Kerman University of Medical SciencesAddiction and Health2008-463313320210801Information Needs of Addicted Individuals: A Qualitative Case Study138479173010.22122/ahj.v13i3.312ENMaryamEslami-JahromiDepartment of Health Information Management, School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of
Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-3843-6083SarehKeshvardoostMedical Informatics Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences,
Kerman, Iran0000-0002-5727-1616RoghayehErshad-SarabiMedical Informatics Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences,
Kerman, Iran0000-0001-8926-0156KambizBahaadinbeigyMedical Informatics Research Center, Institute for Futures Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences,
Kerman, Iran0000-0002-5430-3758Journal Article20210925Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the information needs of addicts from the perspective of addicts. By identifying the experiences of the individuals involved in addiction and assessing the information they need, targeted educational interventions can be provided to meet their needs.<br />Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 addicts in two addiction outpatient clinics. Data were analyzed using the qualitative content analysis approach proposed by Graneheim and Lundman.<br />Findings: The information needs of the interviewees included recognizing types of addictive substances and the degree of dependence on them, awareness of the physical and psychological symptoms of addiction to various addictive substances, awareness of various pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments, physical and psychological symptoms of quitting addiction, awareness of the length of treatment, knowledge about the dose and degree of dependence on drugs, recognizing the causes of failure in quitting addiction, awareness of governmental and non-governmental services, and awareness of the psychological measures and care services necessary after quitting addiction.<br />Conclusion: The results of the study showed that the knowledge and awareness of addicted individuals in various fields of addiction is low and it is necessary to provide education based on the information needs of these individuals. This requires the cooperation and efforts of policy makers, the Ministry of Education, welfare managers, and specialists in camps and addiction treatment centers. Specialists in addiction treatment clinics can use the information needs of addicts determined in this study to enrich the education of addicts.https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_91730_9695d9936aeb761d51465d2c1f296ff7.pdfKerman University of Medical SciencesAddiction and Health2008-463313320210801Impact of Chronic Alcohol and Opioid Dependence on Biochemical Parameters: A Retrospective Case Control Study from a Tertiary Care Treatment Center in North India148559173110.22122/ahj.v13i3.1215ENRizwanaQuraishiNational Drug Dependence Treatment Center, Department of Psychiatry, India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India0000-0001-9759-0542SiddharthSarkarNational Drug Dependence Treatment Center, Department of Psychiatry, India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India0000-0002-3827-1549RakaJainNational Drug Dependence Treatment Center, Department of Psychiatry, India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India0000-0002-9239-0020Journal Article20210925Background: Assessment of biochemical parameters can help in the comprehensive management of patients with substance use disorders (SUDs). The aim of this study was to analyse the biochemical parameters of patients with alcohol and opioid dependence at an addiction treatment facility.<br />Methods: This retrospective study analysed the investigation reports of male patients (aged 18 to 70 years) who visited outpatient department (OPD) with primary diagnosis as opioid dependence syndrome (ODS) or alcohol dependence syndrome (ADS). The data included liver function tests (LFTs), kidney function tests (KFTs), and electrolyte tests conducted in the laboratory in a span of one year.<br />Findings: The study included 713 ADS, 654 ODS, and 227 controls. The ADS group showed significant elevations in mean values of bilirubin, aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) as compared to other groups. A significant decrease in albumin levels in ADS group and raised potassium levels in ODS group was observed. De Ritis ratio above threshold (AST/ALT > 2.0) alone and along with raised GGT levels was observed among 11.3% and 9.7% of patients with ADS, respectively (P < 0.001). Electrolyte abnormalities were present in about 20% of patients with ADS and ODS as compared to 8.4% among controls (P < 0.001).<br />Conclusion: LFT and electrolyte abnormalities are frequently observed in patients with alcohol and opioid dependence. De Ritis ratio along with raised GGT levels significantly denotes ADS group. These results merit attention in the course of clinical care of alcohol and opioid-dependent patients.https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_91731_8aa86019d8d080297b770a2df3e068c0.pdfKerman University of Medical SciencesAddiction and Health2008-463313320210801Oral Health Determinants among Opium Users in Kerman, Iran156649173210.22122/ahj.v13i3.307ENAmir HosseinNekoueiSocial Determinants on Oral Health Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran0000-0003-0163-0912SinaKakooeiEndodontology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran0000-0001-7383-4098HamidNajafipourPhysiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran0000-0002-8030-8704ShahlaKakoeiEndodontology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran0000-0002-0908-8788Journal Article20210925Background: Promoting oral health is a complicated issue among drug abusers and opium is the most frequent drug abused in Iran. This study aims to find the oral health determinants of opium users in Kerman, Iran.<br />Methods: This cross-sectional study was a part of the second phase of Kerman coronary artery disease risk factors study (KERCADRS, 2014-2018). In this survey, the data of 1140 opium users were analyzed. The information about using a toothbrush, dental floss, number of dental visits at last year, age of first use of opium, duration, and opium consumption frequency was recorded. The total number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) index and Community Periodontal Index (CPI) was recorded by an oral examination. Poisson and logistic regressions analyses were used for assessing the relationship among variables.<br />Findings: The mean age of participants was 52 ± 12 years. 74.4% were men and 24.6% were women. The average DMFT index was 15.7 ± 7.6 and the prevalence of a healthy CPI score was 18.5%. Educational level (P < 0.001), brushing (P < 0.001), flossing (P < 0.001), dental visit (P < 0.001), first age of using opium (P < 0.001), frequency of consumption (P < 0.001), and age (P < 0.001) were associated with DMFT index. Only using floss (P < 0.001), dental visit [odds ratio (OR) = 1.80, P = 0.030], frequency of consumption (OR = 2.92, P < 0.001), and age (P = 0.001) were associated with CPI score.<br />Conclusion: The frequency of opium consumption has the same effect on caries incidence as oral hygiene habits. Moreover, using dental floss has a more significant effect on the periodontal health of participants.https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_91732_7b6fccbe5292c3b2d58daf38d5c0f345.pdfKerman University of Medical SciencesAddiction and Health2008-463313320210801Tramadol Treatment Induces Change in Phospho-Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Response Element-Binding Protein and Delta and Mu Opioid Receptors within Hippocampus and Amygdala Areas of Rat Brain165759175610.22122/ahj.v13i3.306ENHamidAhmadian-MoghadamIranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-6362-6583Mitra SadatSadat-ShiraziCognitive and Neuroscience Research Center, Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Branch, Islamic Azad University,
Tehran, Iran0000-0002-1905-2500SomaiyehAzmounDepartment of Environmental Health Sciences, Florida International University, Florida, USA0000-0003-4951-614XRezaVafadoostDepartment of Pathology, School of Dentistry, Islamic Azad University, Tehran Medical Branch, Tehran, Iran0000-0003-0042-9184SolmazKhalifehCognitive and Neuroscience Research Center, Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Branch, Islamic Azad University,
Tehran, Iran0000-0002-5192-6634Mohammad RezaZarrindastDepartment of Pharmacology, School of Medicine AND Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies AND Endocrinology and
Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran0000-0002-0688-5378Journal Article20211026Background: Tramadol induces its unique effects through opioid pathways, but the exact mechanism is not known. The study aims to evaluate changes in the level of mu-opioid receptor (μOR), delta-opioid receptor (δOR), and phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element-binding protein (p-CREB) in the hippocampus (HPC) and amygdala (AL) areas of tramadol-treated rats.<br />Methods: For this purpose, a total of 36 male rats were divided into two main groups for chronic or acute tramadol exposure. The animals were then exposed to 5 mg.kg-1 of tramadol, 10 mg.kg-1 of tramadol, and normal saline. The HPC and AL areas of the animals were dissected upon completion of the period. The levels of p-CREB and μOR were quantified using the western blotting technique. The data were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post-hoc analysis. The differences with the P-value lower than 0.05 were considered as significant.<br />Findings: In the HPC and AL areas of the brain, the level of μOR was decreased by acute tramadol exposure, while no significant difference was observed by chronic tramadol exposure. Moreover, results showed that the level of p-CREB dose-dependently increased by acute and chronic tramadol exposure.<br />Conclusion: HPC and AL are essential in the control of tramadol abuse. Tramadol abuse affects gene expression and transcription factors such as CREB. With acute drug tramadol treatments, the level of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) rapidly increases, while by chronic tramadol treatment, “peak and trough pattern is observing”. The activation of the rewarding mechanism is a precise instance of addictive behavior in tramadol-treated individuals.https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_91756_8a501e32b14117fa0629a1ebcfeb9a95.pdfKerman University of Medical SciencesAddiction and Health2008-463313320210801Prevalence of Respiratory Disorders during Sleep among Subjects of Methadone Maintenance Therapy Program176849173410.22122/ahj.v13i3.311ENAliTalaeiPsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0002-7194-1479FahimehAfzaljavanPsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0001-7413-6945ShabnamNiroumandDepartment of Community Medicine, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0002-6479-1636RahelehNejatiPsychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0001-8078-7082Journal Article20210925Background: Respiratory disorders during sleep are considered a health problem affecting the life quality. There is some evidence indicating the higher prevalence of apnea in substance-dependent patients. However, there is no information on the prevalence of the disease in people under methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). Therefore, the present study was designed to estimate the disease rate in these patients and consider the relationship of the increasing risk of apnea with some psychiatric problems.<br />Methods: Study group included 152 individuals under the MMT program. Baseline data were collected with the interview, and patients were considered using the STOP-BANG questionnaire to evaluate the risk of apnea. Furthermore, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) tests were performed for all participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS software.<br />Findings: Based on the STOP-BANG score categories, 37.5%, 40.1%, and 22.4% of patients indicated low, intermediate, and high risk of apnea, respectively. Moreover, severe daytime sleepiness, fatigue, depression, and anxiety were observed in 5.3%, 5.5%, 6.0%, and 21.1% of participants, respectively. Sex (P = 0.007) and daytime sleepiness (P = 0.048) were significantly different between low and high-risk groups of apnea after adjustment. Besides, age (P < 0.001) and fatigue (P = 0.007) were factors predicting the STOP-BANG score.<br />Conclusion: These findings revealed the higher prevalence of apnea in MMT patients compared to the general population of Iran and rising of the risk of apnea along with an increase in age and fatigue score. However, attention to the sleep disorders in MMT is a prominent factor that should be considered as a route of therapy.https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_91734_4f36f0ce1bd0359d2c15930210755887.pdfKerman University of Medical SciencesAddiction and Health2008-463313320210801Awareness and Attitudes of Mongolian Adolescents and Youth toward Alcohol Consumption and Alcohol-related Harm185939175010.22122/ahj.v13i3.1250ENKhishigtogtokhDashpuntsagDepartment of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar,
Mongolia0000-0002-5261-6224UnurtsetsegChandagaDepartment of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar,
Mongolia0000-0001-6372-7205NyamsurenTserennadmidDepartment of Philosophy and Religious Studies, School of Sciences, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia0000-0001-5675-474XUdvaltsestegBat-OchirDepartment of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar,
Mongolia0000-0003-2781-9238YerkyebulanMukhtarDepartment of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences,
Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia0000-0002-0912-1517Gan ErdeneAltankhuyagDepartment of Health Social Work and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical
Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia0000-0003-2463-4326NadmidtserenGombodorjDepartment of Health Social Work and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical
Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia0000-0003-0113-4070OyunbilegDulamsurenDepartment of Health Social Work and Social Sciences, School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical
Sciences, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia0000-0001-6191-9326MyadagmaaJaalkhorolDepartment of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Ulaanbaatar,
Mongolia0000-0002-5216-4678Journal Article20211016Background: This study aimed to examine alcohol consumption among Mongolian adolescents and youth, as well as their awareness and attitudes toward alcohol-related consequences.<br />Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional data collected from students in secondary schools, colleges, and universities in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, using descriptive analysis methods.<br />Findings: More than half of respondents had tried alcohol in the past, and 15.9% of high school students and 58.8% of university students had consumed alcohol in the last month (P = 0.0001). In total, 70.0% of respondents celebrated holidays with alcohol, 23.4% had economic problems due to alcohol consumption, 7.8% had health problems 1-2 times in the last 30 days, and roughly 36.0% had negative attitudes toward alcohol. Approximately, 15.0% of adolescents and young people had an insufficient understanding of anti-alcohol measures and laws.<br />Conclusion: Our findings suggest that Mongolian adolescents and youth have a high level of alcohol consumption and insufficient awareness and attitude regarding alcohol-related harm.https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_91750_d874b07b2fe0390effd98305b4866ad8.pdfKerman University of Medical SciencesAddiction and Health2008-463313320210801Pattern of Tobacco Use and Perceived Risk of COVID-19 Following Tobacco Use among the COVID-19 Patients of a Tertiary Health Care Institution in Eastern India1942049175410.22122/ahj.v13i3.1262ENBijaya NandaNaikDepartment of Community and Family Medicine (CFM), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, India0000-0002-8581-0613SanjayPandeyDepartment of Community and Family Medicine (CFM), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, India0000-0002-0742-6763ChandramaniSinghDepartment of Community and Family Medicine (CFM), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, India0000-0002-5568-7036Santosh KumarNiralaDepartment of Community and Family Medicine (CFM), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, India0000-0002-2166-9470PurusottamKumarDepartment of Community and Family Medicine (CFM), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, India0000-0001-6265-9351ManishaVermaDepartment of Community and Family Medicine (CFM), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, India0000-0001-7918-5340Journal Article20211026Background: COVID-19 presented an unprecedented situation in which behavioural factors including tobacco use were believed to increase the risk of morbidity and mortality. The objective of the present study was to find the tobacco use pattern among the COVID-19 patients and the perceived risk of developing severe COVID-19 following tobacco use.<br />Methods: This hospital-based, cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted among 300 COVID-19 patients at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Patna, India, during November and December 2020 using a semi-structured, pretested questionnaire. Descriptive and univariate analyses were performed using statistical software and the results were presented as proportion and percentage.<br />Findings: About 27% and 16% of the COVID-19 patients were ever and current tobacco users, respectively. Quit attempts were found to have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. A majority (65%) of current tobacco users had reduced their amount of tobacco use. Nearly 2 in every 3 patients perceived high risk of developing severe COVID-19 following tobacco use. Perceived risk was significantly higher among tobacco non-users, patients who were aware of the ill health effects of tobacco use, and patients who had noticed anti-tobacco messages or had been advised to quit tobacco. Among the current tobacco users, a significantly higher proportion of patients who perceived high risk of developing severe COVID-19 following tobacco use had made quit attempts or had reduced tobacco consumption during the pandemic (76.7% vs. 40%; P = 0.032).<br />Conclusion: A high proportion of COVID-19 patients believed that tobacco use aggravated the COVID-19 condition. Increased quit attempts and reduction in tobacco consumption during this pandemic is a positive sign for tobacco controlhttps://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_91754_494ee79013d80f6a08d233db9fa76869.pdfKerman University of Medical SciencesAddiction and Health2008-463313320210801How to “Immunize” Children against Drug and Alcohol Abuse20569173710.22122/ahj.v13i3.308ENAbedinIranpourHIV/STI Surveillance Research Center, and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance Institute for Futures Studies in
Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran0000-0002-7746-5709Journal Article20210928https://ahj.kmu.ac.ir/article_91737_e89a73bc434c8543833b9fc897b931a0.pdf