Substance use among Iranian older adults: opium, a substance for all seasons

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Substance use is one of the most important global issues that have become a worldwide psychological, social, and familial problem among older adults, but epidemiologic studies remain sparse especially in developing countries. The current study aims to examine the prevalence and related factors for substance use among older adults in Tehran, Iran.

Methods

The sample consisted of 1280 community-dwelling individuals aged over 60 years. A linear logistic regression model and bivariate analyses were done to test the relationship between substance use and related explanatory variable.

Results

The prevalence of current substance use (past 30 days) was 11.3% (95% CI: 10.98, 11.61); such a way that opium was the most commonly used drug (74.3%), followed by alcohol (20.83%). The main reason for substance use was pain relief (66.01%). Substance use was more among men, the most elderly, those with low educational levels, and those who have musculoskeletal disorders. In addition, there was a significant relationship between social networks, perceived health status, and income level with substance use.

Discussion

Policies aimed to improve access to health and rehabilitation services, re-building support networks, and developing health literacy can lead to a reduced rate of substance use among older adults.

KEYWORDS:

• Substance use
• older adults
• opium
• Iran

Abbreviations

PSS: Perceived Social Support; LSNS-6: Lubben social network scale; WHO: World Health Organization; AORs: Adjusted Odds Ratios; CI: Confidence intervals; SD: Standard Deviation; NSDUH: US National Survey on Drug Use and Health

Acknowledgments

The authors would like to express their sincere regards to all the people who assisted them in conducting this study, especially the older persons who participated in the current study.

Availability of data and materials

All data generated or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Authors’ contributions

SA, SHMK, MB conceived the manuscript topic, designed the study, acquired the data, performed the data analyses, and drafted the manuscript. NS and GHGHH provided expert advice regarding the study analyses, assisted with drafting the manuscript, and provided critically important intellectual content during manuscript revisions. All authors read and approved the final manuscript and take public responsibility for their contributions to the manuscript.

Consent for publication

All authors have read the manuscript and have consented this submission for publication.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Ethics approval and consent to participate

The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran (IR.USWR.REC.1398.068). All participants provided informed, written consent prior to participation.

Additional information

Funding

This study was support by grant (Grant No.96.T.1468) from University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences.