Background
The rising incidence of substance use in Sierra Leone poses a public health concern. Its impact on the country and her citizenry particularly the youths has multifaceted negative implications. This study sought to examine the psychosocial characteristics of patients with substance abuse disorder seen at the Sierra Leone Psychiatric Teaching Hospital, Kissy.
Methods
The study employed a cross-sectional design. One hundred and sixty-five respondents being treated for substance use disorder were consecutively recruited between October, 2023 and April, 2024. Data was drawn from a “Reflection Form” designed by one of the authors (CEO) to elicit information in the course of psychotherapy with patients. SPSS version 29 was used to analyse the data.
Results
More males (79.4%) were found to use psychoactive substances. The majority of the substance users were students (60.6%). Kush was found to be the most used psychoactive substance (76.4%). A desire for improved sleep, increased appetite, facilitation of meditation, peer group influence (76.4%) and stress (73.3%) were reasons given for taking psychoactive substances. The source of funding substance use was stealing (32.1%), sale of property (17.0%), begging (15.2%), allowance (46.7%) and earnings (58.2%). The age range at onset for most of the respondents was between 16 and 25 years. A majority of the respondents (68.5%) have used psychoactive substances for a duration of 1 to 5 years.
Conclusion
The predominant involvement of students in substance use found in this study calls for public and school-based enlightenment campaigns. In view of the manifold implications of early onset of substance use, stringent policies, sanctions, community intervention and family involvement should be upheld to curtail substance abuse in young persons.