SOCIO-PSYCHOLOGICAL STUDY AMONG INJECTABLE DRUG USERS IN KATHMANDU VALLEY

Abstract

On the background of ever increasing HIV transmission in our community through
various routes, the psychosocial factors related with intravenous drug abuse has become
necessary to be studied. Aim of the study was to assess the Socio-psychological factors
that influence people to use drugs, especially to use Injectable drugs. We enrolled a
sample of 393 Intravenous drug users, all male, in the Kathmandu Valley. Participants
were administered a semi structured proforma to assess the psychosocial issues related
with the drug intravenous drug abuse. Mean age of the sample was 27.76+ 4.86 years.
Majority were single, unemployed, Hindu and by caste Newars, with education more
than high school (SLC or more). The first psychoactive substance use by most of them
was cannabis. The most frequently used psychoactive substance was injection
Buprenorphine (Tidigesic), which was followed by mixture of various substances
(opiates, benzodiazepines, antihistamines) and Diacetyl morphine (Brown sugar).
Factors associated with the start of the drugs were for enjoyment, friend’s pressure
and to alleviate mental tension. Many accepted Injectable drug use contributing to
problems in mental, marital, social, economic and legal aspects of their life. Despite
knowing the harms caused by the drugs majority persist on its use. A needle exchange
programme has been viewed positively by many.

Key words: buprenorphin, needle sharing, needle replacement, HIV transmission.