Substance use among people with mental disorders attending Mental Health Care Centre, Windhoek Central Hospital

Abstract

Studies from other parts of the world showed high rates of substance use among people with severe mental illness. A cross-sectional  survey of 385 outpatients attending the Mental Health Care Centre at the Windhoek Central Hospital was conducted. It aimed to determine the prevalence of substances use and the type of substance abused by patients. About thirty-two percent of participants used alcohol, 21% used nicotine and 9% used illicit drugs. The use of substances was associated with male gender and young age. There were significant associations between alcohol use and psychiatric conditions, but not between psychiatric conditions and the use of nicotine or illicit drugs. Comorbid substance use and mental illness point to the need for a comprehensive approach that identifies, evaluates, and simultaneously treats both disorders.

Keywords: substance use, psychiatric conditions, comorbid condition