicted and control group, respectively. Demographic risk factors and laboratory findings were collected.
Results
We evaluated 780 participants, 191 with Internet addiction and 589 in the control group. The median age was 53 (9.0), and 61.2 % of participants were female. The Internet-addicted group was remarkably younger than the control group (P < 0.001). We found remarkable differences in job status (P = 0.002) and history of hypertension (P = 0.029) between the two groups. Furthermore, moderate Internet addiction individuals were younger (P < 0.001) and had significantly higher cholesterol levels than the mild group (P = 0.045). Internet addiction scores correlated remarkably with age (r= -0.025, P < 0.001), history of hypertension (r = 0.086, P = 0.016), history of cardiovascular diseases (r = 0.079, P = 0.026), and job status (r= -0.135, P < 0.001). In addition, linear regression supported that Internet addiction score is markedly associated with age (B= -0.35, 95 % CI: -0.46, -0.24; standard error= 0.055, and P < 0.001).
Conclusions
Internet addiction may be considered a potentially dangerous factor for health, especially in younger adults. Therefore, focusing on educational planning about the negative effects of excessive Internet use, as well as monitoring and controlling its use, seems necessary.
背景：我们的目的是评估成人网络成瘾的心血管危险因素，并将其与对照组进行比较。方法本病例对照研究从马什哈德卒中和心脏动脉粥样硬化疾病研究（MASHAD study）中随机选取780例。通过自我管理的网络成瘾测试（IAT）来确定网络成瘾。IAT分数为30分和低于30分的参与者分别被招募到网络成瘾组和对照组。收集人口危险因素和实验室结果。结果共评估了780名参与者，其中191名为网络成瘾者，589名为对照组。中位年龄为53岁（9.0岁），61.2%的参与者为女性。网络成瘾组明显比对照组年轻(P <；0.001)。我们发现两组在工作状态（P = 0.002）和高血压史（P = 0.029）上存在显著差异。此外，中度网络成瘾个体更年轻(P <；0.001)，胆固醇水平明显高于轻度组（P = 0.045）。网络成瘾得分与年龄显著相关(r= -0.025, P <；0.001)、高血压史（r= 0.086, P = 0.016）、心血管病史（r= 0.079, P = 0.026）、工作状况(r= -0.135, P <；0.001)。此外，线性回归支持网络成瘾得分与年龄显著相关(B= -0.35, 95% CI: -0.46, -0.24；标准误差= 0.055,P <；0.001)。结论网瘾可能被认为是一个潜在的健康危险因素，尤其是在年轻人中。因此，关注有关过度使用互联网的负面影响的教育规划，以及监控和控制其使用似乎是必要的。
{"title":"Assessing cardiovascular risks in Internet-addicted adults: A case-control analysis","authors":"Ramin Khameneh Bagheri , Alireza Ebrahimi , Vahid Reza Askari , Mohsen Moohebati , Majid Ghayour-Mobarhan , Mohammad Mansouripour , Mona Kabiri , Vafa Baradaran Rahimi","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100179","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100179","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>We aimed to evaluate cardiovascular risk factors in adults addicted to the Internet and compare them to controls.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The present case-control study was conducted on 780 individuals randomly selected from the Mashhad Stroke and Heart Atherosclerotic Disorders Study (MASHAD study). Addiction to the Internet was determined by the self-administered Internet Addiction Test (IAT). Participants with IAT scores >30 and lower than 30 were recruited to the Internet-addicted and control group, respectively. Demographic risk factors and laboratory findings were collected.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We evaluated 780 participants, 191 with Internet addiction and 589 in the control group. The median age was 53 (9.0), and 61.2 % of participants were female. The Internet-addicted group was remarkably younger than the control group (<em>P</em> < 0.001). We found remarkable differences in job status (<em>P</em> = 0.002) and history of hypertension (<em>P</em> = 0.029) between the two groups. Furthermore, moderate Internet addiction individuals were younger (<em>P</em> < 0.001) and had significantly higher cholesterol levels than the mild group (<em>P</em> = 0.045). Internet addiction scores correlated remarkably with age (<em>r</em>= -0.025, <em>P</em> < 0.001), history of hypertension (<em>r</em> = 0.086, <em>P</em> = 0.016), history of cardiovascular diseases (<em>r</em> = 0.079, <em>P</em> = 0.026), and job status (<em>r</em>= -0.135, <em>P</em> < 0.001). In addition, linear regression supported that Internet addiction score is markedly associated with age (<em>B</em>= -0.35, 95 % CI: -0.46, -0.24; standard error= 0.055, and <em>P</em> < 0.001).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Internet addiction may be considered a potentially dangerous factor for health, especially in younger adults. Therefore, focusing on educational planning about the negative effects of excessive Internet use, as well as monitoring and controlling its use, seems necessary.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100179"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144722651","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
New psychoactive substances (NPS) are a broad class of compounds that are typically designed to mimic illicit substances and circumvent legislative controls. It is often difficult to predict their toxicity and other health effects due to a lack of research and data. In this study, NPS are defined as substances that are not controlled under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) or otherwise regulated in Canada. Health Canada conducted the Online NPS Survey between March 2020 and March 2023 as a first step to identifying NPS used in Canada. The survey additionally aimed to characterize NPS use patterns in Canada and identify trends in the chemistry and pharmacology of reported substances. The online, self-administered questionnaire was regularly promoted on substance use discussion forums, harm reduction network sites, and social media. The questionnaire asked participants for information pertaining to an episode of NPS use in the past 12 months.
Results
Two hundred sixty-two (262) episodes of NPS use were reported, from which 38 unique NPS were identified. Twenty-four (24) were hallucinogens (63.2 %); six were sedatives (15.8 %); three were opioids (7.9 %); three were stimulants (7.9 %); one was a dissociative (2.6 %); and one was an antidepressant (2.6 %). The most common NPS chemical classes were tryptamines (34.2 %), lysergamides (18.4 %), and phenethylamines (7.9 %) all of which belong to the hallucinogen pharmacological class. The prevalence of hallucinogens reported in the survey may be largely due to the definition of NPS used in the study, which was restricted to substances that are not regulated in Canada.
The three most commonly reported NPS were 1-propionyl lysergic acid diethylamide (1P-LSD), 4-acetoxy-dimethyltryptamine (4-AcO-DMT), and 4‑hydroxy-N-methyl-N-ethyl tryptamine (4-HO-MET). Polysubstance use was reported in 131 (50.0 %) episodes of NPS use. Cannabis was reported as the most concurrently used substance (102 cases, 77.9 %) with NPS, followed by tobacco and alcohol in 34 (26.0 %) and 29 (22.1 %) cases, respectively. Of the responses that reported a source for the NPS in question, the majority claimed to have purchased the NPS from an online store. Unwanted health effects were reported in over 50 % of cases.
Conclusions
Structural trends amongst reported NPS were analysed, with a focus on hallucinogens of the tryptamine, lysergamide, and phenethylamine chemical classes. The survey provides valuable insight into NPS use and trends in Canada. More research is required to address specific concerns such as polysubstance use and health outcomes. More than half of reported episodes indicated unwanted health effects, indicating a need for further clinical research in NPS toxicology.
目的和范围新精神活性物质（NPS）是一类广泛的化合物，通常被设计成模仿非法物质并绕过立法控制。由于缺乏研究和数据，通常很难预测它们的毒性和其他健康影响。在本研究中，NPS被定义为不受受管制药物和物质法案（CDSA）或加拿大其他监管的物质。加拿大卫生部在2020年3月至2023年3月期间进行了在线NPS调查，作为确定加拿大使用的NPS的第一步。该调查还旨在确定加拿大NPS使用模式的特征，并确定所报告物质的化学和药理学趋势。这种自我管理的在线问卷定期在药物使用讨论论坛、减少危害网络网站和社交媒体上推广。调查问卷要求参与者提供过去12个月内使用NPS的相关信息。结果共报告NPS使用262例，鉴定出独特NPS 38例。致幻剂24例（63.2%）；6种为镇静剂（15.8%）；3种是阿片类药物（7.9%）；三种是兴奋剂（7.9%）；1例为分离性（2.6%）；其中一种是抗抑郁药（2.6%）。最常见的NPS化学类别是色胺（34.2%）、莱丝虫胺（18.4%）和苯乙胺（7.9%），它们都属于致幻剂药理类别。调查中报告的致幻剂的流行可能主要是由于研究中使用的NPS的定义，该定义仅限于在加拿大不受管制的物质。三种最常见的NPS是1-丙酰麦角酸二乙胺（1P-LSD）， 4-乙酰氧基二甲基色胺（4- acodmt）和4-羟基- n -甲基- n -乙基色胺（4- ho -met）。在131例（50.0%）NPS使用中报告了多物质使用。据报告，大麻是与NPS同时使用最多的物质（102例，77.9%），其次是烟草和酒精，分别有34例（26.0%）和29例（22.1%）。在报告有关国民年金来源的回答中，大多数人声称从网上商店购买了国民年金。在50%以上的病例中报告了有害的健康影响。结论对已报道的NPS的结构趋势进行了分析，重点分析了致幻剂的色胺、莱丝甘酰胺和苯乙胺化学类。该调查为加拿大NPS的使用和趋势提供了有价值的见解。需要进行更多的研究，以解决多种物质使用和健康结果等具体问题。报告的事件中有一半以上显示出有害的健康影响，表明需要对NPS毒理学进行进一步的临床研究。
{"title":"New psychoactive substances (NPS) identified in Canada: Results of the online NPS survey (2020–2023)","authors":"Sophie Rymill , Lexy Candler , Pavitra Ramachandran, Chantal Bacev-Giles , Raymond-Jonas Ngendabanka, Stephane Racine, Nancy He, Michelle Ross, Susantha Mohottalage","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100178","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100178","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose and scope</h3><div>New psychoactive substances (NPS) are a broad class of compounds that are typically designed to mimic illicit substances and circumvent legislative controls. It is often difficult to predict their toxicity and other health effects due to a lack of research and data. In this study, NPS are defined as substances that are not controlled under the <em>Controlled Drugs and Substances Act</em> (<em>CDSA</em>) or otherwise regulated in Canada. Health Canada conducted the Online NPS Survey between March 2020 and March 2023 as a first step to identifying NPS used in Canada. The survey additionally aimed to characterize NPS use patterns in Canada and identify trends in the chemistry and pharmacology of reported substances. The online, self-administered questionnaire was regularly promoted on substance use discussion forums, harm reduction network sites, and social media. The questionnaire asked participants for information pertaining to an episode of NPS use in the past 12 months.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Two hundred sixty-two (262) episodes of NPS use were reported, from which 38 unique NPS were identified. Twenty-four (24) were hallucinogens (63.2 %); six were sedatives (15.8 %); three were opioids (7.9 %); three were stimulants (7.9 %); one was a dissociative (2.6 %); and one was an antidepressant (2.6 %). The most common NPS chemical classes were tryptamines (34.2 %), lysergamides (18.4 %), and phenethylamines (7.9 %) all of which belong to the hallucinogen pharmacological class. The prevalence of hallucinogens reported in the survey may be largely due to the definition of NPS used in the study, which was restricted to substances that are not regulated in Canada.</div><div>The three most commonly reported NPS were 1-propionyl lysergic acid diethylamide (1P-LSD), 4-acetoxy-dimethyltryptamine (4-AcO-DMT), and 4‑hydroxy-N-methyl-N-ethyl tryptamine (4-HO-MET). Polysubstance use was reported in 131 (50.0 %) episodes of NPS use. Cannabis was reported as the most concurrently used substance (102 cases, 77.9 %) with NPS, followed by tobacco and alcohol in 34 (26.0 %) and 29 (22.1 %) cases, respectively. Of the responses that reported a source for the NPS in question, the majority claimed to have purchased the NPS from an online store. Unwanted health effects were reported in over 50 % of cases.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Structural trends amongst reported NPS were analysed, with a focus on hallucinogens of the tryptamine, lysergamide, and phenethylamine chemical classes. The survey provides valuable insight into NPS use and trends in Canada. More research is required to address specific concerns such as polysubstance use and health outcomes. More than half of reported episodes indicated unwanted health effects, indicating a need for further clinical research in NPS toxicology.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100178"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144704519","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study aimed to compare the clinicoepidemiological characteristics of opium poisoning with other types of opioids and analyze factors associated with opium poisoning.
Methods
This cross sectional study was conducted on patients with opioid poisoning from may 5, 2023 until may 5, 2024. Patients were divided into two groups: those with opium poisoning and those with other types of opioid poisoning. Data related to epidemiological, toxicological and clinical examinations as well as outcomes were collected.
Results
This study included a total of 762 patients with opioid poisoning over a one-year period, of whom 126 had ingested opium. Patients with opium poisoning were older, married, less educated and had a higher prevalence of underlying diseases compared to patients with other types of opioid poisoning. There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of their level of consciousness (P < 0.001). Confusion, stupor and coma were more prevalent among those with opium poisoning. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of intubation and outcome in both groups (P > 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression in opium poisoning revealed that for every one-year increase in age, the odds of opium poisoning increased by up to 5 % (OR = 1.05, 95 %CI (1.03–1.07); P < 0.001) compared to other opioid poisoning. In total 10 patients died, with 2 of them ingesting opium.
Conclusion
These findings could be helpful for risk assessment, management of opium poisoning and prevention strategies for the high-risk group.
{"title":"Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of opium poisoning compared to other opioids in a poisoning referral center: Registry based study","authors":"Rokhsareh Meamar , Sami Ebrahimi , Arman Otroshi , Awat Feizi , Nastaran Eizadi-Mood","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100177","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100177","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>This study aimed to compare the clinicoepidemiological characteristics of opium poisoning with other types of opioids and analyze factors associated with opium poisoning.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This cross sectional study was conducted on patients with opioid poisoning from may 5, 2023 until may 5, 2024. Patients were divided into two groups: those with opium poisoning and those with other types of opioid poisoning. Data related to epidemiological, toxicological and clinical examinations as well as outcomes were collected.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>This study included a total of 762 patients with opioid poisoning over a one-year period, of whom 126 had ingested opium. Patients with opium poisoning were older, married, less educated and had a higher prevalence of underlying diseases compared to patients with other types of opioid poisoning. There was a significant difference between the two groups in terms of their level of consciousness (P < 0.001). Confusion, stupor and coma were more prevalent among those with opium poisoning. There was no statistically significant difference in terms of intubation and outcome in both groups (<em>P</em> > 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression in opium poisoning revealed that for every one-year increase in age, the odds of opium poisoning increased by up to 5 % (OR = 1.05, 95 %CI (1.03–1.07); <em>P</em> < 0.001) compared to other opioid poisoning. In total 10 patients died, with 2 of them ingesting opium.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>These findings could be helpful for risk assessment, management of opium poisoning and prevention strategies for the high-risk group.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100177"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144685534","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Child-clinician interpersonal dynamics are central to psychotherapy and are increasingly acknowledged as key elements in autism intervention. However, quantitatively studying fine-grained aspects such as the child-clinician synchrony patterns poses challenges, limiting translational research. Moreover, synchrony is rarely investigated with a long-term perspective. This study employed an AI-based, fully automated computational pipeline to analyze child-clinician interpersonal acoustic synchrony through the lens of complex dynamic systems and affective computing.
Methods
We followed 25 autistic preschoolers over one year of Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI). Three 60-minute intervention sessions, at the beginning, after three months, and after one year, were analyzed second-by-second, totaling 75 videos. After AI-based automatic speech segmentation, acoustic synchrony was assessed using Cross-Recurrence Quantification Analysis to derive interaction metrics over the entire therapy sessions employing affective prosodic features. Robust Bayesian correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between affective acoustic synchrony and developmental learning rates at different time points.
Results
No significant associations were found at baseline, while correlations emerged after three months and became more pronounced at one year. Early in therapy, interactions with a stronger internal structure, particularly in loudness, spectral dynamics, and voice quality, were linked to higher developmental gains. After one year, the relationship between synchrony and response shifted toward metrics reflecting transition dynamics and stability. Associations with fine-grained spectral features particularly characterized this phase.
Discussion
Specific and different synchrony aspects were associated with therapy response trajectories both in the initial and latter phases of therapy. Acoustic features involved in intervention response are known to participate in the emotional content of speech, highlighting the contribution of affective aspects to therapy.
These findings provide valuable insights into the role of interpersonal synchrony in autism intervention and underscore the potential of computational methods in monitoring treatment progress.
{"title":"Child-therapist acoustic synchrony and response trajectories in autism intervention: an AI-based automated analysis using dynamic systems theory and affective computing","authors":"Giulio Bertamini , Silvia Perzolli , Arianna Bentenuto , Cesare Furlanello , Mohamed Chetouani , David Cohen , Paola Venuti","doi":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100176","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.etdah.2025.100176","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Introduction</h3><div>Child-clinician interpersonal dynamics are central to psychotherapy and are increasingly acknowledged as key elements in autism intervention. However, quantitatively studying fine-grained aspects such as the child-clinician synchrony patterns poses challenges, limiting translational research. Moreover, synchrony is rarely investigated with a long-term perspective. This study employed an AI-based, fully automated computational pipeline to analyze child-clinician interpersonal acoustic synchrony through the lens of complex dynamic systems and affective computing.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We followed 25 autistic preschoolers over one year of Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention (NDBI). Three 60-minute intervention sessions, at the beginning, after three months, and after one year, were analyzed second-by-second, totaling 75 videos. After AI-based automatic speech segmentation, acoustic synchrony was assessed using Cross-Recurrence Quantification Analysis to derive interaction metrics over the entire therapy sessions employing affective prosodic features. Robust Bayesian correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between affective acoustic synchrony and developmental learning rates at different time points.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>No significant associations were found at baseline, while correlations emerged after three months and became more pronounced at one year. Early in therapy, interactions with a stronger internal structure, particularly in loudness, spectral dynamics, and voice quality, were linked to higher developmental gains. After one year, the relationship between synchrony and response shifted toward metrics reflecting transition dynamics and stability. Associations with fine-grained spectral features particularly characterized this phase.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion</h3><div>Specific and different synchrony aspects were associated with therapy response trajectories both in the initial and latter phases of therapy. Acoustic features involved in intervention response are known to participate in the emotional content of speech, highlighting the contribution of affective aspects to therapy.</div><div>These findings provide valuable insights into the role of interpersonal synchrony in autism intervention and underscore the potential of computational methods in monitoring treatment progress.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":72899,"journal":{"name":"Emerging trends in drugs, addictions, and health","volume":"5 ","pages":"Article 100176"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144510888","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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