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conferenceseries.com
Volume 21 International Journal of Emergency Mental
Health and Human Resilience
ISSN: 1522-4821
Mental Health 2019
March 07-08, 2019
March 07-08, 2019 | Barcelona, Spain
5th International Conference on
Mental Health and Human Resilience
The characteristics of substance abusers attending a detox hospital in Oman and patterns of their
utilization of healthcare services
Al Khatib Rashid Al Saadi1, Nabila Al Wahaibi2, Anwaar Al Lawati2, Falaah Al Ruqeishy2, Abdulla Al Khatri3, Tahira M A Juma2, Fatma Al Hinai2,
Nasser Al-Sibani4 and Samir Al-Adawi4
1Oman Medical Speciality Board, Oman
2Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health, Oman
3Al Masarra Hospital, Ministry of Health, Oman
4Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
Introduction: It is indicated that Oman is witnessing an increase in issues pertinent to alcohol and drug abuse.
Aim: The aim of this study was to identify the characteristics of drug abusers attending a detox hospital in Oman
and the pattern of their healthcare services utilization. Related aim was to ascertain the age group most vulnerable
to alcohol and drug abuse.
Method: A cross sectional study was conducted in a tertiary care center for alcohol and drug abuse in Oman. The
patients who are in treatment for detox were selected from a convenience sample from among patients who were
seeking consultation for alcohol and drug abuse at the center. A six-part questionnaire was designed to solicit their
socio-demographic background and clinical history, as well as healthcare utilization and its perceived barriers. Chi-
square analysis was used to evaluate significance of differences among categorical data. Logistic regression modelling
was used to obtain measures of associations after adjusting for confounding factors.
Results: Among patients (n=293) seeking detox, 99% were male and younger than 30 years. A peer influence on the
initiation to substance abuse problems was significant. Most patients had poly-substance abuse problems including
intravenous drug abuse. Cannabis and alcohol were the first substances consumed by most patients. Hepatitis C
and psychiatric disorders were found to be the most common co-morbidities. Those dependent on cannabis and
benzodiazepines were more likely to perceive “improvement” upon receiving detox.
Conclusion: This study indicates that males below 30 years of age with poly substance abuse problems are likely
to attend a detox hospital in Oman. This study has identified the socio-demographic background, risk factors and
perceived barriers that could lay groundwork for further scrutiny on emerging substance abuse problems in Oman.
Biography
Al Khatib Rashid Al Saadi, MD, graduated from college of Medicine at Sultan Qaboos University in Oman and first year Psychiatry Resident in Oman Medical
Speciality Board. He is interested in drug addiction and participant in community psychiatry awareness programs and campaigns.
Al Khatib Rashid Al Saadi et al., Int J Emerg Ment Health 2019, Volume 21
DOI: 10.4172/1522-4821-C1-027