Effect of Unobserved Contextual Factors on the Prevalence of New Psychoactive Substance Use in Thailand

2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 252-259

Objective: To explore the associations of characteristics of the cluster environment with new psychoactive substances (NPS) use in Thailand. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was done on 30,411 Thai people, stratified in multi-stage cluster sampling. Trained interviewers conducted a semi-structured interview in 2016. A multilevel binary logistic regression model was employed to estimate the effects of the cluster environment on the NPS use. Results: NPS was widely used. The past month prevalence was 13.6%, and habitual use was 4.4%. Clustering significantly affects the spread of NPS use. Controlling for cluster effects, a likelihood of current NPS use was associated with elementary education, occupation, and reported health problems. While a higher likelihood of habitual NPS use was associated with elementary education, employed, and perceived mental health problem. Conclusion: NPS use was influenced by characteristics of the cluster environment. Therefore, demand reduction strategies should be designed based on a consideration of the impact of cluster context on NPS use behaviors. Keywords: Cluster effect, New psychoactive substance, NPS, Thailand

1993 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moshe Sadowsky ◽  
Helen Antonovsky ◽  
Reuven Sobel ◽  
Benyamin Maoz

A cross-sectional study of 60 men aged 65–80 was carried out to test the impact of the aging process on sexual hormones (testoterone, FSH, LH, prolactin), sexual activity, and the relations between them. Blood samples for hormone assays were taken between 8–9 A.M. in the primary care clinic at which the participants were registered. Data on sexual activity (coitus), sexual desire (libido), marital status, and age were obtained from the respondents by means of a structured interview. No relationship was found between testosterone (T) or prolactin (PL) and sexual activity. Nevertheless, a statistically significant relationship between FSH and LH versus age, and an inverse relationship between sexual activity and age were found. Hypogonadism (T level less than 3ng/ml) with normal levels of FSH and LH was observed in 11 respondents.


2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-97
Author(s):  
R Ara ◽  
MN Uddin ◽  
MA Wahab ◽  
L Khondker ◽  
MSI Khan

Introduction: The consequences of HIV/AIDS are alarming. It causes not only loss of live but also social and economic disruption. Being deadly disease, HIV/AIDS has become an important issue of recent times throughout the world. To date, little is known about awareness of HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh. Objectives: To assess the level of knowledge regarding Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrom (AIDS) among the adult population of a rural community. Place and Period of study: the study was done at ‘Tepir Bari, Saitalia, Tengra’ village under ‘Teli Hati’ union of Shreepur Upazilla in Gazipur district during the study period of 27 March 2010 to 31 April 2011. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional type of study was conducted with 360 respondents. Semi structured interview schedule was used for collection of information and sampling technique was ‘selective cluster sampling’. Results: Among the total 360 respondents 92.5% respondents had knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS and 7.50% had no knowledge about HIV/AIDS. The respondents who were familiar with the term of HIV/AIDS, 86.79% had gathered information from mass media. Most of respondents 83.78% consider that sexual route is the principal means of spreading HIV/AIDS. According to them the other most common ways of spreading HIV/AIDS were sharing same needle (49.55%), through blood and blood products (43.24%), vertical transmission 19.21%. Among 333 respondents,64.72% considered that the top most high risk group was commercial sex workers. 55% considered individuals sharing same needle, 40.2% thought individuals having illegal relationships, 23.33% considered unsafe blood recipients, 11.11% considered drivers, 10.28% considered frequent traveler and 15.83% respondents had no knowledge about high risk groups. Regarding the knowledge about preventing HIV/AIDS majority of respondents (64.44%) considered that the safe sexual behavior is the main way to prevent HIV/AIDS. 32.22% respondents considered using unshared needle, 28.89% respondents thought health education regarding AIDS, 26.44% individuals thought proper maintenance of religious values, 21.44% considered proper screening where as 16.11% respondents had no knowledge about preventive measures. Conclusion: Among the study subjects majority of the respondents had knowledge regarding HIV/AIDS and few had no knowledge and they need information and health education. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v9i1.18737 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.9(1) 2013: 90-97


Author(s):  
Arnis Slesars ◽  
Aija Jermacāne

A new psychoactive substance is defined as a new narcotic or psychotropic drug, in pure form or in preparation, that is not controlled by the United Nations drug conventions (1961, 1971), but which may pose a public health threat comparable to that posed by substances listed in these conventions. The author researched and analyzed: 1.History of new psychoactive substances in Latvia; 2.Legislative approaches for restricting new psychoactive substances in Latvia; 3.Advantages and disadvantages of criminal liability against new psychoactive substances in Latvia.


Author(s):  
Andrejs Vilks

In the century of modern technologies the human behaviour models are changing, new types of addiction are developing, including addiction to processes (cyber, games addiction), as well as addiction to new substances. Among young people there is observed an increased spreading of new psychotropic substances, manufacturing of which is very simple, but their realization determines possibilities for a markedly great profit. In the cultural environment of young people the new traditions are formed, specific elements of subculture, positive attitude towards being able to use and apply something new. A new value system is developing with a sense of unlimited freedom and extensive rights. Along with the chances to buy and use new psychoactive substances, the changes occur also in the young people’s psyche, affecting their emotional and physical condition. A new, socially-pedagogical approach is needed in restriction of the use of these new psychoactive substance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 19
Author(s):  
Marco Riguzzi ◽  
Shkumbin Gashi ◽  
Iren Bischofberger

Objective: To determine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers and healthcare students in higher education and to assess their clinical knowledge, media use, risk perception, perception of governmental measures, and adherence to preventive guidelines to provide policymakers with field-based evidence.Methods: This cross-sectional quantitative survey was conducted by two-stage cluster sampling among Swiss healthcare workers, who performed patient care during the first pandemic wave, and who also pursued an education at a university of applied sciences at the same time (a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in nursing or an executive degree in healthcare). 75 individuals participated between 5th May and 1st June 2020. Their data was analyzed by bivariate hypothesis testing and multiple logistic regression.Results: Considerable levels of task-related and emotional stress were prevalent, accompanied by a large proportion of respondents who did not have sufficient protective materials or necessary decisions in place to effectively protect themselves or others from infection with COVID-19. Knowledge was considerably limited, especially regarding the efficacy of standard hygiene as a preventive measure. The preparation of the government and the healthcare sector was perceived as insufficient.Conclusions: Comprehensive management of infodemic challenges and foresighted development of education, human resources, clinical processes, and protective materials are highly recommended.


2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. e640 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lucia Helena Gonzales Real ◽  
Karen Jansen ◽  
Fernanda Pedrotti Moreira ◽  
André Gonzales Real

Objective: Describe the profile of the HIV/AIDS patients who use psychoactive substances; relate the use of psychoactive substances and Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) to non-adherence; and identify the main barriers for non-adherence. Methods: A cross-sectional study in a population of HIV/AIDS patients under ART prescription. Non-adherence to ART was considered when the patients presented a viral load higher than 40 copies per mL. The use of psychoactive substances was evaluated by Alcohol, Smoking and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). Results: From 320 HIV/AIDS patients analyzed, 18.8% were not adhering to ART, 25.8% used alcohol, 21.7% smoked and 29.7% used some illicit psychoactive substance. The barriers were: high number of pills to be taken; fear that other people may know they are sick; difficulty of taking so many pills (if they do not feel sick); and they do not believe in the efficacy of the treatment (would rather try alternative treatments). Conclusion: Patients under higher risk are not white and young, from lower social classes, and use psychoactive substances. Strategies should focus on the promotion of adherence considering the barriers reported.


1970 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 48-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gias Uddin ◽  
Md Mizanur Rahman ◽  
Syed Md Akram Hussain

Tobacco consumption is harmful to health, and is one of the main causes of death in worldwide. It is evident that the prevalence of tobacco consumption is raising in most of low and middle income countries. Considering this, a cross sectional study was conducted in a selected urban area of southern Bangladesh with a view to assessing the prevalence of tobacco consumption and factors affecting the use of tobacco use. Multistage cluster sampling technique was adopted to select the urban ward and the respondents were selected systematically. A total of 399 respondents were interviewed face to face using a semi-structured interview schedule. Analysis shows that 30% of the population of aged 18 years above were currently using tobacco of any form. The mean age of starting tobacco use was 18.8 years. The most frequent form of tobacco use was smoking cigarette followed by Zarda with betal quid. Multivariate analysis revealed that illiterate respondents were 3.3 times more tobacco users than their educated counterparts. It was also higher among the Muslims (OR=4.979; 95% CI=1.255-19.754). Tobacco use was also high among the labourer (OR=8.541; 95% CI=2.422-30.120) and businessmen (OR=7.727, 95% CI=2.501-23.875). However, no statistically significant association was found between current tobacco use and age, sex, housing condition and knowledge on tobacco use (p>0.05). The finding of this study suggests that as tobacco use is more prevalent among the poor and illiterate segment of the population, strong implementation of anti-tobacco legislation is warranted.   DOI: 10.3329/bmj.v38i2.3573 Bangladesh Medical Journal 38(2) 2009 48-52


2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 57
Author(s):  
Anjali Ghodasara ◽  
Marisa Deliso ◽  
Satesh Bidaisee

This study assessed knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of various stakeholders in Grenada regarding genetically modified organisms and the release of genetically modified mosquitoes. The study adopted a cross sectional design with a study population that comprised of members from seven stakeholder groups of civil society in Grenada. The sample population was obtained through a snowballing strategy and data collection for the study consisted of a semi-structured interview. Data was managed through the collection and reviewing of data from transcribed interview notes, as well as observations and interpretations made during the field collection. Interview recordings were analyzed to identify emerging themes. These themes were ranked according to the frequency with which they appeared, and main concepts identified by linking related themes. Most groups supported the use of genetically modified mosquitoes against Zika, but there were several varying concerns, including environmental worries and the impact of these organisms on humans. Many questioned the characteristics of Zika itself, and some believed Zika is a man-made virus created in a lab. Others doubted the link of Zika virus to microcephaly and other birth defects, and some were unsure if Zika virus is transmitted by mosquitoes. There is a wide range of differing knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions towards genetically modifying technology in general and towards mosquitoes in response to Zika.


2020 ◽  
Vol 16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Solmaz Ghanbari-Homayi ◽  
Sakineh Mohammad-Alizadeh-Charandabi ◽  
Shahla Meedya ◽  
Mohammad Asghari Jafarabadi ◽  
Eesa Mohammadi ◽  
...  

Background: Some women may consider childbirth an unpleasant event, which can influence their decisions on subsequent pregnancies and type of birth. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of negative childbirth experience and its relationship with women’s attitudes towards subsequent pregnancy and vaginal birth. Methods: The study design was a cross-sectional. A cluster sampling was used to recruit 800 primiparous women from health centers in Tabriz, Iran. The Persian version of the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire was used to assess women’s childbirth experiences. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to assess the impact of childbirth experiences on women’s attitudes towards subsequent pregnancy and vaginal birth. Results: Thirty-seven percent of women reported a negative childbirth experience. There was a statistically significant relationship between childbirth experience and the attitude of women towards subsequent pregnancy (p<0.001) and vaginal birth (p<0.001). By controlling the effects of potential confounding variables such as socio demographic characteristics, negative childbirth experience was found to be an independent predictive factor for women’s reluctance towards subsequent pregnancies [OR= 0.42 (CI 95%: 0.57 to 0.31), p<0.001] and vaginal birth [OR= 0.08 (CI 95%: 0.14 to 0.04); p<0.001]. Conclusion: Negative childbirth experience is associated with a reduced willingness for women to get pregnant again and have vaginal birth. It is recommended that key stakeholders pay attention to strategies to improve childbirth experiences among primiparous women in Iran.


Author(s):  
Priyanka Rajmohan ◽  
Joe Thomas ◽  
Jubina Bency Anthoora Thodi ◽  
Unnikrishnan Uttumadathil Gopinathan

Background: In India, an estimated 20,88,638 people are living with HIV/AIDS (prevalence 0.27%). The people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) are facing double burden of physical and psychosocial impact of infection. This study is conducted to determine prevalence of HIV related stigma among PLHA and to find the association between stigma and adherence to Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART) among HIV patients in central Kerala.Methods: A cross-sectional study was done from July to December 2018 among 105 adult HIV positive patients who have enrolled in Thrissur Network of People living with HIV/AIDS (TNP PLUS). After obtaining informed consent, the participants were interviewed using a structured interview schedule consisting of questions on socio-demographic details, stigma and ART adherence.Results: The prevalence of high stigma was found to be 21% and moderate stigma 61%.Out of 105 study subjects,68 (64.8%) were found to have a high adherence to ART (≥95%) and 37 (35.2%) were found to have a low adherence (<95%). Patients who had a moderate/high internalized stigma tend to have a low adherence to ART as compared to patients who had low stigma (OR=3.4 (1.2-12.8) p=0.04). On analyzing the association between the different forms of stigma and adherence to ART, isolation by family members, abandoned by friends and verbal stigma were significantly associated with low ART adherence.Conclusions: HIV related internalized stigma was pervasive among the study subjects. These patients also experience other forms of enacted stigma. The presence of internalized stigma was found to be significantly associated with low adherence to ART.


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