Psychoactive substance use disorders in an adult sickle cell disease population in Nigeria: prevalence and correlates

ABSTRACT

Objective

Pain conditions associated with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) require alleviation with medications that may have potential for abuse. There is also an increased risk of abuse of non-prescription drugs. This study aims to assess the prevalence and correlates of substance use disorder (SUD) in an adult SCD cohort.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of an adult SCD cohort (n = 200) undertaking face-to-face interviews which utilized a socio-demographic questionnaire, the alcohol, and substance use disorder modules of the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview, the Pain Visual Analogue Scale, Measures of Sickle Cell Stigma and the Oslo Social Support Scale.

Results

Ten (5%) participants were diagnosed with a SUD, with a majority dependent on opioids. SUD was significantly associated with poor social support (p < .01), stigma (p < .01), but not perceived pain (p: ns), or physical comorbidity (p: ns).

Conclusion

A minority of persons with SCD were diagnosed with an SUD. Incorporation of prevention strategies focused on improved social support and minimizing stigma into routine care, may improve treatment outcomes and their quality of life.

KEYWORDS:

• Sickle cell disease
• stigma
• psychoactive substance use

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the management and staff of the Sickle Cell Centre, Benin-City for their support throughout the period of the study.