Prevalence of use according to substance and age group in patients admitted to the Provincial Institute of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction, Córdoba 2019-2020

Abstract

Abstract: 

The Provincial Institute of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction (IPAD) is a monovalent institution that provides treatment to people with problematic substance use. It belongs to the third level of health care involving those cases that cannot be resolved in general hospitals. The present study could contribute to a better understanding of the problem in our environment and the development of future studies and prevention strategies. Objectives: To determine and categorize the prevalence of use of substance according to the type of substance and age group in patients hospitalized in the IPAD in a period of 6 months from September 2019 to March 2020; to describe sociodemographic factors.

After signing the informed consent, an interview was conducted based on the Addiction Severity Index (ASI) for sociodemographic factors and a review of medical records to determine the substance for which the patient was being treated. The categorical variables were presented in percentages and were statistically analyzed with the Chi Square test. The results were statistically significant with p less than 0.05. The present work was approved by the CIEIS HNC-FCM.

Our sample was of 53 patients. 81.1% were male and 58% manifested incomplete secondary education. Regarding the ages, 49% were between 21-34 years old, 34% between 35-48 years old and 17% ≥49 years old. 51% went to treatment on their own initiative, from a family member or friend, and 40% legally induced. Of the total of patients surveyed, 81% consume alcohol, 75% cocaine and 43% marijuana. According to their medical history, 30% used alcohol, marijuana and cocaine simultaneously; followed by 23% who consumed only alcohol. The patients who consumed only alcohol were around 51 years old, and those who consumed alcohol, cocaine and marijuana were on average 32 years old (p <0.05). 

In conclusion, the male sex predominates in the institution; prevailing polydrug use in younger patients and in older patients the use only alcohol. Further studies are suggested in this last group.